cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Position sense after combined spinal tractotomies and cerebellectomies in macaques

Abstract A study was performed to determine if the ipsilateral dorsal spinocerebellar tract is involved in mediating passive position sense from the macaque hind limb. Macaques were trained to discriminate the passive extension of their hind limbs at the knee to angles of 30° and 70° from the vertical. Seriatum lesions of the dorsal funiculi at the midthoracic level of the spinal cord and cerebellectomies were performed in that order on the trained animals. No deficit in test performance was found after either lesion. It was concluded that the ipsilateral dorsal spinocerebellar tract is not necessary for successful performance on the passive position sense discrimination task employed.
An Evaluation of demand-flow anesthetic machines in dental practice

Continuous-flow and demand-flow anesthetic machines are compared as to economy, air dilution, gas flow, and influence of positive pressure.
Detector for the Temperaturelike Effect of Acceleration

A single electron orbiting in a Penning trap may be used to demonstrate that radiation appears in the vacuum in an accelerated reference frame. As the electron accelerates centripetally in the trap's magnetic field, the vacuum radiation excites its motion along the trap axis, which is in turn measurable with present electronic techniques. A realizable example of such a detector is presented.
Nitric oxide – mediated activation of ERK and JNK during hypoxia in neuronal nuclei of newborn pigs

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-Terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylate antiapoptotic proteins thereby may regulate hypoxia-induced programmed cell death. The present study tests the hypotheses that hypoxia activates ERK and JNK in neuronal nuclei of newborn pigs and the hypoxa-induced activation of ERK and JNK is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). Activated ERK and JNK were assessed by determining phosphorylated ERK and JNK by immunoblotting in 6 normoxic (Nx), 10 hypoxic (Hx) and 5 N-nitro-l-arginine (a NOS inhibitor)-treated (40 mg/kg) hypoxic (NNLA-HX) 3–5-day-old-piglets. Animals were exposed to an FiO2 of 0.05–0.07 for 60 min Neuronal nuclei were isolated and nuclear proteins were immunoblotted with antiphosphorylated ERK and JNK. Protein bands were detected, analyzed and expressed as (OD × mm2). Tissue hypoxia was documented by ATP levels. ATP levels were 4.45 ± 0.57, 1.16 ± 0.33 and 1.10 ± 0.25 µm/g br in Nx, Hx (p < 0.001 vs. Nx) and NNLA-Hx (p < 0.001 vs. Nx) groups, respectively. Phosphorylated ERK density was 170.5 ± 53.7 in Nx vs. 419.6 ± 63.9 in the Hx group (p < 0.001) and 270.0 ± 28.7 in the NNLA-Hx group (p < 0.002 vs. Hx). Density of phosphorylated JNK was 172.8 ± 42.8 in the Nx vs. 364.6 ± 60.1 in the Hx (p < 0.002 vs. Nx) and 254.8 ± 24.8 in the NNLA-Hx group (p < 0.002 vs. Hx). We data demonstrate increased activation of ERK and JNK following hypoxia. NNLA,a NOS inhibitor, decreased the hypoxia-induced activation of ERK and JNK. We conclude that the hypoxia-induced activation of ERK and JNK is NO-mediated. Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH-HD-38079.
Separators for sphere-packings and nearest neighbor graphs

A collection of n balls in d dimensions forms a k-ply system if no point in the space is covered by more than k balls. We show that for every k-ply system G, there is a sphere S that intersects at most O(k1/dn1−1/d) balls of G and divides the remainder of G into two parts: those in the interior and those in the exterior of the sphere S, respectively, so that the larger part contains at most (1−1/(d+2))n balls. This bound of (O(k1/dn1−1/d) is the best possible in both n and k. We also present a simple randomized algorithm to find such a sphere in O(n) time. Our result implies that every k-nearest neighbor graphs of n points in d dimensions has a separator of size O(k1/dn1−1/d). In conjunction with a result of Koebe that every triangulated planar graph is isomorphic to the intersection graph of a disk-packing, our result not only gives a new geometric proof of the planar separator theorem of Lipton and Tarjan, but also generalizes it to higher dimensions. The separator algorithm can be used for point location and geometric divide and conquer in a fixed dimensional space.
Tissue response to an electric pulp tester

