cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Marriage Metaphor Model for Sociocultural Integration in International Mergers and Acquisitions

The purpose of this article is to gain a better understanding about the sociocultural integration process in international mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by developing a marriage metaphor model for these transactions. Building on the metaphor of M&As as “marriages” between organizations, the presented model suggests that the sociocultural integration process consists of three interrelated phases: the dating, mating, and creating periods. Extant research, however, focuses primarily on the pre-M&A contingency and post-M&A process periods, which correspond to the dating and creating phases, respectively, and treats these research streams in relative isolation. This paper attempts to integrate these streams of research in the contexts of M&As across cultures, and further sets out to shed light onto the third, underresearched closing period, which corresponds to the mating phase in the forwarded model. In so doing, this paper endeavors to propose a dynamic perspective of the sociocultural integration in international M&As to emphasize the interrelatedness and on-going character of this three-stage process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of illumination level and retinal size on the apparent strength of subjective contours

The apparent strength of subjective contours was investigated as a function of illumination level, figure size, and viewing distance. Magnitude estimation, with a real contour standard as the modulus, was used to measure the perceived strength of the illusory contours. It was found that illumination level and retinal size are both powerful determinants of the apparent strength of subjective contours, generating magnitude estimates varying from 20% to 96% of the strength of the real contour modulus. Particularly strong subjective contours were reported for figures of small retinal size (1.2 to 4.8 deg) under very dim illumination (.10 log lx).
Regulation of cholangiocyte bile secretion.

he intrahepatic biliary system is comprised of aset of anastomosing and progressively largertubes resembling a tree lined by cholangiocytes (1,2).The major function of the biliary system is modiﬁ-cation of canalicular bile by secretory and reabsorptiveprocesses in cholangiocytes as bile passes through bileducts before reaching the duodenum (1,3–8). In con-trast to hepatocytes, where secretion is primarily un-regulated and constant (9), bile duct secretion is modi-ﬁed by hormones, peptides, nerves and biliary con-stituents (1,3–8,10–24). The bile duct system attractsattention from clinicians, pathologists, physiologistsand cell biologists because it is the target for a varietyof liver diseases including primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), graft
Coercion, voluntary compliance and protest: the role of trust and legitimacy in combating local opposition to protected areas

Protected areas (PAs) have long struggled to successfully enforce compliance with their regulations. Even some of the best-funded PAs in the world face shortcomings in using enforcement as an effective deterrent to PA opposition. This suggests that traditional enforcement on its own may be insufficient for effective resource protection. Research was undertaken to understand why some would-be offenders refrain from harmful actions toward neighbouring national parks while others do not. Perceptions of the trustworthiness of PA managers were the most consistent predictors of exercised restraint on behalf of those living within the immediate vicinities of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Virgin Islands National Park and Podocarpus National Park. These trust assessments were most commonly based upon respondents' perceptions of positive personal interactions between PA managers and the public, of PA managers' receptiveness to local input, of the benefits and disadvantages associated with PA presence, and of PA officials' effective performance of their duties and equitable treatment of different groups. The study reveals trust and legitimacy as key factors related to voluntary compliance in situations where general agreement with PA regulations does not necessarily exist and provides insight into how trust and legitimacy can be developed or eroded.
Third trimester fetal demise occurring at time of delivery: correlation of autopsy findings and placental pathology with emphasis on antenatal central nervous system injury.

AbstractObjective: Third trimester fetal deaths occurring in the hospital at the time of delivery are unusual. We report an autopsy series of such cases with emphasis on neuropathological injury and other lesions predating delivery.Methods: We identified autopsies performed on third trimester fetuses documented to be alive shortly before delivery, but that expired during, or very close to, time of delivery, and we correlate autopsy and placental findings. Fetuses with major congenital anomalies were excluded.Results: Ten cases were identified (6 term, 4 preterm). All were delivered by cesarean section and had attempted resuscitation. Established or recent brain injury was identified in 9 of 10 cases, including 3 with established neuronal damage and 1 with periventricular leukomalacia. Additional autopsy findings included thymic involution in eight (five mild; three severe), myocardial infarcts in two; intrathoracic petechiae in five, and ascites or pleural or pericardial effusions in six. Severe thymic in...
Creation and transition of digital light processing technology to defense applications

A key challenge to defense science and technology programs is the identification of areas ripe for focused government investment so as to make impossible things possible on an accelerated schedule. The creation, transfer to commercial products, and transition to operational military systems of the Texas Instruments (TI) digital micromirror device (DMD) projection display technology from 1987-2005 is a case study in how DoD seeks invest in S&T for warfighting advantage while renewing the civil economy and enabling domestic production of key electronic components. The DoD investment in DMD reduced the risk enough to merit TI productization and resulted in the first VGA single ship color wheel prototype in 1992 (introduced as first commercial product in 1996) and in the first 2.36 Mpx 3-chip color demonstration system in 1995 (a resolution that is only now being introduced as a mass production product). The 1995 demonstrator was the world’s first 100% digital display system. The tenth anniversary of this 2005 achievement presents an appropriate occasion to review and document the success of this prior Air Force and DARPA investment as measured by the subsequent adoption in a wide range of civil and, especially, defense applications.
Organ Donation After Cardiac Death in Children: Acceptance of a Protocol by Multidisciplinary Staff

