cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homeland security monitoring sensors and early warning relay and diagnostic system

This paper addresses the development of a wireless sensor system array for the detection and identification of bioterrorism agents and hazardous vapors and other gases with a realistic goal of "stick and forget sensing" especially attractive to homeland security needs. New and improved sensors are needed for many security applications with fast, reliable and sensitive detection and identification. Some of the most important tools in today's national security are biological and chemical agents' detection and identification. These devices need to be small and fast so that they can easily detect and identify any traces of hazardous materials. Biosensors are analytical devices which use biological interactions to provide either qualitative or quantitative results. Due to its ability to manipulate and organize matter and structures from atomic up to molecular scales, the nanotechnology is widely viewed as the most significant technological frontier which has to be explored in many areas including physical, chemical, electrical and biological sciences. Design and successful development of devices of the size of few nm to couple of hundreds of nm, nanotechnology has been heralded as most powerful technology as ever seen before. This has lead to the development of better materials, highly sensitive sensing systems and wide verity of nano-devices. This sensor array is based on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) as sensing element, which is synthesized and chemically bonded with different polymers for sensing different biological agents and gases. An array of these sensing elements with integrated ChemFET is connected to a low power wireless system for the real-time detection and identification. We have successfully demonstrated the detection and identification of various gases and chemicals using wireless setup.
Taxol, a molecule for all seasons

The diterpenoid natural product taxol, first discovered in the 1960’s has proved to be the most important new anticancer drug introduced in the last ten years. A brief history of taxol’s development from laboratory curiosity to blockbuster drug is followed by a summary of its chemistry, including an overview of the six completed syntheses of taxol. The review concludes with a discussion of its bioactivity as a promoter of tubulin polymerization and as a drug.
Probing the QCD vacuum with overlap fermions

Abstract We use low lying eigenvectors of the overlap-Dirac operator as a probe of the QCD vacuum. If instantons play a significant role one would expect the low lying eigenmodes of the overlap-Dirac operator to consist mainly of the mixed “would be zero modes”. Then, the eigenmodes should exhibit local chirality. Studying a recently introduced local chirality parameter, we find evidence supporting this picture.
The subconstituent algebra of a bipartite distance-regular graph; thin modules with endpoint two

We consider a bipartite distance-regular graph @C with diameter D>=4, valency k>=3, intersection numbers b"i,c"i, distance matrices A"i, and eigenvalues @q"0>@q"1>...>@q"D. Let X denote the vertex set of @C and fix x@?X. Let T=T(x) denote the subalgebra of Mat"X(C) generated by A,E"0^*,E"1^*,...,E"D^*, where A=A"1 and E"i^* denotes the projection onto the ith subconstituent of @C with respect to x. T is called the subconstituent algebra (or Terwilliger algebra) of @C with respect to x. An irreducible T-module W is said to be thin whenever dimE"i^*W=<1 for 0=0}. Assume W is thin with endpoint 2. Observe E"2^*W is a one-dimensional eigenspace for E"2^*A"2E"2^*; let @h denote the corresponding eigenvalue. It is known @q@?"1=<@h=<@q@?"d where @q@?"1=-1-b"2b"3(@q"1^2-b"2)^-^1,@q@?"d=-1-b"2b"3(@q"d^2-b"2)^-^1, and d=@?D/2@?. To describe the structure of W we distinguish four cases: (i) @h=@q@?"1; (ii) D is odd and @h=@q@?"d; (iii) D is even and @h=@q@?"d; (iv) @q@?"1<@h<@q@?"d. We investigated cases (i), (ii) in MacLean and Terwilliger [Taut distance-regular graphs and the subconstituent algebra, Discrete Math. 306 (2006) 1694-1721]. Here we investigate cases (iii), (iv) and obtain the following results. We show the dimension of W is D-1-e where e=1 in case (iii) and e=0 in case (iv). Let v denote a nonzero vector in E"2^*W. We show W has a basis E"iv(i@?S), where E"i denotes the primitive idempotent of A associated with @q"i and where the set S is {1,2,...,d-1}@?{d+1,d+2,...,D-1} in case (iii) and {1,2,...,D-1} in case (iv). We show this basis is orthogonal (with respect to the Hermitian dot product) and we compute the square-norm of each basis vector. We show W has a basis E"i"+"2^*A"iv(0=
Supersymmetric two-dimensional QCD at finite temperature

Light-cone coordinates and supersymmetric discrete light-cone quantization are used to analyze the thermodynamics of two-dimensional supersymmetric quantum chromodynamics with a Chern-Simons term in the large-N_c approximation. This requires estimation of the entire spectrum of the theory, which is done with a new algorithm based on Lanczos iterations. Although this work is still in progress, some preliminary results are presented.
PET-CT staging of the neck in cancers of the oropharynx: patterns of regional and retropharyngeal nodal metastasis.

