cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary malignant melanoma of the larynx—A case report

Abstract Primary malignant melanoma of the larynx is extremely rare with fewer than 70 reported cases in the literature. Here we present the case of an 80-year-old gentleman who was referred to our institution for the treatment of a laryngeal mass. Initial immunostains were positive for SOX10 and S-100 and negative for HMB-45 and preoperative tissue biopsies were thought to be consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The endolaryngeal tumor was completely resected with negative margins and final surgical pathology with immunostaining was positive for primary malignant melanoma. Post-operative imaging via PET/CT demonstrated hypermetabolic lesions in the lungs and spine consistent with metastatic disease and the patient was referred for chemoradiation. Here, we review the literature and discuss diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with mucosal melanoma owing to its rarity and propensity for distant spread.
Improved multi-resolution method for MLE-based localization of radiation sources

Multi-resolution grid computation is a technique used to speed up source localization with a Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) algorithm. In the case where the source is located midway between grid points, the MLE algorithm may choose an incorrect location, causing following iterations of the search to close in on an area that does not contain the source. To address this issue, we propose a modification to multi-resolution MLE that expands the search area by a small percentage between two consecutive MLE iterations. At the cost of slightly more computation, this modification allows consecutive iterations to accurately locate the target over a larger portion of the field than a standard multi-resolution localization. The localization and computation performance of our approach is compared to both standard multi-resolution and single-resolution MLE algorithms. Tests are performed using seven data sets representing different scenarios of a single radiation source located within an indoor field of detectors. Results show that our method (i) significantly improves the localization accuracy in cases that caused initial grid selection errors in traditional MLE algorithms, (ii) does not have a negative impact on the localization accuracy in other cases, and (iii) requires a negligible increase in computation time relative to the increase in localization accuracy.
Nanophotonic Devices for Three-Dimensional Control of Optical Beams

Spatially-variant photonic crystals (SVPCs) are new nanophotonic devices that control the propagation of optical beams in three dimensions. This work reports the fabrication and characterization of the first SVPC that operate at 1550 nm.
Constraining the Milky Way assembly history with Galactic Archaeology. Ludwig Biermann Award Lecture 2015

The aim of Galactic Archaeology is to recover the evolutionary history of the Milky Way from its present day kinematical and chemical state. Because stars move away from their birth sites, the current dynamical information alone is not sufficient for this task. The chemical composition of stellar atmospheres, on the other hand, is largely preserved over the stellar lifetime and, together with accurate ages, can be used to recover the birthplaces of stars currently found at the same Galactic radius. In addition to the availability of large stellar samples with accurate 6D kinematics and chemical abundance measurements, this requires detailed modeling with both dynamical and chemical evolution taken into account. An important first step is to understand the variety of dynamical processes that can take place in the Milky Way, including the perturbative effects of both internal (bar and spiral structure) and external (infalling satellites) agents. We discuss here (1) how to constrain the Galactic bar, spiral structure, and merging satellites by their effect on the local and global disc phase-space, (2) the effect of multiple patterns on the disc dynamics, and (3) the importance of radial migration and merger perturbations for the formation of the Galactic thick disc. Finally, we discuss the construction of Milky Way chemo-dynamical models and relate to observations.
Geometry-induced injection dispersion in single-cell protein electrophoresis.

Abstract Arrays of microwells are widely used to isolate individual cells, facilitate high throughput cytometry assays, and ensure compatibility of those assays with whole-cell imaging. Microwell geometries have recently been utilized for handling and preparation of single-cell lysate, prior to single-cell protein electrophoresis. It is in the context of single-cell electrophoresis that we investigate the interplay of microwell geometry (circular, rectangular, triangular) and transport (diffusion, electromigration) on the subsequent performance of single-cell polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for protein targets. We define and measure injector-induced dispersion during PAGE, and develop a numerical model of band broadening sources, experimentally validate the numerical model, and then identify operating conditions (characterized through the Peclet number, Pe) that lead to microwell-geometry induced losses in separation performance. With analysis of mammalian cells as a case study, we sought to understand at what Pe is the PAGE separation performance adversely sensitized to the microwell geometry. In developing design rules, we find that for the microwell geometries that are the most suitable for isolation of mammalian cells and moderate mass protein targets, the Pe is usually small enough (Pe ∼20), consideration of Pe suggests using a rectangular – and not the widely used circular – microwell geometry to maximize protein PAGE separation performance.
Laser-Excited Matrix-Isolation Molecular Fluorescence Spectrometry

