cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iosipescu shear characterization of polymeric and metal matrix composites

The paper outlines the results of an experimental/analytical investigation of deformation and stress fields in the test section of graphite/epoxy and boron/aluminum Iosipescu specimens using high-resolution moire interferometry and finite-element analysis. Very good correlation between experiment and analysis is demonstrated for the graphite/epoxy specimens. This, in turn, justifies the use of correction factors employed in the previous investigations to eliminate differences in the initial shear moduli obtained from 0-deg and 90-deg Iosipescu specimens. The significant discrepancies observed in the case of boron/aluminum specimens are attributed to localized yielding at the notch tips caused by the clamping action, the associated in-plane bending effects and changing boundary conditions due to slippage in the grips.
Multiple extraction cavities for high-power klystrons

The design and performance of an X-band high-power klystron amplifier utilizing an output circuit consisting of two uncoupled output cavities are described and compared with 2-D computer simulation results. It is shown that good efficiency, low RF gap gradient, relatively uniform power extraction from each cavity, and freedom from oscillations due to extraneous modes can be achieved. The change in phase relative to the RF input for the two extraction cavities is relatively small within a frequency bandwidth on the order of 1%, when the beam voltage or drive power is varied over a moderate range. For narrowband applications, where the combining of the separate outputs is desired, good combining efficiency is possible. The number of extraction cavities can be extended to obtain still higher peak powers. >
Problems of statistical inference

The standard method of statistical inference invol Ves testing a null hypothesis that the researcher usually hopes to reject in order to accept a specific alternative hypothesis. The method is problematic in some ways; for example, consistency with a stringent underlying mathematical model and random sampling are needed, in principie, and decisions need to be based on not only objective outcomes of tests but also subjective evaluation of effect sizes. Some other problems have been wrongly attributed to it, for example, that it often invoives null hypotheses that are preposterous or obviously false, permits only a decision to accept or to reject the null hypothesis, is misdirected because the real issue is not accept/reject but degree of beiief, is an unfortunate hybridization, involves faulty syllogistic reasoning, and is inferior to the Bayesian approach. These criticisms are answered in this article; the conclusion is that the standard method is sound and, unless misused, it is valuable.
Alpha-Decay Radiation Damage Study of a Glass-Bonded Sodalite Ceramicwaste form

Effects of alpha decay on the ceramic waste form used to immobilize fission products and actinides accumulated from electrometallurgical treatment of Department of Energy metallic spent nuclear fuel is being studied. This involved the preparation of a surrogate ceramic waste form containing two-weight percent plutonium-238 and monitoring changes to the waste form resulting from alpha-decay damage. The phase assembly of the ceramic waste form consists of glass-bonded sodalite with small quantities of nepheline, halite and plutonium dioxide. The waste form has been monitored for three years and has acquired an internal alpha-decay dose of 1 × 1018 disintegrations per gram of material. Methods used to monitor the material include: density determination, chemical durability measured by immersion testing, microscopy and powder xray diffraction. The investigation has, to date, found little alteration to the waste form due to alpha-decay damage. X-ray diffraction analysis has detected a unit cell volume increase of 0.7 percent of the plutonium dioxide phase. Furthermore, bubbles and/or voids have been observed by transmission electron microscopy in the sodalite and glass phase. The origin of these defects is unclear and under investigation.
Oral Leucine Enhances Myocardial Protein Synthesis in Rats Acutely Administered Ethanol

Acute alcohol ingestion induces an inhibition of myocardial protein synthesis by impairing mRNA translation initiation. Elevating plasma leucine (Leu) concentrations via oral gavage stimulates mRNA translation initiation in several tissues, although the effect in heart has not been well defined. The experiments described herein were designed to test the effects of a gavage solution containing Leu on protein synthesis and potential mechanisms important in accelerating mRNA translation initiation in cardiac muscle of rats given ethanol acutely to mimic "binge" dinking. Gavage with Leu stimulated protein synthesis and enhanced the assembly of the active eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4G.eIF4E complex. Increased assembly of the active eIF4G.eIF4E complex was associated with a 130% rise in phosphorylation of eIF4G(Ser(1108)) and a decreased assembly ( approximately 30%) of inactive eIF4E-binding protein1 (4EBP1).eIF4E complex in rats-administered ethanol. The reduced assembly of the 4EBP1.eIF4E complex was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of 4EBP1 in the hyperphosphorylated gamma-form following Leu gavage. Phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin on Ser(2448), an upstream regulator of phosphorylation of 4EBP1, was elevated following Leu gavage. Neither the phosphorylation of 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase on Thr(389) nor eIF4E phosphorylation was increased following Leu gavage under any condition. Leu gavage accelerates myocardial protein synthesis following acute ethanol intoxication by enhancing eIF4G.eIF4E complex assembly through increased phosphorylation of eIF4G and decreased association of 4EBP1 with eIF4E.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide-like immunoreactivity in rodent taste cells.