1 he electric pulp tester used to determine tooth vitality has served dentistry since 1867 when it was introduced by Magitot. 1 It remains one of the most useful means of clinically differentiating between vital and nonvital teeth.2 Successful use depends upon an electrical impulse traversing mineralized dental tissues to stimulate pulpal nerves. Despite widespread use of the tester, little is known about the constancy of pulpal sensitivity at different times or under different conditions. Also, it has been stated that prolonged “stimulation at high intensities causes irreversible damage to the tooth.“3 Whether electric pulp testers currently in use are capable of producing irreversible pulp damage is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether they are capable of producing morphologic alteration of pulpal tissue.
Subcellular distribution of O-seryl-N-acetylgalactosaminide glycosidase in rat liver and kidney

Abstract Ovine submaxillary gland glycoprotein was prepared as a substrate for O -seryl- N -acetylgalactosaminide glycosidase. This glycosidase was found to be localized in the lysosomes of rat liver and kidney. Localization of the glycosidase was the same as acid phosphatase, the best marker enzyme for lysosomes. Isolation of liver lysosomes from rats injected with Triton WR 1339 gave a purification of the glycosidase of 40-fold.
Natural infection of the tree hole breeding mosquito Aedes triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae) with the fungus Funicularius triseriatus

Abstract In the course of a study of the population of Aedes triseriatus , a female adults was found to be infected with a fungus. The fungus, Funicularius triseriatus , is described as a new genus and species of the class Hyphomycetes (form-class Deuteromycetes). F. triseriatus is characterized by thallic arthrospores produced on conidiophores arising from hyphae which are funiculose in habit. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of a fungus on A. triseriatus adults.
Bayesian hypotheses testing using posterior density ratios

Abstract The posterior density ratio supθϵHo π(θ|data)/supθϵH1 π(θ|data) is proposed as a new criterion for Bayesian hypothesis testing. The performances of the posterior density ratio and the posterior probability of Ho are compared in point null hypothesis, precise hypothesis and one sided hypothesis tests. It is found that the likelihood ratio and the lower bound of the posterior density ratio over a scale mixture class of priors match in point null hypothesis testing. They, however, do not match in one sided testing.
Clinical Applications of Naturally Derived Biopolymer-Based Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine

Naturally derived polymeric biomaterials, such as collagens, silks, elastins, alginates, and fibrins are utilized in tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and tunable mechanical and degradation kinetics. The use of these natural biopolymers in biomedical applications is advantageous because they do not release cytotoxic degradation products, are often processed using environmentally-friendly aqueous-based methods, and their degradation rates within biological systems can be manipulated by modifying the starting formulation or processing conditions. For these reasons, many recent in vivo investigations and FDA-approval of new biomaterials for clinical use have utilized natural biopolymers as matrices for cell delivery and as scaffolds for cell-free support of native tissues. This review highlights biopolymer-based scaffolds used in clinical applications for the regeneration and repair of native tissues, with a focus on bone, skeletal muscle, peripheral nerve, cardiac muscle, and cornea substitutes.
Evaluation of two direct immunoassays for rapid detection of petroleum products on marine birds

Abstract To reduce rehabilitation time and improve survival, a practical, objective test is needed to determine if marine birds are contaminated with oil before they enter captivity. The RaPID Assay ® and EnviroGard TM immunoassays for detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil were evaluated for their ability to detect petroleum on feather samples from 30 intermediate fuel oil contaminated and 30 uncontaminated common murres ( Uria aalge ). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, precision, and time required to run each assay were determined. The RaPID Assay ® was 96.7% sensitive and specific, while the EnviroGard TM assay was 93.3% sensitive, and 90.0% specific. Sensitivity decreased at higher dilutions for both assays. Intra-replicate variation was less than 20%. Our evaluation showed that these immunoassays are rapid and cost-effective methods for detecting oil-contamination on the plumage of seabirds, with the EnviroGard TM assay being more practical in most oil spill response situations due to ease of use and rapidity of results.
High frequency resonance-free loss modulation in a duo-cavity VCSEL

