cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newgate Prison in the Middle Ages

NEWGATE was the main prison of the city of London and the county of Middlesex. The other city prisons were the two sheriffs' compters, similar in many ways to the modern police station,2 and Ludgate which was opened in 1378 for freemen of the city held as debtors or on charges other than felony or treason. All those suspected of serious crimes went to Newgate, to be dealt with either by the mayor's court or by the justices of jail delivery. There also were to be found those committed to prison for punishment by the mayor, aldermen or sheriffs, for while the primary object of mediaeval prisons was to keep prisoners safe until trial or the payment of fine or debt, the opportunity of using them as places of punishment was not overlooked entirely. Breaches of the peace, disregard for the many ordinances governing life and trade within the city, petty crimes, and disrespect for the governing body were among the misdeeds sometimes punished by imprisonment. The terms ranged from a few days to a year and a day.3 Edward i even went so far as to order the punishment of assault and battery which did not prove fatal, by imprisonment, so that 'la duresce de cel punicement done crente as autres de trespasser.'4 Occasionally habitual criminals were sent to Newgate to prevent their doing further mischief.5 But besides being the chief prison of the city of London, Newgate was constantly used by the king and his justices for the safe keeping of dangerous and hardened criminals, approvers, heretics, over-mighty, rebellious and traitorous subjects, who were brought to London for trial.6 The greater part of the prisoners in Newgate were therefore criminals, often of the very worst sort, who were awaiting trial and probable death. The remaining inmates were either serving sentences, or were state prison-
Temperature-programmed desorption/surface reaction (TPD/TPSR) study of Fe-exchanged ZSM-5 for selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by ammonia

Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) were employed to study Fe-exchanged ZSM-5 for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with ammonia. TPD profiles of ammonia and NOx showed that both NOx and NH3 adsorbed on Fe–ZSM-5. Physisorbed NOx and NH3 were not affected significantly by iron content. With increasing iron content, chemisorbed NOx (mainly NO2 bonded to iron sites) increased while chemisorbed NH3 (mainly NH+4 on Bronsted acid sites) decreased due to substitution of protons by iron ions. The TPSR results indicated that ammonia adsorbed species were quite active in reacting with NO, O2, NO+O2, and NO2 (producing H2O, N2 and/or N2O), following the reactivity rank order NO2∼NO+O2>NO>O2. NOx adsorbed species were also reactive to NH3 at high temperatures. With NH3 and NOx coadsorbed on Fe–ZSM-5, TPSR with gaseous He, NO, and NO2 showed two kinds of reactions for N2 formation. One reaction near 55°C originated from decomposition of ammonium nitrite, which was not affected by Fe3+ content. The other reaction at higher temperatures (170–245°C) was due to an adsorbed complex, probably [NH+4]2NO2, reacting with NO or NO2. A possible reaction path was proposed for NO reduction involving NO2 and [NH+4]2NO2 as intermediates. Since the reactivity of [NH+4]2NO2 to NO (producing only N2 at 170°C) was higher than that to NO2 (producing both N2 and N2O at 200°C), it is reasonable to deduce that [NH+4]2NO2 prefers to react with NO and not NO2, both of which are present in the SCR reaction. This may be the reason for N2 being the only product for SCR on Fe–ZSM-5.
Cytokines and biocompatibility.

Issues in biocompatibility have traditionally focused on the interaction of membranes or materials with the activation of complement, red blood cell destruction, clotting dysfunctions, and platelet ac
Composite-material mechanics: Properties of planar-random fiber composites

This paper is primarily a literature review of over ten dozen papers on the methodology for predicting elastic stiffnesses, tensile strength, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity of planar-random fiber composites from the reinforcement geometry and appropriate properties of the constituent materials. Particular attention is devoted to the effects of fiber volume fraction, fiber curvature, fiber length, and fiber orientation, since variations in these properties can be introduced during the manufacturing process. 147 references.
Sexual dimorphism in digit-length ratios of laboratory mice