Abstract The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide was localized to taste buds of the posterior tongue regions of hamsters and rats by immunocytochemical techniques. Tissue sections, taken from foliate and circumvallate papillae, generally revealed taste buds in which all cells were immunoreactive; however, occasionally some taste buds were found to contain highly reactive individual cells adjacent to non-reactive cells. Additionally, some non-reactive taste buds were observed. Taste buds that displayed vasoactive intestinal peptide-like immunoreactivity usually had a tendency for much darker staining at the apical ends of the cells than the basal ends, suggesting a polar cytoplasmic distribution of the peptide. The multi-functional roles of vasoactive intestinal peptide in other physiological systems combined with both its cytoplasmic localization in taste cells and the known histochemistry/ultrastructure of taste cells raises interesting speculations of this peptide's function in gustation that include secretion, stimulation of a second messenger system and neuromodulation.
Antimicrobial resistance among lower respiratory tract isolates of Haemophilus influenzae: results of a 1992–93 Western Europe and USA collaborative surveillance study

During 1992 and 1993, 2718 respiratory tract isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were obtained from two study centres in each of five West European countries and five study centres in the USA. beta-Lactamase production was assessed and MICs of 14 antimicrobial agents determined in a single co-ordinating laboratory using a broth microdilution method in Mueller-Hinton-lysed horse blood medium. The prevalence of strains producing beta-lactamase varied between 0 and 37.9%. In general, the highest prevalence was in study centres from Spain and the USA with slightly lower rates observed in France and the UK. Only a single confirmed beta-lactamase-negative, ampicillin resistant strain was recovered during the entire study. Erythromycin resistance, defined as an MIC of > or = 4.0 mg/L, was noted in 57.5% of isolates. Among the other antimicrobials tested, resistance rates > or = 1.0% were observed only with cefaclor (3.7%), chloramphenicol (1.4%) and co-trimoxazole (2.5%). In no case, was the prevalence of resistance or beta-lactamase production significantly greater in 1993 than in 1992.
Integrity of the permeability barrier is crucial for maintenance of the epidermal calcium gradient.

Summary Prior studies have demonstrated a Ca2+ gradient within the epidermis, with the highest concentration in the outer nucleated layers, disappearance of the Ca2+ gradient when the permeability barrier is acutely disrupted, and reappearance of the Ca2+ gradient in parallel with barrier repair, and disruption of the gradient in psoriasis. These observations suggest that integrity of the permeability barrier may maintain the epidermal Ca2+ gradient. To determine further whether a functional barrier is crucial for maintaining the Ca2+ gradient, we examined Ca2+ distribution by ion-capture cytochemistry in essential-fatty-acid-deficient (EFAD) and topical-lovastatin-treated mice, which display a chronic barrier abnormality. In both models, loss of the Ca2+ gradient occurred due to increased cytosolic Ca2+ in the lower epidermis, which normally displays a paucity of Ca2+. Moreover, artificial barrier restoration for 48 h with a water vapour-impermeable wrap normalized the Ca2+distribution pattern. Acute barrier disruption also leads to the loss of the Ca2+ gradient, but in contrast with the chronic models, loss of the gradient was due to decreased Ca2+ in the upper epidermis. Occlusion with a vapour-impermeable wrap blocked restoration of the Ca2+ gradient after acute barrier disruption. These results demonstrate that chronic barrier disruption increases Ca2+ in the epidermis, and blockade of water flux normalizes Ca2+ distribution, whereas acute barrier disruption leads to loss of Ca2+, and blockade of water flux prevents the return of Ca2+. We conclude: (i) that the epidermal Ca2+ reservoir is derived from the movement of fluids and Ca2+ across the basement membrane, and (ii) that the integrity of the permeability barrier maintains the epidermal Ca2+gradient.
Child Labor Supply in Palestine: Trends and Perspectives

The family decision model suggests that families don’t send their kids to work unless they are faced with reduction in income due to decrease in economic activities. However, this study reveals that an increase in national output and income, measured by GDP and GNI per capita in Palestine does not result in a decline in the supply of child labor. Economic shocks in Palestine as a result of Israeli policies have significant positive effects on child labor supply. The study indicates that while child labor increased in the years where overall national income declined, supply of child labor persisted during year when income and employment increased. Child labor supply in Palestine could be concluded to be a “complement” factor for adults’ employment.
Lincoln's Tragic Pragmatism: Lincoln, Douglas, and Moral Conflict. By John Burt. (Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2013. Pp. xvii, 814. $39.95.)

