cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic macro-initiators

Macro-initiators were prepared using three magnetic nanoparticles, Fe3O4, FeCo, or Co. Azo free radical initiators were grafted onto the magnetic particles in a two-step reaction utilizing alkoxysilane and ambient temperature esterification reactions. The magnetic initiators (MI) were characterized using IR, DSC, TGA, SEM with EDAX, and DLS. An alternating gradient magnetometer gave saturation magnetization (Ms) values of 42.1, 178.3, and 36.1 A m2 kg−1 for Fe3O4, FeCo, and Co MIs respectively. Bulk polymerization of styrene was used to assess the effectiveness of MIs in free radical polymerization. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed on the magnetic macro initiators to determine the feasibility of initiating free radical polymerization by application of an external AC MF. The MD simulations showed that magnetically induced polymerization is possible with a minimum force of 62 kcal mol−1 A−1 required to be applied to the core of the MI in order to decompose the C–N bond of the azo group, producing free radicals.
Making the case for QuEChERS-gas chromatography of drugs

Abstract Over the past decade, QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) has evolved into one of the most widely used extraction techniques for residue analysis. Since its inception, this method is considered particularly adept in the extraction of polar and basic compounds, and hence the majority of methods developed using QuEChERS involve extracting pesticides and contaminants from various matrices, particularly fruits, vegetables, and other food products. Combining a liquid–liquid extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup, QuEChERS provides a clean sample for analysis by gas chromatography or liquid chromatography, and is therefore ideal for samples with complex matrices. This study describes recent QuEChERS research with gas chromatography (QuEChERS–GC), focusing on areas beyond pesticide extraction from food, and provides insight into possible new applications of the technique in forensic science and drug extraction.
Successful Customer Relationship Management: Why, ERP, Data Warehousing, Decision Support, and Metadata Matter

A CRM system is only as successful as the quality of data and data-management processes supporting it. Organizations planning wisely beyond the next millennium are thinking beyond process automation and are focused on getting better acquainted with customers to increase revenues and profits. Maintaining a sound metadata strategy — as well as understanding the roles of ERP, decision support, and data warehousing systems — is crucial for attaining this higher level of understanding.
Privacy Protection Via Technology: Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P)

Increasingly, the Internet is used as a common tool for communication, information gathering, and online transactions. Information privacy is threatened as users are expected to reveal personal information without knowing the consequences of sharing their information. To that end, research groups, both from academia and industry, have embarked on the development of privacy enhancement technologies. One such technology is Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P). Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), P3P has a number of prominent stakeholders such as IBM, Microsoft, and ATT in particular, we look at P3P both as a new technology and as a standard. We use our empirical data on top 500 interactive companies to assess its adoption.
Delayed Hypersensitivity in vitro. III. Effect of Cortisone on Cytotoxicity of Mumps Viral Antigen.

SummaryExperimental mumps virus infections in guinea pigs are characterized in vivo by a positive delayed hypersensitive skin test reaction to viral antigen and in vitro by a cytotoxic effect of mumps virus antigen on cells from tissues cultivated from mumps-infected animals. Cortisone protects against this in vitro cytotoxicity of mumps virus.
Trend and Bounds for Error Growth in Controlled Lagrangian Particle Tracking

This paper establishes the method of controlled Lagrangian particle tracking (CLPT) to analyze the offsets between physical positions of marine robots in the ocean and simulated positions of controlled particles in an ocean model. The offset, which we term the CLPT error, demonstrates distinguished characteristics not previously seen in drifters and floats that cannot be actively controlled. The CLPT error growth over time is exponential until it reaches a turning point that only depends on the resolution of the ocean model. After this turning point, the error growth slows down significantly to polynomial functions of time. In the ideal case, a theoretical upper threshold on exponential growth of CLPT error can be derived. These characteristics are proved theoretically, verified via simulation, and justified with ocean experimental data. The method of CLPT may be applied to improve the accuracy of ocean circulation models and the performance of navigation algorithms for marine robots.
E-energy security model development based on value chain analysis for oil enterprises

An electronic value chain model containing 32 e-business solution items was developed to show how Information Technology (IT) could be adopted by oil enterprises. An investigation into the current IT implementation patterns by the top ten oil enterprises shows that these e-business items can be categorised into basic and specific solutions. The findings show that the oil enterprises have high utilisation of IT in the refining and production processes, but relatively low information content in the product dimension. The research results will be beneficial to managers and executives on strengthening e-energy security by accelerating IT adoptions in oil enterprises.
Unilateral pulmonary edema and acute rheumatic fever

Although the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) are well known, a high index of suspicion is necessary in order to assure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We present a case of an 8-year-old child who presented with unilateral pulmonary edema secondary to acute mitral insufficiency due to ARF. ARF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral pulmonary edema in children.
Utilization and interconversion of purines and ribonucleosides in the mosquito Anopheles albimanus Weidemann