Although molecular fluorescence spectrometry is a well-established and widely utilized analytical technique, it has frequently proven difficult to apply it in such a way as to acquire reliable quantitative results for individual compounds in complex samples, unless extensive sample fractionation is included in the overall analytical scheme. Moreover, molecular fluorimetry has received little use as a qualitative or “fingerprinting” procedure, in spite of the existence of two spectra (excitation and emission) inherent in the photoluminescence phenomenon. Two principal reasons exist for this situation. First, the fluorescence spectra of most large molecules in liquid solution are broad and relatively featureless, as exemplified by the solution spectrum of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, Benz[a]anthracene, shown in Fig. 1. Thus, in mixtures of fluorophores, band overlaps and inner-filter effects are common and reliable quantitation therefore is difficult. Such spectra obviously are also of limited utility as fingerprints for individual molecules. Second, in fluid media, fluorescence quenching and intermolecular electronic energy transfer processes, proceeding both by collisional and “long-range” mechanisms (1), can be highly efficient. In a mixture of fluorescent molecules, the occurrence of such processes results in a dependence of the observed fluorescence intensity for any one compound upon the identities and concentrations of all other fluorescence quenchers or sensitizers present in the solution. Under these circumstance, the precise empirical relationship between the measured fluorescence intensity of a species and its concentration is unknown, and accurate quantitation is exceedingly difficult.
Predicting trust in human control of swarms via inverse reinforcement learning

In this paper, we study the model of human trust where an operator controls a robotic swarm remotely for a search mission. Existing trust models in human-in-the-loop systems are based on task performance of robots. However, we find that humans tend to make their decisions based on physical characteristics of the swarm rather than its performance since task performance of swarms is not clearly perceivable by humans. We formulate trust as a Markov decision process whose state space includes physical parameters of the swarm. We employ an inverse reinforcement learning algorithm to learn behaviors of the operator from a single demonstration. The learned behaviors are used to predict the trust level of the operator based on the features of the swarm.
Special Considerations for Pediatric Positioning for Neurosurgical Procedures

Positioning of pediatric patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures presents special challenges to the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and operating room care team. This is a direct result of age-related differences in surgical lesions, as well as anatomical and physiological differences in children. Particular attention should be paid to several unique aspects such as thermal homeostasis and options for head immobilization. Furthermore, the specific type of procedure performed will offer distinctive options for positioning. While the prone position is commonly encountered, it has several nuances that differ from positioning in adults. A thorough understanding of age-dependent variables and proper positioning practices is essential for minimizing perioperative morbidity.
Study of mass transport in cold wire deposition for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Abstract Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a combination of an electric arc and wire feeding system used extensively in building components and repair operations. The heat transfer, fluid flow and mass transport were investigated in a numerical simulation of WAAM process with dissimilar substrate. Experiments were performed to verify the numerical results. The predicted clad layer (1st layer) profile (width and height) is in good agreement with experiment. The cold wire transfer (CWT) impact on the velocity field and mass transport were predicted around the cold wire immersion inlet in the weld pool (WP). The effect of arc travel speed and wire feed rate on the homogenization process were studied. Both the numerical and experimental results show that the increase of wire feed rate leads to homogenous composition in fusion zone (FZ). The predicted composition distribution in the clad layer and measured concentrations in experiments show a well-mixed region in middle of the clad layer.
Daily living activities and quality of life: The impact of Medicaid on clients at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services

ABSTRACTMedicaid is best described as the foremost public financial framework that provides health care coverage to low-income families, the elderly, and individuals living with disabilities in the nation. In this study, the mental health assessment scores of the clients at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services and their Medicaid enrollment status are reviewed. The presented study utilized (N = 4,707) fields of client data, which was routinely collected by the Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCB) administrative department and stored in an agency database. The study site utilizes two assessment tools to measure a client’s mental health status: The Daily Living Activities (DLA-20): Mental Health and the GCB Ohio Consumer Outcomes Survey. Quality of Life scores taken from the Ohio Consumer Outcome Survey revealed, however, to be higher in GCB clients with an active Medicaid status as compared to those with an inactive Medicaid status. Active Medicaid clients’ pre and posttest scores fo...
Effects of structural modifications on the intestinal permeability of angiotensin II receptor antagonists and the correlation of in vitro, in situ, and in vivo absorption.

Purpose. The effects of structural modifications on the membrane permeability of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists and the usefulness of in vitro and in situ intestinal absorption models in predicting in vivo absorption or bioavailability were investigated. Methods. Intestinal permeability was determined in vitro using Caco-2 cell monolayers and in situ using a perfused rat intestine method. Several physicochemical parameters were either measured or computed, and correlated with intestinal permeation. Results. Permeation coefficients (Pa) across Caco-2 cell monolayers correlated well with both in situ absorption rate constants (ka) and in vivo bioavailability or % absorption. For these Ang II antagonists, Pa values larger than 3 × 10−6 cm sec−1 and in situ ka values of 2 × 10−4 min−1 cm−1 or above were associated with good in vivo absorption. Structural modifications at the R5 position, where a COOH group was substituted with either a CHO or CH2OH group, enhanced the permeability of the Ang II receptor antagonists up to 100-fold. There were good correlations between permeability and log P(octanol/buffer), log PHPLCcharge, solvation/desolvation energy and assigned hydrogen bonding potential. Conclusions. The correlations obtained in this study indicate that both the Caco-2 cell model and the in situ perfused rat intestine could be used to predict intestinal absorption in vivo. Structural modifications of the Ang II antagonists had a significant impact on the intestinal permeability. Charge, solvation energy, and hydrogen bonding are predominant determinants of intestinal permeability and oral bioavailability of these compounds.
Marcel Duchamp in Americani