The lengths of the index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) are sexually dimorphic in humans, and men have a smaller 2D:4D ratio compared to women. Prenatal androgens appear to be important in the development of the 2D:4D sex difference, since it has been reported in children as young as 2 years old, and since humans exposed to supernormal prenatal androgen levels display a smaller 2D:4D ratio. We tested whether another mammalian species in which the process of peripheral sexual differentiation is androgen-dependent might also show a sex difference in digit ratios. The 2D:4D ratio of adult outbred mice was calculated for both the left and right rear paws. A sex difference was observed in the right rear paw: female mice had a larger 2D:4D ratio than did males. We also found this difference in prepubescent weanling mice. This sex difference is in the same direction as that observed in humans, and suggests that sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is a feature common to many, if not all, mammals. The mouse may therefore be a useful animal model for studying the factors that influence finger length patterns, which have recently been correlated with several specific behaviors and disease predispositions in humans.
Percutaneous placement of an external drain of the cisterna magna using interventional magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with a persistent cerebrospinal fluid fistula: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid diversion from the cisterna magna has been described previously but has largely been abandoned because of high complication rates and anatomic constraints. Situations still remain in which this may be the best or only alternative. We describe the use of interventional magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) for the application of this largely forgotten procedure. PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old woman with a previously diagnosed malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the thoracic spine presented with a refractory postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak complicated by diffuse meningeal carcinomatosis. External lumbar drainage was unsuccessful because of complete tumor obliteration. An attempt at primary closure augmented with muscle flaps was also ineffective. Ventricular drainage was deferred because of concern for tumor seeding, thus necessitating a more aggressive approach. TECHNIQUE: The patient was intubated and placed in the open iMRI portal in a lateral decubitus position. Under direct image guidance, a closed-tip lumbar catheter was inserted into the cisterna magna through an iMRI-compatible biopsy needle and then connected for external drainage. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first described use of iMRI technology for catheterization of the cisterna magna for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Moreover, iMRI technology should be considered in future applications of complex posterior fossa shunting procedures.
Oscillations of cylindrical rods and cables in shear flows

Abstract The oscillations of elastic strings and rigid rods in a fluid undergoing uniform shearing motion are considered. It is shown that the oscillations can become unbounded, in the sense of the linearized analysis, when a parameter designated as the shear frequency exceeds the unaffected natural frequency. With the above theory founding the basis of qualitative considerations, an empirical quasi-static analysis is devised for a more realistic situation analoging the wake-induced oscillations of high voltage transmission line bundles. An empirical equivalent of the shear frequency is derived from the analysis. This latter expression has an advantage in the sense of being a simple criterion and requiring only one piece of empirical information, the maximum static lift coefficient. The results are compared with experiments conducted in a wind tunnel using two in-line cables with the leeward cable in the wake of the windward cable. Self-induced oscillations leading to galloping are observed above a critical velocity calculated from the shear frequency criterion.
Fractal and DDS characterization of diamond wheel profiles

Abstract This paper discusses the characterization of wheel profiles using fractal analysis and the Data Dependent Systems approach. The wheel profiles studied are profilometry data taken from the surfaces of resinoid diamond wheels. Fractal analysis of wheel profiles reveals that wheel surfaces exhibit fractal characteristics over a linear range, limited by the traced length at larger scales and the measuring method at smaller scales. This study finds that: (i) the fractal dimension for the wheels studied range from 1.006 to 1.015;(ii) the fractal dimension of a coarser wheel is larger than that of a finer wheel; and (iii) fractal dimension is highly correlated to the grinding responses, i.c., normal force, power, and surface finish. It is concluded that fractal analysis is comparable to the Data Dependent Systems (DDS) approach for wheel profile characterization.
Limit Cycle-Strange Attractor Competition

To understand the competition between what are known as limit cycle and strange attractor dynamics, the classical oscillators that display such features were coupled and studied with and without external forcing. Numerical simulations show that, when the Duffing equation (the strange attractor prototype) forces the van der Pol oscillator (the limit cycle prototype), the limit cycle is destroyed. However, when the van der Pol oscillator is coupled to the Duffing equation as linear forcing, the two traditionally stable steady states are destabilized and a quasi-periodic orbit is born. In turn, this limit cycle is eventually destroyed because the coupling strength is increased and eventually gives way to strange attractor or chaotic dynamics. When two van der Pol oscillators are coupled in the absence of external periodic forcing, the system approaches a stable, nonzero steady state when the coupling strengths are both unity; trajectories approach a limit cycle if coupling strengths are equal and less than 1. Solutions grow unbounded if the coupling strengths are equal and greater than 1. Quasi-periodic solutions give way to chaos as the coupling strength increases and one oscillator is strongly coupled to the other. Finally, increasing the nonlinearity in both the oscillators is stabilizing whereas increasing the nonlinearity in a single oscillator results in subcritical instability.
Twin boundaries in nanowires—controllable introduction

Twin boundaries are high symmetry interfaces in crystalline solids such as nanowires. Nevertheless, as interfaces, twin boundaries interrupt dislocation glide and affect the mechanical properties of crystalline nanowires. To take full advantage of this effect, it is desirable to introduce twin boundaries in a controllable fashion. This paper reviews various ways of introducing twin boundaries, with particular emphasis on the new approach of combining mechanical torsion and local heating.
Agricultural Crisis and Biological Well-Being in Mexico, 1730-1835

