cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roost-site Selection by Eastern Red Bats (Lasiurus borealis)

Abstract To investigate natural roost-site selection by eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) in an urban area we equipped 12 bats with radio-transmitters and located them at 75 individual roost sites in central Illinois from 16 July to 30 September 1996. Bats used a diversity of roosts including mature trees, leaf litter, dense grass and the shingles of houses, but the majority of roosts (89%) were in the foliage or on the trunks of large deciduous trees (>45 cm dbh). Sweetgum (Liquidambar syraciflua) and oaks (Quercus spp.) were commonly used. Most roosts were located in foliage, >5 m above the ground, within 1.5 m of the edge of the crown and with few branches beneath to obstruct flight paths. Red bats showed fidelity to roost sites within a small geographic area, but not to particular roosts. Individuals rarely used the same roost on consecutive days, but 82% of roosts used on successive days were within 100 m of each other. In the cornbelt region of the Midwest, where forests have been extensively cle...
Flash X-Ray Test of the CMOS/SOS SCP-STAR ALU

This paper reports on the measurement of the x-ray upset dose rate for a subsystem which was designed to represent the ALU part of the SCP-STAR spacecraft computer. This computer was fabricated totally with radhard, CMOS/SOS devices. The test was conducted at the OWL flash x-ray facility of Physics International. The results showed that the upset dose rate for the subsystem was 9.8×1010 and 1.7×1011 rads(Si)/s during dynamic and static modes of operation, respectively. Subsystem interactions did not compromise the upset levels of the discrete components.
Effects of the DNA intercalators 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide and 2-methyl-9-hydroxyellipticinium on topoisomerase II mediated DNA strand cleavage and strand passage

DNA topoisomerase II is believed to be the enzyme that produces the protein-associated DNA strand breaks observed in mammalian cell nuclei treated with various intercalating agents. Two intercalators--4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA, amsacrine) and 2-methyl-9-hydroxyellipticinium (2-Me-9-OH-E+)--differ in their effects on protein-associated double-strand breaks in isolated nuclei. m-AMSA stimulates their production at all concentrations, whereas 2-Me-9-OH-E+ stimulates at low concentrations and inhibits at high concentrations. We have reproduced these differential effects in experiments carried out in vitro with purified L1210 DNA topoisomerase II, and we have found that concentrations of 2-Me-9-OH-E+ above 5 microM prevent the trapping of DNA-topoisomerase II cleavable complexes irrespective of the presence of m-AMSA. It also stimulated topoisomerase II mediated DNA strand passage, again with or without inhibitory amounts of m-AMSA (this result suggests that extensive intercalation by 2-Me-9-OH-E+ destabilized the cleavable complexes). From these data, it is concluded that intercalator-induced protein-associated DNA strand breaks observed in intact eukaryotic cells and isolated nuclei are generated by DNA topoisomerase II and that intercalators can affect mammalian DNA topoisomerase II in more than one way. They can trap cleavable complexes and inhibit DNA topoisomerase II mediated DNA relaxation (m-AMSA and low concentrations of 2-Me-9-OH-E+) or destabilize cleavable complexes and stimulate DNA relaxation (high concentrations of 2-Me-9-OH-E+).
A Novel Power Control Scheme for Packet-Switched W-CDMA Systems

A packet-based power control scheme is proposed in this paper. The proposed power control scheme aims at minimizing the total number of transmission that a packet needs before it is received successfully over a Rayleigh fading channel subject to two constraints. One is that the transmission power should be greater than zero. The other is imposed by the constraint on the total transmission power at the base station. We use the augmented Lagrangian multiplier method to solve this problem and provide a theoretical solution. The simulation results show that, with the proposed power control scheme, the number of re-transmission can be reduced and the delay of a packet wasted in the channel can be decreased as well.
The New World species of the water‐beetle genus Notomicrus (Noteridae)*

Eight species of Notomicrus Sharp are recognized and described or partially redescribed with figures of dorsal outlines and external male genitalia: brevicomis Sharp, gracilipes Sharp, huttoni sp.n., malkini sp.n., nanulus (LeConte), reticulatus Zimmermann, sharpi Balfour-Browne, traili Sharp. A key for identification is given, but the main reliance for recognition of the species is on the external male genitalia. New distribution records are given for all species.
Fluid Mechanics of DNA Double-Strand Filter Elution

Measurement of infrequent DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) in mammalian cells is essential for the understanding of cell damage by ionizing radiation and many DNA-reactive drugs. One of the most important assays for measuring DSB in cellular DNA is filter elution. This study is an attempt to determine whether standard concepts of fluid mechanics can yield a self-consistent model of this process. Major assumptions of the analysis are reptation through a channel formed by surrounding strands, with only strand ends captured by filter pores. Both viscosity and entanglement with surrounding strands are considered to determine the resistance to this motion. One important result is that the average elution time of a strand depends not only on its length, but also on the size distribution of the surrounding strands. This model is consistent with experimental observations, such as the dependence of elution kinetics upon radiation dose, but independence from the size of the DNA sample up to a critical filter loading, and possible overlap of elution times for strands of different length. It indicates how the dependence of elution time on the flow rate could reveal the relative importance of viscous and entanglement resistance, and also predicts the consequences of using different filters.
An update on the geohelminths: Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis

Geohelminths remain prevalent throughout the developing world where levels of sanitation, personal hygiene, and maternal education are low. The five species of nematodes responsible for the bulk of disease are Ascaris lumbricoides, the hookworms Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Geohelminths are acquired through ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water or through contact with infected soil. In developing countries, infection with more than one nematode species and high worm burdens are common. The morbidity is substantial, particularly among children, and deaths occur. Geohelminthic infections are encountered in industrialized countries among immigrants and long-term travelers who have lived in endemic regions where sanitation is poor, and occasionally following autochthonous transmission.
Sex dimorphism in late gestational sleep fragmentation and metabolic dysfunction in offspring mice.

Background Excessive sleep fragmentation (SF) is common in pregnant women. Adult-onset metabolic disorders may begin during early development and exhibit substantial sex dimorphism. We hypothesized that metabolic dysfunction induced by gestational SF in male mice would not be apparent in female littermates. Methods Body weight and food consumption were measured weekly in male and female offspring after late gestational SF or control sleep (SC). At 20 weeks, plasma leptin, adiponectin, lipid profiles, and insulin and glucose tolerance tests were assessed. Leptin and adiponectin, M1, and M2 macrophage messenger RNA expression and polarity were examined. Adiponectin gene promoter methylation levels in several tissues were assessed. Results Food intake, body weight, visceral fat mass, and insulin resistance were higher, and adiponectin levels lower in male but not female offspring exposed to gestational SF. However, dyslipidemia was apparent in both male and female offspring exposed to SF, albeit of lesser magnitude. In visceral fat, leptin messenger RNA expression was selectively increased and adiponectin expression was decreased in male offspring exposed to gestational SF, but adiponectin was increased in exposed female offspring. Differences in adipokine expression also emerged in liver, subcutaneous fat, and muscle. Increased M1 macrophage markers were present in male offspring exposed to SF (SFOM) while increased M2 markers emerged in SF in female offspring (SFOF). Similarly, significant differences emerged in the methylation patterns of adiponectin promoter in SFOM and SFOF. Conclusion Gestational sleep fragmentation increases the susceptibility to obesity and metabolic syndrome in male but not in female offspring, most likely via epigenetic changes. Thus, sleep perturbations impose long-term detrimental effects to the fetus manifesting as sex dimorphic metabolic dysfunction in adulthood.
Streptomycin in tuberculosis

Abstract Streptomycin is the most effective antibacterial agent known for tuberculosis. In vitro it has a marked bacteriostatic action on the tubercle bacillus, and in vivo it tends to exert a deterrent effect on the disease in both animals and man. Its therapeutic value is limited by the fact that after exposure to streptomycin for weeks or months, strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis which are resistant to the effects of the drug may be isolated. Hence streptomycin is of most value in conditions in which temporary suppression of the infection will enable the patient to gain the ascendency over his disease; healing then occurs by natural processes. Prolonged arrest of the disease has been achieved by treatment with streptomycin even in cases of hematogenic tuberculosis, including generalized miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis. For these conditions large doses of streptomycin must be given parenterally for several months, and for meningitis intrathecal injections are imperative also during the early weeks of treatment. Other types of tuberculosis which have responded to treatment with streptomycin include exudative pulmonary disease, ulcerating lesions of the respiratory tract and tuberculous draining sinuses. It has some place in the treatment of bilateral renal tuberculosis or tuberculosis of a solitary kidney. It also is used before and after thoracic surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis. Because of the potential toxicity, use of the drug probably is contraindicated in conditions which will respond satisfactorily to the usual methods of treatment. Our knowledge of streptomycin is still in a state of flux. Now that the drug is undergoing extensive clinical investigation in many institutions its ultimate place in the treatment of tuberculosis will be determined in time. Experience with this antibiotic agent has proved that tuberculosis is a disease amenable to antibacterial therapy and it is hoped that other usable agents will be forthcoming.
Response to Letter by Kabra

Response: I thank Dr Kabra for his comments on my article, “Intra-arterial thrombolysis within 3 hours after acute ischemic stroke in selected patients,”1 When I made the statement that rescue intra-arterial thrombolysis in internal carotid artery occlusion resulted in reperfusion, which was correlated with outcome, it simply meant that where reperfusion was achieved, the outcomes were better. This is also evidence from the Interventional Management of Stroke trial overall results that 62 of the 77 patients required intra-arterial rescue therapy after the abbreviated dose of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Of this subset, 56% recanalized after rescue intra-arterial therapy, and of these, …
An FPGA-based VLIW processor with custom hardware execution