We have proposed and demonstrated the principle of optical decoupling of the AC modulation component in a lossmodulated Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) using a detuned duo-cavity device. This approach allows the VCSEL power to be modulated without changing the photon density in the active region. Analysis of reflectivity spectra of a Fabri-Perot cavity with absorber shows that at a certain detuning from the resonance wavelength, reflectivity is almost independent of absorption magnitude. At this spectral detuning between the active region cavity and modulator cavity, a feedback-free transmission modulation of the VCSEL output is possible. The use a multiple-double-QW (MDQW) electroabsorption modulator allows absorption swing between 0.2% and 2% per pass. Optical power modulation of transmission with contrasts up to 40% and chirp of less than 0.05 nm at 930 nm was demonstrated with our design. Initial cavity resonance detuning is controlled through growth and was determined to be ideally ~0.7 nm from analysis of stand-alone absorber cavities. Resonance coupling (splitting) was calculated to be less than 0.3 nm in case of matching resonances. Applying bias at the MDQW modulator section allows adjustment of detuning between cavities by changing the top cavity resonance wavelength mainly via Kramers-Kronig relations. The high frequency modulation characteristics can be tuned in this manner to show little or no sign of resonance, in which case the high frequency roll-off of the modulation response is entirely determined by parasitics of the modulator section. We have demonstrated a flat (+/-3db) response up to 20 GHz.
Isolated adipocytes from growth hormone-treated obese (ob/ob) mice exhibit insulin resistance

The genetically obese (ob/ob) mouse is a useful model for the study of the diabetogenic action of growth hormone (GH), because treatment of these animals with GH results in decreased responsiveness of their adipose tissue to insulin in vitro. Studies of the mechanisms involved in GH-induced insulin resistance using isolated adipocytes of ob/ob mice have not been possible, however, because of their extreme fragility and the lack of an adequate system for the maintenance of these cells. This study describes a new method for the isolation of ob/ob mouse adipocytes. The isolated cells are stable, viable and metabolically responsive to insulin. In addition, these adipocytes have been maintained in primary culture, in serum-free medium, for up to 3 days. During culture, the cells exhibit large increases in 12SI-hGH binding (10-20-fold) and porcine 125I-insulin binding (5-10-fold). The induction of insulin resistance by GH has also been demonstrated in these freshly isolated ob/ob mouse adipocytes. The studies to date indicate that the ob/ob mouse adipocyte system should provide a useful model for detailed studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of GH induced insulin resistance.
The Muse Of History

Book reviewed in this article: Liah Greenfeld, The Spirit Of Capitalism: Nationalism And Economic Growth
An evaluation of back-propagation neural networks for the optimal design of structural systems: Part II. Numerical evaluation

Abstract In the companion paper the neural network training procedures used in the present evaluation were described in detail. Also, in the companion paper, two new training methods that used the derivative information to build global approximations, and a mixed local-global approximation scheme were proposed in addition to the common function-based training method. In this paper, we carry out an exhaustive numerical evaluation of the proposed and existing methods using five test problems with varying complexity. Approximately 1100 test cases were run as part of the numerical evaluations. First, the efficiency of three different optimization algorithms used for training including a sequential quadratic programming algorithm, a Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and a genetic algorithm is evaluated. The developed training schemes were next evaluated by comparing with the classical structural optimization methods. The two new derivative-based training methods were found to be more accurate but less efficient than function-based training. Further, compared with classical structural optimization by non-linear programming algorithms, including design sensitivity analysis, global approximation and mixed local-global approximation using neural networks were found to be far less efficient. With careful training, the neural networks were found capable of predicting the exact solution, but this ability depended considerably on the complexity of the original problem. In general, the accuracy of the network, which is a function of the training effort, suffered considerably in large problems. The most surprising observation of the present study was that the training process required over 90% of the total solution time, even when considerable effort was exercised at using the most efficient training procedure. As expected, the use of neural network approximations (once training was complete) speeded up the optimal design process significantly.
Statistics of lattice animals and dilute branched polymers