When Thomas Jefferson prefaced a long list of grievances with an exposition on natural right, enhanced by Benjamin Franklin's enlightened phrase “self‐evident,” the American experiment in self‐gove...
The effect of herbal supplementation on the severity of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is a serious condition that affects the health and possibly the performance of all racehorses. However, only two treatments, furosemide and the Flair™ equine nasal strip, both of which reduce capillary transmural pressure, have been successful in reducing EIPH. Alternatively, transient impairment of platelet function and coagulation during exercise has been considered an additional contributor to EIPH. Consequently, herbal formulations designed to enhance platelet function, and hence coagulation, are hypothesized to reduce EIPH. To investigate the validity of this hypothesis, five Thoroughbred horses completed three maximal incremental exercise tests on a 10% inclined treadmill in a randomized cross-over design experiment. Treatments included twice daily oral administration (for 3 days) of a placebo (PL; cornstarch) and two herbal formulas, Yunnan Paiyao (YP) or Single Immortal (SI). Blood samples for coagulation profiles, complete blood counts and biochemistry profiles were collected before each exercise test. During each test, pulmonary arterial pressure, oxygen uptake, arterial blood gases, plasma lactate and time-to-fatigue were measured. Severity of EIPH was quantified via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at 30–60 min post-exercise. The herbal formulations were not effective in decreasing EIPH (×106 red blood cells ml−1 BAL fluid: PL, 27.1±11.6; YP, 33.2±23.4; SI, 35.3±15.4, P>0.05) or in changing any of the other variables measured with the exception of time-to-fatigue, which was slightly but significantly prolonged by Single Immortal compared with placebo and Yunnan Paiyao (PL, 670±9.6 s; YP, 665±5.5 s; SI, 685±7.9 s, P<0.05). Thus, these results do not support the use of these herbal formulations in the prevention of EIPH.
A decentralized approach to multi-agent planning in the presence of constraints and uncertainty

We address the problem of planning in the presence of uncertainty and constraints for teams of unmanned vehicles. The problem is formulated as a Constrained Markov Decision Process (C-MDP). We allow for plans with a non-zero but bounded probability of violating constraints, a quantity that we define as risk and provide a solution technique that keeps the risk below a specified threshold while optimizing reward. We also use the decoupling between the dynamics of individual agents to assume transition independence and use this assumption to reduce the complexity of the problem. We provide representative simulation results to show that our technique achieves high reward while keeping risk bounded.
Hedgehog Signaling Requires Motile Cilia in the Sea Urchin

A relatively small number of signaling pathways govern the early patterning processes of metazoan development. The architectural changes over time to these signaling pathways offer unique insights into their evolution. In the case of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, two very divergent mechanisms of pathway transduction have evolved. In vertebrates, signaling relies on trafficking of Hh pathway components to nonmotile specialized primary cilia. In contrast, protostomes do not use cilia of any kind for Hh signal transduction. How these divergent lineages adapted such dramatically different ways of activating the signaling pathway is an unanswered question. Here, we present evidence that in the sea urchin, a basal deuterostome, motile cilia are required for embryonic Hh signal transduction, and the Hh receptor Smoothened (Smo) localizes to cilia during active Hh signaling. This is the first evidence that Hh signaling requires motile cilia and the first case of an organism requiring cilia outside of the vertebrate lineage.
Women at altitude: short-term exposure to hypoxia and/or α1-adrenergic blockade reduces insulin sensitivity

After short-term exposure to high altitude (HA), men appear to be less sensitive to insulin than at sea level (SL). We hypothesized that the same would be true in women, that reduced insulin sensit...
Fabrication and magnetic properties of submicro-textured magnetostrictive alloys

A novel method for fabrication of submicro-textured magnetostrictive alloys (Fe85Ga15) by using mechanochemical treatment of iron and gallium reactants followed high-temperature sintering is reported. To reduce the surface tension and enhance the chemical reaction between iron and gallium up to 1% of surfactant (oleic acid) was used during the mechanochemical synthesis of Fe85Ga15 particles. The sintered sample was processed using a flat-roll machine to obtain 100 µm thick ribbons at room temperature. The ribbons were annealed at 600 °C in argon and slowly cooled down for over 3 h. SEM analysis of the ribbons shows a submicron structure of the fabricated alloys. XRD data for annealed ribbons confirm a long-range ordering of Ga atoms into a DO3 structure. The magnetization plot M (H) at 5 and 280 K of the Fe85Ga15 ribbon did not display a visible magnetic hysteresis loop and exhibited a very low coercivity of H c = 4.7 and 1.9 Oe and remnant moment of M rem = 0.28 and 0.1 emu/g, respectively, with a saturation magnetization of about 162 emu/g. A largest magnetostriction up to 220 ppm was measured along the ribbon length in a perpendicular magnetic field.
Courtship song is more variable than calling song in the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus

Most cricket species have two types of acoustic signals used in mating: the calling song, which attracts females from a distance, and the courtship song, which is given only when a female has come in contact with a male. We propose that the calling song is used mainly for species recognition, while the courtship song may contain information about an individual male's quality. Calling song is therefore expected to be more stereotyped and less variable than courtship song. A comparison of coefficients of variation in the two types of song in Teleogryllus oceanicus supported this prediction, with five of eight song elements significantly more variable in courtship than in calling song. The remaining song elements did not differ in variability between courtship and calling song. The difference did not depend on the response of the female being courted, as similar results were obtained when males courted dead females.
Higher layer perspectives on modeling the wireless channel

We present previous findings that reveal the importance of higher order error statistics in assessing the impact of particular forms of error control on services as seen by the higher layers of a protocol stack. In an effort to generalize our past work on the sensitivity of higher layer protocols to channel errors, we examine ways to capture the behavior of realistic channels with tractable models. We examine the property of weak lumpability of Markov chains as well as apply stochastic bounding techniques to previously published channel models and develop analytical techniques that are especially relevant from the perspective of the higher layers of a protocol stack.
Opioid growth factor ([Met5]enkephalin) prevents the incidence and retards the growth of human colon cancer.

Endogenous opioid peptides serve as growth factors in normal and neoplastic cells and tissues, and both opioids and their receptors have been identified in human colon cancer. This study examined t...
On Optimal Sizing of Tiered Network Services

We develop an economic model for networks offering tiered services and we formulate the problem of selecting the service tiers from three perspectives: one that considers the users' interests only, one that considers only the service provider's interests, and one that considers both simultaneously, i.e., the interests of society as a whole. We also present dynamic programming algorithms that solve these problems optimally. Our work provides a theoretical framework for reasoning about Internet tiered services, as well as a practical toolset for network providers to develop customized menus of service offerings.
Wing transmission for a micromechanical flying insect

Flapping wings provide unmatched manoeuvrability for flying microrobots. Recent advances in modelling insect aerodynamics show that adequate wing rotation at the end of the stroke is essential for generating adequate flight forces. We developed a thorax structure using four bar frames combined with an extensible fan-fold wing to provide adequate wing stroke and rotation. Flow measurements on a scale model of the beating wing show promising aerodynamics. Calculations using a simple resonant mechanical circuit model show that piezoelectric actuators can generate sufficient power, force and stroke to drive the wings at 150 Hz.
Probing the stability-limiting regions of an antibody single-chain variable fragment: a molecular dynamics simulation study

Antibody single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) offer particular advantages over the full-size antibodies, including easy expression, efficient local concentration and fast body clearance. However, scFvs typically show low thermal stability that limits their biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this study, we examined the thermal stability of the human and murine vascular endothelial growth factor antibody scFv fragment by molecular dynamics simulations. A consistent observation was the dissociation of the light-chain (VL) and heavy-chain (VH) domains and loss of the native structures of both domains in the simulations at the elevated temperatures. The stability-limiting structural elements in the protein were revealed from the detailed analyses on the native contacts. We found that dissociation of the VL–VH domains was the first event leading to the unfolding of the native structure of the protein and the disruption of the VL–VH interface was largely due to the break of the interfacial hydrophobic and aromatic interactions while the hydrogen-bonding interaction between Gln38 in VL and Gln39 in VH remained. Within the β-barrel structure of the VL and VH domains, β-strands β6, β2 and β11 appeared to be the least stable. In addition, we found that the VH domain was more thermally resistant than the VL domain. Based on these findings, we discussed potential strategies to improve the stability of this therapeutically important scFv fragment.
Investigating the EF-G-Ribosome Interaction During Bacterial Translocation