BACKGROUND Organ donation after cardiac death is increasingly implemented, with outcomes similar to those of organ donation after brain death. Many hospitals hesitate to implement a protocol for donation after cardiac death because of the potential negative reactions among health care providers. OBJECTIVES To determine the acceptance of a protocol for donation after cardiac death among multidisciplinary staff in a pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS An anonymous, 15-question, Likert-scale questionnaire (scores 1-5) was used to determine the opinions of staff about donation after brain death and after cardiac death in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary-care university hospital. RESULTS Survey response rate was 67% (n = 60). All physicians, 89% of nurses, and 82% of the remaining staff members stated that they understood the difference between donation after brain death and donation after cardiac death; staff supported both types of donation, at rates of 90% and 85%, respectively. Staff perception was the same for each type of donation (ρ = 0.82; r = 0.92; P < .001). The 20 staff members who provided care directly to patients who were donors after cardiac death considered such donation worthwhile. However, 60% of those providers offered suggestions to improve the established protocol for donation. CONCLUSIONS The multidisciplinary staff has accepted organ donation after cardiac death and has fully integrated this kind of donation without reported differences from their acceptance of donation after brain death.
Cytotoxicity of ketoconazole in malignant cell lines.

The cytotoxic effects of ketoconazole, an antifungal agent known to have some activity against human prostate cancer, adrenal cancer, and male metastatic breast cancer, were evaluated using colony-growth and clonogenic assays in eight malignant cell lines. The cytotoxicity of ketoconazole showed a dose-and time-dependent pattern, with the following concentrations, inhibiting 90% of the growing colonies (IC90): MCF 7 (human breast cancer) 7.25 μg/ml, T 47 D (human breast cancer) 9.0 μg/ml, MiaPaCa (human pancreatic carcinoma) 10.0 μg/ml, COLO 357 (human pancreatic carcinoma) 9.5 μg/ml, HCT 8 (human colonic adenocarcinoma) 27.1 μg/ml, DU 145 (human prostatic cancer) 40.0 μg/ml, AR 42 J (rat pancreatic carcinoma) 9.0 μg/ml, and L1210 (murine leukemia) 8.6 μg/ml. Since a concentration of 10 μg/ml can be achieved in humans, the use of ketoconazole in human malignancies might be worthy of clinical evaluation.
Structural analysis of hemolymph proteins from Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda)-susceptible and resistant Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda).

Abstract 1. 1. Five different molecular weight polypeptides from serum (cell-free hemolymph) of Schistosoma mansoni -resistant and susceptible strains of Biomphalaria glabrata , were examined by two-dimensional 125 I-peptide mapping and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 2. 2. Peptide mapping indicated that all five radiolabeled polypeptides within and between the two snail strains had similar migration patterns when cleaved with pepsin or α-chymotrypsin, thus revealing a shared structural homology. All peptides chosen for analysis appeared to be structurally similar to the 160 kDa hemoglobin molecule. 3. 3. Separations of the radiolabeled enzyme digests by HPLC confirmed results seen in the mapping experiments since all chromatograms had similar elution patterns. 4. 4. Minor differences in the peptide maps and chromatograms within and between snail strains may be due to quantitative differences in the amount of protein present and/or variations in the primary amino acid sequences of the proteins chosen for analysis.
Subcongenic analysis of tabw2 obesity QTL on mouse chromosome 6

We previously established a congenic mouse strain with TALLYHO/Jng (TH) donor segment on chromosome 6 in a C57BL/6 (B6) background that harbors an obesity quantitative trait locus, tabw2. The B6.TH-tabw2 congenic mice developed increased adiposity that became exacerbated upon feeding a high fat-high sucrose (HFS) diet. To fine map the tabw2, in this study we generated and characterized subcongenic lines with smaller TH donor segments. We fixed four subcongenic lines, with maximum size of donor segment retained in the lines ranging from 10.8 – 92.5 Mb. For mapping, all the subcongenic mice, along with B6.TH-tabw2 congenic and B6-homozygous control mice were fed either chow or HFS diets, and their post-mortem fat pads were weighed. Mice were also characterized for energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio, locomotor activity, and food intake. As previously reported, B6.TH-tabw2 congenic mice showed a significantly larger fat mass than controls on both diets. On chow, a subcongenic line retaining the distal region of the TH donor congenic interval exhibited significantly larger fat mass than B6-homozygous controls, and comparable that to B6.TH-tabw2 congenic mice. Two nested subcongenic lines within that region suggested that the effect of tabw2 on obesity could be attributed to at least two subloci. On HFS diets, on the other hand, all the subcongenic mice had significantly larger fat mass than controls without genotype differences, but none of them had fat mass as large as the original congenic mice. This possibly implicates that further genetic complexity involves in the effect of tabw2 on diet-induced obesity. Significantly reduced locomotor activity was exhibited in B6.TH-tabw2 congenic and subcongenic mice compared to controls when animals were fed HFS diets. B6.TH-tabw2 congenic mice, but not subcongenic mice, also had significantly increased food intake on HFS diets. It appears that at least two subloci explaining the tabw2 effect under chow feeding map to the distal region of the congenic interval, whereas the diet-induced obesity mediated by tabw2 is attributed to more complex genetic mechanism.
The New Deal and Modern Memory