The capability and heterogeneity of new FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) devices continues to increase with each new line of devices. Efficiently programming these devices is increasing in difficulty. However, FPGAs continue to be utilized for algorithms traditionally targeted to embedded DSP microprocessors such as signal and image processing applications.This paper presents an architecture that combines VLIW (Very Large Instruction Word) processing with the capability to introduce application specific customized instructions and complex hardware functions. To support this architecture, a compilation and design automation flow are described for programs written in C.Several design tradeoffs for the architecture were examined including number of VLIW functional units and register file size. The architecture was implemented on an Altera Stratix II FPGA. The Stratix II device was selected because it offers a large number of high-speed DSP (digital signal processing) blocks that execute multiply accumulate operations.We show that our combined VLIW with hardware functions exhibit as much as 230X speedup and 63X on average for computational kernels for a set of benchmarks. This allows for an overall speedup of 30X and 12X on average for signal processing benchmarks from the MediaBench.
The San Salvador Earthquake of October 10, 1986—Seismological Aspects and Other Recent Local Seismicity

Abstract The San Salvador earthquake of October 10, 1986 originated along the Central American volcanic chain within the upper crust of the Caribbean Plate. Results from a local seismograph network show a tectonic style main shock‐aftershock sequence, with a magnitude, Mw, 5.6. The hypocenter was located 7.3 km below the south edge of San Salvador. The main shock ruptured along a nearly vertical plane toward the north‐northeast. A main shock fault‐plane solution shows a nearly vertical fault plane striking N32\sz\E, with left‐lateral sense of motion. This earthquake is the second Central American volcanic chain earthquake documented with left‐lateral slip on a fault perpendicular to the volcanic chain. During the 2 1/2 years preceeding the earthquake, minor microseismicity was noted near the epicenter, but we show that this has been common along the volcanic chain since at least 1953. San Salvador was previously damaged by a volcanic chain earthquake on May 3, 1965. The locations of six foreshocks precedi...
I'd Rather Go along and Be Considered a Man: Masculinity and Bystander Intervention

This research examines the relationship between masculinity and bystander intervention in crisis situations. Three vignettes were used in vignette-based, semi-structured interviews with 20 college men aged 18 and 19, during which they were asked questions about masculinity and the pressures they feel to appear masculine. Findings indicate these men felt they must not appear weak. This research suggests the pressure to act masculine plays a complex and important role in these young men's decisions about intervening in violent situations.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of BTEX Metabolites in Hela Cells

Fuel leakage from underground storage tanks is a major source of groundwater contamination. Although the toxicity of regulated compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are well recognized, the cytotoxicity of their metabolites has not been studied extensively. In this study, Hela cells, propagated at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2–95% air, served as a target for evaluation of cytotoxicity of BTEX metabolites 3-methylcatechol, 4-methylcatechol, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid. The cells were exposed to different concentrations of the metabolites, which subsequently showed inhibition of cell growth and produced dose-related decreases in cell viability and cell protein content. The BTEX metabolites affected the levels of the polyamines spermidine, spermine, and putrescine, which are known to be important in cell proliferation. The cytotoxic effects for these BTEX metabolites to Hela cells were 3-methylcatechol > 4-methylcatechol > 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid > 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.
The minimax center estimation problem for automated roundness inspection

Abstract Significant advances in computer technology, sensing devices, pattern recognition and image processing techniques have made the on-line inspection of all production parts a feasible option in modern manufacturing systems. This study is concerned with the development of efficient algorithms to determine the out-of-roundness error for automated inspection of circular production parts. The out-of-roundness error is defined as the maximum deviation of a given sey of sample points, taken from the boundary of the part, from the so called minimax circle.
Nitrogen mineralization in high elevation forests of the Appalachians. I. Regional patterns in southern spruce-fir forests

Annual and seasonal rates of net nitrogen mineralization were determined for 19 sites in the spruce-fir forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These sites included high and low elevation stands of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh.) Poir.) on east and west exposures on Whitetop Mountain, Virginia; Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina; and Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mineralization rates were determined using in situ soil incubations in PVC tubes with ion exchange resin bags placed in the bottom of the tubes to collect leachate. Throughfall was collected in resin bags placed in the top of the tubes. Average initial NH4-N + NO3-N ranged from 0.6 to 4.8 kg N/ha across all plots, and average mineralization rates ranged from 26 to 180 kg-N ha−1 yr−1. Throughfall ranged from 18 to 32 kg-N ha−1 yr−1 with NH4-N accounting for about two-thirds of the throughfall N across all sites. Throughfall and mineralization rates were not related to elevation or exposure. The high rates of N mineralization and relatively high nitrate concentrations indicate that leaching losses of nitrogen and associated cations could be substantial.
Learning to Troubleshoot: A New Theory-Based Design Architecture