Objective To study the retropharyngeal lymph node status (RPLN) by pretreatment PET-CT imaging in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx (OPSCC). Study Design: Retrospective.
Asymptotics of the Self-Dual Deformation Complex

We analyze the indicial roots of the self-dual deformation complex on a cylinder $(\mathbb{R}\times Y^{3}, dt^{2} + g_{Y})$ , where Y 3 is a space of constant curvature. An application is the optimal decay rate of solutions on a self-dual manifold with cylindrical ends having cross-section Y 3, which is crucial in gluing results for orbifolds in the case of cross-section Y 3=S 3/Γ. We also resolve a conjecture of Kovalev–Singer in the case where Y 3 is a hyperbolic rational homology 3-sphere, and show that there are infinitely many examples for which the conjecture is true, and infinitely many examples for which the conjecture is false.
Rotation Periods of Late-Type Stars in the Young Open Cluster IC 2602

We present the results of a monitoring campaign aimed at deriving rotation periods for a representative sample of stars in the young (30 Myr) open cluster IC 2602. Rotation periods were derived for 29 of 33 stars monitored. The periods derived range from 0.2 days (one of the shortest known rotation periods of any single open cluster star) to about 10 days (which is almost twice as long as the longest period previously known for a cluster of this age). We are able to confirm eight previously known periods and derive 21 new ones, delineating the long-period end of the distribution. Despite our sensitivity to longer periods, we do not detect any variables with periods longer than about 10 days. The combination of these data with those for IC 2391, an almost identical cluster, leads to the following conclusions: (1) The fast rotators in a 30 Myr cluster are distributed across the entire 0.5<B-V<1.6 color range. (2) Six stars in our sample are slow rotators, with periods longer than 6 days. (3) The amplitude of variability depends on both the color and the period. The dependence on the latter might be important in understanding the selection effects in the currently available rotation period database and in planning future observations. (4) The interpretation of these data in terms of theoretical models of rotating stars suggests both that disk interaction is the norm rather than the exception in young stars and that disk-locking times range from zero to a few Myr.
Measures with infinite Lyapunov exponents for the periodic Lorentz gas

We study invariant measures for the periodic Lorentz gas which are supported on the set of points with infinite Lyapunov exponents. We construct examples of such measures which are measures of maximal entropy and ones which are not.
Anomalous development induced in the embryonic rat by the maternal administration of radiophosphorus.

Pregnant female rats were injected intraperitoneally with radioactive phosphorus after 6, 8, 9, or 10 days of gestation and sacrificed at intervals after injection. Gross examinations were made of all the fetuses obtained in these pregnancies. Randomly selected fetuses from each litter were examined histologically. Many cases of anomalous development were found and have been described. When the results of these experiments were compared with those found after acute x irradiation, distinct qualitative and quantitative differences were found. Possible explanation for these have been advanced but at present no single factor can be designated as being responsible for the difference between these two types of irradiation. (auth)
A large-scale survey of X-ray filaments in the Galactic Centre

We present a catalogue of 17 filamentary X-ray features located within a 68 x 34 arcmin 2 view centred on the Galactic Centre region from images taken by Chandra. These features are described by their morphological and spectral properties. Many of the X-ray features have non-thermal spectra that are well fitted by an absorbed power law. Of the 17 features, we find six that have not been previously detected, four of which are outside the immediate 20 x 20 arcmin 2 area centred on the Galactic Centre. Seven of the 17 identified filaments have morphological and spectral properties expected for pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) with X-ray luminosities of 5 × 10 32 to 10 34 erg s ―1 in the 2.0-10.0 keV band and photon indices in the range of Γ = 1.1 to 1.9. In one feature, we suggest the strong neutral Fe Kα emission line to be a possible indicator for past activity of Sgr A* . For G359.942-0.03, a particular filament of interest, we propose the model of a ram pressure confined stellar wind bubble from a massive star to account for the morphology, spectral shape and 6.7 keV He-like Fe emission detected. We also present a piecewise spectral analysis on two features of interest, G0.13―0.11 and G359.89-0.08, to further examine their physical interpretations. This analysis favours the PWN scenario for these features.
Phase estimation by bispectrum: a group delay approach

Abstract In this paper, a new method of extracting the system phase from that of the bispectrum, based on a group delay approach has been proposed. The phase estimation is achieved by relating the bispectral phase to the system group delay function. The proposed method does not make any assumptions regarding the phase values at any of the frequencies, uses all the bispectral phase data, does not involve any solution of a system of equations and does not require any phase unwarping. It is applicable to moving average (MA), autoregressive (AR) and autoagressive moving average (ARMA) systems and not just limited to MA systems. Even with fewer triple correlation lags, its performance is either superior to or at par with those of Lii and Rosenblatt's method or Brillinger's method. The proposed method has been evaluated for ARMA systems.
Detection of computer generated gravitational waves in numerical cosmologies

We propose to study the behavior of complicated numerical solutions to Einstein's equations for generic cosmologies by following the geodesic motion of a swarm of test particles. As an example, we consider a cylinder of test particles initially at rest in the plane symmetric Gowdy universe onT 3×R. For a circle of test particles in the symmetry plane, the geodesic equations predict evolution of the circle into distortions and rotations of an ellipse as well as motion perpendicular to the plane. The evolutionary sequence of ellipses depends on the initial position of the circle of particles. We display snapshots of the evolution of the cylinder.
Variables affecting toxicity of human sera in mouse embryo cultures.

