cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simon Chesterman and Angelina Fisher (eds,). Private Security, Public Order. The Outsourcing of Public Services and its Limits

This is the second release by a research project undertaken by the Institute for International Law and Justice at New York University, following the previously reviewed (21 EJIL (2010): 251) From Mercenaries to Market. The Rise and Regulation of Private Military Companies (Simon Chesterman and Chia Lehnhardt (eds), Oxford University Press, 2007). In that commendable first volume, the editors sought to bring a variety of perspectives to bear on the increasingly topical issue of private security providers and their regulation by states. The contributions to that earlier collection were characterized by a distinctly pragmatic approach to the issue, seeking to re-assess the degree to which international law�s categorical proscription of mercenarism remained tenable in a world where most states, rich and poor, view private service providers as an increasingly important part of their military posture. The common point of departure of both books� contributors is the accurate empirical observation that almost all states, as well as many international and non-governmental organizations, are relying increasingly more strongly on the real or perceived benefits of �outsourcing� certain hitherto public functions to private actors. Somewhat belying its title, which hints at a broader examination, the present book continues the theme of the first volume, namely the regulation of private security providers. This is based on the editors� correct estimate that the perceived benefits accruing to states from their utilization of private actors outweigh normative concerns. Their agenda is therefore a self-consciously pragmatic one in search of �relevance�, with the overriding aim of regulation rather than abolition of private security. In the pursuit of this goal the editors try in this volume to cast a wider net of empirical and conceptional approaches, trying to extract from the experience with privatization in other industries applicable lessons for the regulation of private violence. They realize that �
Glenn Shunt Facilitated Weaning of Right Ventricular Mechanical Support

Management of biventricular mechanical circulatory support patients can be complex and can require different systems for support of the right and left ventricles. We describe the use of a Glenn shunt to facilitate weaning from a right ventricular assist device in a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy on biventricular mechanical circulatory support.
SU-E-T-559: Evaluation of Flatening Filter Free (FFF) Beams in Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer.

Purpose: To investigate th applicability of the flattening filter free (FFF) to fractionated radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.Methods: Twelve patients previously treated with IMRT were selected. A SIB protocol was chosen so that 66/54 Gy were prescribed to the gross tumors/elective nodal volumes in 30 fractions. Photon beams of 6X(6X‐FFF) were used for both IMRT (@ 9 gantry angles) and VMAT (single and dual full arcs). Consistent optimization and acceptance criteria were used for all plans, with prescription dose to cover 90% of PTV66 and hot spots limited to 110% and within PTV66. Both plan quality and deliver‐ability were compared. Results: All plans met clinical objectives. The IMRT plan quality is similar or slightly better than VMAT, except that PTV66 conformity index is significantly better in 2‐arc VMAT (1.18) than IMRT (1.32). The total MUs for IMRT are 1680/2090 for 6X/6X‐FFF, a 24% increase. However, the total beam‐on time (BOT) under treatment automation is 430/400 seconds for 6X(@300 MU/min)/6X‐FFF (@400 MU/min), a 6% decrease. Increasing dose rate to the maximum (600/1400 for 6X and 6X‐FFF) can reduce BOT by up to 50%, but at a cost of increased MU (up to 40%) and degraded plan quality. Significant reduction in MU and BOT are realized in VMAT, with ∼600 MU for both 6X and 6X‐FFF and either single or dual‐arcs. The BOT for VMAT is governed by the gantry speed and approximately 1 min for single arc and 2 min for dual arcs. Conclusions: Plan quality is similar between IMRT and 2‐arc VMAT for both 6X and 6X‐FFF. Total MU for IMRT and delivery time is significantly higher for IMRT than VMAT, but not much different between flat and non‐flat beams. For standard fractionated radiotherapy of HN cancer, there is no advantage for the non‐flat beam. The recommended choice is 2‐arc VMAT.
Notes on learning disabilities and the borderline personality

In the last decade, the number of children and adults diagnosed learning disabled has increased. It is a diagnosis often determined and treated by either the medical or educational professions. In a significant number of cases, the identified learning problems may, in fact, be symptoms of a borderline personality syndrome. In those cases, appropriate treatment includes psychotherapy as well as educational supports. The following article describes the possible relationship between learning disabilities and the borderline personality syndrome.
Deflection of Cancellous Bone Screws Under a Cantilever Bending Load

Surgical bone screws can be subjected to cyclic bending loads when plating constructs are used in the fixation of weight bearing members. While extensive research has been conducted on axial loading that leads to screw pull-out, there is a gap in our understanding of how asymmetric bending loads contribute to screw fracture. The focus of this research was to examine the effect of screw length (20 mm and 40 mm) and cancellous bone density (0.48 g/cm3 and 0.24 g/cm3) on the relative stiffness of 6.5 mm cancellous bone screws subjected to a cantilever bending load. It was hypothesized that longer screws in higher density cancellous bone would result in less screw deflection, supporting clinical practice. For testing, synthetic composite bone was used to simulate the characteristics of natural bone while subjecting screws to quasi-static loading with a universal testing machine. Contrary to the hypothesis, neither screw length nor cancellous bone density resulted in a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in deflection for loading up 450 N. The cortical shelf appeared to support the majority of the bending load through compression, rather than acting as a fulcrum. When the 3.0 mm cortex was removed, there was a significant difference in deflection due to both screw length and cancellous bone density.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A cytological study of the relation of the cortical reaction to subsequent events of fertilization in urethane-treated eggs of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata.