1. 1. The salvage pathways of ribonucleotide synthesis in the adult mosquito, Anopheles albimanus, were established by the incorporation of 8-14C-labelled purines and ribonucleosides into the RNAs. 2. 2. A comparison of enzymatic activities shows that adenine phosphoribosyltransferase is the most active enzyme in purine nucleotide synthesis. 3. 3. Adenosine is presumably deaminated to inosine. 4. Evidence is presented for the existence of inosine kinase. 4. 5. The data show low hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity. For comparison, the activity of this enzyme is considered in the housefly, Mucosa domestica. 5. 6. The transformation of adenine into guanine is reversible, due to detectable activity found in RNA adenine when radioactive guanine was the precursor. 6. 7. This finding establishes the presence of guanosine monophosphate reductase 7. 8. From the results, it was concluded that adenine phosphoribosyltranferase is a metabolically important enzyme in mosquito maturation and that inhibitors of the enzyme may have potential value as insect control agents.
Effects of melt depletion on the density and seismic velocity of garnet and spinel lherzolite

[1] We examine the effects of melt depletion on density and anharmonic VP and VS on the basis of the melting relations of fertile peridotite between 1 and 7 GPa. We incorporate the effects of variable mineral mode and composition into a parameterization of mantle residuum density and velocity, using a new compilation of mantle mineral physics results. The effect of melt depletion on mantle density changes with pressure, and at 20% melt removal, residue density changes are −0.42%, −0.46%, −0.90%, −1.14%, −0.95%, −0.66%, and −0.57%, for pressures of 1, 3, 3.5, 4, 6, and 7 GPa, respectively. We note that at adiabatic temperatures, realistic composition upper mantle has a higher thermal expansivity than olivine, ranging from α = 4.91 to 3.47 × 10−5 K−1 between 1 and 7 GPa. This implies that 1% melt depletion is equivalent in density effect as a 3–15° increase in temperature, depending on pressure. Under Archean cratons, where cold melt-depleted mantle generally has been considered to have the same density as fertile adiabatic mantle (i.e., is isopycnic), we find subcratonic mantle formed above ∼110 km is negatively buoyant with respect to adiabatic mantle. This suggests that vertical transport of residues initially formed above 110 km may play a role in the stabilization of subcratonic mantle. Regarding VP and VS, melt depletion has almost no effect, except for a small −0.5% change in VP at 20% melting of spinel peridotite. The major element effects of melt depletion are thus insufficient to produce the high mantle velocities imaged beneath cratons or to cause significant velocity variations.
Temperature gradient measurement in liquid epitaxial growth systems

Abstract A method for accurately measuring the vertical temperature gradient in a horizontal sliding boat, liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) growth system is described. Two back-to-back thin film tungsten-graphite thermocouples directly measure the temperature gradient across a pseudo growth cell whose design is such that it replicates the heat flow patterns of an actual growth cell. The tungsten-graphite combination is unaffected by the H 2 atmosphere at typical LPE growth temperatures and gives reasonable thermoelectric outputs. The pseudo growth cell and thin film technique avoid disrupting the normal heat flow patterns caused by the introduction of point-contact thermocouples that measure temperature gradients. The measured Seebeck coefficient for the Ultra Carbon UT-6 graphite used in this system is 18 μV/°C. Typical temperature gradients of 1 to 5°C/cm were easily detected by this system.
Funding slated to decrease for some U.S. science agencies

Nearly five months into Fiscal Year 2007 (FY2007), U.S. President George W. Bush signed into law on 15 February legislation that sets funding for most of the federal government through 30 September. While funding for research and development at some science agencies—particularly those included in the American Competitiveness Initiative, such as the U.S. National Science Foundation—will increase over FY2006, R&D funding at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will decline. Further, the funding situation for NOAA, USGS, and EPA is not likely to improve in FY2008. If the president's budget requests for these agencies, which was released on 5 February (see Eos 88(1') and 88(8), 2006), is passed, their R&D budgets would decline even more.
Family-based treatment of childhood anxiety disorders

Recently attention has turned to family involvement in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. Theoretical models and research on parenting behaviour have identified specific targets for family intervention. A growing number of family-based treatment studies targeting these parenting behaviours and interactions suggest that this approach is effective. A review of the targets of treatment and intervention strategies are described in detail.
Arsenic and lead release from fly ash stabilized/solidified soils under modified semi-dynamic leaching conditions.