It has been reported that sera from women with reproductive disorders can inhibit mouse embryo development. While performing tests on this subject in our laboratory, two unexpected variables were identified that can influence the effect of human serum on mouse embryo cultures. In a standard embryo culture system in which heatinactivated sera (10% final concentration) were added to two-cell mouse embryos and percentage blastocyst development was scored after 4 days, sera that had been collected into standard clinical Monoject blood collection red-stopper tubes were significantly more embryotoxic than sera collected from the same subjects into 15-ml Falcon centrifuge tubes (P<0.005). Furthermore, we observed that sera from laboratory personnel that worked with mice often inhibited mouse embryo development. To study this effect further, sera were collected from five fertile individuals who were routinely exposed to mice and from fertile women with no previous exposure to rodents. Sera from the mouse-exposed group were significantly more inhibitory than sera from the nonexposed control group (P<0.005). The effect was observed in the ammonium sulfate-precipitated immunoglobulin fraction of the mouse-exposed group's sera, and high titers of antibodies reactive with mouse spleen cells were detected in sera and immunoglobulin fractions from this group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Embryotoxic activity was neutralized by absorption with mouse lymphocytes, but not with rabbit or human lymphocytes, suggesting that a heterophilic antimouse antibody is the factor responsible for this effect. These data emphasize the importance of including extensive controls in experiments addressing toxic effects of human sera on mouse embryos.
Reciprocal deposits and incremental bank risk

Even after controlling for other observable factors, reciprocal deposits are associated with higher bank risk as measured by the probability of failure and the Z-score. These results are consistent with the moral hazard hypothesis and reject the risk substitution hypothesis.
Comments on the Proper Methods of Directing the Increasing Functions of Government in a Changing Social Order

(1940). Comments on the Proper Methods of Directing the Increasing Functions of Government in a Changing Social Order. Clinical and Experimental Optometry: Vol. 23, No. 12, pp. 549-565.
Stopping light all optically

We show that light pulses can be stopped and stored coherently, with an all-optical adiabatic and reversible pulse bandwidth compression process. Such a process overcomes the fundamental bandwidth-delay constraint in optics and can generate arbitrarily small group velocities for any light pulse with a given bandwidth, without any coherent or resonant light-matter interactions. We exhibit this process in optical resonators, where the bandwidth compression is accomplished only by small refractive-index modulations performed at moderate speeds.
Environmental Designs for Reading from Imaging Workstations: Ergonomic and Architectural Features

Despite the rapid progress made in the electronic design of imaging workstations for medicine, much less effort has gone into the design of environments in which such systems will be used. Based on studies of radiologist film reading sessions, considerable time will be spent working at such viewing systems. If the rooms in which the workstations are placed are not conducive to comfortable work, it will certainly not favor electronic viewing over film reading. In examining existing reading environments, it is also apparent that they are not optimum, even for film. Since some of the problems for film and electronic viewing overlap, such as heat generation (by the alternators, viewboxes, or workstation electronics) and glare from light sources, it should be possible to develop solutions which are applicable to both environments or to rooms which will feature both viewing systems. This paper will discuss some of the approaches to designing environments in which viewing of images is supported by the room architecture and engineering and not degraded by it. To illustrate these points, a design based on the constraint of a real room size and available architectural materials will be developed.
Synthesis of protoberberines using a silyl-directed Pictet–Spengler cyclization

Abstract Five naturally-occurring protoberberines have been synthesized in enantioenriched form by alkylation by two different 2-trimethylsilylbenzyl chlorides of four tetrahydroisoquinolines, derivatized with Meyers' formamidine valinol methyl ether chiral auxiliary. Silyl-directed Pictet–Spengler cyclization of the ensuing 3,4-dimethoxy-2-trimethylsilylbenzyl tetrahydroisoquinolines leads to four of the target protoberberines in excellent yield and complete regioselectivity. In the fifth case, the 3,4-methylenedioxy analog gives a mixture of protoberberine and a product of ring closure at C6 of the benzyl moiety in a 3:4 ratio.
A general approach to carbocyclic sugar analogs: preparation of a carbocyclic analog of β-d-fructofuranose☆☆☆