Eggs of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata, treated with 3% urethane for 30 sec followed by 0.3% urethane and inseminated are polyspermic and fail to undergo a typical cortical reaction. Upon insemination the vitelline layer of urethane-treated eggs either does not separate or is raised only a short distance from the oolemma. 1–6 min after insemination, almost all of the cortical granules remain intact and are dislodged from the plasmalemma. Later (6 min to the two-cell stage) some cortical granules are released randomly along the surface of the zygote. Not all zygotes show the same degree of cortical granule dehiscence; most of them experience little if any granule release whereas others demonstrate considerably more. The thickness of the hyaline layer appears to be directly related to the number of cortical granules released. Subsequent to pronuclear migration, several male pronuclei become associated with the female pronucleus. Later the male and female pronuclear envelopes contact and the outer and the inner laminae fuse, thereby forming the zygote nucleus. The male pronuclei remaining in the cytoplasm increase in size and progressively migrate to, and fuse with, the zygote nucleus. By 60 min some zygotes appear to contain only one large zygote nucleus which subsequently enters mitosis. Other zygotes possess a number of male pronuclei which remain unfused, and later these pronuclei along with the zygote nucleus undergo mitosis. There does not appear to be a direct relation between the number of cortical granules a zygote possesses and the above mentioned dichotomy.
Evaluation of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) as biomonitors of mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Zebra mussels have invaded many lakes in the United States and could be a useful tool for monitoring responses of aquatic biota to changes in mercury loading. The goal of the present study was to evaluate zebra mussels for use as a biomonitor of mercury contamination by comparing zebra mussel mercury concentrations between a lake with only indirect atmospheric mercury contamination (Otisco Lake, NY, USA) and a lake that was directly contaminated by mercury discharges (Onondaga Lake, NY, USA). Zebra mussels were sampled in both the spring and fall of 2004 and 2005. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in zebra mussels were approximately seven times greater in Onondaga Lake than in Otisco Lake, and water column mercury concentrations differed by an order of magnitude between the two lakes. Seasonal differences resulted in significantly higher zebra mussel THg concentrations during the fall for both lakes. There was also significant variation among different sampling sites in Onondaga Lake. Mussel methylmercury concentrations averaged 53% of THg concentrations but were highly variable. Strong relationships between water column THg and zebra mussel THg suggest that zebra mussels are a good indicator of aquatic mercury concentrations and could be used as an effective biomonitor of mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:638–643. © 2012 SETAC
Intraday volatility in the bond, foreign exchange, and stock index futures markets

Intraday volatility for the Eurodollar, the Euro/dollar foreign exchange rate, and the E-mini SP interregion volatility (meteor showers) plays a secondary role. The joint impact of liquidity variables such as volume and open interest on volatility is also analyzed. Volume tends to increase volatility, but open interest does not affect it. The results are explained by the type of trading venue. Unlike floor-based trading systems, in electronic markets open interest does not seem to provide additional information on market liquidity and its relation to volatility beyond any information contributed by volume. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:313– 334, 2008
Dynamic model for CHO cell engineering

Industrial CHO cell fed-batch processes have progressed significantly over the past decade, with recombinant protein titer consistently reaching the gram per liter level. Such improvements have largely resulted from separate advances in process and cell line development. Model-based selection of targets for metabolic engineering in CHO cells is confounded by the dynamic nature of the fed-batch process. In this work, we use a dynamic model of CHO cell metabolism to simultaneously identify both process and cell modifications that improve antibody production. Model simulations explored ca. 9200 combinations of process variables (shift temperature, shift day, seed density, and harvest day) and knockdowns (8 metabolic enzymes). A comprehensive examination of a simulated solution space showed that optimal gene knockdown clearly depends on the process parameters such as temperature shift day, shift temperature, and seed density. Knockdown of enzymes related to lactate production were the most beneficial; however, depending on the process conditions, modulating such enzymes yielded varying productivities, ranging from a reduction in final titer to greater than 2-fold improvement.
Linking white and grey matter in schizophrenia: oligodendrocyte and neuron pathology in the prefrontal cortex