A field theory, recently introduced by the authors, whose partition function yields the generating function for the number of configurations of ${N}_{p}$ branched polymers containing ${N}_{b}$ monomers, ${N}_{f}f$-functional units, and ${N}_{L}$ loops, is used to study the statistics of animals (clusters on a lattice) and the intimately related problem of the statistics of branched polymers in the dilute limit. The number $A({N}_{b})$ of animals per site containing ${N}_{b}$ bonds grows as ${{N}_{b}}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\theta}}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{N\mathrm{b}}$ as ${N}_{b}$ tends to infinity, leading to a singularity in the generating function $\ensuremath{\Xi}(K){\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathrm{Nb}}{K}^{\mathrm{Nb}}A({N}_{b})$ of the form $\ensuremath{\Xi}(K)\ensuremath{\sim}{|K\ensuremath{-}{K}_{c}|}^{\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{-}1}$, where ${K}_{c}={\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Mean-field theory for this and other animal functions is valid above an upper critical dimension ${d}_{c}$ of 8. For the related polymer problem, ${d}_{c}$ is 8 in good solvents and 6 in $\ensuremath{\theta}$ solvents. In both cases, the critical behavior of generating and correlation functions depends on the nature of applied constraints. If a special combination of fields corresponding to the natural order parameter of the field theory is held constant, the susceptibility and correlation-length exponents $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}$ obtain their usual mean-field values of 1 and \textonehalf{} for $dg{d}_{c}$. First-order corrections in ${d}_{c}\ensuremath{-}d$ are calculated for these and other exponents. If fugacities are held constant, there is a Fisher-like renormalization of critical exponents leading to animal's exponents $\ensuremath{\theta}=\frac{5}{2}$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{a}=\frac{1}{2}$, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{a}=\frac{1}{4}$ for $dg{d}_{c}$; $\ensuremath{\theta}=\frac{5}{2}$ agrees with exact calculations on a Cayley tree and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{a}=\frac{1}{4}$ with calculations by Zimm and Stackmayer of the radius of gyration of a branched polymer. For $dl{d}_{c}$, $\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{-}1=\frac{(3\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}2{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{3})}{(2\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{3})}$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{a}=\frac{\ensuremath{\gamma}}{(2\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{3})}$, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{a}=\frac{\ensuremath{\nu}}{(2\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{3})}$, where ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{3}$ is a critical exponent controlling the critical behavior of an irrelevant three-point vertex that is of order $d\ensuremath{-}{d}_{c}$ for $d$ near ${d}_{c}$. Both the constant-order-parameter and constant-fugacity theories violate the hyperscaling $d\ensuremath{\nu}=2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the specific-heat exponent.
ZIP14 and ZIP8 zinc/bicarbonate symporters in Xenopus oocytes: characterization of metal uptake and inhibition.

The highly conserved human and mouse SLC39A14 and SLC39A8 genes encode the ZIP14 and ZIP8 transporters, respectively—functioning as divalent cation/bicarbonate symporters and expressed in dozens of tissues. Due to alternative splicing of exons 4, human and mouse SLC39A14 genes each encode two distinct gene products, whereas SLC39A8 produces a single product. This lab previously noted that ZIP14A and ZIP14B show highly variable expression in different cell types, suggesting differences in metal uptake function. We ligated mouse ZIP14A, ZIP14B and ZIP8 cDNA coding regions into the Xenopus-specific vector pXFRM, transcribed these in vitro, and microinjected the capped RNAs into Xenopus oocytes. Km and Vmax values for Cd, Zn and Fe uptake were determined. Electrogenicity studies using a potassium gradient confirmed that (just as we found previously for ZIP8) ZIP14A- and ZIP14B-mediated divalent Cd– or Zn–bicarbonate complexes are electroneutral. Competitive inhibition of Cd and Zn uptake with ten additional divalent cations showed a unique gradient of patterns for each of ZIP14A, ZIP14B and ZIP8. ZIP14 proteins are prominent in the gastrointestinal tract and ZIP8 protein is located on the surface of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. It is known that renal Fanconi syndrome can be caused by five nonessential heavy metals: Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Pt2+ and U2+. In the present study we show that these five divalent cations are usually competitors of ZIP14- and/or ZIP8-mediated Zn uptake; our data thus support the possible involvement of intestinal ZIP14 for uptake of these five metals into the body and ZIP8 for efficient uptake into the kidney.
A study of Pd2Si films on silicon using Auger electron spectroscopy

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with in situ sputter etching is used to quantitatively evaluate the growth kinetics of thin films of Pd 2 Si on 〈111〉 Si substrates. The growth of Pd 2 Si is found to be diffusion limited and to be characterized by an activation energy of 1·4±0·2 eV in close agreement with previous results obtained on thicker Pd 2 Si films. AES is also used to uniquely identify the silicide phase Pd 2 Si. Measurement of the expansion occurring during Pd 2 Si film formation indicates the Pd 2 Si film is about 20% thicker than expected. Correlation of the AES results with careful electrical measurements of the Pd 2 Si/Si interface reveals that the contact barrier energy φ Bn decreases slightly with increasing thickness of the Pd 2 Si film. A 3% decrease in φ Bn was observed for complete conversion of 500 A of Pd to Pd 2 Si.
Acute Vascular Disruption and Aquaporin 4 Loss After Stroke

Background and Purpose— Ischemic protection has been demonstrated by a decrease in stroke-infarct size in transgenic mice with deficient Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression. However, it is not known whet...
Effect of Dietary Fiber Constituents on the In Vitro Digestibility of Casein