The development and execution of the first examples of a new and general approach to carbocyclic analogs of carbohydrates ("pseudo-sugars") is presented. Complete experimental details for the preparation of the carbocyclic analog of beta-D-fructofuranose 6-phosphate are described for the first time. In the conclusion, the success of the synthetic strategy is analyzed and an approach to retrosynthetic analysis based on "unitive synthons" is offered for consideration.
An operational semantics for Scheme

In the informal description of Scheme, the order of evaluating the operands and the operator of each application is unspecified. This paper presents an operational semantics for Scheme which faithfully reflects this fact. Furthermore, when the semantics is restricted so as to assume there is one unspecified order used throughout a program, the semantics is shown to be sound with respect to the denotational semantics of Scheme.
Indecomposable p-algebras and Galois subfields in generic abelian crossed products

Abstract Let F be a Henselian valued field with char ( F ) = p and D a semi-ramified, “not strongly degenerate” p-algebra. We show that all Galois subfields of D are inertial. Using this as a tool we study generic abelian crossed product p-algebras, proving among other things that the noncyclic generic abelian crossed product p-algebras defined by non-degenerate matrices are indecomposable p-algebras. To construct examples of these indecomposable p-algebras with exponent p and large index we study the relationship between degeneracy in matrices defining abelian crossed products and torsion in CH 2 of Severi–Brauer varieties.
Scale invariance of nonconserved quantities in driven systems.

Noisy nonequilibrium systems involving locally conserved quantities typically exhibit generic scale invariance\char22{}infinite correlation lengths and the associated algebraic decay of correlations without the tuning of external parameters. It is shown here that if such a conserved field, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{c}}$, is coupled linearly to a nonconserved one, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{n}}$, generic power-law decays are induced in the correlations of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{n}}$. When symmetry prevents linear coupling, correlations of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{n}}$ field decay exponentially under generic conditions, unless ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{n}}$ experiences a broken symmetry, in which case linear coupling and hence algebraic decays can be generated. Numerical support for these results in simple conserving coupled map lattices is presented.
Dynamical Tides in Rotating Binary Stars

We study the effect of rotation on the excitation of internal oscillation modes of a star by the external gravitational potential of its companion. Unlike the nonrotating case, there are difficulties with the usual mode decomposition for rotating stars because of the asymmetry between modes propagating in the direction of rotation and those propagating opposite to it. For an eccentric binary system, we derive general expressions for the energy transfer, ΔEs, and the corresponding angular momentum transfer, ΔJs, in a periastron passage when there is no initial oscillation present in the star. Except when a nearly precise orbital resonance occurs (i.e., the mode frequency equals multiple of the orbital frequency), ΔEs is very close to the steady state mode energy in the tide in the presence of dissipation. It is shown that stellar rotation can change the strength of dynamical tide significantly. In particular, retrograde rotation with respect to the orbit increases the energy transfer by bringing lower order g-modes (or f-modes for convective stars), which couple more strongly to the tidal potential, into closer resonances with the orbital motion of the companion. We apply our general formalism to the problems of tidal capture binary formation and the orbital evolution of the PSR J0045-7319/B star binary. Stellar rotation changes the critical impact parameter for binary capture. Although the enhancement (by retrograde rotation) in the capture cross section is at most ~20%, the probability that the captured system survives disruption/merging and therefore becomes a binary can be significantly larger. It is found that in order to explain the observed rapid orbital decay of the PSR J0045-7319 binary system, retrograde rotation in the B star is required.
A hybrid model of rubber elasticity in simple extension

A thermodynamically related continuum model developed for describing elastic rubber-like behavior of amorphous and crystallizing polymers is exemplified for simple extension. This model is based on a new concept of extendable dynamic segment (DS) whose unperturbed size is roughly evaluated for several polymers. The extension of the DS's hinders the cooperative rotations of monomer groups and contributes to the internal energy of chains. Therefore, in description of macroscopic elastic rubber deformation, this approach takes into account the motions of chains caused by both the entropy and internal energy. The model displays a continuous transition from entropy to energetic elasticity, without common singularity related to finite extensibility of polymer chains. A multi-scale molecular approach, based on the concept of extendable DS's, has been employed for evaluations of continuum parameters. In case of crystallizing polymers, a simple model is developed for the strain-induced crystallization based on local calculations of energetic gain caused by the formation of needle-like (NL) crystals. Then the strain-induced crystallization for a crystallizing rubber is described on continuum level taken into account the reinforcement effects of emerging NL crystals.
Learning to reason