The author examines Duchamp's role and influence in American art. What in fact was the fascination of Americans with Duchamp? Was it merely the novelty and brashness of his sensational works? Was it his circus-like antics that appealed? Or perhaps it was that his ready mades were especially well suited to the pragmatic character of the American mind? The author explores such questions with a view to gaining a better understanding of Duchamp's importance to American art and culture. Special attention is given to Duchamp's relation to Man Ray.
The Role of the Phosphatidylinositol Cycle in the Activation of the Frog Egg

Over the past five years we have filled in many steps in the sequence of events responsible for the activation of both vertebrate and invertebrate eggs. While the egg of the sea urchin has been the most popular system for the study of gamete activation, several investigators have been studying vertebrate eggs as well. The amphibian egg has emerged as the best studied vertebrate model to date. We now know that the activation events following normal fertilization in this egg include the phosphatidylinositol lipid cascade. We will review some of these recent observations here and will then concentrate on current studies from our laboratory that indicate a possible role for at least two of the phosphoinositols in the cascade.
Globalization of criminal justice in the corporate context

Globalization, the rising of an economy outside the paradigm of government by nation-states, has created new opportunities for transnational corporate crime, defined broadly here as avoidable harms inflicted across national borders for purposes of economic gain. The authors reexamine theories of corporate criminal liability in the transnational context and applaud the recent French codification of corporate criminal liability in terms broad enough to encompass the new economic realities. Finally, they examine the inability of current adjudicative fora to effectively assert jurisdiction over transnational corporations and suggest that the harms associated with toxic waste spills, unethical marketing practices, and other corporate misconduct are more ubiquitous and dangerous than the harms of terrorism and war crimes that have captured the attention of the emerging global civil society.
The Arithmetic of the Infinite

Two main streams of discovery fueled the seventeenth century mathematical revolution and culminated in the synthesis of a powerful new infinitesimal analysis. One was the rich amalgam of specialized area and tangent methods from which the basic general algorithms of the calculus were distilled by Newton and Leibniz. The other centered on the development and application of infinite series techniques.
Thermal diffusion of Erbium in ZnS under hot isostatic pressing

Thermal diffusion or Erbium in ZnS in a mixture of ErF3 and ZnS powders under hot isostatic pressing was studied. Obtained Er:ZnS ceramics featured strong visible-near-IR photoluminescence of Er ions.
Liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis derived nanopowders (NPs) as a route to electrically conducting calcium aluminate (12CaO.7Al2O3) films

Abstract Traditionally, C12A7 materials have been processed via solid-state reaction followed by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) or floating zone (Fz) crystallization methods at high temperature, high cost approaches to single-phase films. These techniques require a significant number of process steps to generate C12A7:e− materials that have been shown to exhibit exceptional electrical conductivities as high as 1 S/cm. We demonstrate here an effective alternative method using flame made C12A7 nanopowders (NPs) produced via liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP). Nearly fully dense, single phase, and transparent C12A7 films ( ℃ /3 h/O2. Subsequent heat treatments in 20/80 H2/N2 replaces cage trapped O2- ions forming C12A7:H− followed by UV irradiation to generate C12A7:e− with electrical conductivities of 35 mS cm-1. C12A7:e- appears to belong to a new class of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) that may offer commercial potential on further optimization due to low materials and processing costs, environmental stability, and natural abundance when processed efficiently.
Who Has an Unsuccessful Observation Care Stay

Background: With the recent increase use of observation care, it is important to understand the characteristics of patients that utilize this care and either have a prolonged observation care stay or require admission. Methods: We a conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing 5% sample data from Medicare patients age ≥65 years that was nationally representative in the year 2013. We performed a generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between an unsuccessful observation stay (defined as either requiring an inpatient admission from observation or having a prolonged observation stay) compared to having successful observation care. Observation cut offs of “successful” vs. “unsuccessful” were based on the CMS 2 midnight rule. Results: Of 154,756 observation stays in 2013, 19 percent (n = 29,604) were admitted to the inpatient service and 34,275 (22.2%) had a prolonged observation stay. The two diagnoses most likely to have an unsuccessful observation stay were intestinal infections (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.32–1.83) and pneumonia (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13–1.41). Conclusion: We found patients placed in observation care with intestinal infections and pneumonia to have the highest odds of either being admitted from observation or having a prolonged observation stay.
A Pre-clinical Study of the Response Threshold of Intact and Transected Nerves to Stimulation by Transcutaneous Intense Focused Ultrasound.