A fly ash-based stabilization/solidification (S/S) technique was investigated using field soil samples contaminated with arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). A semi-dynamic leaching test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the S/S treatment. By assessing the cumulative fractions of leached As and Pb, the effective diffusion coefficient (De) and a leachability index (LX) were measured and used for evaluating the effectiveness of the S/S treatment. Overall, As release was reduced by 98.3% and Pb release was reduced by 98.5% upon addition of 25% Class C fly ash. The mean De decreased significantly and the mean LX was always above 9 for all treated samples, indicating that the treated soils were acceptable for “controlled utilization”. The mechanism controlling As leaching from all treated samples appeared to be a mixture of wash-off and diffusion. Diffusive As release was proportional to fly ash content. The mechanism controlling Pb leaching when samples were treated with 25% fly ash appeared to be wash-off.
Ultra-arithmetic I: Function data types

Abstract We develop ultra-arithmetic, a calculus for functions which is performable on a digital computer. We proceed with an analogy between the real numbers and their truncated positional number representations on the one hand and functions and their truncated generalized-Fourier series on the other. Thus we lift the digital computer from a setting corresponding to the real numbers to a setting corresponding to function spaces. Digitized function data types are defined along with computer versions of the corresponding ultra-arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, differentiation and integration). Error estimates for these operations (the analogues of traditional rounding errors) are given. Explicit examples of the error estimates for the ultra-arithmetic operations are given in the cases of five specific choices of basis functions; Fourier-, Chebyshev-, Legendre-, sine- and cosine-bases. Finally the algorithms of ultra-arithmetic are given in an explicitly implementable form for the cases both of the Fourier basis and the Chebyshev basis.
Outcome of bone marrow transplantation in patients with extramedullary involvement of acute leukemia

Infiltration of extrahemopoietic tissue with leukemic cells was evaluated as a prognostic indicator in 18 patients with acute leukemia undergoing bone marrow transplantation. When compared to 107 patients who did not have extramedullary leukemia at any time prior to marrow grafting, the patients with leukemic invasion into organs outside the hemopoietic system had a significant increase of leukemic recurrence and a significant decrease in survival after marrow transplantation. Extramedullary leukemia may be a negative prognostic indicator for bone marrow transplantation candidates.
Crime and Crime Control

This article provides an overall picture of crime and crime control in Korea over the past 30 years. By using official crime data, we examined general trends and characteristics of crime, crime rates, and crime control practices in each stage of the criminal justice system in Korea during that period. The relative seriousness of crime problems in Korea is also examined from a comparative perspective by engaging in a cross-national comparison. The findings of this research indicate that the overall crime problem in Korea is not as serious as that in Japan and in the United States. Recent data, however, show an alarming increase in the crime rates in Korea during the past several years. These results are interpreted within a social context, and we can determine that economic, political, and socio-cultural factors have played and continue to play a crucial role in crime and crime control practices. Recent phenomena, such as the financial crisis that hit Korea in the late 1990s, and the current political stalemate in Korea, seem to have contributed to the disturbing increase in crime and crime rates.
Self-efficacy and college students' perceptions and use of online learning systems

Abstract This research hypothesized a mediated model in which a set of antecedent variables influenced students’ online learning self-efficacy which, in turn, affected student outcome expectations, mastery perceptions, and the hours spent per week using online learning technology to complete learning assignments for university courses. The results are consistent with the inference of a partially mediated model in which the block of antecedents had a direct effect on self-efficacy, a direct influence on the outcome measures, and an indirect effect on the outcomes through their influence on self-efficacy. In general, the findings suggest that the relationships between self-efficacy, its antecedents, and several online learning outcomes are more complex than has typically been recognized in the research.
MO‐G‐BRF‐09: Local and Global Function Probability of the Liver

Purpose: To develop a local-and-global liver function probability model to aid in physiologically adaptive RT in patients with intrahepatic cancer. Methods: Twenty-two patients enrolled in an IRB-approved study had liver DCE-MRI and Indocyanine green (ICG) clearance tests prior to, during and 1 month post RT. The percentage of ICG retention in the blood plasma 15 minutes after administration (ICG-R15) was used as an overall liver function measure. Portal venous perfusion images were derived from DCE-MRI. Assuming parallel architecture in the liver and considering both volume and function effects of tissue subunits, a global liver function probability Pl was assumed to be a volume-weighted summation of local function probabilities p of subunits, excluding the subunits with p<γ, a threshold indicting poor function. The local function probability p was mapped from portal venous perfusion F by a logistic function p(F)=1/(1+(F50/F)^n), where we considered function probabilities saturated at high perfusion and suppressed at low perfusion. Finally, Pl was linearly fitted to a logarithm of ICG-R15 to determine parameters (F50, n, γ). The leave-m-out technique was used to cross-validate the model. This model was applied to evaluate the doseresponse of the local function probability one month after RT. Results: The best fitted values of (F50, n, γ) were 65.3ml/(100g.min), 2.86 and 0.14, respectively. The leave-one-out and 10-fold tests resulted in 66.34±3.21 and 69.26±}10.35ml/(100g.min) of F50, 2.90±0.76 and 3.25±1.59 of n, and 0.14±0.03 and 0.13±}0.05 of γ, respectively. The derived Pl significantly correlated with ICG-R15 logarithm (r=0.66, P<;1e-6). Average percentage reduction in the local function probability post-RT was related to the local dose by a logistic function (P=1e−6). Conclusion: The local-and-global liver function probability model has the potential to guide dose redistribution during a course of treatment to spare liver functional subunits, thereby allowing target d5 ose intensification without increasing the risk for complication. The work was supported by NIH/NCI grant RO1CA132834.
Alternate table look-up routine for real-time digital flight simulation