We introduce a new framework for the study of reasoning. The Learning (in order) to Reason approach developed here views learning as an integral part of the inference process, and suggests that learning and reasoning should be studied together.The Learning to Reason framework combines the interfaces to the world used by known learning models with the reasoning task and a performance criterion suitable for it. In this framework, the intelligent agent is given access to its favorite learning interface, and is also given a grace period in with it can interact with this interface and construct a representation KB of the world W. The reasoning performance is measured only after this period, when the agent is presented with queries a from some query language, relevant to the world, and has to answer whether W implies a.The approach is meant to overcome the main computational difficulties in the traditional treatment of reasoning which stem from its separation from the “world”. Since the agent interacts with the world when construction its knowledge representation it can choose a representation that is useful for the task at hand. Moreover, we can now make explicit the dependence of the reasoning performance on the environment the agent interacts with.We show how previous results from learning theory and reasoning fit into this framwork and illustrate the usefulness of the Learning to Reason approach by exhibiting new results that are not possible in the traditional setting. First, we give Learning to Reason algorithms for classes of propositional languages for which there are no efficient reasoning algorithms, when represented as a traditional (formula-based) knowledge base. Second, we exhibit a Learning to Reason algorithm for a class of propositional languages that is not know to be learnable in the traditional sense.
ARPES in the normal state of the cuprates: Comparing the marginal Fermi-liquid and spin-fluctuation scenarios

We address the issue whether ARPES measurements of the spectral function Ak(ω) near the Fermi surface in the normal state of near optimally doped cuprates can distinguish between the marginal Fermi-liquid scenario and the spin-fluctuation scenario. We argue that the data for momenta near the Fermi surface are equally well described by both theories, but this agreement is nearly meaningless as in both cases one has to add to Σ''(ω) a large constant of yet unknown origin. We show that the data can be well fitted by keeping only this constant term in the self-energy. To distinguish between the two scenarios, one has to analyze the data away from the Fermi surface, when the intrinsic piece in Σ(ω) becomes dominant.
Wind Aggregation Via Risky Power Markets

Aggregation of diverse wind power sources can effectively reduce their uncertainty, and hence the cost of wind energy integration. A risky power contract is proposed, by which wind power producers (WPPs) can trade uncertain future power for efficient wind aggregation. A two-settlement market with both the risky power contract and a conventional firm power contract is shown to have a unique competitive equilibrium (CE), characterized in closed form. The marginal contribution and diversity contribution of each WPP to the group of all WPPs are fairly reflected in the profit earned by this WPP at the CE. Moreover, the CE achieves the same total profit as achieved by a grand coalition of WPPs. In a coalitional game setting, the profit allocation induced by the CE is always in the core, and is achieved via a non-cooperative risky power market. The benefits of the risky power market are demonstrated using wind generation and locational marginal price data for ten WPPs in the PJM interconnection.
Optimization of basis functions for both reconstruction and visualization

Algebraic reconstruction techniques for the reconstruction of distributions from projections have yielded improvements in diverse fields such as medical imaging and electron microscopy. An important property of these methods is that they allow the use of various basis functions. Recently spherically symmetric functions (blobs) have been introduced as efficacious basis functions for reconstruction. However, basis functions whose parameters were found to be appropriate for use in reconstruction are not necessarily good for visualization. We propose a method of selecting blob parameters for both reconstruction and visualization.
The Magnetorotational Instability in the Kerr Metric

The magnetorotational instability (MRI) is the leading candidate for driving turbulence, angular momentum transport, and accretion in astrophysical disks. I consider the linear theory of the MRI in a thin, equatorial disk in the Kerr metric. I begin by analyzing a mechanical model for the MRI that consists of two point masses on nearly circular orbits connected by a spring. I then develop a local Cartesian coordinate system for thin, equatorial Kerr disks. In this local model general relativistic effects manifest themselves solely through changes in the Coriolis parameter and in the tidal expansion of the effective potential. The MRI can be analyzed in the context of the local model using nonrelativistic magnetohydrodynamics, and the growth rates agree with those found in the mechanical model. The maximum growth rate measured by a circular orbit observer differs from a naive estimate using Newtonian gravity by a factor that varies between 1 and 4/3 for all radii and for all a/M.
Media Reporting of Jury Verdicts: Is the Tail (of the Distribution) Wagging the Dog