Neuronal circuitry relies to a large extent on the presence of functional myelin produced in the brain by oligodendrocytes. Schizophrenia has been proposed to arise partly from altered brain connectivity. Brain imaging and neuropathologic studies have revealed changes in white matter and reduction in myelin content in patients with schizophrenia. In particular, alterations in the directionality and alignment of axons have been documented in schizophrenia. Moreover, the expression levels of several myelin-related genes are decreased in postmortem brains obtained from patients with schizophrenia. These findings have led to the formulation of the oligodendrocyte/myelin dysfunction hypothesis of schizophrenia. In this review, we present a brief overview of the neuropathologic findings obtained on white matter and oligodendrocyte status observed in schizophrenia patients, and relate these changes to the processes of brain maturation and myelination. We also review recent data on oligodendrocyte/myelin genes, and present some recent mouse models of myelin deficiencies. The use of transgenic and mutant animal models offers a unique opportunity to analyze oligodendrocyte and neuronal changes that may have a clinical impact. Lastly, we present some recent morphological findings supporting possible causal involvement of white and grey matter abnormalities, in the aim of determining the morphologic characteristics of the circuits whose alteration leads to the cortical dysfunction that possibly underlies the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Competition between rotational and vibrational autoionization in H2

Abstract Resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization-photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study rotational and vibrational autoionization of n p Rydberg states of H 2 between the H 2 + , X 2 Σ g + , ν + = 2, N + = 1 and N + = 3 thresholds. In this two-color experiment, one laser was used to excite the two-photon transition to the E,F 1 Σ g + , ν′ = E2, J′ = 1 intermediate state, and a second laser was used to access the autoionizing Rydberg states. Significant differences in lineshapes were observed for the H 2 + X 2 Σ g + , ν + = 1 and ν + = 2 decay channels. This is the first direct observation of the competition between these autoionization mechanisms, and the results confirm qualitative features of a recent mutichannel quantum defect theory calculation.
The next 10 years of DOD wireless networking research

This paper recommends a coherent research program that will meet the DOD's highest priority needs in wireless networking over the next decade. The focus is on the network layer, with some investigation of areas where other layers (RF, link, transport) must evolve in order to facilitate networking improvements. The paper analyzes the wireless networking research needed to meet DOD user requirements in five areas: foundational capabilities, operations under spectrum scarcity, a fully network-enabled force, conflicts with asymmetric adversaries, and conflicts with peer adversaries. A common thread throughout the analysis is the critical importance of cost reduction in both acquisition and operations. Research that enables wider use of wireless communications under fixed or declining budgets is considered just as important as research that increases the underlying wireless communications capability.
Postsynaptic Decoding of Neural Activity: eEF2 as a Biochemical Sensor Coupling Miniature Synaptic Transmission to Local Protein Synthesis

Activity-dependent regulation of dendritic protein synthesis is critical for enduring changes in synaptic function, but how the unique features of distinct activity patterns are decoded by the dendritic translation machinery remains poorly understood. Here, we identify eukaryotic elongation factor-2 (eEF2), which catalyzes ribosomal translocation during protein synthesis, as a biochemical sensor in dendrites that is specifically and locally tuned to the quality of neurotransmission. We show that intrinsic action potential (AP)-mediated network activity in cultured hippocampal neurons maintains eEF2 in a relatively dephosphorylated (active) state, whereas spontaneous neurotransmitter release (i.e., miniature neurotransmission) strongly promotes the phosphorylation (and inactivation) of eEF2. The regulation of eEF2 phosphorylation is responsive to bidirectional changes in miniature neurotransmission and is controlled locally in dendrites. Finally, direct spatially controlled inhibition of eEF2 phosphorylation induces local translational activation, suggesting that eEF2 is a biochemical sensor that couples miniature synaptic events to local translational suppression in neuronal dendrites.
A Low-Noise PFM-Controlled Buck Converter for Low-Power Applications

APFM-controlled buck converter with discrete frequency hopping is proposed. The converter employs two uniquely related switching frequencies to fully spread the converter's output switching noise without generating additional tones at any of the switching frequencies. The peaking in the noise floor resulting from spreading the switching noise is reduced by using up to eight switching frequencies. The converter is implemented in 0.35 μm standard CMOS technology and occupies 0.29 mm2. With a spur-free output spectrum and low noise floor peaking, the proposed converter is ideal for low-current noise-sensitive loads such as analog and RF circuit loads in portable communication devices.
Rescuing US biomedical research from its systemic flaws

The long-held but erroneous assumption of never-ending rapid growth in biomedical science has created an unsustainable hypercompetitive system that is discouraging even the most outstanding prospective students from entering our profession—and making it difficult for seasoned investigators to produce their best work. This is a recipe for long-term decline, and the problems cannot be solved with simplistic approaches. Instead, it is time to confront the dangers at hand and rethink some fundamental features of the US biomedical research ecosystem.
Does volume of patients seen in an outpatient setting impact test scores