The in vitro digestibility of casein was substantially decreased by food type gums in the following order: karaya > ghatti > tragacanth > guar > locust bean. Extent of reduction of protein digestibility appeared to be related to the structure of the gum (degree of branching and extent of ionization). The fiber constituents, holocellulose, lignin, apple pectin, and the residues from protease predigested wheat bran and great northern bean, when present, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced casein digestibility. Gel filtration of the soluble portion from the casein hydrolysates containing pectin and bran or bean residues showed the presence of peptide fractions of larger molecular weight than those in a hydrolysate from the casein control. Results supported the hypothesis that dietary fiber constituents may reduce protein digestibility and increase nitrogen excretion through ionic interaction, matrix restriction, and modification of filtration characteristics by the fiber components tested.
What Can Branchless Banking Do to Advance the Field, and What Can It Not Do? From Mobile Banking to Point of Service

Branchless Banking allows customers to access financial services beyond bank branches and thereby holds the promise of addressing two major hurdles to financial inclusion: lack of proximity and high costs. It builds on the sustained development of mobile telecommunications which makes it possible for the banking sector to embrace indirect distribution and for new mobile money services to reach otherwise unbanked customers. Banking beyond branches means newer partnerships to help poor people address the pain point of cash: by having better access to electronic transactions, access to all formal financial services becomes more convenient.
AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF RESPONSE-CLASS LEARNING BETWEEN IS COPULA AND AUXILIARY AND BETWEEN ARE COPULA AND AUXILIARY

Summary.-This study was designed to measure if (1) is copula and auxiliary are referents of the same response class, (2) are copula and auxiliary are referents of the same response class, and (3) singular is and plural are are referents of independent response classes. These questions were answered through a multiple baseline design. Analysis showed response-class learning between is copula and auxiliary and between are copula and auxiliary. Previous studies have indicated a functional relatonship only between is copula and auxiliary. Pasr studies have not clearly shown response-class learning since the baseline without reinforcement was not recaptured. Theories of language or language development have been described in previous literature on the basis of case grammar ( Fillmore, 1968), transformational grammar (Chomsky, 1965, 1975), and structural grammar and experimental analysis (Skinner, 1957; Winokur, 1976; Hegde, 1980). These theories have developed causal functions and formal taxonomies of linguistic elements and structural rules of an acquired language system. The structural components of language relate utterances to meanings and the functional components relate utterances to their environment. Recent research (Leonard, 1974; Hegde, 1980; Cekada, 1981) is aimed at bridging the gap between linguistic taxonomies and the rules which govern them. However, they fall short because there are procedural problems within these studies. The distinction between causal functions and formal taxonomies was described by Baer, Wolf, and Risley ( 1986). The causal component is behavioral application and generalization, relating utterance to environment. The formal (structural) component is the rule system that defines application and generalization, relating meaning to utterance. The salient features of applied and behavioral antecedent and response contingencies must be defined and categorized SO that a language taxonomy has structure. Linguistic description and categorization of response classes have been extensively reviewed in language literature (Brown, 1965; Brown & Bellugi, 1964; Chomsky & Halle, 1968; Jacobson, 1968; Bloom, Hood & Lightbown, 1974; Schlesinger, 1974; Wells, 1974; Braine, 1976).
VirtualSwindle: an automated attack against in-app billing on android

Since its introduction, Android's in-app billing service has quickly gained popularity. The in-app billing service allows users to pay for options, services, subscriptions, and virtual goods from within mobile apps themselves. In-app billing is attractive for developers because it is easy to integrate, and has the advantage that the developer does not need to be concerned with managing financial transactions. In this paper, we present the first fully-automated attack against the in-app billing service on Android. Using our prototype, we conducted a robustness study against our attack, analyzing 85 of the most popular Android apps that make use of in-app billing. We found that 60% of these apps were easily and automatically crackable. We were able to bypass highly popular and prominent games such as Angry Birds and Temple Run, each of which have millions of users. Based on our study, we developed a defensive technique that specifically counters automated attacks against in-app billing. Our technique is lightweight and can be easily added to existing applications.
1,3‐Dichloroacetone as a Cyclopropanone Equivalent: 5‐Oxaspiro[3.4]Octan‐1‐One

2,3-Dihydrofuran 1,3-Dichloracetone Lithium naphthalenide 5-Oxaspiro[3,4]octan-1-one Keywords: cyclopropanone equivalent; dichloroacetone; grignard reagents; substituted cyclopropanols; organolithium reagents; addition reactions; waste disposal
Characteristics of early and late adopters of pension accounting standard SFAS No. 87