Troubleshooting is a common form of problem solving. Technicians (e.g., automotive mechanics, electricians) and professionals (physician, therapists, ombudspersons) diagnose faulty systems and take direct, corrective action to eliminate any faults in order to return the systems to their normal states. Traditional approaches to troubleshooting instruction have emphasized either theoretical or domain knowledge about the system or specific troubleshooting procedures. These methods have failed to develop transferable troubleshooting skills in learners. In this article, we propose an architecture for designing learning environments for troubleshooting. The architecture integrates experiential, domain, and device knowledge in a learning system that enables learners to generate and test hypotheses for every action they take, relate every action to a conceptual model of the system, and query experienced troubleshooters about what they would do. The architecture includes three essential components: A multi-layered conceptual model of the system that includes topographic, function, strategic, and procedural representations; a simulator that requires the learner to generate hypotheses, reconcile the hypotheses to the system mode, test the hypotheses, and interpret the results from the test; and a case library that uses a case-based reasoning engine to access relevant stories of troubleshooting experiences as advice for the learner. This novel architecture can be used to develop learning environments for different kinds of troubleshooting.
Secobarbital attenuates excitotoxicity but potentiates oxygen-glucose deprivation neuronal injury in cortical cell culture

We examined the effects of secobarbital and other sedative-hypnotic barbiturates on the neuronal death induced by exposure to excitatory amino acids or deprivation of oxygen or glucose in mouse cortical cell cultures. N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate, and kainate toxicities were attenuated in a concentration-dependent fashion by high concentrations of secobarbital or thiopental. Antagonism of NMDA toxicity was not overcome by increasing NMDA concentration and not mimicked by γ-aminobutyrate. Despite these antiexcitotoxic actions, secobarbital exacerbated the neuronal death induced by deprivation of either glucose alone or oxygen and glucose together; death induced by oxygen deprivation alone was little affected. Thiopental and methohexital also increased oxygen-glucose deprivation injury. A possible explanation for this injury potentiation was provided by the observation that secobarbital enhanced the cellular ATP depletion induced by combined oxygen-glucose de...
Influence of pH and buffer concentration on the ocular bioavailability of ophthalmic AGN 191103 formulations in albino rabbits

Abstract We investigated the effect of formulation pH and buffer concentration on the ocular bioavailability of AGN 191103, a basic amine that lowers intraocular pressure. Our objective was to increase AGN 191103's ocular bioavailability enough to allow a clinically significant reduction in dose. Formulations contained 14 C-AGN 191103 (0.1–1% w/v), phosphate or borate buffer (0–30 mM), HCl to pH of 7.4–8.5 and benzalkonium chloride. The first experiment assessed the effect of pH and buffer concentration on the ocular bioavailability of 1% formulations; the second identified conditions of drug and buffer concentration and pH that would yield ocular concentrations comparable to that of a 1%, pH 7.2, 30 mM phosphate formulation known to be effective in vivo. Albino rabbits were given one 35-μl eyedrop, 6 h after which aqueous humors (AqH), corneas and iris-ciliary bodies (ICB) were collected. AGN 191103 is not metabolized by rabbit eyes, so samples were analyzed by liquid scintillation counting with or without combustion. Concentrations in AqH and cornea increased with increasing pH; this trend became more pronounced with increasing buffer concentration. As pH increased from 7.4 to 8.5: (1) corneal concentrations increased 94% and 300%, respectively, after unbuffered and 30 mM buffered formulation administration; (2) AqH concentrations increased 197% and 462%, respectively, after unbuffered and 30 mM buffered formulation administration; and (3) ICB concentrations did not significantly change, or increased 84%, respectively, after ubbuffered or 30 mM buffered formulation administration. Increasing buffer concentration did not affect tissue concentrations at pH 7.4, but significantly increased them at pH 8.5. A 0.2%, pH 8.2, 30 mM borate formulation elicited AqH concentrations comparable to those produced by the 1%, pH 7.2, 30 mM phosphate formulation. Our results indicate that increasing the formulation pH from 7.2 to 8.2 may allow a 5-fold reduction in the dosing concentration, which will markedly reduce the potential for systemic side effects.
Semester and event-specific motives for alcohol use during Spring Break: Associated protective strategies and negative consequences

Motives surrounding alcohol use behavior are important for understanding college student drinking. However, no previous research has addressed how motives for and against drinking during specific events associated with high-risk drinking, such as Spring Break, may differ from motives for and against drinking during the regular semester. Further, we examine the extent to which semester and Spring Break motives are associated with alcohol use, protective behavioral strategies (PBS), and consequences. Participants were college students (N=261; 55% women) who provided data both immediately prior to (Wave 1) and after (Wave 2) Spring Break. Fun/Social motives for drinking were greater for Spring Break, and Driving motives against drinking were lower for Spring Break, compared to semester drinking. Relax and Image motives for drinking and Physical/Behavioral motives for not drinking during Spring Break did not differ from semester motives. Spring Break motives for and against drinking were associated with total drinks, maximum drinks, PBS, and experienced negative consequences during Spring Break. Students' specific motives regarding drinking during Spring Break predict high-risk drinking and may be utilized in creating salient event-specific interventions.
Tyrosine metabolism in Aedes aegypti—III covalently bound aromatic components of the pupal cuticle