Summary Economists and other social scientists may never be able to explain fully why the GreatDepression happened when it did or why it initially was so severe. Numerous hypotheses havebeen advanced, as we have seen, and each of them contributes important insights into thecauses of the macroeconomic calamity in which most of the world was mired in 1929–1933. If,however, one is forced to adopt a monocausal theory, it must center on the actions of America’scentral bank, which presided over an extraordinary expansion in bank credit in the mid- to late1920s and then took the punch bowl off the table.For the purposes of this article, though, the key question is, why did the Great Depressionlast longer in the United States than it did in any other nation? The answer, as laid out in thenext section, is presidential politics. 23 ‘‘There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, but after them will arise seven years offamine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; the famine will consume the land….’’ (Genesis 41:29–30, NKJV).
Tribute to a Microwave Giant

In September 2006 Dr Leo young passed away at the age of 80. Leo was a well-respected MTT member with a long and distinguished record of service to the IEEE and the microwave profession. During his professional career Leo served as both President of the MTT Society ADCOM and as President of the IEEE. He was a pioneer in microwave structures and microwave systems. Leo served as Director of Research for the U.S. Department of Defense during the mid-1980's and was instrumental in establishing research policy that guides U.S. Government funded basic research.
Earlier Arterial Switch Operation Improves Outcomes and Reduces Costs for Neonates With Transposition of the Great Arteries

Objectives This study sought to examine the impact of surgical timing on major morbidity and hospital reimbursement for late preterm and term infants with dextrotransposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). Background Neonatal arterial switch operation is the standard of care for d-TGA. Little is known about the effects of age at operation on clinical outcomes or costs for these neonates. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants at ≥36 weeks' gestation, with d-TGA, with or without ventricular septal defects, admitted to our institution at 5 days of age or younger, between January 1, 2003 and October 1, 2012. Children with other cardiac abnormalities or other major comorbid conditions were excluded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the effects of age at operation on major morbidity and hospital reimbursement. Results A total of 140 infants met inclusion criteria. Reimbursement data were available for them through January 1, 2012 (n = 128). The mortality rate was 1.4% (n = 2). Twenty percent (n = 28) experienced a major morbidity. The median costs were $60,000, in 2012 dollars (range: $25,000 to $549,000). The median age at operation was 5 days (range: 1 to 12 days). For every day later that surgery was performed, beyond day of life 3, the odds of major morbidity increased by 47% (range: 23% to 66%, p Conclusions Delay of neonatal arterial switch operation beyond 3 days is significantly associated with increased morbidity and healthcare costs.
Sequential testing for selection

In sequential testing for selection, an applicant for school or work responds via a computer terminal to one item at a time until an acceptance or rejection decision can be made with a preset probability of error. The test statistic, as a function of item difficulties for standardization subgroups scoring within successive quantiles of the criterion, is an approximation of a Waldian probability ratio that should improve as the number of quantiles increases. Monte carlo simulation of 1,000 first-year college students under 96 different testing conditions indicated that a quantile number as low as four could yield observed error rates that are close to their nominal values with mean test lengths between 5 and 47. Application to real data, for which interpolative estimation of the quantile item difficulties was necessary, produced, with quantile numbers of four and five, even more accurate observed error rates than the monte carlo studies did. Truncation at 70 items narrowed the range of mean test lengths fo...
Predicting marital and parent functioning in dyads and triads: A longitudinal investigation of marital processes

This study assessed longitudinally whether couples' dysregulated negative affect before parenthood is predictive of conflict, as well as diminished affective quality, in family relationships 5 years later. Observations of 25 couples' marital communication were made before parenthood and again 5 years later, when data also were collected on parent-child and family interactions. Husbands' prechild marital behavior and couples' prechild negative escalation were predictive of husbands' conflict and triangulation of the child into marital conflict. Family-level functioning (e.g., coalition formation) was predicted by prechild negative escalation. Parenting behavior was not predicted by prechild marital functioning but was related to current marital functioning. The data provide support for the hypothesis that how couples regulate negative affect early on in marriage sets the tone for future interactions involving parents and their child.
Buncher System Parameter Optimization

A least-squares algorithm is presented to calculate the RF amplitudes and cavity spacings for a series of buncher cavities each resonating at a frequency that is a multiple of a fundamental frequency of interest. The longitudinal phase-space distribution, obtained by particle tracing through the bunching system, is compared to a desired distribution function of energy and phase. The buncher cavity parameters are adjusted to minimize the difference between these two distributions. Examples are given for zero space charge. We indicate the manner in which the method can be extended to include space charge using the 3-D space-charge calculation procedure described separately.
Is the cure worse than the disease