HE increase in complexity of flight simulators in the last decade has placed an increasingly larger computational burden on the simulation host computer. In the past, this has been dealt with by using separate processors for different tasks. This is not always financially feasible, especially in a university setting, where an entire simulation might be limited to one or two processors. While a perturbation model, sometimes used in a partial task trainer, can be regarded as a linear system, the total force and moment model of a real-time man-in-the-loop simulation requires a more complex mathematical representation of the vehicle. Coefficients and derivatives are often functions of several variables, including control surface position, angle of attack, Mach number, and several other parameters. These functions seldom can be represented in closed form by a reasonably small number of equations. Often a table is created that consists of an array of known dependent variable values, tabulated at certain known values of one or more independent variables. Table 1 is an example of such a table. On each pass through the simulation program, a search is initiated through the appropriate tables, and an interpolation between known values is performed in each of the independent variable directions. This has been shown to be one of the most computationally intense aspects of the simulation process.1 In order to retain model complexity and still achieve an acceptable frame rate, table look-up algorithms that reduce the computational load are highly desirable. Two widely used search procedures are outlined by Rolfe and Staples.2 The first, Method la, performs a top-down search between successive array values and exits once the proper interval is located. The second procedure, Method Ib, also performs a top-down search, but only if the position in the table has changed significantly. This is a method that has been used in industry.3 The search procedure is employed for each independent variable in a multidimensional table, $nd the process is repeated for each simulation pass. Once the proper location in the array is reached, an approximation of the dependent variable must be calculated. This dependent variable is considered to be a function/of n independent variables and is approximated, as F, by carrying out successive linear interpolations in each of the n directions as outlined in Refs. 2 and 3. Alternate algorithms presented in this paper reduce the table search time by performing a top-down search during only the initialization pass. On all subsequent passes, the algorithm returns to the interval where the value will most likely reside. This is accomplished by tracking the direction and the rate of
WITHDRAWN: Single-brand retailers: Building brand loyalty in the off-line environment

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has been published, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2011.02.007 . The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn.
Interaction of fibronectin with its receptor on platelets

We report that the 12,000 dalton domain of fibronectin that interacts with fibroblast cell surfaces also binds specifically to thrombin-inducible, saturable receptors on platelets. Furthermore, we have used chemical cross-linking and monoclonal antibodies to show that the 12,000 dalton domain of fibronectin interacts directly with glycoprotein IIIa at the platelet cell surface. Both binding and cross-linking of this domain to platelets are competed by a hexapeptide previously shown to block fibroblast adhesion to fibronectin. Finally, we show that a complex of the platelet glycoproteins IIIa and IIb binds to affinity columns of a cell-attachment fragment of fibronectin. These results localize a major fibronectin-platelet interaction to a specific domain of fibronectin and to a specific platelet glycoprotein.
The NMR blood flowmeter--theory and history

Research for the application of NMR principles to the noninvasive measurement of blood flow in humans began at the National Heart,Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 1956, and has continued to the present at a number of institutions. In addition to NHLBI, contributions for the development of blood flowmeters by the University of California, Berkeley and by the Medical College of Wisconsin are described in this peper. The NMR theory applicable to blood flowmeters is also presented, as well as design criteria of NMR blood flowmeters.
Theoretical issues and social indicators: A societal process approach

Well-being involves various levels: the individual, the institutional-distributive, and the societal. These levels are interrelated. Social indicators of well-being must be theoretically based so as to take into account these levels. A societal process model is proposed to describe the levels of society and the nature of well-being at each level. Social indicator types regarding the output and distribution of well-being, the effect of policy manipulatable and nonmanipulatable inputs, and the secondary consequences of inputs are suggested and examples are provided.
Babesia and plasmodia increase host erythrocyte permeability through distinct mechanisms