In a peasant, pre-industrial society, such as eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Mexico's, how much did adverse climatic conditions and high food prices influence the opportunities of the popular classes? Did they affect urban rather than rural dwellers? The article aims to shed light on these questions by using long-run datasets of soldier heights, real food prices, El Nino global climatic events, and warm-season tree growth. First, a remarkable and generalized decline in living standards is observed. Average height declined, and the cost of food increased; by contrast, the climate had no long-run trend. Next, the effects of climate and real prices on height are estimated using regression analysis. High food prices and adverse climatic conditions had a deleterious effect on height. The effect of food prices on height was more pronounced among large city natives, while for the rest of the population, regional climatic conditions had more relevance. Shifting the focus from specific disastrous events to long-run dynamics, this essay argues that the distribution and acquisition of food has as much influence on biological well-being as the availability of food at a given time.
Nanocrystalline BaTiO3 from the Gas-Condensation Process

Nanocrystalline BaTiO3 can be prepared by the gas condensation method at a temperature as low as 700°C, with an average particle size as small as 18nm. The stoichiometry of nanocrystalline BaTiO3 particles can be controlled precisely and reproducibly. Nanocrystalline BaTiO3 powders, fabricated by a novel e-beam evaporation method, show good sintering behavior with a high density at a temperature as low as 1200°C. These samples exhibit a relatively larger dielectric constant than that of coarse-grained BaTiO3. In addition, a thermal analysis has been also carried out to determinethe lowest temperature for forming nanostructured BaTiO3 from Ba/Ti oxidized clusters at ambient pressure.
Characteristics of Externally Pressurized Journal Bearings with Membrane-Type Variable-Flow Restrictors as Compensating Elements

The characteristics of externally pressurized journal bearings with four recesses and with membrane-type variable-flow restrictors as compensating elements are analytically investigated by using th...
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous d- and l-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers

Background/Aims Methamphetamine has a chiral structure. The aim of the present study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine enantiomers in humans. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, six-period crossover study, methamphetamine (0.25 mg/kg d- or l-, 0.5 mg/kg d-, l- or racemic (1:1) methamphetamine and placebo) was given intravenously to 12 healthy methamphetamine users. Results d-Methamphetamine showed 30% smaller AUC compared to l-methamphetamine after administration of the racemic form. However, AUCs were similar between d- and l-methamphetamine when given on separate occasions at both doses (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg). AUC ratios for d-methamphetamine/l-methamphetamine were 0.910 (90% CI; 0.837–0.984) for the 0.25 mg/kg dose, 0.894 (0.821–0.967) for the 0.5 mg/kg dose, and 0.679 (0.623–0.736) for the racemic dose. AUC and Cmax at 0.5 mg/kg dose were twofold greater than those at 0.25 mg/kg dose for both enantiomers. The elimination half-lives were slightly longer for l-methamphetamine. Vd was similar for both formulations. AUC ratios for amphetamine/methamphetamine were significantly higher for the d-enantiomer (16–17%) than the l-enantiomer (3–4%). Conclusions d- and l-Methamphetamine are apparently bioequivalent in terms of AUC when given separately, with linear pharmacokinetics between 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg doses. However, administration of d-methamphetamine results in a higher metabolite concentration compared to the l-form. NIDA DA12521 and DA12393. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P37–P37; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.034
Balanced Realization for 2-D Data Fusion**

A two-dimensional (2-D) balanced realization method to fuse output measurements available on restricted regions and estimate the missing data is presented. The technique is based on augmented systems carried on the state matrices computed from each data set. The gaps in frequency and angle over the entire spectrum are filled using the augmented matrices (A,B,C) to characterize the system dynamics of a target in range and cross range, respectively. Next, a reduced order of a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system is computed from the entire data, including the measurements and the model within the vacant regions to obtain the 2-D states associated with the physical scatterers that lay on the target body. Technique effectiveness is confirmed, and results are presented for static-range radar measurements taken on a canonical target.
Ameloblastic secretion and calcification of the enamel layer in shark teeth