Abstract Pupal integument from larvae treated with MON 0585 and Diflubenzuron was degraded with proteolytic enzymes to release the aromatic intermediates accululating as a result of arrested sclerotization. The arylated peptides were isolated by chromatography and by derivatization of phenoxy radicals with immobilized F-dinitrobenzene. Colorimetric and radiometric analysis revealed that each peptide of Mr 5500 included two tyrosines within the primary structure and three moles of bound non-tyrosine phenoxy adducts. The benzenoid adducts (a) were brown in colour (b) retained label originating from l -[ring-14C]tyrosine in the diet (c) and exhibited absorbance maxima at 320 nm. In the mass spectrograph the most abundant isolate, m+ 575 (C29H45N5O7) fragmented to a diaminoquinone ( m z 152 C7H8N2O2) and a larger isoalloxazine-like material. A second fraction, m+ 443 (C21H37N3O7) fragmented to m z 161 (C9H11N3) representing a partially unsaturated nitrogenous heterocyclic structure. Strong infra red bands confirmed the condensed rings and amide functions in the heterocyclic aromatic products. Following acid hydrolysis, the labelled metabolites retained absorption bands characteristic of ring condensations and were strongly basic in accord with amide cleavage. The putative bridged intermediates failed to respond to tests for ketocatechols, bityrosine or ortho-diphenols. These properties imply the presence of two types of bridge in culicine pupal integument, each capable of linkage to the side chain of an amino acid residue in the exoskeletal polypeptides. In the presence of the two inhibitors of pupal development, the initial coupling to a protomer apparently proceeds normally but subsequent peptidylation affording a bridged construct is blocked.
Why Do Institutional Investors Chase Return Trends

We propose and test a simple explanation for institutional investors’ tendency to chase return trends. When investors face uncertainty about the precision of their private information, they wait for subsequent confirming news before establishing stock positions. While such news impact the stock price, at the same time they increase investors’ estimates of the precision of their information. With low information quality the latter effect dominates and causes investors to purchase the stock after confirming good news. We formalize these ideas in a simple model and test the model’s predictions on mutual funds’ stock holdings data. Using mutual funds’ past return experiences with individual stocks as a proxy for their stock-specific information quality, we find evidence for the prediction that trend chasing is more likely when information quality is low.
A canine tooth from the Siwaliks: first recorded discovery of a fossil ape?

Archival research reveals that it is highly probably that the first discovery of a fossil ape was made by Hugh Falconer and his associates in the 1830s during surveys of Neogene deposits in the Siwalik hills of British Colonial India. However, priority is commonly awarded to Edouard Lartet who, in 1837, brought to light a fossil primate specimen from the Miocene beds at Sansan in France to which Paul Gervais gave the namePliopithecus. Falconer's letters and scientific papers announcing the find of a fossil primate group from the Siwalik Hills were antecedent to Lartet's report to the French Academy of Sciences, Paris. The circumstances surrounding this misconception over priority of discovery of fossil apes are reviewed with attention to the historic significance of the Siwalik fossil primates and with respect to the development of paleoanthropology in South Asia.
Atorvastatin impairs the myocardial angiogenic response to chronic ischemia in normocholesterolemic swine

Objective Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, used routinely in patients with coronary disease, can improve endothelial function but can have biphasic and dose-dependent effects on angiogenesis. In vitro evidence suggests that the proangiogenic effects of statins are linked to activation of Akt, a mediator of endothelial cell survival and an activator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. We investigated the functional and molecular effects of atorvastatin supplementation on microvascular function and the endogenous angiogenic response to chronic myocardial ischemia in normocholesterolemic swine. Methods Yucatan miniswine were fed a normal diet with (ATOR, n = 7) or without (control, n = 8) atorvastatin (1.5 mg/kg/d) for 20 weeks. Chronic ischemia was induced by ameroid constrictor placement around the circumflex artery. Myocardial perfusion was assessed at 3 and 7 weeks using isotope-labeled microspheres. In vitro microvessel relaxation responses and myocardial protein expression were evaluated. Results Endothelium-dependent relaxation to adenosine diphosphate and endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside were intact in both groups. The ATOR group demonstrated impaired microvessel relaxation to vascular endothelial growth factor (53% ± 3% vs 70% ± 7%, ATOR vs NORM at 10 −10 mol/L, P = .05) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (35% ± 3% vs 57% ± 5%, ATOR vs NORM at 10 −10 mol/L, P = .04). Baseline-adjusted myocardial perfusion in the ischemic circumflex territory was significantly reduced in the ATOR group (−0.29 ± 0.10 mL/min/g vs NORM, P = .009). Phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased in the ATOR group (+235% ± 72%, P = .009 vs NORM), as was the myocardial expression of endostatin, an antiangiogenic protein (+51% ± 9%, P Conclusions Atorvastatin supplementation is associated with impaired growth factor–mediated microvessel relaxation and a significant reduction in collateral-dependent perfusion. Chronic Akt activation, increased myocardial expression of endostatin, and impaired growth factor signaling may account for the diminished endogenous angiogenic response observed with atorvastatin treatment.
Quantum Hall ferromagnets