Abstract We used diagnostic ultrasound imaging to guide individual bursts (0.1 s) of 2 MHz intense focused ultrasound (iFU) to determine the sensitivity of intact and transected nerves. We found that all nerves had greater sensitivity to iFU stimulation than surrounding muscle. Intact nerves from healthy volunteers had less sensitivity to iFU stimulation (272 ± 35 W/cm2 [median ± standard error]) than transected nerves (19 ± 37 W/cm2). Intact, contralateral nerves of amputees dichotomized naturally into two groups—one very sensitive to iFU stimulation (6 ± 2 W/cm2) and one relatively insensitive (539 ± 19 W/cm2), compared with the intact nerves of healthy volunteers. Our study demonstrates the ability of iFU under ultrasound image guidance to stimulate deep, intact and transected peripheral nerves. It also highlights differences in the receptivity to ultrasound stimulation of the peripheral nerves of amputees versus healthy volunteers.
Engaging in personally meaningful activities is associated with meaning salience and psychological well-being

Engagement in personally meaningful activities is associated with greater well-being. However, most studies use cross-sectional or recall methods, and the researchers pre-determine which activities...
Methods for the ICP-OES Analysis of Semiconductor Materials

The techniques employed in the compositional analysis of semiconductor materials by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) dramatically influence the accuracy and reprod...
Diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome

Hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome(HSES) is an acute-onset disease whose clinical manifestations are fever, shock, diarrhea, severe disseminated intravascular coagulation and liver and kidney dysfunction, with rapid progression, poor prognosis and high mortality rate.At present, the etiology of HSES is unknown, and it is widely believed that the pathogenesis of HSES is related to infection, high fever, cytokine storm and genetics.There is lack of specific diagnostic markers for the diagnosis of HSES, which mainly depends on some specific clinical features and the exclusion of other diseases.All patients are provided given fluid therapy, intracranial pressure reduction and supportive treatments.It is essential to improve the recognition of HSES, and early diagnosis and early intervention may improve efficacy, and reduce mortality rate and disability rate. Key words: Hemorrhagic shock; Encephalopathy syndrome; Diagnosis; Treatment
A Taxonomy of Taxonomies (Book Review of Pierre Schlag and Amy J. Griffin, How to do Things with Legal Doctrine (2020))

This book review celebrates a new book’s adroit categorization of various legal analysis techniques. In doing so, the book review summarizes how authors Schlag and Griffin present an intriguing combination of jurisprudence and practical advice. Although the review makes light of the authors’ tendency to complicate and to create filigreed categories (as fair-minded lawyers tend to do), the book review largely praises the book’s usefulness for law professors, legal practitioners (and -- to a lesser extent – law students) in opening minds to the various techniques for spinning and deploying legal doctrine. For those interested in understanding, describing, and channeling creativity, the review lays out the book’s description of important legal analytical techniques, such as using contrasting frame-shifts on an issue, segmenting or combining elements of a disputed transaction, demonstrating how varying levels of abstraction from specific to general can affect a result, and the like. The review translates the book’s references to classic jurisprudential texts, ultimately praising HOW TO DO THINGS WITH LEGAL DOCTRINE for accomplishing so much in one mercifully short and elegant volume.
A Course on Set Theory

Set theory is the mathematics of infinity and part of the core curriculum for mathematics majors. This book blends theory and connections with other parts of mathematics so that readers can understand the place of set theory within the wider context. Beginning with the theoretical fundamentals, the author proceeds to illustrate applications to topology, analysis and combinatorics, as well as to pure set theory. Concepts such as Boolean algebras, trees, games, dense linear orderings, ideals, filters and club and stationary sets are also developed. Pitched specifically at undergraduate students, the approach is neither esoteric nor encyclopedic. The author, an experienced instructor, includes motivating examples and over 100 exercises designed for homework assignments, reviews and exams. It is appropriate for undergraduates as a course textbook or for self-study. Graduate students and researchers will also find it useful as a refresher or to solidify their understanding of basic set theory.
The American Public Mind: The Issues Structure of Mass Politics in the Postwar United States

What is the real nature of substantive conflict in mass politics during the postwar years in the United States? How is it reflected in the American public mind? And how does this issue structure shape electoral conflict? William J. M. Claggett and Byron E. Shafer answer by developing measures of public preference in four great policy realms - social welfare, international relations, civil rights, and cultural values - for the entire period between 1952 and 2004. They use these to identify the issues that were moving the voting public at various points in time, while revealing the way in which public preferences shaped the structure of electoral politics. What results is the restoration of policy substance to the center of mass politics in the United States.
The challenge of a desert: revegetation of disturbed desert lands