During bacterial protein synthesis, translocation of tRNA and mRNA with respect to the ribosome is catalyzed by the conserved GTPase elongation factor-G (EF-G). Previous studies have provided key insights into the conformational changes in EF-G and the ribosome required for this process. However, the order and timing of EF-G-catalyzed translocation events on the ribosome remains obscure. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of translocation is critical to delineating both the origins of fidelity and requirement for energy expenditure in this process. Here we directly probe EF-G’s interaction with the ribosome before, during and after translocation using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The data reveal that the translocation event is relatively rapid with respect to EF-G’s interaction with the ribosome. Further experiments conducted in the presence of non-hydrolyzable GTP analogs and known inhibitors of translocation reveal the contributions of GTP hydrolysis and EF-G turnover during this process.
Computer Simulation Model: Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies

Most state highways in the United States were built during the 1960s and 1970s with an infrastructure investment of more than $1 trillion. They now exceed their 20 year design lives and are seriously deteriorated. The consequences are high maintenance and road user costs because of degraded road surfaces and construction work zone delays. Efficient planning of highway rehabilitation closures is critical. This paper presents a simulation model, Construction Analysis for Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (CA4PRS), which estimates the maximum amount of highway rehabilitation/reconstruction during various closure timeframes. The model balances project constraints such as scheduling interfaces, pavement materials and design, contractor logistics and resources, and traffic operations. It has been successfully used on several urban freeway rehabilitation projects with high traffic volume, including projects on I-10 and I-710. The CA4PRS helps agencies and contractors plan highway rehabilitation strategies by taking into account long-life pavement performance, construction productivity, traffic delay, and total cost.
Influence of age, gender, and race on nitric oxide release over acupuncture points-meridians

This study examined the influence of age, gender and race on nitric oxide (NO) release over acupuncture points, meridian without acupoint, and non-meridian regions of the Pericardium (PC) and Bladder (BL) meridian as well as aging on LU meridian in 61 healthy subjects. Biocapture tubes were attached to the skin surface, and total nitrite and nitrate was biocaptured and quantified using chemiluminescence. In elder ages compared to adults, NO levels over the ventral forearm were significantly decreased over LU on radial regions but not altered over PC on medial regions. Conversely, NO content was elevated over BL regions only in overweight/obesity of elder ages. NO levels over PC regions were marginally elevated in overweight/obese males compared to females but did not alter between races. These results suggest a selective reduction of NO release over LU meridian with aging, which is consistent with a progressive decline in lung function and increase in chronic respiratory disease in elder ages. Increased NO levels along the BL meridian in older obese subjects may reflect a modified NO level along somatic-bladder pathway for counteracting bladder dysfunctions with aging. Both of them support somatic-organ connections in the meridian system associated with potential pathophysiological changes with aging.
Stability Analysis of Discrete-time Lure Systems with Slope-restricted Odd Monotonic Nonlinearities.

Many nonlinear dynamical systems can be written as Lure systems, which are described by a linear time-invariant system interconnected with a diagonal static sector-bounded nonlinearity. Sufficient conditions are derived for the global asymptotic stability analysis of discrete-time Lure systems in which the nonlinearities have restricted slope and/or are odd, which is the usual case in real applications. A Lure-Postnikov-type Lyapunov function is proposed that is used to derive sufficient analysis conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The derived stability critera are provably less conservative than criteria published in the literature, with numerical examples indicating that conservatism can be reduced by orders of magnitude.
Racing the Tournament: Black Lawyers in Corporate Law Firms

This paper uses information from over 250 in-depth interviews with black lawyers in US corporate law firms to critique the widely held claim that the internal labor markets of these institutions are organized as standard economic "tournaments." Although tournament theory fits some obvious features of large law firms, as well as the profession's sense of itself as a meritocracy opened to talent, the economic concept of a rank-order tournament in which firms bestow partnership as a reward to the "best" associates for their past contributions to the firm does not accurately describe the hiring or promotion practices of elite firms in the United States. Instead, these practices define a much different kind of competition - one that looks more like a figure skating tournament, complete with subjective standards, political bias, tracking, seeding, and information control - than the neutral meritocracy suggested by tournament theory. These rules disadvantage blacks in hiring, promotion, and partnership. Blacks are less likely to be hired by large firms because employers place too much emphasis on "objective" signals (such as law school status and grades) that are at best only loosely correlated with future productivity, while at the same time allowing considerable room for the kind of subjective decisionmaking that accentuates the importance of background stereotypes and preconceptions. Similarly, informal tracking of associates into those who will receive training and those who will not makes it more difficult for black associates to obtain the good work and mentoring that will enable them to develop into successful lawyers. Finally, even those blacks who become partners face structural barriers to participating in the three markets that are essential to partner success: the external market for new clients, the internal market for referrals from existing clients, and the labor market for senior associates. These structural disadvantages, in turn, create incentives for black lawyers to adopt rational career strategies that, paradoxically, further decrease their opportunities for winning the tournament.
GeroRiching a BSW Curriculum: More Carrot, Less Stick