It was pointed out recently that the \ensuremath{\nu}=1/m quantum Hall states in bilayer systems behave like easy plane quantum ferromagnets. We study the magnetotransport of these systems using their ``ferromagnetic'' properties and a novel spin-charge relation of their excitations. The general transport is a combination of the usual Hall transport and a time dependent transport with quantized time average. The latter is due to a phase slippage process in spacetime and is characterized by two topological constants.
STUDIES ON THE NATURE OF THE THYROIDPITUITARY INTERRELATIONSHIP12

IT HAS generally been held that hormone secretion by the thyroid and thyrotrophin (TSH) output by the anterior pituitary are homeostatically associated in a “feed-back” type relation. Thus, Hoskins (1) has stated: “When the titer of circulating thyroxine rises, the anterior pituitary is selectively inhibited and the discharge of thyrotrophin is thereby decreased. Contrariwise, episodic or persistent thyroxine deficiency, if sufficient in degree, results in augmented thyrotrophin production with resulting tendency for the production of more thyroid hormone.” Most available data on thyroid activity and pituitary TSH output have been consistent with this view; however, evidence from a number of recent studies has indicated that the actual relationship is perhaps considerably more complicated.
Facility Location Modeling and Inventory Management with Multisourcing

In this paper we consider a centralized logistics system in which a single company owns the production facility and the set of retailers and establishes warehouses that will replenish the retailers' inventories. We analyze the potential savings that the company will achieve by allowing its retailers to be sourced by more than one warehouse probabilistically, through the use of information technology. We facilitate the discussion on the impact of multisourcing by introducing a capacitated location-inventory model that minimizes the sum of the fixed warehouse location costs, the transportation costs, and the inventory costs. The model is formulated as a nonlinear integer-programming problem that has a cost term that is neither concave nor convex. We propose a Lagrangian relaxation solution algorithm to solve the model and successfully test the algorithm on problems with 88 and 150 retailers. Based on the model properties and the sensitivity analysis results, we conclude that multisourcing becomes a more valuable option as transportation costs increase, i.e., constitute a larger portion of the total logistics cost. In addition, we show that in practice only a small portion of the retailers need to be multisourced to achieve significant cost savings.
An Inhomogeneous Boundary Value Problem for Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations

Abstract We consider a nonlinear Schrodinger equation in a domain Ω⊂ R n with the inhomegeneous Dirichlet boundary condition u=Q where Q is a given smooth function. The nonlinear term contributes a positive term to the energy. We prove the existence of global solutions of finite energy.
Evaluation and modeling of the eutectic composition of various drug-polyethylene glycol solid dispersions.

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of which factors contribute to the eutectic composition of drug-polyethylene glycol (PEG) blends and to compare experimental values with predictions from the semi-empirical model developed by Lacoulonche et al. Eutectic compositions of various drug-PEG 3350 solid dispersions were predicted, assuming athermal mixing, and compared to experimentally determined eutectic points. The presence or absence of specific interactions between the drug and PEG 3350 were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The eutectic composition for haloperidol-PEG and loratadine-PEG solid dispersions was accurately predicted using the model, while predictions for aceclofenac-PEG and chlorpropamide-PEG were very different from those experimentally observed. Deviations in the model prediction from ideal behavior for the systems evaluated were confirmed to be due to the presence of specific interactions between the drug and polymer, as demonstra...
Effects of chronic deafferentation on adrenergic ganglion cells and small intensely fluorescent cells

To determine the reaction of adrenergic ganglion cells and small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells to chronic deafferentation, catecholamine fluorescence of the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) of the rat has been studied following section of the hypogastric nerve, pelvic nerve and sympathetic trunk. Only minor changes occurred following section of the hypogastric nerve; the fluorescence surrounding a few adrenergic ganglion cells became brighter. In contrast, pelvic neurectomy resulted in the appearance of numerous varicose fibres and an increase in the fluorescent intensity of fibres enclosing many ganglion cells. Varicose fibres seem to originate from adrenergic ganglion cells and SIF cells. In many instances, nests of SIF cells gave rise to radially oriented fibres. Removal of the sympathetic trunk appeared to have no effect on the MPG. It is suggested that the appearance of varicose fibres from SIF cells following deafferentation may be due to collateral sprouting of these cells or to the increased fluorescence of pre-existing processes.
Canonical orthonormalization and neglect of differential overlap