The revegetation of disturbed, arid lands is one of the great challenges of a desert. An attempt to encourage it is not an impossible task, however, if the natural and the man-made resources available are utilized and managed. Where rainfall and temperature conditions approach or exceed those of the Great Basin desert, restoration of disturbed land will occur through natural revegetation processes within a reasonable period of time. This is not generally the case in the more arid Mojave Desert areas where the moisture and temperature conditions are less favorable for germination and seedling survival. Restoration of vegetation by natural reseeding can, however, occur within local sites where moisture has concentrated as the result of terrain features forming catchment basins. Otherwise, the natural revegetation processes in the Mojave Desert areas require much longer periods of time (possibly decades or centuries) than are practical for meeting environmental protection standards imposed by current legislation. Through better understanding of the processes governing revegetation and the ability to control them, it is possible for man to more rapidly restore disturbed desert lands. Terrain manipulation to form moisture catchment basins, selection of seed from pioneering shrub species, preservation of existing shrub clump "fertile islands'" in the soil, supplemental fertilization, irrigation, organic amendments, and transplanting vigorous shrub species are some of the important things that can be done to help restore disturbed desert land.
Suicide in the U.S. army: stressor-strain hypothesis among deployed and nondeployed Army National Guard soldiers

Purpose – Study samples, having responded to similar survey content, allowed examination of suicide risk factors for deployed soldiers relative to nondeployed or home station soldiers. Specific research questions addressed by this study are: First, what is the prevalence of suicidal behaviors among Army National Guard (ARNG) soldiers – deployed or not, and how do these rates compare with known US national and international rates? Second, what are stressful life events associated with suicidal risk? How do these compare between deployed and nondeployed soldiers? Third, what specifically about combat exposure makes soldiers at risk for suicide? And fourth, is there any evidence of stress-buffering effect between risk factors and suicidal behaviors? The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Three data sources were used. First, the responding sample for the Unit Risk Inventory consisted of 180 company-sized units with a total of 12,567 responding soldiers. Second, the responding sa...
The generation of TH17 cells in response to bacterial infection requires IL-6 and dendritic cell-produced TGF-β1, but not IL-1 (163.14)

Whether TGF-β1, IL-1, and IL-6 are required for TH17 cell development and maintenance in vivo remains controversial. For example, a recent study suggested that TGF-β1 is not necessary for TH17 differentiation, whereas another proposed that a T cell-derived source is required. Other studies have implicated varying roles for IL-1 and IL-6 in TH17 differentiation as well. We investigated the requirement for TGF-β1, IL-1, and IL-6 in TH17 differentiation using tetramers of peptide and major histocompatibility complex II (pMHCII) to track an endogenous, pMHCII-specific TH17 response to intranasal infection with Streptococcus pyogenes . We show that TGF-β1 and IL-6 were absolutely necessary for TH17 differentiation in vivo, whereas IL-1 was dispensable. Additionally, deletion of the Tgfb1 gene from CD11c+ cells abrogated TH17 cell differentiation, while Tgfb1 deletion from T cells had no effect. These results identify an essential role for IL-6 and dendritic cell-produced TGF-β1 in promoting the differentiation of TH17 cells, during intranasal infection with a pathogen.
Alternatively spliced variants of the human hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor, H2, differ in cellular trafficking and regulation of phosphorylation.

Abstract The less abundant subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor, H2, may be encoded by at least four variant transcripts as a result of alternative mRNA splicing. We had cloned two H2-cDNAs that differed predominantly by the presence (clone H2') or absence (clone L-H2) of two presumed exons; one of 57 nucleotides was near the 5' end of the sequence, and the other was within the transmembrane region consisting of 15 nucleotides. The relevance of these two segments to H2 processing was studied after expression in rat-6 fibroblasts of these two isolates and of artificial constructs containing either only the 57-nucleotide (transfectant-57) or the 15-nucleotide (transfectant-15) region. H2 proteins encoded by cDNAs containing the 15-nucleotide region were intracellularly retained and degraded independently of the presence of the 57-nucleotide sequence. Of proteins derived from clones lacking the 15-nucleotide region, only a fraction was processed through the trans-Golgi, as evidenced by sensitivity to O-glycanase and neuraminidase, and reached the cell surface. The presence of the 57-nucleotide sequence was necessary for protein phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of serine residue(s) was detected in the endoglycosidase H-sensitive and mature forms of H2 protein encoded by transfectant-57. Since the 57-nucleotide region does not encode for serine residues, it per se cannot be the site of phosphorylation but rather constitutes a regulatory element for post-translational modification.
Purification and properties of 3-hydroxyanthranilate oxygenase from beef kidney.