No, it isn't. The worrisome observations of the delayed development of t-MDS/AML in some lymphoma patients after HDC and AHSCT should not obscure the overall success of this procedure in selected patients. That said, t-MDS/AML is the serious nonrelapse problem in these patients, and efforts to
Emerging Immunologic Biomarkers: Setting The [TNM-Immune] Stage

The cooperation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and tertiary lymphoid tissue in early stage colorectal carcinoma further corroborates the strong immune influences on tumor progression and patient outcome. Immune factors in the tumor microenvironment may warrant inclusion in pathology reports and staging systems for prognostication and prediction of therapeutic response.
Functional Restoration of Implants on the Day of Surgical Placement in the Fully Edentulous Mandible: A Case Series

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to report the clinical experience and outcome of a study of the functional rehabilitation of 16 completely edentulous mandibles with immediately loaded cross-arch screw-retained hybrid prostheses at the University of Southern California. Materials and Methods: After signing informed consent forms 16 patients (9 male, 7 female) aged 47 to 84 years (mean age, 62.6 ± 11.6 years) received 90 Branemark System® Mk III dental implants (Nobel Biocare USA, Yorba Linda, CA, USA). Stability and radiographs of the dental implants were evaluated at the time of surgery, at 3 months, at 1 year, and at 3 years post loading. Results: Three implants failed to meet the criteria of success, bringing the cumulative success rate to 96.6%, with a 100% prosthetic success rate at 3 years. Thirty-nine (43.3%) of the dental implants placed were 15 mm in length. Seventy-seven (85.5%) of the dental implants were placed in high-density bone. At 3 years post loading, the average bone loss was −1.2 ± 0.1 mm. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, restoration of implants by unreinforced hybrid prostheses at the time of placement provided satisfactory results. The outcome was stable at 3 years post restoration. Mandibular rehabilitation by functional loading of the implants on the day of the insertion requires the comprehension and proper application of surgical and restorative principles.
Using molecular profiled human tissue to accelerate drug discovery.

The value of molecular profiled human tissue lies in its potential to improve the efficiency of drug discovery and development. The sequencing and profiling of human biospecimens across multiple omics dimensions provides layers of molecular information that can be used to enhance our knowledge of disease mechanisms to identify and prioritize novel drug targets and provide supportive biological evidence to support a therapeutic hypothesis. It is critical to control pre-analytical variables because the reproducibility and accuracy of molecular data generated by high-throughput technologies is dependent upon biospecimen quality. The scientific knowledge and technology developments gained in tissue banking research are transforming biospecimen collection and biostorage practices. These tissue banking advancements will improve specimen quality and utilization and, at the same time, reduce biobanking costs. Furthermore, well-annotated, high quality biospecimens will provide reliable, consistent gene expression ...
Thermodynamic behavior of molecular-scale quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) wires and logic devices

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) offers a new paradigm for molecular electronics, a paradigm in which information transmission and processing depend on electrostatic interactions between charges in arrays of cells composed of quantum dots. Fundamental questions about the operational temperature and functional gain of devices built from molecular-scale QCA cells are addressed in this paper through a statistical-mechanical model based on electrostatic interactions. The model provides exact solutions for the thermodynamic constraints on operation of small arrays of cells (up to 15). An Ising approximation dramatically reduces the computational task and allows modeling of the thermodynamic behavior of semi-infinite QCA wires. The probability of getting the correct output from a QCA device for a given input depends on temperature, cell size, cell-cell distance, effective dielectric constant of the medium, and the number of cells in the array. Using parameters derived from molecular candidates for QCA cells, the statistical-mechanical model predicts that majority gates should give correct output at temperatures of up to 450 K, while wires of thousands to millions of QCA cells are predicted to operate as functional devices at room temperature.
Genetic analysis of chloroplast biogenesis in higher plants

The biogenesis of chloroplasts is genetically complex, involving hundreds of genes distributed between the nucleus and organelle. In higher plants, developmental parameters confer an added layer of complexity upon the genetic control of chloroplast biogenesis: the properties of plastids differ dramatically between different cell types. While the biochemistry and structure of different plastid types have been described in detail, factors that determine the timing and localization of chloroplast development and that mediate chloroplast assembly have remained elusive. To identify nuclear genes that play novel roles in chloroplast biogenesis, we are exploiting nuclear mutations that block the accumulation of subsets of chloroplast proteins
Purification strategies and purity visualization techniques for single-walled carbon nanotubes