With the aging of the American population, all social workers, regardless of their field of practice, are increasingly finding themselves working with elderly clients or with clients' aging family members. A number of schools and departments of social work are actively engaging in a new emphasis to prepare future practitioners to meet the growing challenge and are seeking effective methods of enriching their curricula. This article examines current literature on institutional change that suggests effective curriculum change strategies fit institutional culture. It then reports the efforts of one rural BSW program to infuse its curriculum with content on aging, and demonstrates how the selected strategies fit the institutional culture of that social work program.
Ischyropalpus nitidulus (Coleoptera: Anthicidae), a Predator of Mites Associated with Monterey Pine

Analysis of the feces of the adult anthicid beetle, Ischyropalpus nitidulus , taken from Monterey pine, indicates that this beetle ingested several species of mites, an aphid (Essigella californica) , pollen, I. nitidulus setae, mineral grains and fungi. Ischyropalpus nitidulus ingested the tetranychid mite, Oligonychus subnudus; the eriophyid mite, Platyphytoptus sabinianae; the tarsonemid mites, Rhyncotarsonemus niger and Tarsonemus setifer; the tydeid mite, Paralorryia ferula; and the tenuipalpid mite, Brevipalpus pini . In the laboratory, I. nitidulus fed readily upon living mites. It appears that on Monterrey pine, this beetle is primarily a predator of mites. Ischyropalpus nitidulus may, along with other predaceous insects and mites, limit the number of O. subnudus , a pest of ornamental Monterey pine.
Management of Overseas Acquisitions by Developing Country Multinationals and Its Performance Implications: The Indian Example

Developing-country multinationals (DMNCs) make overseas acquisitions to leverage extant capabilities of acquired companies in order to enter foreign markets and acquire their know-how to enhance their own competitiveness against global competition at home and abroad. We go “inside the black box” to examine how DMNCs manage those acquisitions and the attendant implications for postacquisition performance. When DMNCs keep the acquired firm “structurally separate” from their own organization and retain its senior executives, they exhibit better acquisition performance. Also, “linking mechanisms” to coordinate interdependencies between the two firms improves performance, especially when the acquired firm is kept structurally separate. Analyses of large-sample data of Indian DMNCs’ overseas acquisitions show that DMNCs’ light-handed approach to managing acquisitions, despite acquiring majority ownership in them, seems suited to their acquisition objectives. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Intraumbilical "Z" Incision in Children's Laparoscopic Operation

Objective To summarize the effect of intraumbilical"Z" incision in children's laparoscopic operation.Methods Retrospective analysis of the Meckel's diverticulum was performed resection through the intraumbilical "Z" incision under a laparoscope in 6 children,and through the intraumbilical"Z" incision finished laparoscopic retrograde appendectomy in 16 children,from June to August in 2010.Results 11 cases(appendectomy) were operated successfully,3 cases were converted to two-pots,1 case was converted to laparotomy,5 cases had postoperative umbilical infection.6 cases(Meckel's diverticulum) were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery,1 case had postoperative umbilical infection.Conclusion The laparoscopy-assisted openration through the intraumbilical "Z" incision is safe and feasible for children,with the characteristics of less wound,less pain,faster rescovery and good concealment and cosmetic result.
Risk management of medical device defects in the diagnosisand treatment of high-risk outpatient patients

Objective To explore risk management of medical device defects in the diagnosis and treatment of high-risk outpatient patients based on the fact that the simple and low-risk clinical operation in outpatient department can also lead to risks.By doing this,attention will be paid to ensure the medical quality and patients' safety.Methods The medical device,pathological and physiological conditions as well as other restrictive conditions in 2 adverse nursing cases in our hospital were analyzed,and preventive measures for nursing risk were made according to the analysis.Results The risk and incidence of injury in treating patients with defective medical devices increased markedly,especially when patients were in poor pathological and physiological conditions.Conclusion Strengthening risk management of nursing in outpatient department requires nursing staff to have rigorous working attitude towards the simple operation in the outpatient department,carefully conduct various evaluations for different patients before operation,accurately identify high-risk patients and give appropriate responses,and meticulously check the medical devices to be used,making sure that they are 100% intact.All these measures are of significant clinical significance to decrease adverse events caused by medical device defects.
Characteristics of sexual behaviors among adults who were HIV infected through casual sexual partners

Objective To explore the characteristics of sex behaviors among adults who were HIV infected through causal,non-commercial sexual partners.Methods A cross-sectional study was performed by informed consent face-to-face interview in several provinces,China.We collected data for the socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors of HIV positive adults who were infected through casual,non-commercial sexual partners in 2009.Results A total of 164 HIV positive adults who were infected by casual sexual partners were recruited for the study.Among the participants,54.9% were less than 29 years old,54.3% were females.The rate of condom use was 3% for casual sex.The main reasons for non-condom use were objection by partners and personal preference.Among the partners of the participants,58.5% had casual sexual partners other than the partners,10.4% were drug users and 6.7% were commercial sexual workers.Conclusions AIDS risk education and intervention need to be enhanced for people with casual sex,especially for young generation.
Explanations and Causal Judgments are Differentially Sensitive to Covariation and Mechanism Information.