Abstract. Although there was strong opposition to the FASB's pension standard, SFAS No. 87, there is evidence that adoption of the standard had a favorable transitory effect on the earnings of a number of companies. This study examines firms' decisions to adopt SFAS No. 87 earlier than the FASB required. The results indicate that there were significant differences among firms that chose to adopt SFAS No. 87 early and those that did not. Unlike earlier studies of income-increasing accounting choices, early adopters were large firms with large, more fully funded pension obligations. They were subject to more accounting-based debt constraints, especially on working capital, and were more constrained on interest coverage than were those that did not adopt. Of early adopters, officers and directors owned less stock than did outside owners. Resume. Bien que la norme SFAS no 87 du FASB relative aux regimes de retraite souleve une forte opposition, les faits demontrent que l'adoption de cette norme a eu des consequences transitoires favorables sur les benefices de nombreuses entreprises. Les auteurs se penchent sur la decision de certaines societes d'adopter la norme SFAS no 87 avant l'echeance fixee par le FASB. Leur analyse revele d'importantes differences entre les entreprises qui ont choisi d'adopter la norme avant l'echeance et celles qui ont prefere attendre. Contrairement a ce qu'ont indique les etudes precedentes relatives aux choix comptables entrainant une hausse des benefices, les entreprises qui ont adopte la norme avant l'echeance sont de grandes entreprises dont les obligations au titre du regime de retraite sont importantes et dont le regime est davantage provisionne. Elles sont assujetties a des contraintes fondees sur leurs obligations comptables, en particulier en ce qui a trait au montant de fonds de roulement a maintenir, et doivent assurer une bonne couverture des interets. Les cadres et les administrateurs des entreprises qui ont pris les devants possedent moins d'actions que ceux des entreprises qui ont prefere attendre.
Characterization of the DuPont photopolymer for three-dimensional holographic storage

DuPont's HRF-150 photopolymer film is investigated for use in three-dimensional holographic memories. Measurements of sensitivity, hologram persistence, the lateral spread of the photoinitiated reaction, and the variation of diffraction efficiency with modulation depth, spatial frequency and tilt angle, and intensity are reported. We observed that the diffraction efficiency of the HRF-150 photopolymer for a given exposure decreases with increases in intensity and grating tilt angle. The holograms were nondestructively reconstructed for long periods of time at room temperature. The photoinitiated reaction spread less than 100 µm over a period of 16 h.
Watershed urbanization and changing flood behavior across the Los Angeles metropolitan region

This article examines the effects of watershed urbanization on stream flood behavior in the Los Angeles metropolitan region. Stream gauge data, spatially distributed rainfall data, land use/land cover, and census population data were used to quantify change in flood behavior and urbanization in multiple watersheds. Increase in flood discharge started at the very early stage of the urbanization when the population density was relatively low but the rate of increase of flood discharge varied across watersheds depending on the distribution of the imperviousness surface and flood mitigation practices. This spatial variability in rainfall–runoff indices and the increasing flood risk across the metropolitan region has posed a challenge to the conventional flood emergency management, which usually responds to flood damages rather than being concerned with the broader issues of land use, land cover, and planning. This study pointed out that alternative land use planning and flood management practices could be mitigating the urban flood implemented hazard.
RELIABILITY EVALUATION OF AASHTO DESIGN EQUATIONS FOR DRILLED SHAFTS

A reliability evaluation of the AASHTO design equations for drilled shafts is described. The evaluation computed the variance of a data base containing load tests to failure on 30 straight-sided drilled shafts using first-order, second-moment methods applied to the AASHTO design equations. The computed variance was compared with the measured variance of the data base. The measured variance was found to exceed the computed variance for approximately 75 percent of the load tests. This is believed to result from important factors affecting the axial capacity of the drilled shaft not being included in the AASHTO design equations. It is speculated that the missing factors are related to common variations in construction practices for drilled shafts.
A Caenorhabditis elegans p38 MAP kinase pathway mutant protects from dopamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA toxicity

Biogenic amine systems are damaged by amphetamine abuse and in Parkinson's disease. The mechanisms mediating this damage are of high importance because of the public health impact of these problems. Here we have taken advantage of the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model system to investigate genetic modifiers of biogenic amine toxicity. In a forward genetic screen, we identified a mutant resistant to the toxic effects of dopamine. This mutant was also resistant to toxic doses of methamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In addition, this mutation conferred resistance to 6-hydroxydopamine damage to dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinson's disease model. Resistance was due to a mutation in the nsy-1 gene, orthologous to the mammalian ASK-1 MAPKKK. NSY-1 is in the highly conserved p38 MAP kinase pathway, which plays a crucial role in C. elegans innate immunity, suggesting that this pathway may play a role in biogenic amine toxicity system damage due to amphetamines and in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease in higher organisms.
Identification of Aim2 as a Sensor for DNA Vaccines