Summary Human erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum have markedly increased permeability to diverse solutes, many of which may be mediated by an unusual small conductance ion channel, the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC). Because these increases may be essential for parasite survival in the bloodstream, an important question is whether other intraerythrocytic parasites induce similar ion channels. Here, we examined this question using human erythrocytes infected with Babesia divergens, a distantly related apicomplexan parasite that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised humans. Osmotic lysis experiments after enrichment of infected erythrocytes with a new method revealed that these parasites also increase host permeability to various organic solutes. These permeability changes differed significantly from those induced by P. falciparum in transport rates, selectivity profiles and temperature dependence. Cell-attached and whole-cell patch-clamp experiments confirmed and extended these differences because neither PSAC-like channels nor significant increases in whole-cell anion conductance were seen after B. divergens infection. While both babesia and plasmodia increase host erythrocyte permeability to a diverse collection of organic solutes, they utilize fundamentally different mechanisms.
Progress in the articulation of undergraduate and graduate public health

Historically, in the absence of baccalaureate education in the public health, entry level education was offered at the graduate level in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. As MPH education was not preceded by baccalaureate education in the discipline, there are not typically prerequisite requirements for MPH admission, and introductory coursework in public health has always been offered at the graduate level. Other disciplines including business and nursing offer joint and dual degree programs; however, these programs are typically designed to accelerate completion of baccalaureate and graduate degrees (1–4) rather than supplement graduate with undergraduate education. While the developers of new undergraduate public health programs may look at the experience in other disciplines, public health presents the atypical characteristic that well-established graduate education preceded undergraduate education. In addition, review of a variety of accelerated programs at different universities demonstrates that they tend to be unique to individual universities rather than of a standard design.
Existence and non-existence of global solutions for a semilinear heat equation

The existence and non-existence of global solutions and theL p blow-up of non-global solutions to the initial value problemu′(t)=Δu(t)+u(t) γ onR n are studied. We consider onlyγ>1. In the casen(γ − 1)/2=1, we present a simple proof that there are no non-trivial global non-negative solutions. Ifn(γ−1)/2≦1, we show under mild technical restrictions that non-negativeL p solutions always blow-up inL p norm in finite time. In the casen(γ−1)/2>1, we give new sufficient conditions on the initial data which guarantee the existence of global solutions.
Morphological Changes and Facilitated Transport Characteristics for Nafion Membranes of Various Equivalent Weights

Perfluorosulfonic acid materials such as Nafion1 that have been exchanged with Ag(I) ion have been shown to exhibit high selectivities with respect to membrane separations of mixtures of unsaturate...
Fibromyalgia and Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

Objectives: Epidemiologic studies have linked eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome [EMS] to use of the amino acid L-tryptophan. However, when interpreting these findings, one complicating factor is that many of the conditions for which L-tryptophan was used-such as insomnia, depression, and fibromyalgia-are themselves frequently associated with myalgia and often pursue a chronic course. We present a case series which illustrates these issues. Methods: We examined the medical records of nine patients who 1. met Center for Disease Control criteria for EMS; 2. had used L-tryptophan prior to the onset of EMS; and 3. had been given a diagnosis of fibromyalgia prior to use of L-tryptophan. All of these patients had sued a manufacturer of L-tryptophan, claiming damages due to EMS. Results: Prior to the L-tryptophan use, the patients had frequently been diagnosed with other disorders often comorbid with fibromyalgia: migraine [n = 31], irritable bowel syndrome [n = 3], mood disorder [n = 6], and anxiety disorders [n = 2...
Calcium translocation by Golgi and lateral-basal membrane vesicles from rat intestine: decrease in vitamin D-deficient rats

Abstract Intestinal Ca2+ transport was studied in membrane vesicles isolated from microvillus, Golgi, and lateral-basal membrane preparations. Ca2+ uptake by these vesicles was measured by determination of 45Ca2+ associated with these membranes after collection by micropore filtration. Golgi membranes showed the highest initial rate and equilibration level of Ca2+ uptake. Approximately 90% of this Ca2+ uptake was into an osmotically responsive space, suggesting that what was measured was predominantly Ca2+ translocation. Vitamin D-deficient rats showed a markedly diminished rate of uptake and level of equilibration. These data indicate that a Ca2+-translocating process was associated with Golgi membranes to a greater extent than with surface membranes and that this process was markedly decreased in vitamin D-deficient rats. The results suggest that the Golgi apparatus participates in intestinal Ca2+ absorption.
The ecology of temperate salt-marsh fucoids. I. Occurrence and distribution of Ascophyllum nodosum ecads

The distribution of several free-living Ascophyllum nodosum ecads, including scorpioides and mackaii, in a temperate salt marsh is described. Morphological characterization of these ecads by the presence or absence of air bladders and reproductive receptacles, and size and shape of fronds, indicated that several free-living forms occur throughout the marsh. Plants resembling the ecad mackaii were more closely associated with exposed areas along the low-tide regions, while scorpioides-type ecads prevailed on the Spartina alterniflora-dominated marsh banks and flats in the middle and upper intertidal regions of the marsh. Maximum biomass of ecads occurred during the spring months in the absence of S. alterniflora, whereas minimum ecad biomass was associated with maximum S. alterniflora densities in the late summer and fall months. Morphological differentiation of dwarf-type ecads was related to environmental components other than exposure to low and/or fluctuating salinities.
Postmodernism as a problem for metaphysics