Media Reporting of Jury Verdicts: Is The Tail (of the Distribution) Wagging the Dog? Robert J. MacCoun Boalt Hall School of Law and Goldman School of Public Policy University of California at Berkeley Abstract. In 1996, Daniel Bailis and I published a statistical content analysis of media reporting on tort litigation between 1980 and 1990, at the peak of the tort reform debate. Compared with objective data on tort cases, we found that the magazine articles considerably overrepresented the relative frequency of controversial forms of litigation (product liability and medical malpractice), the proportion of disputes resolved by trial (rather than settlement), the plaintiff victory rate at trial, and the median and mean jury awards. Since that study was published, several content analyses have extended our work with respect to methodology and legal domain (e.g., employment discrimination cases, air-bag litigation, pharmaceutical industry litigation). In my paper, I will first briefly review the findings of these studies and sketch out their implications for claiming rates, settlement rates, and deterrence. I will then contrast two classes of explanations for the distortion. One class involves functional explanations involving media markets, the political interests of corporations, and the motivations of ordinary citizens. The second class involves formal attributes of the trial narratives themselves (plot features, numerical magnitude, and so on). I will argue that a formal, perceptual account is surprising successful in accounting for the observed pattern of distortion. In contrast, the functional accounts are either tautological or contradictory. If in fact the media distorts trial outcomes in the service of powerful corporate interests, they may be doing those interests a disservice. Everything else being equal, rational choice and psychological accounts agree that exaggerated estimates of the expected value of a lawsuit should encourage blaming, claiming, large awards, and overdeterrence. WORKING DRAFT (5/16/05): Address correspondence to 2607 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA 94720, maccoun@berkeley.edu, tel. 510-642-7518. Prepared for Who Feels Their Pain? The Challenge of Non-Economic Damages in Civil Litigation (11th Annual Clifford Symposium on Tort Law and Social Policy), DePaul University College of Law, DePaul University College of Law, 15 April 2005. Earlier versions were presented at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business (DATE) and at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Experimental Social Psychology, Ft. Worth TX, 15 October 2004. I thank Chip Heath (Stanford) for encouragement and advice, and Sean Farhang for very helpful comments on the first draft.
Influence of social support on health-related quality of life outcomes in head and neck cancer.

Background. Evidence that social support influences health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in oncologic patients could be particularly important for head and neck cancer because this disease can affect speech, eating, and facial aesthetics. Methods. Multiple regression analyses were used in this prospective, observational study to determine the association between 394 patients' ratings of perceived post-treatment social support and HRQOL outcomes while controlling for possible confounding variables. Results. Higher social support scores were significantly associated with higher scores in speech (p = .007), aesthetics (p = .015), social disruption (p = .045), and general mental health (p = .016) and with fewer depressive symptoms (p = .023) but not with general physical health (p = .191) or eating (p = .114). The magnitude of differences in the HRQOL outcomes for patients whose social support scores fell in the lowest and highest quartiles were clinically meaningful. Conclusions. Given the association between social support and HRQOL outcomes in this patient population, modification of perceived social support through clinical interventions could improve the survivorship of these patients. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
The fracture resistance of metal-ceramic interfaces

Abstract The effects of interface structure and microstructure and microstructure on the fracture energy Γ i of metal-ceramic interfaces are reviewed. Some systems exhibit a ductile fracture mechanism and others fail by brittle mechanisms. In the absence of either interphases or reaction products, Γ i is dominated by plastic dissipation (for both fracture mechanisms), leading to important effects of metal thickness h , and yield strength σ 0 . Additionally, Γ i is larger when fracture occurs by ductile void growth (for the same h and σ 0 ). A fundamental understanding now exists for the ductile fracture mechanism. However, some basic issues remain to be understood when fracture occurs by brittle bond rupture, particularly with regard to the role of the work of adhesion W ad . Interphases and reaction products have been shown to have an important effect on Γ i . A general trend found by experiments is that Γ i scales with the fracture energy of the interphase itself, wherein Γ i tends to increase for the interphase sequence amorphous oxides >crystalline oxides>intermetallics. However, there also appear to be important effects of the residual stresses in the interface (which influence the fracture mechanism) and the layer thickness.
The Revival of Galactic Cosmic-Ray Nucleosynthesis?

Because of the roughly linear correlation between Be/H and Fe/H in low-metallicity halo stars, it has been argued that a primary component in the nucleosynthesis of Be must be present in addition to the secondary component from standard Galactic cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis. In this paper we critically reevaluate the evidence for the primary versus secondary character of Li, Be, and B (LiBeB) evolution, analyzing both the observations and Galactic chemical evolution models. Although it appears that [Be/H] versus [Fe/H] has a logarithmic slope near 1, it is rather the Be-O trend that directly arises from the physics of spallation production. Using new abundances for oxygen in halo stars based on UV OH lines, we find that in Population II stars for which O has been measured, the Be-O slope has a large uncertainty due to systematic effects. Namely, the Be-O logarithmic slope lies in the range 1.3-1.8, rendering it difficult to distinguish from the data between the secondary slope of 2 and the primary slope of 1. The possible difference between the Be-Fe and Be-O slopes is a consequence of the variation in O/Fe versus Fe: recent data suggest that the best-fit O/Fe-Fe slope for Population II is in the range -0.5 to -0.2, rather than zero (i.e., FeO) as is often assumed. In addition to this phenomenological analysis of Be and B evolution, we have also examined the predicted LiBeB, O, and Fe trends in Galactic chemical evolution models that include outflow. Based on our results, it is possible that a good fit to the LiBeB evolution requires only the traditional Galactic cosmic-ray spallation and the (primary) neutrino-process contribution to 11B. We thus suggest that these two processes might be sufficient to explain 6Li, Be, and B evolution in the Galaxy, without the need for an additional primary source of Be and B. However, the uncertainties in the data at this time prevent one from reaching a definitive conclusion. Fortunately, several observational tests of this neoclassical scenario are available; we note in particular the importance of further observations to secure the O/Fe Population II trend, as well as accurate measurements of B/Be, 6Li/Be, and 11B/10B in halo stars.
A Mild and Facile Route to ω-Amino Esters