We report four experiments demonstrating that judgments of explanatory goodness are sensitive both to covariation evidence and to mechanism information. Compared to judgments of causal strength, explanatory judgments tend to be more sensitive to mechanism and less sensitive to covariation. Judgments of understanding tracked covariation least closely. We discuss implications of our findings for theories of explanation, understanding and causal attribution.
Microwave resonant activation in hybrid single-gap/two-gap Josephson tunnel junctions

Microwave resonant activation is a powerful, straightforward technique to study classical and quantum systems, experimentally realized in Josephson junction devices cooled to very low temperatures. These devices typically consist of two single-gap superconductors separated by a weak link. We report the results of the first resonant activation experiments on hybrid thin film Josephson junctions consisting of a multi-gap superconductor (MgB2) and a single-gap superconductor (Pb or Sn). We can interpret the plasma frequency in terms of theories both for conventional and hybrid junctions. Using these models, we determine the junction parameters including critical current, resistance, and capacitance and find moderately high quality factors of Q0∼ 100 for these junctions.
A GHz range, single structure, multi-mode ZnO solidly-mounted bulk acoustic resonator

Multiple modes excited in a single solidly-mounted ZnO bulk acoustic resonator would provide a multi-band resonator operating at non-harmonically-related frequencies in the GHz range. Ordinarily, separate devices with different electrode and reflector designs are needed to excite the thickness shear (TSM) and thickness-extensional (TE) bulk acoustic modes, each device optimized for a single mode. In this work, we present a solidly mounted, c-axis oriented, ZnO bulk acoustic resonator with a single electrode geometry that excites both TSM and TE modes within the same structure. The acoustic reflector stack is specifically designed to efficiently reflect both modes. In addition, the resonator footprint is only 400μm × 400μm making it ideal for on-chip integration. Successful fabrication and testing of approximately 50 multi-mode devices was demonstrated. The resonant frequencies are located at 1.2GHz and 2.3GHz for the TSM and TE modes, respectively. The quality factors of the devices are between 400–500 and 800–1000, respectively. In addition, a hybrid mode was observed, non-harmonically-related to the TSM and TE, with a resonant frequency of about 1.5GHz and a Q of 700. It is also shown that the resonant frequency of each mode changes accordingly with mass-loading on the center electrode, indicative of mode trapping under the electrode.
Bioequivalence criteria for inhaled corticosteroids: The need for global harmonization

A present, there are no approved generic inhaled corticosteroids available in the US market. This is surprising since this indication represents a multi-billion dollar market and the patents of some of the market leaders are already expired. The reason for this situation is the lack of a regulatory guidance that will enable generic manufacturers to submit an ANDA for approval of a bioequivalent product. The concern, as with any topical product, is that the conventional bioequivalence study based on a comparison of drug exposure in plasma may not be appropriate and not correctly reflect the relative availability at the site of action in the lungs. Hence, the only way that a generic company can get a product approved is to undergo expensive clinical trials, which defeats the purpose of the generic drug product concept. Interestingly, the approach of the EMA in Europe has been exactly the opposite. The EMA has issued a guidance document that may allow generic approval based on in-vitro equivalence alone. However, the detailed criteria are so strict that this scenario seems not very realistic. If in-vitro equivalence is not achieved, then a pharmacokinetic study based on drug exposure in plasma can be submitted. Interestingly, even if the pharmacokinetic studies come out to be not able to show equivalence, generic approval is still a possibility if clinical equivalence can be shown. It can be shown that of the three different measures (in-vitro performance, pharmacokinetics and clinical study) the pharmacokinetic approach is the most sensitive. Hence, it is proposed to harmonize the equivalence criteria world-wide and base the approval on both in-vitro studies and pharmacokinetic studies but not require any clinical studies.
My Reasonable Response: Activating Research, MeSearch, and WeSearch to Build Systems of Healing