Traditionally, SWNTs have been prepared by electric arc-discharge, laser ablation, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, yielding tubes of various diameter and length distributions. However, without exception, as-prepared SWNTs are contaminated with a number of impurities, decreasing the overall yield of usable material. Impurities include transition metal catalysts, such as Fe, Co, and Ni, which are necessary for the growth of SWNTs as well as carbonaceous species such as amorphous carbon, fullerenes, multishell carbon nanocapsules, and nanocrystalline graphite. In this Feature Article, we highlight the role of microscopy in designing and facilitating the interpretation of the success of strategies, including (a) oxidative methods including liquid and gas phase oxidation, (b) chemical functionalization protocols, (c) filtration and chromatography techniques, and (d) microwave heating methods, aimed at rationally purifying single-walled carbon nanotubes.
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIAL IN THE EASTERN RED-SPOTTED NEWT NOTOPHTHALMUS VIRIDESCENS

Behavioral results obtained from the eastern red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) led to the suggestion of a hybrid homing system involving inputs from both a light-dependent and a non-light-dependent mechanism. To evaluate the possible role of a receptor based on biogenic magnetite in this animal, we performed magnetometry experiments on a set of newts previously used in behavioral assays. The natural remanent magnetization (NRM) carried by these newts was strong enough to be measured easily using a direct-current-biased superconducting quantum interference device functioning as a moment magnetometer. Isothermal remanent magnetizations were two orders of magnitude higher than the NRM, suggesting that ferromagnetic material consistent with magnetite is present in the body of the newt. The NRM has no preferential orientation among the animals when analyzed relative to their body axis, and the demagnetization data show that, overall, the magnetic material grains are not aligned parallel to each other within each newt. Although the precise localization of the particles was not possible, the data indicate that magnetite is not clustered in a limited area. A quantity of single-domain magnetic material is present which would be adequate for use in either a magnetic intensity or direction receptor. Our data, when combined with the functional properties of homing, suggest a link between this behavioral response and the presence of ferromagnetic material, raising the possibility that magnetite is involved at least in the map component of homing of the eastern red-spotted newt.
A wireless payment system

The swift advance of wireless networking, communication, and mobile technology is making a big impact to daily life. The significant increase of mobile device users in the recent years causes a strong demand on secured wireless information services and reliable mobile commerce (m-commerce) applications. Since mobile payment (m-payment) is a critical part of most wireless information services and applications, how to generate secured m-payment systems has become a hot research topic. This paper proposes a peer-to-peer m-payment system, known as P2P-Paid to allow mobile users to conduct wireless payments over the Bluetooth communications and to perform related secured transactions with the server. This paper introduces backgrounds, related work, and the system communication protocol, and provides system overview, security solution as well as implementation report.
Role of Angiotensin II and Free Radicals in Blood Pressure Regulation in a Rat Model of Renal Hypertension

One-kidney, 1-clip rats (1K1C) or uninephrectomized controls were treated with either the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol (0.5 mmol. kg(-1). d(-1)), angiotension type 1 receptor inhibitor losartan (50 mmol. L(-1). kg(-1). d(-1)), or both (n=6 per group) for 2 weeks. At the end of the study, systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased on average by 21% in tempol-treated and 29% in losartan-treated versus untreated 1K1C (217+/-4.4 mm Hg) and was normalized in the losartan plus tempol group. Mean BP also decreased from 159+/-3.7 mm Hg in 1K1C to 93+/-2.8 mm Hg in the losartan plus tempol group. Also, aortic wall area was reduced by 18% in losartan- or tempol-treated 1K1C and by 30% in losartan plus tempol rats compared with untreated 1K1C. Plasma renin activity was increased from 4.8+/-0.3 in untreated 1K1C to 15.9+/-0.9 ng. mL(-1). h(-1) in losartan-treated but not tempol-treated 1K1C. Superoxide generation by the isolated aortic rings assessed by lucigenin chemiluminescence was significantly decreased (by approximately 40%) in all losartan, tempol, and losartan plus tempol groups compared with untreated 1K1C. Nitrotyrosine ELISA in the kidney displayed a significant reduction, from 59+/-13 ng/mg of protein in 1K1C to 12.5+/-5 ng/mg of protein in the losartan plus tempol 1K1C. Western blotting for nNOS in kidney cortex and medulla showed a protein increase in both fractions of 1K1C versus controls and was normalized by losartan plus tempol treatment. Collectively, data show a synergistic effect of losartan and tempol on BP reduction in 1K1C rats. The mechanism may involve reduced superoxide production and nitrotyrosine formation in kidney and decreased kidney neuronal-type NO synthase expression in treated animals. This status in the oxidative balance seems to affect BP in the renal hypertensive rats.
Measuring the Spin Polarization of a Metal with a Superconducting Point Contact

A superconducting point contact is used to determine the spin polarization at the Fermi energy of several metals. Because the process of supercurrent conversion at a superconductor-metal interface (Andreev reflection) is limited by the minority spin population near the Fermi surface, the differential conductance of the point contact can reveal the spin polarization of the metal. This technique has been applied to a variety of metals where the spin polarization ranges from 35 to 90 percent: Ni0.8Fe0.2, Ni, Co, Fe, NiMnSb, La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, and CrO2.
A GAP-JUNCTION-MEDIATED SIGNAL, RATHER THAN AN EXTERNAL PARACRINE FACTOR, PREDOMINATES DURING MEIOTIC INDUCTION IN ISOLATED MOUSE OOCYTES