Tooth primordia at early stages of mineralization in the sharks Negaprion brevirostris and Triaenodon obesus were examined electron microscopically for evidence of ameloblastic secretion and its relation to calcification of the enamel (enameloid) layer. Ameloblasts are polarized with most of the mitochondria and all of the Golgi dictyosomes localized in the infranuclear end of the cell toward the squamous outer cells of the enamel organ. Endoplasmic reticular membranes and ribosomes are also abundant in this region. Ameloblastic vesicles bud from the Golgi membranes and evidently move through perinuclear and supranuclear zones to accumulate at the apical end of the cell. The vesicles secrete their contents through the apical cell membrane in merocrine fashion and appear to contribute precursor material both for the basal lamina and the enameline matrix. The enamel layer consists of four zones: a juxta-laminar zone containing newly polymerized mineralizing fibrils (tubules); a pre-enamel zone of assembly of matrix constituents; palisadal zones of mineralizing fibrils (tubules); and interpalisadal zones containing granular amorphous matrix, fine unit fibrils, and giant cross-banded fibers with a periodicity of 17.9 nm. It seems probable that amorphous, non-mineralizing fibrillar and mineralizing fibrillar constituents of the matrix are all products of ameloblastic secretion. Odontoblastic processes are tightly embedded in the matrix of the palisadal zones and do not appear to be secretory at the stages investigated. The shark tooth enamel layer is considered homologous with that of other vertebrates with respect to origin of its mineralizing fibrils from the inner dental epithelium. The term enameloid is appropriate to connote the histological distinction that the enamel layer contains odontoblastic processes but should not signify that shark tooth enamel is a modified type of dentine. How amelogenins and/or enamelins secreted by ameloblasts in the shark and other vertebrates are related to nucleation and growth of enamel crystallites is still not known.
The dynamics of vulnerability: Why adapting to climate variability will not always prepare us for climate change

Recent reports and scholarship suggest that adapting to current climate variability may represent a ‘no regrets’ strategy for adapting to climate change. Addressing ‘adaptation deficits’ and other approaches that target existing vulnerabilities are helpful for responding to current climate variability, but we argue that they may not be sufficient for adapting to climate change. Through a review and unique synthesis of the natural hazards and climate adaptation literatures, we identify why the dynamics of vulnerability matter for adaptation efforts. We draw on vulnerability theory and the natural hazards and climate adaptation literatures to outline how adaptation to climate variability, combined with the shifting societal landscape can sometimes lead to unintended consequences and increased vulnerability. Moreover, we argue that public perceptions of risk associated with current climate variability do not necessarily position communities to adapt to the impacts from climate change. We suggest that decision makers faced with adapting to climate change must consider the dynamics of vulnerability in a connected system—how choices made in one part of the system might impact other valued outcomes or even create new vulnerabilities. We conclude by suggesting the need for greater engagement with various publics on the tradeoffs involved in adaptation action and for improving communication about the complicated nature of the dynamics of vulnerability. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. How to cite this article:
An improved variant of the julia olefin synthesis: reductive elimination of β-hydroxy imidazolyl sulfones by samarium dhodide

The reductive elimination reaction of β-hydroxy imidazolyl sulfones to afford the corresponding olefins can be accomplished under mild conditions and in good yields using SmI 2 , offering a convenient modification of the Julia olefin synthesis
Aspirin Use and the Risk of Prostate Cancer Mortality in Men Treated With Prostatectomy or Radiotherapy

Purpose Experimental evidence suggests that anticoagulants (ACs) may inhibit cancer growth and metastasis, but clinical data have been limited. We investigated whether use of ACs was associated with the risk of death from prostate cancer. Patients and Methods This study comprised 5,955 men in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor database with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT). Of them, 2,175 (37%) were receiving ACs (warfarin, clopidogrel, enoxaparin, and/or aspirin). The risk of prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) was compared between the AC and non-AC groups. Results After a median follow-up of 70 months, risk of PCSM was significantly lower in the AC group compared with the non-AC group (3% v 8% at 10 years; P < .01). The risks of disease recurrence and bone metastasis were also significantly lower. In a subgroup analysis by clinical risk category, the reduction in PCSM was most prominent in patients wi...
Continental Drift: The Canadian Clubs of New York City and the Question of Canadian–American Relations, 1885–1914

The three decades leading up to World War I witnessed major shifts in the diplomatic relationship between Canada and the United States. Though attempts to forge a North American free-trade agreement failed, Canada and the U.S. forged unprecedented bilateral ties. This article examines how Canadian expatriates in the United States between 1885 and 1914 perceived the changing relationship between their native land and their adopted home. It focuses on the Canadian clubs of New York City, which provided a space in which well-to-do immigrants fostered Canadian patriotism, cultivated ties with politicians, and debated the Dominion’s future with leading intellectuals and diplomats. These clubs, it is argued, articulated a new brand of Canadian nationalism deeply rooted in North America. At times this vision matched sentiments north of the border; at others, it inflamed them. Most notably, during the 1891 and 1911 federal elections, New York’s Canadians campaigned fervently for free trade, and in so doing found themselves at odds with a majority of Canadians north of the border.
Airway Growth and Development: A Computerized 3-Dimensional Analysis