Abstract 1. Beef kidney 3-hydroxyanthranilate oxygenase was purified in the inactive form, free of bound ferrous ion. Its properties are very similar to those of the liver enzyme. 2. The enzyme in the early stages of purification could be activated by acidification to about pH 4 in the presence of ferrous salts. For the most purified preparations, a sulfhydryl compound, as well as acid and iron, was required for activation. In contrast to the reports on the liver enzyme, cysteine was more effective than reduced glutathione. 3. The oxygenase was immediately activated in the presence of 6.8 m urea, Fe++, and cysteine. High concentrations of urea appeared to replace the acid in the activation process. However, the activation in 6.8 m urea was followed quickly by irreversible inactivation. Lower concentrations of urea required a few hours for activation and the resulting enzyme was stable to these concentrations of urea. 4. Metal-binding agents, including 1,10-phenanthroline, inhibited the enzyme and, at low pH or over an extended period, removed the bound iron to inactivate the oxygenase. The substrate, 3-hydroxyanthranilate, prevented the removal of iron from the active enzyme by 1,10-phenanthroline and also blocked the complete reconstitution of the active enzyme from iron-free enzyme. 5. The Michaelis constants for oxygen and 3-hydroxy-anthranilate were 3.1 x 10-4 m and 4 x 10-5 m, respectively. Kinetic treatment, varying 3-hydroxyanthranilate and oxygen concentrations, suggested that the two substrates are bound independently. 6. Picolinic and quinolinic acids, but not the other pyridine compounds tested, inhibited the reaction competitively with respect to 3-hydroxyanthranilate, but uncompetitively with respect to oxygen, suggesting that the two substrates are bound independently of one another.
Similarities and differences between our small fcgs and larger FCGS

After experimentally testing eight different designs of small explosive-driven, magnetic flux compression generators (FCGs), several similarities and differences have emerged when compared to larger FCGs. While the similarities were expected, the differences are rather surprising. The magnetic flux compression generators under consideration are small. Their armature diameters range from 0.95 cm to 2.54 cm. The similarities and differences are discussed using three figures of merit; alpha, magnetic flux efficiency, and energy gain. Experimental information is provided from tests of the small generators.
The OECD Harmful Tax Competition Report: A 10th Anniversary Retrospective

Ten years ago the OECD published its report on Harmful Tax Competition: An Emerging Global Issue. This was followed by a series of concrete measures designed to limit some forms of harmful tax competition, such as preferential regimes in OECD countries and offshore tax havens. The OECD initiative has met considerable resistance and in some ways has fallen short of its goals. Nevertheless, this paper will argue that it has been a worthwhile effort and has achieved some measure of success. The paper will then go on to outline some future directions for the project.
Viewpoint: Estimating the equity premium

. Finance theory restricts the time-series behaviour of valuation ratios and links the cross-section of stock prices to the level of the equity premium. This can be used to strengthen the evidence for predictability in stock returns. Steady-state valuation models are useful predictors of stock returns, given the persistence in valuation ratios. A steady-state approach suggests that the world geometric average equity premium fell considerably in the late twentieth century, rose modestly in the early years of the twenty-first century, and was almost 4% at the end of March 2007. La theorie financiere contraint le comportement diachronique des ratios de valorisation et relie transversalement les prix des actions au niveau de prime des actions sur les obligations. Voila qui peut etre utilise pour renforcer la predictibilite des rendements sur les actions. Les modeles de valorisation en regime permanent sont des predicteurs utiles des rendements sur les actions, compte tenu du caractere stable des ratios de valorisation. Une approche en termes de regime permanent suggere que la moyenne geometrique mondiale de la prime des actions sur les obligations a chute considerablement a la fin du 20e siecle, qu'elle a ete modestement en hausse dans les premieres annees du 21e siecle, et qu'elle etait a presque 4%a la fin de mars 2007.
Effects of primary flight symbology on workload and situation awareness in a head-up synthetic vision display

The primary flight display - and primary focus of attention - in modern fighter aircraft is a head-up display (HUD). This is becoming true also for newer transports in the U.S. Air Force inventory. Some human factors issues associated with synthetic vision in a head-down display are different from those associated with a head-up synthetic vision display, especially when the displays are used as primary flight references. Among these issues are the use of color, ability to see through the display, symbology clutter, compatibility between head-up and head-down displays, and attentional factors. This paper reports the results of a study in which HUD-experienced pilots flew simulated complex precision approaches to landing in three visibility conditions, with and without synthetic terrain, using either pathway-in-the-sky symbology or more traditional military standard HUD symbology. Workload and situation awareness measures were collected to determine the relative workload associated with these conditions and if, as has been proposed elsewhere, flying a pathway-in-the-sky display is associated with "cognitive capture". or a decrease in situation awareness concerning things other than the pathway.
Reticle defect sizing and printability

As reticle defect specifications become more stringent and maximum allowable defect sizes approach the resolution of current defect inspection systems, the mask fabricator1s ability to accurately determine the size of these defects becomes limited. We have evaluated several techniques by which the size of reticle defects can be measured and have found significant discrepancies between techniques. Using a standard defect inspection system, we measured defects at or below 1.0 ^m and found that the results varied with each technique. Defects were sized using both reflected and transmitted light and the results were compared to SEM measurements. The reflected-light measurements best correlated with the SEM measurements, which are considered more accurate. The results of this study indicated that current sizing techniques are inaccurate. A printability evaluation was also performed using a mask with accurately sized defects. Defect printability results were evaluated in terms of their effect on linewidth.
Simultaneous capillary electrophoresis competitive immunoassay for insulin, glucagon, and islet amyloid polypeptide secretion from mouse islets of Langerhans.