Abstract Background: Methods of teaching surgery in the outpatient setting and means to measure the effectiveness of these methods have not been defined. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of number of outpatient encounters on test scores for third-year medical students. Methods: Students rotating on the required third-year surgery clerkship between July 1994 and June 1996 kept a log of their activities including number of patients seen in clinic, number of cases scrubbed, and pages read. At the end of the rotation the students were given an essay examination and a multiple-choice examination. The data were analyzed looking for correlation between examination scores and volume of patients seen. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores were used as a baseline measure to compare the rotation groups. Results: USMLE scores did not differ between groups. Mean essay examination scores varied significantly between some rotation groups, but did not follow a pattern. There was no correlation between the number of patients seen in clinic and essay examination scores. There was a significant correlation between essay score and USMLE Step 1 score (Pearson's r = 0.398) and between essay and multiple-choice examination scores (Pearson's r = 0.313). There was a significant negative correlation between number of patients seen in clinic and number of cases scrubbed (Pearson's r = −0.347). Conclusions: Participation in outpatient surgery clinics did not result in improved performance on written examinations in this surgery clerkship. To achieve the most benefit from the outpatient clinic, objectives of the experience need to be determined and appropriate tools used to measure their successful achievement.
The Problem of Enhanced Control

A crucial question for libertarians about free will and moral responsibility concerns how their accounts secure more control than compatibilism. This problem is particularly exasperating for event-causal libertarianism, as it seems that the only difference between these accounts and compatibilism is that the former require indeterminism. But how can indeterminism, a mere negative condition, enhance control? This worry has led many to conclude that the only viable form of libertarianism is agent-causal libertarianism. In this paper I show that this conclusion is premature. I explain how event-causal libertarianism secures more control than compatibilism by offering a novel argument for incompatibilism. Part of the reason my solution has gone unnoticed is that it is often mistakenly assumed that an agent's control is wholly exhausted by the agent's powers and abilities. I argue, however, that control is constituted not just by what we have the ability to do, but also by what we have the opportunity to do. A...
Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship between Stress and Ingratiation:

The relations among self-esteem, stress, and ingratiatory behaviors in the workplace were examined. Competing models for moderating and mediating effects of self-esteem on the relationship between stress and ingratiation were presented. Data from a sample of 136 employees at a state lottery organization were used to test the competing models. Support was found for the full mediation model, wherein self-esteem completely mediated the relationship between stress and ingratiation.
Social and Non-Social Cueing of Visuospatial Attention in Autism and Typical Development

Three experiments explored attention to eye gaze, which is incompletely understood in typical development and is hypothesized to be disrupted in autism. Experiment 1 (n = 26 typical adults) involved covert orienting to box, arrow, and gaze cues at two probabilities and cue-target times to test whether reorienting for gaze is endogenous, exogenous, or unique; experiment 2 (total n = 80: male and female children and adults) studied age and sex effects on gaze cueing. Gaze cueing appears endogenous and may strengthen in typical development. Experiment 3 tested exogenous, endogenous, and gaze-based orienting in 25 typical and 27 Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children. ASD children made more saccades, slowing their reaction times; however, exogenous and endogenous orienting, including gaze cueing, appear intact in ASD.
A Spanish Auditory Veuerbal Earning and Memory Test

A California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) format was used in developing a similar test in Spanish for a Denver Hispanic population. The Perri Test de Aprendizaje Verbal y de Memoria (Perri TAVM) was originally developed and normed in Spanish to address criticism of using translated versions of preexisting tests. It includes five learning trials, an interference list, an immediate recall trial, delayed recall, cued delayed recall, and delayed recognition. In developing the test, we selected word categories because they are common across a broad variety of Hispanic cultures and chose items based on frequency of use in Spanish. The resulting test uses a 16-word list consisting of four categories of four words each, and a 40-word recognition list. We present initial normative data for a Denver sample (N = 100); included are data from a clinical sample (N = 26) of patients referred for neuropsychological testing.
Asymmetrically Charged Carbon Nanotubes by Controlled Functionalization

Surface modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been widely studied for some years. However, the asymmetric modification of individual CNTs with different molecular species/nanoparticles at the two end-tips or along the nanotube length is only a recent development. As far as we are aware, no attempt has so far been made to asymmetrically functionalize individual CNTs with moieties of opposite charges. In this paper, we have demonstrated a simple, but effective, asymmetric modification of the sidewall of CNTs with oppositely charged moieties by plasma treatment and π−π stacking interaction. The as-prepared asymmetrically sidewall-functionalized CNTs can be used as a platform for bottom-up self-assembly of complex structures or can be charge-selectively self-assembled onto and/or between electrodes with specific biases under an appropriate applied voltage for potential device applications.
Using Rasch Rating Scale Methodology to Examine a Behavioral Screener for Preschoolers At Risk

A screening instrument used to identify young children at risk for behavioral and emotional difficulties, the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Teacher Rating Scale–Preschool was examined. ...
Abstract B30: Selective small molecule AXL inhibitor BGB324 overcomes acquired drug resistance in non-small cell lung carcinoma models.