Recent human study data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, especially in priming high-level Ag-specific Ab responses, but also raised questions about the mechanisms responsible for such effects. Whereas previous reports have shown involvement of downstream signaling molecules in the innate immune system, the current study investigated the role of absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) as a sensor for DNA vaccines. The Aim2 inflammasome directs maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and an inflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis. Both the humoral and cellular Ag-specific adaptive responses were significantly reduced in Aim2 -deficient mice in an IL-1β/IL-18–independent manner after DNA vaccination. Surprisingly, Aim2 -deficient mice also exhibited significantly lower levels of IFN-α/β at the site of injection. These results indicate a previously unreported link between DNA vaccine–induced pyroptotic cell death and vaccine immunogenicity that is instrumental in shaping the Ag-specific immune response to DNA vaccines.
Gastroduodenal mucosal damage with salsalate versus aspirin: Results of experimental models and endoscopic studies in humans

Animal models have identified multiple mechanisms of aspirin toxicity. Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase in the gastroduodenal mucosa leading to a decrease in endogenous prostaglandins. Prostaglandin mediated mucus and bicarbonate secretion, epithelial hydrophobicity, blood flow, and cellular proliferation are all decreased. Salicylates may cause direct cellular toxicity via inhibition of energy metabolism and membrane transport properties. Salicylate preparations have been designed to decrease gastroduodenal absorption. Endoscopic studies in humans have confirmed that buffering of aspirin does not ameliorate damage, but enteric coating does. Salicylsalicylic acid (salsalate) is an effective antirheumatic drug that bypasses gastric absorption and also avoids cyclooxygenase inhibition. In a randomized, single-blind, endoscopic comparison of salsalate versus enteric-coated aspirin, significantly less gastroduodenal damage was observed in volunteers after salsalate administration compared to enteric-coated aspirin. An endoscopic study in rheumatoid arthritics also confirmed the ability of salsalate to spare gastroduodenal mucosa when compared to naproxen administration. Salsalate may cause less gastroduodenal damage than enteric-coated aspirin based on the results of animal models and endoscopic studies in humans.
Effects of approach and withdrawal motivation on interactive economic decisions

Although recent economic models of human decision making have recognised the role of emotion as an important biasing factor, the impact of incidental emotion on decisions has remained poorly explored. To address this question, we jointly explored the role of emotional valence (i.e., positive vs. negative) and motivational direction (i.e., approach vs. avoidance) on performance in a well-known economic task, the Ultimatum Game. Participants had to either accept or reject monetary offers from other players, offers that vary in their degree of unfairness. A main effect of motivational direction, but not valence, was observed, with withdrawal-based emotion (disgust and serenity) prompting more rejections relative to approach-based emotion (anger and amusement) and a neutral state. These results further confirm that subtle incidental moods can bias decision making, and suggest that motivational state may be a useful framework to study such decisions. Implications with regard to emotion, cognitive neuroscience,...
Exploiting Data Sparsity in Parallel Matrix Powers Computations

We derive a new parallel communication-avoiding matrix powers algorithm for matrices of the form \(A=D+USV^H\), where \(D\) is sparse and \(USV^H\) has low rank and is possibly dense. We demonstrate that, with respect to the cost of computing \(k\) sparse matrix-vector multiplications, our algorithm asymptotically reduces the parallel latency by a factor of \(O(k)\) for small additional bandwidth and computation costs. Using problems from real-world applications, our performance model predicts up to \(13\times \) speedups on petascale machines.
The Functions and Values of Fringing Salt Marshes in Northern New England, USA

We compared the functions and values of fringing salt marshes to those of meadow marshes along the southern Maine/New Hampshire coast. Differences included soil organic matter content, plant species richness, and percent cover of high and low-marsh species. More sediment was trapped per unit area in fringing marshes than in meadow marshes, but this difference was not significant. Similarities included aboveground and belowground peak season biomass and the ability to dampen wave energy. Both marsh types reduced the height of waves coming onto the marsh surface by 63% only 7 m into the marsh. Fringing marshes are diverse in terms of their physical characteristics (width, length, slope, elevation, soils). Despite their small size, they are valuable components of estuaries, performing many ecological functions to the same degree as nearby meadow marshes. More effort should be made to include them in regional efforts to conserve and restore coastal habitats.
Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Highly Sensitive Optical Sensors