Abstract A capillary electrophoresis competitive immunoassay was developed for the simultaneous quantitation of insulin, glucagon, and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) secretion from islets of Langerhans. Separation buffers and conditions were optimized for the resolution of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled glucagon and IAPP immunoassay reagents, which were excited with the 488 nm line of an Ar+ laser and detected at 520 nm with a photomultiplier tube (PMT). Cy5-labeled insulin immunoassay reagents were excited by a 635 nm laser diode module and detected at 700 nm with a separate PMT. Optimum resolution was achieved with a 20 mM carbonate separation buffer at pH 9.0 using a 20 cm effective separation length with an electric field of 500 V/cm. Limits of detection for insulin, glucagon, and IAPP were 2, 3, and 3 nM, respectively. This method was used to monitor the simultaneous secretion of these peptides from as few as 14 islets after incubation in 4, 11, and 20 mM glucose for 6 h. For insulin and IAPP, a statistically significant increase in secretion levels was observed, while glucagon levels were significantly reduced in the 4 and 11 mM glucose conditions. To further demonstrate the utility of the assay, the Ca2+-dependent secretion of these peptides was demonstrated which agreed with published reports. The ability to examine the secretion of multiple peptides may allow for the determination of regulation of secretory processes within islets of Langerhans.
Urinary excretion of cyclic AMP in bacterial infections.

Urinary cyclic AMP excretion was found to be increased in patients with severe bacterial infections and normal renal function. The observed changes appeared due to a combination of an increased filtered load plus augmented “nephrogenous” production in some patients; while in others, only an increase in the apparent “nephrogenous” production of cAMP could be found to account for the elevation in the total urinary excretion. Since total serum calcium was found to be low in most of these patients, increased PTH secretion to reduce urinary excretion of calcium may have been responsible for an increase in renal parenchymal production, and subsequent excretion of cyclic AMP. Although speculative, this theory is tenable in that ionized hypocalcemia exists in septic patients.
Costate computation by a Chebyshev pseudospectral method

AMONG the various pseudospectral (PS) methods for optimal control [1], only the Legendre PS method has been mathematically proven to guarantee the feasibility, consistency, and convergence of the approximations [2–5]. As exemplified by its experimental andflight applications in national programs [6–10], it is not surprising that the Legendre PS method has become the method of choice [11–19] in both industry and academia for solving optimal control problems. Efforts to improve the Legendre PS methods by using either other polynomials [20–22] or point distributions [23,24] have not yet resulted in any rigorous framework for convergence of these approximations [24,25]. Compared to Legendre PS methods, Chebyshev PS methods [21,22] for optimal control are somewhat more attractive for a number of reasons. When a function is approximated, it is well known that a Chebyshev expansion is very close to the best polynomial approximation in the infinity norm [26,27]. In addition, Chebyshev polynomials have an attractive computational advantage in terms of the computation of Chebyshev–Gauss–Lobatto (CGL) nodes. Unlike the Legendre–Gauss–Lobatto (LGL) nodes, CGL nodes can be evaluated in closed form [26]. Thus, a Chebyshev PS method offers the possibility of rapid computation because it does not require the use of advanced numerical linear algebra techniques that are necessary for the calculation of LGL nodes [21]. A similar numerical advantage applies to the computation of the derivative via a fast Chebyshev differentiation scheme that is similar to a fastFourier-transform (FFT) computation. In the same spirit, integration is also fast because of the connection between the Clenshaw–Curtis integration and the FFT [27]. Despite these attractive properties, Chebyshev PS methods have not advanced beyond the works of [21,22]. This is, in part, due to the absence of a covector mapping theorem that is crucial for the computation of the costates and other covectors. The computation of costates and other covectors is important in solving practical optimal control problems as it provides ameans for verification and validation of the computed solution [25]. Beyond verification and validation, information about covectors can also be used to facilitate the design of guidance and control algorithms [28]. In this Note, we fill the key gap of costate computation for Chebyshev PSmethods by furthering themethod of Fahroo andRoss [21]. We do this by combining some recent results from Clenshaw– Curtis integration [27], the unification principles proposed by Fahroo and Ross [1,29,30], and the new results of Gong et al. [23].
Enterprise modeling for the Analysis of Alternatives process in proposal generation