Abstract Lactim ethers are conveniently prepared from the corresponding lactam. The salt prepared by protonation with HC1 or HBF4sb> is hydrclyzed in neutral water at ambient temperatures to give good yields of the ω-amino ester.
Effects of neomycin on the development of tolerance to morphine antinociception.

The effects of neomycin on the development of tolerance to morphine antinociception were examined in mice. Because neomycin did not readly cross blood brain barrier, we examined the effects of neomycin following systemic, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intrathecal (i.t.) injections on the morphine tolerance. Daily subcutaneous (s.c.), i.c.v. and i.t. injections of morphine produced tolerance regardless of route of administration. Both i.c.v. and i.t. neomycin, which alone produced no changes in the basal tail flick latencies, significantly attenuated the development of tolerance to antinociception produced by repeated systemic morphine, while intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of neomycin did not affect morphine tolerance. Further, i.c.v. and i.t. neomycin attenuated the development of tolerance to antinociception produced by repeated i.c.v. and i.t. morphine, respectively, which were not attenuated by systemic neomycin. This results indicate a potential role for neomycin-sensitive Ca2+ channels on the development of tolerance to the morphine antinoception.
Boron analogues of phosphonoacetates: Synthesis, characterization and antitumor properties of sodium diethylphosphite-carboxyborane and related compounds

Abstract Several methods have been investigated for the synthesis of functionalized phosphite-borane adducts. As part of these investigations, the monosodium salt of diethylphosphite-carboxyborane (a boron analogue of sodium diethylphosphonoacetate) and related precursors and derivatives have been prepared. A brief description of their cytotoxic and antitumor properties is also presented.
Equilibrium Fictions: A Cognitive Approach to Societal Rigidity

This paper assesses the role of ideas in economic change, combining economic and historical analysis with insights from psychology, sociology and anthropology. Belief systems shape the system of categories ("pre-confirmatory bias") and perceptions (confirmatory bias), and are themselves constrained by fundamental values. We illustrate the model using the historical construction of racial categories. Given the post-Reformation fundamental belief that all men had rights, colonial powers after the 15th century constructed ideologies that the colonized groups they exploited were naturally inferior, and gave these beliefs precedence over other aspects of belief systems. Historical work finds that doctrines of race came into their own in the colonies that became the US after, not before, slavery; that out of the "scandal of empire" in India emerged a "race theory that cast Britons and Indians in a relationship of absolute difference"; and that arguments used by the settlers in Australia to justify their policies towards the Aborigines entailed in effect the expulsion of the Aborigines from the human race. Racial ideology shaped categories and perceptions in ways that we show can give rise to equilibrium fictions. In our framework, technology, contacts with the outside world, and changes in power and wealth matter not just directly but because they can lead to changes in ideology.
Acidity of silica-substituted zirconia

Abstract The acidity of zirconium-silicon oxides prepared by cogel and surface-impregnation techniques are compared using 2-methylpent-2-ene isomerization as an acidity probe. Silicon substitutes into zirconia over a wide stoichiometry range. Generally, increasing silicon content increases the surface area and lowers the isoelectric point of the resulting zirconium-silicon oxide phase. The relative number of acid sites obtained by comparing the rates of formation of the 3MP2 isomer increases with silicon content (up to ~ 75%), whereas acid site density, as measured by the normalized rate, plateaus near ~ 20% silicon addition and decreases at silicon loadings above ~ 85%. Acid strengths, as measured by the ratio of methyl group to double bond shift, increases with increasing silicon substitution peaking between 75–80% silicon addition. The acid strengths of zirconium-silicon oxides bracket that of a typical reforming catalyst support, 0.9% Cl-Al 2 O 3 . Samples prepared by impregnating silica on the surface of zirconium hydroxide and calcining appear to have a higher relative surface concentration of silica than bulk substituted samples.
Preparation and Characterization of PdFe Nanoleaves as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Novel PdFe-nanoleaves (NLs) have been prepared through a wet chemistry-based solution phase reduction synthesis route. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) coupled with high-spatial-resolution compositional analysis clearly show that this newly developed structure is assembled from Pd-rich nanowires (Pd-NWs) surrounded by Fe-rich sheets. The Pd-NWs have diameters in the range of 1.8−2.3 nm and large electrochemical surface areas of >50 m2/g. Their length (30−100 nm) and morphology can be tuned by altering the nanostructure synthesis conditions and the Fe amount in the NLs. With increasing Fe content, thinner and longer sheet-enveloped nanowires can be prepared. The side surfaces of Pd-NWs observed by HR-TEM are predominantly Pd(111) facets, while the tips and ends are Pd(110) and Pd(100) facets. By etching away the enveloping Fe-rich sheets using an organic acid, the Pd-rich NWs are exposed on the surfaces of the nanoleaves, and th...
Influence diffusion dynamics and influence maximization in social networks with friend and foe relationships