It would surely be a serious omission on my part were I to begin my remarks today without expressing a deeply felt gratitude to the Institute of Human Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, an...
Bioelectronic Delivery of Electrons to Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Cytochrome P450s (cyt P450s) are the major oxidative enzymes in human oxidative metabolism of drugs and xenobiotic chemicals. In nature, the iron heme cyt P450s utilize oxygen and electrons delivered from NADPH by a reductase enzyme to oxidize substrates stereo- and regioselectively. Significant research has been directed toward achieving these events electrochemically. This Feature Article discusses the direct electrochemistry of cyt P450s in thin films and the utilization of such films for electrochemically driven biocatalysis. Maintaining and confirming structural integrity and catalytic activity of cyt P450s in films is an essential feature of these efforts. We highlight here our efforts to elucidate the influence of iron heme spin state and secondary structure of human cyt P450s on voltammetric and biocatalytic properties, using methodologies to quantitatively describe the dynamics of these processes in thin films. We also describe the first cyt P450/reductase films that accurately mimic the natural biocatalytic pathway and show how they can be used with voltammetry to elucidate key mechanistic features. Such bioelectronic cyt P450 systems have high value for future drug development, toxicity screening, fundamental investigations, and chemical synthesis systems.
On finding optimal and near-optimal lineal spanning trees

The search for good lineal, or depth-first, spanning trees is an important aspect in the implementation of a wide assortment of graph algorithms. We consider the complexity of findingoptimal lineal spanning trees under various notions of optimality. In particular, we show that several natural problems, such as constructing a shortest or a tallest lineal tree, are NP-hard. We also address the issue of polynomial-time, near-optimization strategies for these difficult problems, showing that efficient absolute approximation algorithms cannot exist unlessP = NP.
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhibits Human Keratinocyte Migration

BACKGROUNDReepithelialization is an important component of wound healing. In the first 48 hours keratinocyte migration and proliferation are important events in this process. Although the literature agrees that the risk/benefit of antiseptics has not been established, hydrogen peroxide is still comm
Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity by the cholecystokinin analog SNF 9007 in neuroblastoma × glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells

Abstract The effect of the cholecystokinin B (CCK B ) receptor-selective cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) analog SNF 9007 on forskolinstimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in NG108-15 hybrid cells was measured. The activity of SNF 9007 was compared to the δ opioid agonists d -Pen 2  d -Pen 5 -enkephalin (DPDPE, δ 1 receptor-selective) and Tyr d -AlaPheGluValValGlyNH 2 , ( d -Ala 2 -deltorphin II, δ 2 -receptor-selective) because SNF 9007 binds with moderate affinity to δ opioid receptors. SNF 9007 inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity with efficacy similar to DPDPE. IC 50 determinations showed that d -Ala 2 -deltorphin II was the most potent, followed by DPDPE, then SNF 9007 (IC 50 values = 0.013, 0.21 and 4.8 μM, respectively). CCK-8 had no effect on adenylyl cyclase activity. The δ 1 receptor-selective antagonist 7-benzylidenenaltrexone hydrochloride (BNTX, 10 nM) had no effect on the activity of any of these agonists, but the δ 2 receptor-selective antagonist naltriben methanesulfonate (NTB, 10 nM) increased IC 50 values of all the agonists. Combinations of BNTX and NTB (10 nM each) increased the d -Ala 2 -deltorphin II IC 50 value 12-fold, the DPDPE IC 50 value 18-fold and the SNF 9007 IC 50 value 26-fold. The effect of the combined δ antagonists on SNF 9007 activity was different from the effect on DPDPE or d -Ala 2 -deltorphin II activity. These data suggest that the interaction of the CCK-8 analog SNF 9007 with opioid receptors in NG108-15 hybrid cells is different from the interaction of opioid peptides with these receptors.
Photosensitive Site in Lettuce Seeds

Red light is effective only in promoting germination of Grand Rapids lettuce seeds, and far-red light is effective only in inhibiting it, when the hypocotyl half of the seed is exposed to the light. It is concluded that the photoreceptor is probably located in the tip of the hypocotyl.
Influence of Catalog VS. Store Shopping and Prior Satisfaction on Perceived Risk

This paper presents the results of a study which examines the overall amount and types of risk consumers perceive when purchasing the same products by direct mail as compared to retail stores. The effect of prior catalog shopping experience on perceived risk is also examined. The results indicate that despite the gains achieved by the direct mail industry, consumers continue to perceive this shopping mode as being significantly more risky. Differences were also found with respect to the individual types of risk perceived. A significant relationship between perceived risk and the satisfaction/dissatisfaction derived from prior catalog purchase experience was also identified.
Methology for Engineering Cost and Lead-Time Estimation in Metal Casting Applications