Axl is a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl and Mer) family of receptor tyrosine kinases that regulate multiple cellular responses including cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Axl expression is associated with a variety of human cancers including non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and is predictive of poor patient overall survival. Axl is induced by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene program in cancer cells. Axl signaling is required to maintain EMT-associated features including invasiveness, metastasis, and can confer resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), as well as other chemotherapeutic agents. BGB324 is a potent, reversible and selective small molecule inhibitor of Axl that has recently entered into phase I clinical trials. We evaluated the effects of BGB324 on NSCLC cells in in vitro 3D assays and in mouse xenograft models, in combination with targeted and chemotherapeutic agents. BGB324 in combination with EGFR TKI erlotinib demonstrated a synergistic anti-proliferation effect on NCI-H1299 (mesenchymal, EGFR wild-type, erlotinib-resistant) human NSCLC cells in 3D culture. In mouse xenograft models using NCI-H1299 cells BGB324 treatment significantly enhanced the antitumor acitivity of Docetaxel. Similarly, using the mesenchymal NSCLC cell line A549 (EGFR wild-type), the combination of BGB324 with either erlotinib or anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab showed synergistic or additive anti-tumour activity. Furthermore, in HCC827 (EGFR mutant, erlotinib-sensitive) human NSCLC xenograft model, addition of BGB324 treatment strikely delayed the emergence of acquired resistance to erlotinib. Taken together, these data suggest the first-in-class selective Axl inhibitor BGB324 can overcome acquired resistance in in vivo models of NSCLC. Studies in human NSCLC patient-derived xenograft models and mechanisms of action are in progress. Citation Format: Katarzyna Wnuk-Lipinska, Gro Gausdal, Tone Sandal, Robin Frink, Stefan Hinz, Monica Hellesoy, Lavina Ahmed, Hallvard Haugen, Hallvard Haugen, Liang Xiao, Magnus Blo, David Micklem, John Minna, Rolf Brekken, Longen Zhou, James Lorens. Selective small molecule AXL inhibitor BGB324 overcomes acquired drug resistance in non-small cell lung carcinoma models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer; 2014 Jan 6-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2014;20(2Suppl):Abstract nr B30.
Rates of molecular evolution vary in vertebrates for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a pleiotropic locus that regulates life history traits.

Abstract Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a member of the vertebrate insulin/insulin-like growth factor/relaxin gene family necessary for growth, reproduction, and survival at both the cellular and organismal level. Its sequence, protein structure, and function have been characterized in mammals, birds, and fish; however, a notable gap in our current knowledge of the function of IGF-1 and its molecular evolution is information in ectothermic reptiles. To address this disparity, we sequenced the coding region of IGF-1 in 11 reptile species—one crocodilian, three turtles, three lizards, and four snakes. Complete sequencing of the full mRNA transcript of a snake revealed the Ea-isoform, the predominant isoform of IGF-1 also reported in other vertebrate groups. A gene tree of the IGF-1 protein-coding region that incorporated sequences from diverse vertebrate groups showed similarity to the species phylogeny, with the exception of the placement of Testudines as sister group to Aves, due to their high nucleotide sequence similarity. In contrast, long-branch lengths indicate more rapid divergence in IGF-1 among lizards and snakes. Additionally, lepidosaurs (i.e., lizards and snakes) had higher rates of non-synonymous:synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) relative to archosaurs (i.e., birds and crocodilians) and turtles. Tests for positive selection on specific codons within branches and evaluation of the changes in the amino acid properties, suggested positive selection in lepidosaurs on the C domain of IGF-1, which is involved in binding affinity to the IGF-1 receptor. Predicted structural changes suggest that major alterations in protein structure and function may have occurred in reptiles. These data propose new insights into the molecular co-evolution of IGF-1 and its receptors, and ultimately the evolution of IGF-1’s role in regulating life-history traits across vertebrates.
Frequency dependence of dielectric loss in thin aromatic polyimide films.