Purpose The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in the normal upper airway during growth and development using 3-dimensional computer analysis from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data to provide a normative reference. Methods The airway size and respiratory mode are known to have a relationship to facial morphology and the development of a malocclusion. The use of CBCT, 3-dimensional imaging, and automated computer analysis in treatment planning allows the upper airway to be precisely evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the growth of the airway using 3-dimensional analysis and CBCT data from age 6 through old age, in 1300 normal individuals. Results The airway size and length increase until age 20 at which time a variable period of stability occurs. Next, the airway at first decreases slowly in size and then, after age 40, more rapidly. Normative data are provided in the present study for age groups from 6 to 60 years in relation to the airway total volume, smallest cross-sectional area and vertical length of the airway. Conclusions This 3-dimensional data of the upper airway will provide a normative reference as an aid in the early understanding of respiration and dentofacial anatomy, which will help in early treatment planning.
The evolution of laser surgery for acne and other scarring processes.

Abstract The treatment of acne scars is an important part of a laser specialist's practice. For the last 20 years, the technology available for this application has progressed from nonablative to ablative and eventually to fractional lasers that are effective for a range of scar types. Although patients with mild to severe acne scarring have long been good laser candidates, we are beginning to understand the use of lasers for severe traumatic scars which can be disfiguring and functionally limiting in nature.
Active Smoking and Mortality Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: The Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort

Purpose Active smoking is associated with higher colorectal cancer risk, but its association with survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis is unclear. We investigated associations of smoking, before and after diagnosis, with all-cause and colorectal cancer‐specific mortality among colorectal cancer survivors. Patients and Methods From a cohort of adults who were initially free of colorectal cancer, we identified 2,548 persons diagnosed with invasive, nonmetastatic colorectal cancer between baseline (1992 or 1993) and 2009. Vital status and cause of death were determined through 2010. Smoking was self-reported on the baseline questionnaire and updated in 1997 and every 2 years thereafter. Postdiagnosis smoking information was available for 2,256 persons (88.5%). Results Among the 2,548 colorectal cancer survivors, 1,074 died during follow-up, including 453 as a result of colorectal cancer. In multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, prediagnosis current smoking was associated with higher all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR], 2.12; 95% CI, 1.65 to 2.74) and colorectal cancer‐specific mortality (RR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.50 to 3.07), whereas former smoking was associated with higher all-cause mortality (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.36) but not with colorectal cancer‐specific mortality (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.10). Postdiagnosis current smoking was associated with higher all-cause (RR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.58 to 3.13) and colorectal cancer‐specific mortality (RR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.15 to 3.21), whereas former smoking was associated with all-cause mortality (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.42). Conclusion This study adds to the existing evidence that cigarette smoking is associated with higher all-cause and colorectal cancer‐specific mortality among persons with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.
SPICE simulation used to characterize the cross-talk reduction effect of additional tracks grounded with vias on printed circuit boards

In analog and digital electronic systems, cross-talk between tracks on a printed circuit board can degrade the performance of equipment operations. A technique based on additional tracks grounded by vias, with which the cross-talk can be reduced by 50-90%, is presented. The circuit analysis code SPICE is used to analyze a lumped-circuit Tee structure model of three coupled lines. The via discontinuities are modeled in a novel way, which accounts for their transient skin-effect resistance. Both the cross-talk model and the cross-talk reduction technique are validated with measured results for signals of 50-1000 MHz, and risetimes of 5 ns. It is also shown how the far-field radiation from the circuit board is reduced with the introduction of additional grounded tracks. >
Targeting STAT5 in Hematologic Malignancies through Inhibition of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) Bromodomain Protein BRD2

The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) is constitutively activated in a wide range of leukemias and lymphomas, and drives the expression of genes necessary for proliferation, survival, and self-renewal. Thus, targeting STAT5 is an appealing therapeutic strategy for hematological malignancies. Given the importance of bromodomain-containing proteins in transcriptional regulation, we considered the hypothesis that a pharmacological bromodomain inhibitor could inhibit STAT5-dependent gene expression. We found that the small molecule bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 decreases STAT5-dependent (but not STAT3-dependent) transcription of both heterologous reporter genes and endogenous STAT5 target genes. JQ1 reduces STAT5 function in leukemia and lymphoma cells with constitutive STAT5 activation, or inducibly activated by cytokine stimulation. Among the BET bromodomain sub-family of proteins, it appears that BRD2 is the critical mediator for STAT5 activity. In experimental models of acute T cell lymphoblastic leukemias, where activated STAT5 contributes to leukemia cell survival, Brd2 knock-down or JQ1 treatment shows strong synergy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in inducing leukemia cells apoptosis. By contrast, mononuclear cells isolated form umbilical cord blood, which is enriched in normal hematopoietic precursor cells, were unaffected by these combinations. These findings indicate a unique functional association between BRD2 and STAT5, and suggest that combinations of JQ1 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be an important rational strategy for treating leukemias and lymphomas driven by constitutive STAT5 activation.
Invited review: GPCR structural characterization: Using fragments as building blocks to determine a complete structure.