This study was carried out to compare the possible role of a secreted paracrine factor versus that of a gap-junction-transmitted signal in mediating meiotic induction in isolated mouse oocytes from PMSG-primed, immature mice. In the first set of experiments, oocyte-cumulus cell complexes (OCC) were pretreated for 3 h with 2 mM dbcAMP or FSH, washed, and the oocytes then cultured for 17-18 h in 40 microl drops containing either 300 microM dbcAMP or 4 mM hypoxanthine (HX). Each set of pretreated oocytes was cultured under three different conditions: (1) intact cumulus-cell-enclosed oocytes (CEO); (2) denuded oocytes (DO), cultured alone after removal of cumulus cells; and (3) co-cultured cumulus cells and oocytes (CC/DO), where the cumulus cells were removed in the same drop with a mouth-operated pipette and cultured alongside the oocytes. When pretreated with high dbcAMP or FSH, maturation was stimulated in CEO when cultured in either inhibitor (by 41.4-53.7%). Pretreatment failed to affect the maturation rate in DO. DO maturation was not altered appreciably by co-cultured cumulus cells when arrest was maintained with dbcAMP. However, an increase in maturation of 21-23% was observed in CC/DO in the HX-containing cultures that was not dependent on prior treatment with a meiosis-inducing stimulus. When DO were co-cultured with intact, FSH-treated OCC, there was no evidence of a positive factor secreted by the stimulated complexes, despite the fact that oocytes within the OCC were induced to resume maturation. In a second series of experiments the gap junction inhibitor, 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), was utilised. An initial experiment determined that GA dose-dependently blocked OCC metabolic coupling (0.2% coupling at 10 microM compared with 13.6% in controls). When HX-arrested CEO and DO were cultured for 17-18 h in medium containing increasing concentrations of GA, meiotic maturation was induced in CEO but not DO, suggesting that the cumulus cells provided a positive stimulus in the absence of functional gap junctional communication. No effect of GA was seen in dbcAMP-arrested oocytes. A kinetics experiment showed that when CEO were cultured in dbcAMP +/- FSH, meiotic induction was initiated after 3 h and germinal vesicle breakdown reached 60% by 6 h. When GA was added to the cultures at different times after the initiation of culture (0, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h), meiotic induction was immediately blocked. In addition, measurement of OCC coupling revealed that no reduction in coupling occurred during this induction period in the absence of GA. It is concluded that cumulus cells can secrete a positive factor, but that this is normally overridden by inhibitory influences transmitted through the gap junction pathway in intact complexes. Furthermore, upon exposure of complexes to a meiosis-inducing stimulus, a positive gap-junction-mediated signal now predominates to trigger germinal vesicle breakdown, and this signal is utilised throughout the induction period.
Postinhibitory rebound spikes are modulated by the history of membrane hyperpolarization in the SCN

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus regulates biological circadian time thereby directly impacting numerous physiological processes. The SCN is composed almost exclusively of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons, many of which synapse with other GABAergic cells in the SCN to exert an inhibitory influence on their postsynaptic targets for most, if not all, phases of the circadian cycle. The overwhelmingly GABAergic nature of the SCN, along with its internal connectivity properties, provide a strong model to examine how inhibitory neurotransmission generates output signals. In the present work we show that hyperpolarizations that range from 5 to 1000 ms elicit rebound spikes in 63% of all SCN neurons tested in voltage-clamp in the SCN of adult rats and hamsters. In current-clamp recordings, hyperpolarizations led to rebound spike formation in all cells; however, low-amplitude or short-duration current injections failed to consistently activate rebound spikes. Increasing the duration of hyperpolarization from 5 to 1000 ms is strongly and positively correlated with enhanced spike probability. Additionally, the magnitude of hyperpolarization exerts a strong influence on both the amplitude of the spike, as revealed by voltage-clamp recordings, and the latency to peak current obtained in either voltage- or current-clamp mode. Our results suggest that SCN neurons may use rebound spikes as one means of producing output signals from a largely interconnected network of GABAergic neurons.
Process safety culture in the CCPS risk based process safety model

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) has developed a guideline describing a new risk-based approach that an organization can use in defining and implementing a process safety management system specific to its unique needs. Recognizing the importance of safety culture as a determinant of safety performance, CCPS has included process safety culture as one element in the new risk-based process safety (RBPS) model. This paper will describe both the new process safety culture element and its integration in the overall RBPS model.
Numerical Modeling of Higher Order Magnetic Moments in UXO Discrimination