The dielectric response of thin aromatic polyimide films with thicknesses ranging from 400 to 3×10 4 A has been measured in the frequency range 10 4 -10 9 Hz. The results show the presence of two components of dielectric polarization. One of these components exhibits a frequency dependence of the «universal» type ω n-1 with n=1.0 within experimental error, independent of film thickness, and is attributed to hopping electrons generated from excitation of a charge-transfer complex, followed by charge separation. The other component is characterized by a very low dielectric loss and is attributed to the π-electron response of the dielectric lattice
The weak and strong principles of equivalence

Abstract Harvey has argued that within the framework of the Nordstrom theory a spinning top falls with the wrong gravitational acceleration, and concludes from this that the “weak equivalence principle” does not define an interesting or significant class of gravitational theories. It is shown that Harvey's spinning top is not physically realizable, and it is proved that physically realizable bodies, if isolated and sufficiently small, fall with the same gravitational acceleration in the Nordstrom theory.
Lignocellulosic Biomass Feedstock Supply Logistic Analysis

Biomass transportation is a key component of the biomass feedstock sustainable supply system, supporting the emerging bioenergy sector based on lignocellulosic feedstock. It provides the link between biomass feedstock producers and end-users such as biorefineries. However, transportation and associated logistics are also responsible for a major portion of the total feedstock supply cost and energy consumption. It is a highly complex system exhibiting “many-to-few” as well as “one-to-one” delivery logistics. The biomass form, intended end use, supply and demand locations and available equipment all affect the performance of the transportation logistics system. Sustainability of the supply system requires optimized logistic chains, cost-effective transportation alternatives, standardized facility design and equipment configurations, efficient regulations and a careful environmental impact analysis. These issues have been studied rigorously in the last decade. The objective of this paper is comprehensively analyze the existing literature which can then be used to conduct a systematic analysis and innovative design of transportation logistics systems. It analyzes major feedstock transportation alternatives and the implementation of those for various types of energy crops such as energy grasses and agricultural residue. The importance of equipment configuration, performance-based standards development and regulations is emphasized and the status quo reviewed. Finally, approaches described in the literature to model, simulate and optimize transportation systems are reviewed.
Heterojunction interfacial workfunction internal photoemission detectors for use at 8-20 mu m

Heterojunction interfacial workfunction internal photoemission (HEIWIP) detectors have already been demonstrated for use in the FIR range with cutoff wavelengths (λc) up to 85 µm. An interesting feature of these detectors is their strong response in the 8–20 µm range. Initial results are reported on HEIWIP detectors operating in the 8–20 µm range. The unoptimised detectors had a peak responsivity of 1.8 A/W at 15.2 µm at 4.2 K. HEIWIPs could be an alternative to already available detectors especially when optimised for higher temperatures. λc can be tailored by changing the Al concentration in the barrier. Responsivity of HEIWIPs can be selectively optimised by using the cavity mechanism and adjusting the Al fraction. It should also be possible to enhance the responsivity by changing the doping concentrations of the detectors.
Preparing staff to work at a single service desk.

(2001). Preparing Staff to Work at a Single Service Desk. Medical Reference Services Quarterly: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 79-86.
Aerothermal Analysis of Small Payloads Delivered Into Low Earth Orbit From an Airborne Launch Platform

In recent years there has been an ever increasing need to launch small payloads (∼1–100 kg) into low earth orbit (LEO). Examples include the defense and telecommunications industries. Permanent human presence in LEO, such as the international space station, requires continual re-supply from earth. Additionally, NASA’s stated mission of launching a manned mission to Mars requires many tonnes of raw materials to be economically launched into LEO and assembled there. Conventional rocket launch from earth is prohibitively expensive for small mass payloads. Estimates range from $7000–$20,000 to launch 1 kg of mass into low earth orbit. Several concepts have been proposed to economically launch small payloads from earth, including light gas guns, electromagnetic launchers and the so called “slingatron” concept. The goal of these concepts is to reduce the cost per kg (to under $1000) to achieve LEO. Each of these concepts involves launching small payloads that traverse the atmosphere and then placed into low earth orbit using thrusters to turn the velocity vector into a stable circular orbit. As the launch vehicle traverses the dense lower portion of the atmosphere it experiences severe thermal heating loads that must be absorbed by a thermal protection system (TPS) if the payload is to survive the transit. The University of Texas is currently heading a multi-university research initiative (MURI) to study the feasibility of launching small payloads into low earth orbit from an electromagnetic gun housed in an airborne platform. As part of the study, the aerothermal issues associated with traverse through the atmosphere and propellant mass required to achieve a stable circular orbit are investigated. The effort focuses on quantifying the required parasitic mass of the thermal protection system (TPS) and propellant need to place a nominal 10 kg launch mass into a circular low earth orbit from an electromagnetic launcher at 16 km altitude. The TPS is assumed to be graphite or carbon-carbon composite. In this effort, we consider ballistic trajectories only. Circular orbit is achieved using rocket thrusters at the terminal altitude. Total parasitic mass (TPS + propellant) is estimated for various launch angles.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Activity-Dependent Long-Term Depression of Electrical Synapses

Use-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity have been extensively characterized at chemical synapses, but a relationship between natural activity and strength at electrical synapses remains elusive. The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a brain area rich in gap-junctional (electrical) synapses, regulates cortical attention to the sensory surround and participates in shifts between arousal states; plasticity of electrical synapses may be a key mechanism underlying these processes. We observed long-term depression resulting from coordinated burst firing in pairs of coupled TRN neurons. Changes in gap-junctional communication were asymmetrical, indicating that regulation of connectivity depends on the direction of use. Modification of electrical synapses resulting from activity in coupled neurons is likely to be a widespread and powerful mechanism for dynamic reorganization of electrically coupled neuronal networks.
Real-time laser-based measurement of interface temperature during droplet impingement on a cold surface