The structural characterization of G protein-coupled receptors has surged since the development of methodologies to facilitate the crystallization of these highly helical, seven transmembrane, integral membrane receptors. In the past seven years, eighteen GPCR structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures represent a static picture of these conformationally flexible signal transducers. Analyses that probe their dynamics and conformational changes require other techniques, in particular solution state nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Such investigations are challenged by the size of GPCRs, their α-helical structure, which limits resonance dispersion, their tendencies to aggregate in micellar preparations and their conformational heterogeneity. For many years, groups have been studying GPCR fragments as a means to overcome some of these difficulties. The results of these fragment analyses are presented here. Review of the literature reveals that much of the original work depended on circular dichroism, infra-red spectroscopy and fluorescence approaches. High resolution structures obtained by NMR are compared, where applicable, to the available crystal structures. In most cases, the work done on fragments by biophysical analysis is validated by these comparisons. Our perspective on the field of GPCR fragment analysis is presented together with the future goals that must be considered if work with fragments is continued.
Atomic structure and chemical order in binary Ge–Te and As–Te glasses: A Te K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic study

Abstract The nearest-neighbor coordination environments of Te atoms in GexTe100−x glasses with x = 15 and 20 and in AsxTe100−x glasses with 40 ⩽ x ⩽ 65 have been studied with Te K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy. The average coordination number of Te atoms in all glasses is found to be ∼2.0 and no violation of the 8-N rule is observed. The compositional makeup of the first coordination shell of Te atoms indicates that chemical order is largely preserved in both glass-forming binary systems. Sudden changes in the Te coordination environment and violation of chemical order are observed at the stoichiometric As40Te60 glass implying formation of a constrained network. The compositional dependence of the physical properties in both systems can be correlated to short-range chemical order.
Exploring internal stickiness: Impediments to the transfer of best practice within the firm

The ability to transfer best practices internally is critical to a firtn's ability to build competitive advantage through the appropriation of rents from scarce internal knowledge. Just as a firm's distinctive competencies tnight be dificult for other firms to imitate, its best prczctices could be dfficult to imitate internnlly. Yet, little systematic attention has been pcrid to such internal stickiness. The author analyzes itlterrzal stickiness of knowledge transfer crnd tests the resulting model using canonical correlation analysis of a data set consisting of 271 observations of 122 best-practice transfers in eight companies. Contrary to corzverztiorzrzl wisdom that blames primarily motivational factors, the study findings show the major barriers to internal knowledge transfer to be knowledge-related factors such as the recipient's lack oj absorptive capacity, causal anzbiguity, and an arciuous relationship between the source and the recipient. The identification and transfer of best practices cally are hindered less by confidentiality and legal is emerging as one of the most important and obstacles than external transfers, they could be widespread practical management issues of the faster and initially less complicated, all other latter half of the 1990s. Armed with meaningful, things being equal. For those reasons, in an era detailed performance data, firms that use fact- when continuous organizational learning and based management methods such as TQM, bench- relentless performance improvement are needed to marking, and process reengineering can regularly remain competitive, companies must increasingly compare the performance of their units along resort to the internal transfer of capabilitie~.~ operational dimensions. Sparse but unequivocal Yet, experience shows that transferring capaevidence suggests that such comparisons often bilities within a firm is far from easy. General reveal surprising performance differences between Motors had great difficulty in transferring manuunits, indicating a need to improve knowledge facturing practices between divisions (Kerwin and utilization within the firm (e.g., Chew, Bresnahan, Woodruff, 1992: 74) and IBM had limited suc
Examining Investor Expectations Concerning Tax Savings on the Repatriations of Foreign Earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law on October 22, 2004. One of the most significant aspects of this legislation is a temporary tax holiday for dividend repatriations from foreign subsidiaries. U.S. multinational corporations may elect during a one‐year window to deduct 85 percent of extraordinary cash dividends received from foreign subsidiaries. In this study, we model the impact that this legislation has on a firm's decision to either repatriate or reinvest foreign earnings from abroad. We then examine investors' assessment of how U.S. multinational corporations will respond to the temporary tax holiday. Our results indicate that investors repriced the tax liability consistent with investors anticipating that U.S. multinational corporations will repatriate a significant portion of their permanently reinvested foreign earnings during the tax holiday.
A day late and a dollar short: the case for research on cloud billing systems

Cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Google Compute Engine, and Rackspace Public Cloud have been the subject of numerous measurement studies considering performance, reliability, and cost efficiency. However, little attention has been paid to billing. Cloud providers rely upon complex, large-scale billing systems that track customer resource usage at fine granularity and generate bills reflecting measured usage. However, it is not known how visible such usage is to customers, and how closely provider charges correspond to customers' view of their resource usage. We initiate a study of cloud billing systems, focusing on Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine, and Rackspace, and uncover a variety of issues, including: inherent difficulties in predicting charges; bugs that lead to free CPU time on EC2 and over-charging for storage in Rackspace; and long and unpredictable billing-update latency. Our measurements motivate further study on billing systems, and so we conclude with a brief discussion of open questions for future work.
Intragenic expression profile in tissue and plasma for the detection of TMPRSS2 rearrangements associated with prostate cancer

5162 Background: TMPRSS2 gene rearrangements have been reported in 40%-85% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients and have not been found in normal individuals or those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). However, multiple partner genes, including ETS transcription genes, and breakpoints have been reported. We developed an assay based on TMPRSS2 5′ and 3′ intragenic differential expression (IDE) to potentially serve as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for PCa. Methods: We analyzed TMPRSS2 in FFPE tissue from 20 patients (9 PCa and 11 BPH) and plasma from 42 patients (32 PCa and 10 BPH). IDE was expressed as a ratio of 3′:5′ transcript levels which were determined by real-time RT-PCR using distinct primer/probe sets. A normal 3′:5′ ratio (≥30) was established by comparing nonmalignant cells to tumor cells from FFPE tissue. This cutoff was subsequently used to identify abnormal ratios in plasma specimens. Results: In FFPE tissue, 100% of PCa samples had a 3′:5′ratio <30 and 91% of BPH samples were ≥30 (Tabl...
Validation of an operational product to determine L1 to Earth propagation time delays

We describe the development and validation of an operational space weather tool to forecast propagation delay times between L1 and Earth using the Weimer and King (2008) tilted phase front technique. A simple flat plane convection delay method is currently used by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to propagate the solar wind from a monitoring satellite located at L1 to a point upstream of the magnetosphere. This technique assumes that all observed solar wind discontinuities, such as interplanetary shocks and interplanetary coronal mass ejection boundaries, are in a flat plane perpendicular to the Sun-Earth line traveling in the GSE X direction at the observed solar wind velocity. In reality, these phase plane fronts can have significantly tilted orientations, and by relying on a ballistic propagation method, delay time errors of ±15 min are common. In principle, the propagation time delay product presented here should more accurately predict L1 to Earth transit times by taking these tilted phase plane fronts into account. This algorithm, which is based on the work of Weimer and King (2008), is currently running in real time in test mode at SWPC as part of the SWPC test bed. We discuss the current algorithm performance, and via our detailed validation study, show that there is no significant difference between the two propagation methods when run in a real-time operational environment.
Genome-wide approaches and technologies to assess human variation

6 Current genome-wide technologies allow interrogation and exploration of the human genome 7 as never before. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, along with high resolution 8 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) arrays and array Comparative Genomic Hybrization 9 (aCGH) enable assessment of human genome variation at the finest resolution from base pair 10 changes such as simple nucleotide variants (SNVs) to large copy-number variants (CNVs). The 11 application of these genomic technologies in the clinical setting has also enabled the molecular 12 characterization of genetic disorders and the understanding of the biological functions of more 13 genes in human development, disease, and health. In this review, the current approaches and 14 platforms available for high-throughput human genome analyses, the steps involved in these 15 different methodologies from sample preparation to data analysis, their applications, and 16 limitations are summarized and discussed. 17
Microprocessor control of high-speed wind tunnel stagnation pressure

The development and implementation of a control algorithm for the microprocessor-based stagnation pressure control system of the Penn State Supersonic Wind Tunnel Facility is reported. The gas dynamics and the controlvalve characteristics of this blowdown-type facility are nonlinearly related. A mathematical model was developed for the open-loop system characteristics and was linearized for the controller design. A single-input, single-output PI controller was chosen for this task because of its simplicity and availability. The resulting performance of the supersonic wind tunnel wds found to be quite good, with stagnation pressure variations typically held to within 1 to 2 percent.
AB1082 Management of gout in patients hospitalized with heart failure