The Proposal Development Process (PDP) is a highly competitive process critical to generating revenue for government contractors. The Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) process, a sub-process of the PDP, is conducted to develop complex IT solutions covering a wide range of technologies to meet requirements in a Request for Proposals (RFP) from government agencies. To meet enterprise cost and productivity goals to maintain competitive advantage in the market place, there is a need to decrease the mean time required for AoA by 33% and its variability by 25% while maintaining or increasing AoA quality. A detailed analysis of the AoA process divides the 24 tasks within AoA into four categories: labor intensive, decision making, experience recall, and networking. Based on the analysis of task categories, improvements to the process are identified: implementing an improved file management system (e.g. Intravation Inc.), a content management system (e.g. EMC Inc), and maintaining a sanitized content repository. An added value alternative is also considered in optimizing staffing levels for the AoA process. The effect of implementing combinations of alternatives were modeled using a Monte Carlo discrete-event simulation model, which simulates the mean time required and the time variability for each AoA task as well as the quality of AoA output. An analysis of the cost versus utility shows that the combination of adjusting staffing levels and maintaining a sanitized content repository holds the highest value among the alternative configurations that meet the stakeholders' needs, having a mean duration reduction of 43.91%, a duration variability reduction of 37.50%, and a AoA output quality improvement of 10.21%, at a 5-year cost of $992,000.
Universal dynamics of phase-field models for dendritic growth

We compare time-dependent solutions of different phase-field models for dendritic solidification in two dimensions, including a thermodynamically consistent model and several ad hoc models. The results are identical when the phase-field equations are operating in their appropriate sharp interface limit. The long time steady state results are all in agreement with solvability theory. No computational advantage accrues from using a thermodynamically consistent phase-field model.
AN INVERSE METHOD TO MEASURE THE AXIAL MODULUS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS UNDER TENSION

In this paper, an inverse method is developed to measure the axial modulus of materials subjected to tensile loads. The approach is intended for use on long composite structures the modulus of which is frequency dependent. The governing differential equations of a laboratory test configuration are solved and then combined in such a way that the complex-valued axial modulus is equal to a function of the measured data and the known system parameters. The resulting expression yields a closed form measurement of the modulus at each frequency at which a measurement was made. An experiment is included to verify the method.
Micro fluorometric binding studies of fluorescein-albumin conjugates and determination of fluorescein-protein conjugates in single fibroblasts.

Abstract A micro method is described for microscope-fluorometric determination of protein binding data by use of capillary cuvets. The characteristics of the micro method are evaluated especially with respect to a comparison with “macro” fluorometric techniques. For the system bovine serum albumin and fluorescein we found a single set of four binding sites and a binding constant of 4.4 × 10 4 liter/mole for the complex. Protein binding of fluorescein is descussed with particular reference to the interpretation of intracellular fluorescence of fluorescein liberated by intracellular enzymic hydrolysis from fluorescein diacetate and measured micro fluorometrically in single living cells.
NLP-12 Engages Different UNC-13 Proteins to Potentiate Tonic and Evoked Release

A neuropeptide (NLP-12) and its receptor (CKR-2) potentiate tonic and evoked ACh release at Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junctions. Increased evoked release is mediated by a presynaptic pathway (egl-30 Gαq and egl-8 PLCβ) that produces DAG, and by DAG binding to short and long UNC-13 proteins. Potentiation of tonic ACh release persists in mutants deficient for egl-30 Gαq and egl-8 PLCβ and requires DAG binding to UNC-13L (but not UNC-13S). Thus, NLP-12 adjusts tonic and evoked release by distinct mechanisms.
Use of Genetic Strains of Chickens in Studies of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease often diagnosed late in development when there is little chance for a successful recovery. Although ovarian cancer is a rare occurrence in most animals, the domestic hen has been shown to spontaneously develop the disease with an age-related incidence. Two strains of hens derived from a similar genetic background and maintained at Cornell University have been shown to differ in the incidence of the disease. At 2 yr of age, the C strain hens have a greater incidence of ovarian neoplasms than do K strain hens. Interestingly, levels of plasma estradiol are elevated in the C strain compared with K strain hens. In addition, plasma immunoreactive inhibin is lower in the C strain than in the K strain. Finally, mRNA expression of the alpha-subunit of inhibin in the granulosa cell layer of the large yellow follicles is lower in the C strain compared with the K strain hens. Further studies using these as well as other strains of hens may be useful in learning more about the etiology of this disease.
Reduction of magnetic noise in magnetic resonance force microscopy

We study the opportunity to reduce a magnetic noise produced by a uniform cantilever with a ferromagnetic particle in magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) applications. We demonstrate theoretically a significant reduction of magnetic noise and the corresponding increase of the MRFM relaxation time using a nonuniform cantilever.