Abstract This work presents a laser-based thermoreflectance technique to measure the real-time change in temperature of a liquid–solid interface when a heated liquid droplet impinges on a transparent substrate. Temperature variation at the interface results in refractive index changes in both the liquid and substrate, which, in turn, cause a reflectivity change at the interface. A 5 mW HeNe laser and a silicon photodiode are used to monitor the real-time reflectivity of the interface. The measurement is performed with two liquids, water and glycerol, impinging onto one surface of a prism made of F2 glass, with initial liquid temperatures of 0, 25, and 45 °C above room temperature. A temporal resolution of 8.8 ms and spatial resolution of 180 μm have been achieved in this work. The measurement uncertainty is ∼3.5–6.3 °C for water and 0.5 °C for glycerol. Higher temporal and spatial resolution can be readily obtained with minor modifications to the experimental apparatus. Measurement of liquid solidification and evaporation on a substrate may also be suitable for this technique, as the phase change causes an abrupt variation in reflectivity at the interface.
TNF inhibits production of stromal cell-derived factor 1 by bone stromal cells and increases osteoclast precursor mobilization from bone marrow to peripheral blood.

Introduction The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 axis in TNF-induced mobilization of osteoclast precursors (OCPs) from bone marrow.
Commentary on: Breast augmentation and augmentation-mastopexy with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

In their article “Breast Augmentation and Augmentation-Mastopexy With Local Anesthesia and Intravenous Sedation,” Drs. Colque and Eisemann have provided us with a retrospective review of 171 patients who underwent bilateral breast augmentation or augmentation-mastopexy from January 1, 2007, to October 30, 2009. All these procedures were performed in a facility accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The anesthetic approach employed by the authors entails intravenous sedation with midazolam, fentanyl, and ketamine, and the procedure is directed by the operating surgeon and administered by a nurse. Intercostal nerve blocks injected into intercostal spaces 3-7 at the midaxillary line and the lateral sternal border provide a lateral and medial block to the breast tissue. The authors inject a mixture of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1% lidocaine, equally mixed, with an average dose of 79.6 mL. In the report, Drs. Colque and Eisemann emphasize that their approach differs from other techniques reported in the literature, including those that rely on propofol.1–5 AAAASF standards require an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist to be present when propofol is administered, but intravenous ketamine may be used at the discretion of the operating surgeon. The authors reported a decrease in the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), length of stay in the recovery room, and postoperative bleeding. They did not discuss the …
Effect of adrenalectomy and insulin insufficiency upon the adenosine 3', 5' cyclic monophosphate system of the rat mammary glands.

Abstract Effects of adrenalectomy and acute insulin insufficiency upon tissue adenosine 3′, 5′ cyclic monophosphate concentrations, and adenyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase, and protein kinase activities were investigated. Adrenalectomy decreased intracellular adenosine 3′, 5′ cyclic monophosphate 53% and increased the activities of both adenyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase. Cortisol therapy returned these to normal. During insulin insufficiency caused by anti-insulin serum, mammary adenosine 3′, 5′ cyclic monophosphate concentrations increased. The acute effects of insulin insufficiency and chronic effects of adrenalectomy suggest that insulin acts upon rat mammary glands to decrease and glucocorticoids, acting over longer term, to increase adenosine 3′, 5′ cyclic monophosphate concentrations.
Long-Term Treatment of Cystinosis in Children with Twice-Daily Cysteamine

Objective Cystinosis causes renal and other organ failure. Treatment with 6-hourly cysteamine bitartrate (Cystagon, Mylan, Morgantown, West Virginia) reduces intracellular cystine and the rate of organ deterioration. A recent study showed that an enteric-release cysteamine required less frequent daily dosing. This report describes the long-term use of enteric-coated (EC) cysteamine bitartrate (Cystagon) in children with cystinosis. Study design After a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of EC-cysteamine in children with cystinosis, 5 patients remained on twice-daily treatment. White blood cell cystine levels were measured 12 hours after ingestion every 4 to 8 weeks. These levels were then compared with the patient's previous 6-h post-dose levels taken while on regular cysteamine bitartrate before entering the study. Blood chemistry was also measured. Results Five children with cystinosis (mean age, 9 years; range, 8 to 17 years) who previously took cysteamine bitartrate (mean dose, 47 mg/kg body wt), received EC-cysteamine for 10 to 27 months (mean dose, 25 mg/kg body wt) and had mean white blood cell cystine levels of 0.77 and 0.71 nmol half-cystine/mg protein, respectively. During the study period, patients maintained adequate growth and there was no significant deterioration in renal or thyroid function. Two children were required to restart acid suppression after 6 months on EC-cysteamine therapy. Conclusions Long-term, twice-daily EC-cysteamine, given at approximately 60% of the previous daily dose of cysteamine bitartrate, was effective at maintaining white blood cell cystine levels within a satisfactory range. There was no significant deterioration in renal or thyroid function.
Reconfigurable Core−Satellite Nanoassemblies as Molecularly-Driven Plasmonic Switches