Accurate cost and lead-time estimation are very important issues during product design stage as well as for procurement process. The initial cost estimate can have profound effect on the project success or its failure. Inaccurate initial cost estimation can lead to financial losses that can have severe consequences on the project and company. Hence it is important to have accurate and easily accessible method for accurate cost and lead-time estimation. There are several estimation methods with focus on different manufacturing processes. These methods are based on general process description, and their process models and associated empirical data have limited accuracy. Also, most of them are not readily accessible to the engineers or procurement personnel. This paper presents application of one the more accurate estimation methods developed by the Air Force for metalcasting cost estimation. The method has been deployed on the Internet and can be easily accessed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Methionine radical cation: Structural studies as a function of pH using X- and Q-band time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

A comprehensive high resolution electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization of the l-methionine radical cation and its N-acetyl derivative in liquid solution at room temperature is presented. The cations were generated photochemically in high yield by excimer laser excitation of a water soluble dye, anthraquinone sulfonate sodium salt, the excited triplet state of which is quenched by electron transfer from the side chain sulfur atom of methionine or N-acetylmethionine. The radicals were detected by continuous wave (CW) time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy at X-band (9.5 GHz) and Q-band (35 GHz) microwave frequencies. At pH values well below the pK(a) of the protonated amine nitrogen, the cation forms a dimer with another ground-state methionine molecule through a S-S three-electron bond. In basic solution, the lone pair on the nitrogen of the amino acid is available to make an intramolecular S-N three-electron bond with the side chain sulfur atom, leading to a five-membered ring structure for the cation. When the amino acid nitrogen is unsubstituted (methionine itself), rapid deprotonation to an aminyl radical takes place at high pH values. If the nitrogen is substituted (N-acetylmethionine), the cyclic structure is observed within its electron spin relaxation time at about 1 micros. Spectral simulation provides chemical shifts (g-factors) and hyperfine coupling constants for all structures, and isotopic labeling experiments strongly support the assignments.
MOUNT PINATUBO VOLCANO AND NEGATIVE PORPHYRY COPPER DEPOSITS

A major concern in the analysis of the volatile systematics of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines is the explanation for the release of such large amounts of SO 2 (about 20 million metric tons) into the atmosphere. Although the total amount of sulfur originally in the magmatic system is important to the explanation of this large release, another very significant variable may be what proportion of that sulfur was released into the atmosphere. This paper is a “thought experiment” in which such considerations of elemental distribution are approached by means of an ore-deposit model. Although such models typically are used to evaluate the conditions required for the most effective removal and concentration of a certain desired element, they also can be applied to an undesired element—in this case, sulfur. In particular, Cline and Bodnar9s porphyry-copper ore-deposit model reveals several variables that are significant to the evaluation of the Mount Pinatubo eruption, the most important of which is the partitioning behavior of sulfur among the solid and aqueous fluid (liquid + gas) phases of the system. For example, one reason for the release of such large quantities of sulfur from Mount Pinatubo may be that—in contrast to many other oxidized calc-alkalic volcanoes—its melt reached saturation with an SO 2 -bearing aqueous fluid before the solid phase anhydrite began to precipitate.
Modeling of embedded magnetostrictive particulate actuators

This paper deals with the modeling of the macroscopic behavior of magnetostrictive particulate actuators (MPA). MPA is made of magnetostrictive particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. A load line equation is developed that relates the free strain with the mechanical stress experienced by the magnetostrictive particles. The load line equation combined with the material property gives the macroscopic behavior model of MPA. Numerical results to show the effect of volume fraction of particles and Young's modulus of matrix on the overall actuating performance are presented.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE FLOODING LITERATURE

Countercurrent flow of a gas and a liquid in direct contact with each other is, of necessity, gravity dominated. That is, in the absence of electromagnetic force fields, thermocapillary effects, or concentration-capillary effects, countercurrent flow can be sustained only as a result of the difference in the gravitational force per unit volume on the gas and on the liquid. If the gas and liquid are simultaneously introduced into a porous medium or into a vertical or inclined pipe, the gas tends to rise relative to the liquid. If conditions allow complete separation, it is possible to maintain steady countercurrent flow in which the liquid discharges at the bottom while the gas flows out from the top. The countercurrent flow is opposed by interfacial friction between the phases, which always seems to increase monotonically as the relative countercurrent mean velocity of the phases increases. Hence, for a given geometry and liquid-gas pair, there is a maximum relative velocity that can be sustained in countercurrent flow. This point is known as the onset of flooding. Further increases in gas or liquid input ratas result in only partial delivery of the liquid out of the bottom. Eventually, if the gas velocity becomes sufficiently high, none of the liquid is delivered at the bottom, and fully cocurrent upward flow is established. If the liquid is being introduced from an upper plenum, none will penetrate into the pipe or porous medium when this second critical gas velocity is reached.
Democratization and Corruption Systematic Evidence from the American States