Background Both gout and hyperuricemia are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart failure (HF). Recent data show that a history of gout and an acute episode of gout are risk factors for HF readmission and mortality. 1 Objectives Our objective was to describe characteristics of patients with HF and gout and evaluate current practice patterns for acute and maintenance therapy for gout in the setting of HF exacerbation. Methods Adult patients who were hospitalized for at least a day with primary diagnosis of HF at an academic medical center (2007-2010) were eligible (n=2,407). Of those, we reviewed the electronic medical records of 161 patients who had a serum uric acid level checked during the index hospitalization; individuals who had either history of gout or acute gouty flare during hospitalization were eligible. Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy as well as in-hospital deaths were excluded. Data on demographic characteristics, admission and discharge date, comorbid conditions, serum uric acid level, and gout characteristics and treatment were analyzed. Results A total of 74 patients, 16 with a new diagnosis of gout and 58 with a history of gout, were identified (see Table). Among the 58 patients with a history of gout, 22 (38%) developed a flare up during hospitalization. 30 (52%) of patients with a history of gout were on allopurinol, daily dosing ranged from 50mg to 600mg (median: 100mg). Nearly all patients (97%) on allopurinol had a serum uric acid level higher than 6.0mg/dl (median: 9.43mg/dl). 34% of patients who had acute gout during hospitalization had a polyarticular attack. Most patients had significant comorbidities such as diabetes (39%), chronic kidney disease (60%) and coronary artery disease (43%). Among the patients with an acute gout flare (n=38), common treatments were colchicine (53%) and/or oral corticosteroids (45%). Less than 10% received intra-articular steroid injections and none took an NSAID. Conclusions Our study showed that almost all patients with gout and HF were hyperuricemic, most despite the use of allopurinol. Since the HF population is at high risk of gout attacks, more aggressive dose titration with uric acid lowering therapy may be warranted. References Thanassoulis G, Brophy J, Richard H, Pilote L. Gout, allopurinol use, and heart failure outcomes. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(15):1358-1364. Disclosure of Interest S. Kim Grant/Research support from: Pfizer, Takeda, D. Solomon Grant/Research support from: Pfizer, Amgen, BMS, Abbot
Bio-Inspired Morphogenesis Using Microvascular Networks and Reaction–Diffusion

Microstructure is a critical element of many synthetic materials including materials for separations, heat transfer, and electrical energy storage. Similarly, natural systems employ microstructure for most structural and mass transfer processes. These systems achieve high-levels of performance through continuous, structural remodeling, which enables adaptation and improvement of their raw materials. In contrast, current microfabrication techniques produce static materials that do not adapt. Here, we show a fabrication process inspired by biological systems capable of adaptation. Combining the basic elements of morphogenesis, reaction and diffusion (RD), and a microvascular scaffold, we pattern microstructured materials by balancing the rates of depolymerization and inhibition of that depolymerization with a diffusive agent. As a result, the materials continuously reshape their microstructure and improve their performance. Using this system, we also recapitulate a hallmark of biological structures, formati...
Degradation Signals for Ubiquitin-Proteasome Dependent Cytosolic Protein Quality Control (CytoQC) in Yeast

Cellular protein quality control (PQC) systems selectively target misfolded or otherwise aberrant proteins for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). How cells discern abnormal from normal proteins remains incompletely understood, but involves in part the recognition between ubiquitin E3 ligases and degradation signals (degrons) that are exposed in misfolded proteins. PQC is compartmentalized in the cell, and a great deal has been learned in recent years about ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and nuclear quality control. In contrast, a comprehensive view of cytosolic quality control (CytoQC) has yet to emerge, and will benefit from the development of a well-defined set of model substrates. In this study, we generated an isogenic “degron library” in Saccharomyces cerevisiae consisting of short sequences appended to the C-terminus of a reporter protein, Ura3. About half of these degron-containing proteins are substrates of the integral membrane E3 ligase Doa10, which also plays a pivotal role in ERAD and some nuclear protein degradation. Notably, some of our degron fusion proteins exhibit dependence on the E3 ligase Ltn1/Rkr1 for degradation, apparently by a mechanism distinct from its known role in ribosomal quality control of translationally paused proteins. Ubr1 and San1, E3 ligases involved in the recognition of some misfolded CytoQC substrates, are largely dispensable for the degradation of our degron-containing proteins. Interestingly, the Hsp70/Hsp40 chaperone/cochaperones Ssa1,2 and Ydj1, are required for the degradation of all constructs tested. Taken together, the comprehensive degron library presented here provides an important resource of isogenic substrates for testing candidate PQC components and identifying new ones.
Social bonds and police misconduct

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between social control (adult social bonds) and police misconduct. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple regression methods are used to analyze survey data from a sample of 101 first-line police supervisors. A consequence-based measure is used to capture social bonds and workplace deviance is measured as the self-reported likelihood of future misconduct. Findings – Police supervisors reported varying likelihoods of future workplace deviance across four acts of misconduct. Social control was found to be negatively related to three of the four acts, which provides general support for the theory and study hypothesis. Practical implications – The results are discussed in terms of research and policy implications. Originality/value – Acknowledging important gaps in the literature, this study explores the validity of social control theory for explaining police misconduct.