The surface magnetic anomaly observed in unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance is mainly dipolar, and consequently, the dipole is the only magnetic moment regularly recovered in UXO discrimination. The dipole moment contains information about the intensity of magnetization but lacks information about the shape of the target. In contrast, higher order moments, such as quadrupole and octupole, encode asymmetry properties of the magnetization distribution within the buried targets. In order to improve our understanding of magnetization distribution within UXO and non-UXO objects and to show its potential utility in UXO clearance, we present a numerical modeling study of UXO and related metallic objects. The tool for the modeling is a nonlinear integral equation describing magnetization within isolated compact objects of high susceptibility. A solution for magnetization distribution then allows us to compute the magnetic multipole moments of the object, analyze their relationships, and provide a depiction of the anomaly produced by different moments within the object. Our modeling results show the presence of significant higher order moments for more asymmetric objects, and the fields of these higher order moments are well above the noise level of magnetic gradient data. The contribution from higher order moments may provide a practical tool for improved UXO discrimination.
Forcing of the Summertime Low-Level Jet along the California Coast

Abstract Coast-parallel low-level jets are commonplace in the offshore environment along the west coast of the United States during summer. The jet often has wind speeds in excess of 30 m s−1 and is typically situated near the top of the marine boundary layer. A field study was conducted in early summer of 1997 to study the kinematics and dynamics of the low-level jet off the California coast. The University of Wyoming King Air research aircraft was the primary observation platform. Measurement of the horizontal pressure gradient force was fundamental to understanding the dynamics of the jet. By flying at constant pressure, the height of an isobaric surface could be determined by the radar altimeter. The slope of a constant pressure surface is proportional to the pressure gradient force and hence provides an estimate of the geostrophic wind. Data are presented for two episodes of the low-level jet. In both cases wind speed maxima extending in excess of 100 km from the coast were observed. In contrast to p...
Properties and Performance

In Chapter 4 we introduced three major types of signal processing: minimum-variance deconvolution (MVD), which is a form of linear signal processing; detection, which is a form of nonlinear signal processing; and, optimization, which is also a form of nonlinear signal processing. In this chapter we describe everything that is known to-date about the properties and performance of these three types of signal processing. We do this in order to gain a better appreciation and understanding of these techniques.
Standards for International Activities and Grants of U.S. Charitable Organizations

U.S. immigrants often have the desire to give back in order to promote welfare in their countries of origin. The U.S. income tax law may permit a deduction for their contributions (IRC Sec. 170). A deduction is available when contributions are made to certain U.S. non-profit entities. These organizations may conduct part or all of their activities in a foreign country or make grants to another qualifying organization without geographic limitation. The following chapters discuss the standards that govern the aspects of international activities and grant making by U.S. charitable organizations.
Effect of Noncovalent Basal Plane Functionalization on the Quantum Capacitance in Graphene

The concentration-dependent density of states in graphene allows the capacitance in metal–oxide–graphene structures to be tunable with the carrier concentration. This feature allows graphene to act as a variable capacitor (varactor) that can be utilized for wireless sensing applications. Surface functionalization can be used to make graphene sensitive to a particular species. In this manuscript, the effect on the quantum capacitance of noncovalent basal plane functionalization using 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succimidyl ester and glucose oxidase is reported. It is found that functionalized samples tested in air have (1) a Dirac point similar to vacuum conditions, (2) increased maximum capacitance compared to vacuum but similar to air, (3) and quantum capacitance “tuning” that is greater than that in vacuum and ambient atmosphere. These trends are attributed to reduced surface doping and random potential fluctuations as a result of the surface functionalization due to the displacement of H2O on the graphene sur...
Cross-Cultural Issues in Sales Behavior Research

Sales researchers and managers have long sought to identify and promote effective selling practices that improve firm performance. One prominent stream of relational sales research has dealt with the concept of adaptive selling behavior (ASB). A meta-analysis of over 31,000 salespeople by Franke and Park (2006) identified antecedents and outcomes of ASB, but focused largely on U.S. salespeople. Thus, relatively little is known about such sales practices in alternative cultural contexts.
Death cause analysis of residents in Yongjia county of Zhejiang province in 2010

Objective To analyze the death cause of residents in Yongjia,and to provide a scientific basis for health planning,disease control and prevention.Methods The death monitoring data of Yongjia in 2008 were collected and classified according to the criteria of dyslexia in the ICD-10,and the mortality rate and the order of causes of death were regarded as the statistical indexes.Results The mortality was 517.23/lakh.The sequence of top five death causes of residents in Yongjia in 2010 was circulatory system disease,tumors,heart disease,respiratory system disease,and injure.Cancer mortality was significantly higher in males than that in females.Conclusion Non-communicable chronic diseases and accident and poisoning have become the major diseases which seriously endanger residents' health in Yongjia.The prevention and control of these diseases should be further strengthened.
RNA-Directed Recombination of RNA In Vitro

Construction of long RNAs can be achieved in vitro by using ribozymes to recombine shorter RNAs. This can be a useful technique to prepare RNAs when the fi nal product is either very long or contains chemical modifi cations that are diffi cult to incorporate using standard in vitro transcription techniques. Here, we describe the use of the Azoarcus group I intron ribozyme to recombine shorter RNAs into longer ones. This ribozyme is a generalized RNA recombinase ribozyme that operates rapidly and with high effi ciency.
Skin-inspired hydrogel-elastomer hybrids with robust interfaces and functional microstructures