Influence diffusion and influence maximization in large-scale online social networks (OSNs) have been extensively studied because of their impacts on enabling effective online viral marketing. Existing studies focus on social networks with only friendship relations, whereas the foe or enemy relations that commonly exist in many OSNs, e.g., Epinions and Slashdot, are completely ignored. In this paper, we make the first attempt to investigate the influence diffusion and influence maximization in OSNs with both friend and foe relations, which are modeled using positive and negative edges on signed networks. In particular, we extend the classic voter model to signed networks and analyze the dynamics of influence diffusion of two opposite opinions. We first provide systematic characterization of both short-term and long-term dynamics of influence diffusion in this model, and illustrate that the steady state behaviors of the dynamics depend on three types of graph structures, which we refer to as balanced graphs, anti-balanced graphs, and strictly unbalanced graphs. We then apply our results to solve the influence maximization problem and develop efficient algorithms to select initial seeds of one opinion that maximize either its short-term influence coverage or long-term steady state influence coverage. Extensive simulation results on both synthetic and real-world networks, such as Epinions and Slashdot, confirm our theoretical analysis on influence diffusion dynamics, and demonstrate that our influence maximization algorithms perform consistently better than other heuristic algorithms.
Lessons from comparative effectiveness research methods development projects funded under the Recovery Act

Background: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) directed nearly US$29.2 million to comparative effectiveness research (CER) methods development. Aim: To help inform future CER methods investments, we describe the ARRA CER methods projects, identify barriers to this research and discuss the alignment of topics with published methods development priorities. Methods: We used several existing resources and held discussions with ARRA CER methods investigators. Results & conclusion: Although funded projects explored many identified priority topics, investigators noted that much work remains. For example, given the considerable investments in CER data infrastructure, the methods development field can benefit from additional efforts to educate researchers about the availability of new data sources and about how best to apply methods to match their research questions and data.
First Resolved Images of the Mira AB Symbiotic Binary at Centimeter Wavelengths

We report the first spatially resolved radio continuum measurements of the Mira AB symbiotic binary system, based on observations obtained with the Very Large Array (VLA). This is the first time that a symbiotic binary has been resolved unambiguously at centimeter wavelengths. We describe the results of VLA monitoring of both stars over a 10 month period, together with constraints on their individual spectral energy distributions, variability, and radio emission mechanisms. The emission from Mira A is consistent with originating from a radio photosphere, while the emission from Mira B appears best explained as free-free emission from an ionized circumstellar region ~(1-10) × 1013 cm in radius.
Nasal and paranasal sinus carcinoma: are we making progress? A series of 220 patients and a systematic review.

The authors reviewed treatment results in patients with nasal and paranasal sinus carcinoma from a large retrospective cohort and conducted a systematic literature review.
The Next Geminga: Deep Multiwavelength Observations of a Neutron Star Identified with 3EG J1835+5918

We describe Chandra, Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and radio observations that reveal a radio-quiet but magnetospherically active neutron star in the error circle of the high-energy γ-ray source 3EG J1835+5918, the brightest of the unidentified EGRET sources at high Galactic latitude. A Chandra ACIS-S spectrum of the ultrasoft X-ray source RX J1836.2+5925, suggested by Mirabal & Halpern as the neutron star counterpart of 3EG J1835+5918, requires two components: a blackbody of T∞ ≈ 3 × 105 K and a hard tail that can be parameterized as a power law of photon index Γ ≈ 2. An upper limit of d 28.5, and thus fX/fV > 6000 and d > 250 pc assuming the X-ray-fitted temperature for the full surface. Repeated observations with the 76 m Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank place an upper limit of less than 0.1 mJy on the flux density at 1400 MHz for a pulsar with P > 0.1 s and less than 0.25 mJy for a ~10 ms pulsar at the location of RX J1836.2+5925. All of this evidence points to an older, possibly more distant version of the highly efficient γ-ray pulsar Geminga as the origin of the γ-rays from 3EG J1835+5918.
Diastereoselective and enantioselective Mukaiyama aldol reactions of α-ketoesters using hydrogen bond catalysis

Hydrogen bond catalyzed Mukaiyama aldol reactions of α-ketoesters proceed in high diastereo- and enantioselectivities, giving products possessing two chiral centers, of which one is a tertiary alcohol.