I am a border crossing brotha-scholar , a Black male academician who has traversed many geopolitical, cultural, and physical borders. In this paper, I draw on three interrelated concepts of “searching” for understanding about life’s phenomena: external investigations (research); internal interrogations (mesearch), and outward investigations (wesearch). Through this framework, I attempt to share reasonable responses to the recent uprisings across the United States.
Defining epithelial cell dynamics and lineage relationships in the developing lacrimal gland

The tear-producing lacrimal gland is a tubular organ that protects and lubricates the ocular surface. The lacrimal gland possesses many features that make it an excellent model in which to investigate tubulogenesis, but the cell types and lineage relationships that drive lacrimal gland formation are unclear. Using single-cell sequencing and other molecular tools, we reveal novel cell identities and epithelial lineage dynamics that underlie lacrimal gland development. We show that the lacrimal gland from its earliest developmental stages is composed of multiple subpopulations of immune, epithelial and mesenchymal cell lineages. The epithelial lineage exhibits the most substantial cellular changes, transitioning through a series of unique transcriptional states to become terminally differentiated acinar, ductal and myoepithelial cells. Furthermore, lineage tracing in postnatal and adult glands provides the first direct evidence of unipotent KRT5+ epithelial cells in the lacrimal gland. Finally, we show conservation of developmental markers between the developing mouse and human lacrimal gland, supporting the use of mice to understand human development. Together, our data reveal crucial features of lacrimal gland development that have broad implications for understanding epithelial organogenesis.
Persistent acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) and its severity after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have been associated with worse outcomes. Studies have shown that AKI duration (transient or persistent) affects outcomes independently of AKI severity. This study was undertaken to determine the association, risk factors, and outcomes associated with persistent AKI (pAKI) after TAVR. Methods Adult patients undergoing TAVR at Mayo Clinic between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2014 were enrolled. pAKI was defined as an increased serum creatinine at hospital discharge (≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥50% from baseline). Risk factors associated with pAKI were identified with multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 386 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty patients (13%) had pAKI. Independent risk factors for pAKI on multivariate analysis included diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-4.66), prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR, 2.39; 95%CI, 1.24-4.80), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use (OR, 8.14; 95%CI, 1.60-45.78), and blood transfusion (OR, 2.22; 95%CI, 1.15-4.27). Protective factors for pAKI included a higher baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR, 0.83 per 10-mL/min/1.73 m2 increase in eGFR; 95%CI, 0.71-0.99). After adjusting for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons cardiac surgery risk score, pAKI occurrence remained significantly associated with increased 2-year mortality among hospital survivors (hazard ratio, 2.65; 95%CI, 1.51-4.41). Conclusion pAKI was significantly associated with higher mortality risk following TAVR. Baseline eGFR, diabetes mellitus, previous PCI, IABP, and blood transfusion were risk factors for post-procedural pAKI.
Specific-Locus Mutational Assay Systems for Mouse Lymphoma Cells

For several years, it was generally believed that tissue culture cells derived from mammalian sources could not be mutagenized by exposure to known mutagens (Szybalski et al., 1964; Morrow, 1964). However, in 1968, independent studies by Chu and Mailing (1968a b) and Kao and Puck (1968) revealed that gene mutations are induced when Chinese hamster cells are incubated for short periods in the presence of alkylating agents. Additional studies proved that the spontaneous mutation rate for mammalian tissue culture cells is actually several orders of magnitude lower than that assumed in the 1964 reports. Based on this knowledge, it became easy to understand how Szybalski and Morrow failed to demonstrate an enhancement of mutant frequency upon treatment of cells with mutagens; i.e., the background mutant frequency was too high to observe an increase arising from the induction of new mutants.
Recent trends in corporate political disclosure for a sample of S&P 500 firms: a new and emerging corporate disclosure area

Recently, corporate stakeholders and regulators, such as the United States Congress and the Parliament of the United Kingdom as well as professional organizations (e.g., the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute), have called for more transparent disclosure of political activities. In this general discussion article, we analyze the recent developments in a related emerging area of corporate non-financial disclosure: corporate political disclosure (CPD). Using the USA as our experimental setting, we deploy a trended descriptive and comparative analysis of CPD practices for a sample of S&P 500 firms (2011–2016) based on a new CPD index developed by the Center for Political Accountability and the Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. We find that firms’ CPD increases year over year. Notably, industries that are more regulated and are more politically sensitive (such as chemicals and allied products, healthcare and drugs, and utilities) are more transparent in their CPD than other industries (such as consumer durables). This study has important implications for emerging and developed countries where political activity interacts with corporate governance. It is especially relevant to the role of the board of directors in overseeing the transparency and accountability of a company’s political activities.