Abstract Lowdin's canonical orthonormalization procedure is non-unique if the overlap matrix has degenerate eigenvalues. A recent attempt by Roby to justify neglect of differential overlap is re-examined taking proper account of this lack of uniqueness. We conclude that his central result, eq. (6) in our paper, is formally correct in the limit of complete basis sets, but Roby's presentation lends a misleading interpretation to this equation. Consequently, some conclusions which are claimed to follow are, in fact, not valid. We briefly investigate the Roby approximation for finite basis sets and indicate the strengths and weaknesses when used for practical computations.
Standard-target calibration of sonar systems for quantitative backscattering applications

The principles of the standard-target sonar-calibration method are reviewed. Protocols for calibrating scientific echo sounders, multibeam sonars, and a parametric sonar are outlined, and examples are presented. The range of frequencies presently spanned by the standard-target method is 1–3200 kHz. This includes both narrowband and continuously broadband systems as configured for measurement use in the field. Advantages of accuracy, operational convenience, and cost effectiveness are noted.
Brain regional differences in CB1 receptor adaptation and regulation of transcription

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) are expressed throughout the brain and mediate the central effects of cannabinoids, including Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana. Repeated THC administration produces tolerance to cannabinoid-mediated effects, although the magnitude of tolerance varies by effect. Consistent with this observation, CB1R desensitization and downregulation, as well as induction of immediate early genes (IEGs), vary by brain region. Zif268 and c-Fos are induced in the forebrain after acute THC administration. Phosphorylation of the cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) is increased in a region-specific manner after THC administration. Results differ between acute versus repeated THC injection, and suggest that tolerance to IEG activation might develop in some regions. Repeated THC treatment produces CB1R desensitization and downregulation in the brain, although less adaption occurs in the striatum as compared to regions such as the hippocampus. Repeated THC treatment also induces expression of ΔFosB, a very stable isoform of FosB, in the striatum. Transgenic expression of ∆FosB in the striatum enhances the rewarding effects of several drugs, but its role in THC-mediated effects is not known. The inverse regional relationship between CB1R desensitization and ∆FosB induction suggests that these adaptations might inhibit each other, although this possibility has not been investigated. The differential regional expression of individual IEGs by acute or repeated THC administration suggests that regulation of target genes and effects on CB1R signaling will contribute to the behavioral effects of THC.
The dust hazard in air-pressure abrasive blasting (sandblasting)

1. When air-pressure abrasive blasting is conducted in enclosed devices (barrels, tables, cabinets and automatic rooms) employing sand as the abrasive the air of the workroom generally contains a highly hazardous dust concentration. The dust itself contains an average of over 90 per cent of quartz and the average dust count of the room atmosphere averages over 20 million particles per cubic foot. Such an atmosphere cannot fail to predispose in a high degree to silicosis. 2. When steel instead of sand is used in such devices as the abrasive material, the dust counts average from 8 to 15 million particles and the quartz content falls to 3 per cent. Such conditions as this should not cause silicosis with any reasonable period of exposure. 3. Even with the use of sand abrasive, our studies show that all the four types of equipment studies can be made safe by proper construction and maintenance. We were able to observe the operation of barrels, tables and cabinets which the designers had previously indicated as of ideal modern design. In all cases the dust content of the air in the neighborhood of these devices averaged less than 2 million particles. 4. In rooms, where the worker must operate in the actual midst of the sand blast, the dust content is, of course, enormous, varying from 48.8 million with steel abrasive, to 327.2 million particles per cubic foot (average 155.0 million); and, with sand abrasive, from 232.0 million to 3,104.0 million particles per cubic foot (average 969.0 million). 5. Helmets depending on filtration are quite inadequate to protect the worker against such dust concentrations; and positive air-pressure helmets with wire mesh eye-screens are irregular and unreliable in their effect. 6. On the other hand, positive air-pressure helmets with glass eye-shields and an air supply of6 cubic feet per minute furnish complete protection to the worker under the worst conditions found in actual operation, yielding a dust content of less than 1 million particles per cubic foot within the helmet, with 1,000.0 million or more particles per cubic foot in the outside air and rising only to 3 million particles per cubic foot within the helmet even when the outside air contains 4,000.0 million particles.
Developments in geophysics

Recent claim by Jeffreys that thermal contraction is the only mechanism yielding a real reduction of the Earth remotely near sufficient for mountain-formation is demonstrably incorrect, since the phase-change hypothesis has been shown to lead inescapably to more than ten times the maximum amount possible on his theory. In any event, the absence of folded and thrusted systems on Mars proves that thermal contraction cannot be a relevant process, while the fact that the terrestrial planets began as ccol all-solid bodies completely rules out thermal contraction a priori as a possibility. Apart from the purely verbal claims associated with plate-tectonice, the phase-change theory remains the sole contender resulting in geologically adequate contraction.
Religion and Interest in Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa

Since the 1980s, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced a major wave of democratization, and concurrent expansions of independent Christianity and Reformist Islam. Scholarly narratives about the relationship between religion and politics have alternated between emphasizing religion’s inclusive and divisive political potential. Using data from thirteen countries, we evaluate competing hypotheses arising from these narratives. Focusing on the grassroots level, we analyze the effects of religious identity, active religious membership, and education on political interest. We find that active religious membership positively shapes political interest in almost all countries. Yet contrary to extant elite-focused literature, we find no tradition to be uniformly more “political.” Further, religious identity and religious minority status frequently condition the effects of education on political interest. The effects of religion on interest in politics are therefore context-dependent, exhibiting both inclusive and divisive potential.
The G-protein-coupled receptors GPR3 and GPR12 are involved in cAMP signaling and maintenance of meiotic arrest in rodent oocytes

In mammalian and amphibian oocytes, the meiotic arrest at the G2/M transition is dependent on cAMP regulation. Because genetic inactivation of a phosphodiesterase expressed in oocytes prevents reentry into the cell cycle, suggesting autonomous cAMP synthesis, we investigated the presence and properties of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in rodent oocytes. The pattern of expression was defined using three independent strategies, including microarray analysis of GV oocyte mRNAs, EST database scanning, and RT-PCR amplification with degenerated primers against transmembrane regions conserved in the GPCR superfamily. Clustering of the GPCR mRNAs from rat and mouse oocytes indicated the expression of the closely related Gpr3, Gpr12, and Edg3, which recognize sphingosine and its metabolites as ligands. Expression of these mRNAs was confirmed by RT-PCR with specific primers as well as by in situ hybridization. That these receptors are involved in the control of cAMP levels in oocytes was indicated by the finding that expression of the mRNA for Gpr3 and Gpr12 is downregulated in Pde3a-deficient oocytes, which have a chronic elevation of cAMP levels. Expression of GPR3 or GPR12 in Xenopus laevis oocytes prevented progesterone-induced meiotic maturation, whereas expression of FSHR had no effect. A block in spontaneous oocyte maturation was also induced when Gpr3 or Gpr12 mRNA was injected into mouse oocytes. Downregulation of GPR3 and GPR12 caused meiotic resumption in mouse and rat oocytes, respectively. However, ablation of the Gpr12 gene in the mouse did not cause a leaky meiotic arrest, suggesting compensation by Gpr3. Incubation of mouse oocytes with the GPR3/12 ligands SPC and S1P delayed spontaneous oocyte maturation. We propose that the cAMP levels required for maintaining meiotic arrest in mouse and rat oocytes are dependent on the expression of Gpr3 and/or Gpr12.
Higher market valuation of companies with a small board of directors

I present evidence consistent with theories that small boards of directors are more effective, Using Tobin’s Q as an approximation of market valuation, I find an inverse association between board size and firm value in a sample of 452 large U.S. industrial corporations between 1984 and 1991. The result is robust to numerous controls for company size, industry membership, inside stock ownership, growth opportunities, and alternative corporate governance structures. Companies with small boards also exhibit more favorable values for financial ratios, and provide stronger CEO performance incentives from compensation and the threat of dismissal.
On Filling up the Grooves of a Perfectly-conducting Grating with a Dielectric Material

Abstract In order to protect them from environmental degradation, as well as to increase their reflection efficiency in some instances, metallic gratings are often coated with dielectric materials. This practice introduces the effects of waveguide modes in the reflection characteristics. Here, we study the alteration of the plane wave reflection characteristics of a perfectly conducting grating whose grooves are filled up to the brim by a dielectric material. The method of analysis is synthesized from an improved T-matrix method. From the numerical results for sinusoidal gratings, it is shown that the dielectric material in the grooves does affect the reflection characteristics; however, the effect of waveguide modes is avoided.
Extremal stochastic integrals: a parallel between max-stable processes and α-stable processes

We construct extremal stochastic integrals\(\ {\, \int^{\!\!\!\!\!\!e}_{E}} f(u) M_\alpha(du)\) of a deterministic function \(f(u)\ge 0\) with respect to a random \(\alpha-\)Frechet (\(\alpha>0\)) sup-measure. The measure \(M_\alpha\) is sup-additive rather than additive and is defined over a general measure space \((E,{\mathcal E}, \mu)\), where \(\mu\) is a deterministic control measure. The extremal integral is constructed in a way similar to the usual \(\alpha-\)stable integral, but with the maxima replacing the operation of summation. It is well-defined for arbitrary \(f(u)\ge 0,\ \int_E f(u)^\alpha \mu(du) <\infty\), and the metric \(\rho_\alpha(f,g) := \int_E |f(u)^\alpha - g(u)^\alpha| \mu(du)\) metrizes the convergence in probability of the resulting integrals.