Inspired by mammalian skins, soft hybrids integrating the merits of elastomers and hydrogels have potential applications in diverse areas including stretchable and bio-integrated electronics, microfluidics, tissue engineering, soft robotics and biomedical devices. However, existing hydrogel–elastomer hybrids have limitations such as weak interfacial bonding, low robustness and difficulties in patterning microstructures. Here, we report a simple yet versatile method to assemble hydrogels and elastomers into hybrids with extremely robust interfaces (interfacial toughness over 1,000 Jm−2) and functional microstructures such as microfluidic channels and electrical circuits. The proposed method is generally applicable to various types of tough hydrogels and diverse commonly used elastomers including polydimethylsiloxane Sylgard 184, polyurethane, latex, VHB and Ecoflex. We further demonstrate applications enabled by the robust and microstructured hydrogel–elastomer hybrids including anti-dehydration hydrogel–elastomer hybrids, stretchable and reactive hydrogel–elastomer microfluidics, and stretchable hydrogel circuit boards patterned on elastomer. Soft hybrids that integrate hydrogels and elastomers can be used in applications, such as stretchable electronics and soft robotics, but usually have shortcomings. Here, Zhao and co-workers show a simple method of assembling hydrogel/elastomer hybrids with robust interfaces and functional microstructures.
TH-AB-BRA-02: Automated Triplet Beam Orientation Optimization for MRI-Guided Co-60 Radiotherapy

Purpose: MRI guided Co-60 provides daily and intrafractional MRI soft tissue imaging for improved target tracking and adaptive radiotherapy. To remedy the low output limitation, the system uses three Co-60 sources at 120° apart, but using all three sources in planning is considerably unintuitive. We automate the beam orientation optimization using column generation, and then solve a novel fluence map optimization (FMO) problem while regularizing the number of MLC segments. Methods: Three patients—1 prostate (PRT), 1 lung (LNG), and 1 head-and-neck boost plan (H&NBoost)—were evaluated. The beamlet dose for 180 equally spaced coplanar beams under 0.35 T magnetic field was calculated using Monte Carlo. The 60 triplets were selected utilizing the column generation algorithm. The FMO problem was formulated using an L2-norm minimization with anisotropic total variation (TV) regularization term, which allows for control over the number of MLC segments. Our Fluence Regularized and Optimized Selection of Triplets (FROST) plans were compared against the clinical treatment plans (CLN) produced by an experienced dosimetrist. Results: The mean PTV D95, D98, and D99 differ by −0.02%, +0.12%, and +0.44% of the prescription dose between planning methods, showing same PTV dose coverage. The mean PTV homogeneity (D95/D5) was at 0.9360 (FROST) and 0.9356 (CLN). R50 decreased by 0.07 with FROST. On average, FROST reduced Dmax and Dmean of OARs by 6.56% and 5.86% of the prescription dose. The manual CLN planning required iterative trial and error runs which is very time consuming, while FROST required minimal human intervention. Conclusions: MRI guided Co-60 therapy needs the output of all sources yet suffers from unintuitive and laborious manual beam selection processes. Automated triplet orientation optimization is shown essential to overcome the difficulty and improves the dosimetry. A novel FMO with regularization provides additional controls over the number of MLC segments and treatment time. Varian Medical Systems; NIH grant R01CA188300; NIH grant R43CA183390.
Pre-Service Elementary Teacher Dispositions and Responsive Pedagogical Patterns in Mathematics

The movement toward viewing dispositions as a construct for the field of teacher education began in the United States during the 1990s. During that time the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) and the National Board for Professional teaching Standards (NBPTS) replaced the construct of “attitudes” with “dispositions” in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes triad.
Delivery of an active lysosomal enzyme using GNeosomes

Two methods for assembling guanidinoneomycin-decorated liposomes are presented and their ability to deliver an active enzyme to the lysosomes and restore enzyme function in diseased cells is compared.
Klingenberg: Krümmung und Gestalt (1961)

Die Riemannsche Geometrie wurde zunachst mit Formeln in lokalen Koordinaten beschrieben. Fur globale Aspekte, die den Bereich eines einzelnen Koordinatensystems uberschritten, musste man ihre Konzepte, insbesondere den Begriff der Krummung neu verstehen. Eine der ersten Resultate dieser neuen ”Riemannschen Geometrie im Grosen“ war der Spharensatz von Marcel Berger und Wilhelm Klingenberg (1961): Eine einfach zusammenhangende kompakte Mannigfaltigkeit mit Krummung strikt zwischen 1/4 und 1 ist vom einfachsten topologischen Typ, dem der Sphare. Die Ungleichung ist scharf: Wenn beide Schranken angenommen werden durfen, gibt es Gegenbeispiele. Wir geben nicht den Originalbeweis wieder, sondern einen spateren, sehr viel anschaulicheren, der auf Michail Gromov zuruckgeht und die Beziehung zwischen der Krummung und der Konvexitat der Abstandskugeln oder ihrer Komplemente ausnutzt.