The article provides evidence for a strong relationship between higher democratization and lower objective corruption levels in American state political systems. It also demonstrates that specific ...
Long-range near-optimal path planning for gliders in complex high-energy environments

Autonomous gliders may be instrumented with sensors and used to gather data and perform surveillance in strategically critical areas, but their use is currently limited to low-energy environments due to the challenges of path planning and navigation in high-energy environments, including variable environments (e.g., eddies and currents resulting from weather and seasonal effects), and particularly where ocean currents exceed glider speeds. In this effort we develop a navigation planner for gliders in complex high-energy ocean environments to achieve point-to-point navigation, and explore the use of this planner for optimizing a team of underwater gliders. These techniques will extend the capabilities of teams of autonomous vehicles to perform missions in strategically important areas.
Medical Marijuana and Social Control: Escaping Criminalization and Embracing Medicalization

The medicalization of marijuana represents an evolving trend across the United States, yet researchers have yet to focus on the reasons users obtain cannabis licenses or the changing methods of State control that emerge in the legal-medicalized industry. In this article I draw on 40 in-depth interviews and participant observation with undergraduate cardholders to examine college students' motivations to get medical marijuana cards and the process of social learning and resocialization they undergo in shifting away from an illicit and unregulated market to one that is State-sanctioned and controlled. I analyze the medicalization of cannabis as part of a “new culture of crime control” (Garland 2001), showing how, in contrast to criminalization, the legal-medical model offers the State potent forms of social control at the structural, cultural, and interactional levels of society. I conclude with a discussion of the benefits gained by the State from this legal-medicalization on both the effects and causes of...
Migration of the Mendocino triple junction and ephemeral crustal deformation: Implications for California Coast range heat flow

[1] Thermal models have been constructed to demonstrate how regional crustal deformation and subsequent asthenospheric upwelling associated with the migration of the Mendocino triple junction affect the thermal regime of the northern California Coast Ranges. Ephemeral crustal thickening caused by the migration of the triple junction, coupled with the thermal effects of inflow of asthenosphere into the slab window, produces a heat flow signature that is consistent with the observed surface heat flow in the region. In addition the thermal models provide evidence that slab window temperatures are lower than previously assumed following the passage of the triple junction.
Interferon induction of gene expression through the Jak–Stat pathway

Abstract IFNα and IFNγ induce rapid activation of gene expression following binding to cell surface receptors on target cells. Gene transcription depends on latent transcription factors that become activated in response to IFN treatment. These proteins, termed Stats for signal transducers and activators of transcription, serve as intrinsic elements of the signaling pathway. In untreated cells, they are sequestered in the cytoplasm. Upon treatment of cells with IFN, they become tyrosine phophorylated by receptor-bound protein tyrosine kinases of the Jak family, assemble into multimeric complexes, and localize to the cell nucleus. Differential activation and combinatorial association of these transcription factors produce the biological responses characteristic of each IFN.
Bias in OMB's economic forecasts and budget proposals

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) annually submits the President's budget for the U.S. government to the Congress. The economic forecasts and revenue and outlay proposals contained in the budget have been criticized as biased, especially during the 1980s. Tests for bias in one year ahead proposals for the 1963–89 period show no bias in economic forecasts and revenue estimates, but substantial bias in outlay proposals. Most outlay proposals are consistently less than actual outcomes, accounting for underprediction of the Federal deficit. OMB outlay proposals appear to be influenced by politics. Republican administrations show more significant proposal biases, with defense proposals higher and domestic outlay proposals lower than outcomes. The Office of Management and Budget consistently understates the deficits by resorting to the most optimistic economic assumptions it can credibly — and now sometimes even incredibly — employ. — Senator James SasserWall Street Journal, 25 January 1990
Strings, black holes and the extreme energy cosmic rays

Abstract In a large class of string and string inspired models the string excitation and black hole pictures invoked as an explanation of trans-GZK cosmic ray events are equivalent at high excitations. Single particle inclusive distributions are thermal, asymptotically at the Hagedorn temperature. Some observational consequences are briefly explored.
Use of a classifier in a knowledge‐based simulation optimization system

This article defines and develops a simulation optimization system based upon response surface classification and the integration of multiple search strategies. Response surfaces are classified according to characteristics that indicate which search technique will be most successful. Typical surface characteristics include statistical measures and topological features, while search techniques encompass response surface methodology, simulated annealing, random search, etc. The classify-then-search process flow and a knowledge-based architecture are developed and then demonstrated with a detailed computer example. The system is useful not only as an approach to optimizing simulations, but also as a means for integrating search techniques and thereby providing the user with the most promising path toward an optimal solution.