Molecular control of plasmon coupling is investigated in sub-100 nm assemblies composed of 13 nm gold “satellite” particles tethered by reconfigurable DNA nanostructures to a 50 nm gold “core” particle. Reconfiguration of the DNA nanostructures from a compact to an extended state results in blue shifting of the assembly plasmon resonance, indicating reduced interparticle coupling and lengthening of the core−satellite tether. Scattering spectra of the core−satellite assemblies before and after reconfiguration are compared with spectra calculated using a structural model that incorporates the core/satellite ratio determined by TEM imaging and estimates of tether length based upon prior measurements of interparticle separation in DNA linked nanoparticle networks. A strong correspondence between measured and simulated difference spectra validates the structural models that link the observed plasmon modulation with DNA nanostructure reconfiguration.
Sharing Meals with Non-Christians in Canon Law Commentaries, Circa 1160-1260: A Case Study in Legal Development

Canon law scholarship flourished in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and its practitioners left a remarkable paper trail. Surviving documents capture the intellectual evolution that occurred during this formative period and offer historians a rare opportunity to trace legal development in premodern times. This article examines the evolution of laws regulating the sharing of meals with non-Christians, with particular attention to the ways in which medieval canonists conceptualized foreigners. These canonists struggle to fit Islam into traditional legal categories, concluding that Muslims are "judaizing pagans" on account of their dietary practices. This outcome, and its implications for the way canonists understood not only commensality with Muslims but also with Jews and pagans, reflects the degree to which medieval scholars of canon law were both unfamiliar with other religious traditions and uninterested in acquiring such knowledge. The ideas of these scholars about non-Christians reflect their detatchment from realia and their commitment, as participants in the canon law tradition, to the conservation of existing paradigms, laws, and interpretations. This case study thus sheds light both on medieval Christian conceptions of foreigners and on the ways in which great works of premodern law developed.
Pronouns and intersubjectivity in Lebanese Arabic gossip

Abstract Lebanese Arabic allows the use of optional 1st and 2nd person dative pronouns. These are pronouns embedded in sentences without being linked to any participant roles. Their task is to express a positive or negative attitude toward the events depicted in utterances. In this paper, I present examples of such pronouns as used in gossip constructions. I show that these pronouns allow the speaker to communicate changes of footing or participation roles as animator, author, and/or principal during a speech event. I also analyze them within Cognitive Grammar, suggesting that they allow the speaker to move the speech participants from the offstage region where they function as conceptualizers to the onstage region where they are conceptualized as attitude holders. By so doing, the speaker explicitly anchors the event of gossip construction to the attitudes of the speech participants. In this sense, the pronouns become cultural tools of social influence.
Fire ant polymorphism: the ergonomics of brood production

Social organization is generally assumed to increase colony efficiency and survival; however, little quantitative information is available to support this assumption. Polymorphism is an important aspect of labor division in colonies of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Our objective was to investigate the effect of fire ant polymorphism on brood production efficiency. We set up standardized polymorphic colonies with a full range of worker sizes and artificial monomorphic colonies that contained only small, medium or large workers respectively. Polymorphic colonies produced brood at about the same rate as colonies composed of only small workers (Fig. 2A). Colonies composed of only medium workers produced about 30% less brood, and colonies composed of only large workers produced little or no brood at all. This pattern was independent of colony size; however, smaller colonies (0.75 g, live weight) produced almost twice as much brood per gram of workers as larger colonies (3.0g). Additional experiments revealed that the size of workers in the artificial monomorphic colonies affected all stages of brood rearing. Large workers not only inhibited the development of early and late instar larvae (Fig 4), but also reduced the queen's oviposition rate (Fig. 3). Brood production efficiency on an energetic basis was determined by dividing the grams of brood produced per unit time by the energetic costs expended for the maintenance and production of each worker size class. Worker maintenance costs were estimated from respiration while production costs were determined from the caloric content of worker tissue divided by their average longevity. Worker respiration per milligram body weight decreased about 40% as body size increased (Fig. 5). Large workers lived about 50% longer than small workers (Fig. 6) and contained 9% more energy per milligram of tissue (Fig. 7). Energetic efficiency in polymorphic colonies was approximately 10% higher than in colonies composed of only small workers (Fig. 9). In other words, when food supplies are limiting, polymorphism may offer a slight advantage in brood production.