The first use of electrospun nanofibrous membranes as highly responsive fluorescence quenching-based optical sensors for metal ions (Fe3+ and Hg2+) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) is reported. A fluorescent polymer, poly(acrylic acid)−poly(pyrene methanol) (PAA−PM), was used as a sensing material. Optical chemical sensors were fabricated by electrospinning PAA−PM and thermally cross-linkable polyurethane latex mixture solutions. These sensors showed high sensitivities due to the high surface area-to-volume ratio of the nanofibrous membrane structures.
Variability of soil water properties and crop yield in a sloped watershed

: Spatial distribution of soil and water properties and the correlations between them and crop yield were determined for a natural rainfall environment. Hydraulic conductivity, soil texture, water retention, and soil-water flux were variables used to investigate their relationship to crop yield using multiple regression techniques. Variations in crop yields on a watershed with a 3 to 4 percent slope and moderately erosive soils were related to soil-water characteristics and soil properties along slope and with depth. Climatic conditions to sustain crop growth and yield ranged from inadequate soil water in 1983 to adequate soil water in 1984. Crop yield was predicted with models using both available and measured soil-water content. Available water content provided a better model for the prediction of water yield and does not require field measurements of actual soil-water content. Soil water holding capacity was more significant for predicting crop yield in soils with moderate to high silt content than infiltrability of water into the soil.
Mapability of very close markers of bacteriophage λ

Recombinant frequency was compared with nucleotide distance in crosses involving markers in either the PRM or the cy region of phage λ. For each pair of markers, we performed reciprocal four-factor crosses of the following types: (I) A+m1 +m2-B- x A-m1 -m2+B+; and (II) A+m1 -m2+B- x A-m1 +m2-B+. In crosses of type I, the frequency of A+m1 +m2+B+ recombinants among total (selected) A+B+ progeny was directly proportional to nucleotide distance between m1 and m2 in the range from 3 to 160 nucleotides. When less than three nucleotides separated m1 and m2, the measured yields of m1+m2+ recombinants were significantly depressed. We also found that the frequency of A+m1 +m2+B+ recombinants among total A+B+ progeny was significantly lower (about 10-fold on the average) in crosses of type II than in the corresponding crosses of type I. Since mismatch correction should yield A+m1 +m2+B+ recombinants with approximately equal frequencies in type I and II crosses, we suggest: (1) that most m1+m2+ recombinants produced in type I crosses must arise from the formation of heteroduplex structures with a discontinuity (in the source of genetic information) between sites m1 and m2, and (2) that mismatch correction is not a major pathway for production of recombinants for close markers in normal λ infection.
On the Origin of Distinct Institutional Trajectories: Cultural Beliefs and the Organization of Society

Societal organization – complexes of economic, legal, political, social, and moral institutions – is highly correlated with per capita income in contemporary societies: most developing countries are “collectivist,” whereas the developed West is “individualist.” In collectivist societies the social structure is “segregated,” in the sense that each individual interacts socially and economically mainly with members of a particular religious, ethnic, or familial group. Within these groups, contract enforcement is achieved through informal economic and social institutions. Little cooperation exists between members of different groups, but members of collectivist societies feel involved in the lives of other members of their group. In individualistic societies, the social structure is “integrated,” in the sense that economic transactions are conducted among people from different groups, and individuals frequently shift from one group to another. Contract enforcement is achieved mainly through specialized organizations, such as courts. Self-reliance is highly valued. Sociologists and anthropologists believe that the organization of society reflects its culture, an important component of which is cultural beliefs. Cultural beliefs are the shared ideas and thoughts that govern interactions among individuals and between them, their gods, and other groups. Cultural beliefs differ from knowledge in that they are not empirically discovered or analytically proved. Cultural beliefs become identical and commonly known through the socialization process, by which culture is unified, maintained, and communicated. That cultural beliefs influence outcomes is intuitive, but formal examination of the relations between cultural beliefs and societal organization is subtle.
The Grover Pledgers: Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan - An Excerpt from the Book: The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth: A Citizen’s Guide to the Issues

The following excerpt is from Chapter 18, which deals with tax policy, of The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth (in press iUniverse). The excerpt briefly addresses (1) the Class War issue in the current tax debate, (2) the brainwashing of the “no tax increase” Grover Pledgers, including Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan, (3) the potential de-brainwashing of the Grover Pledgers, and (4) the constitutionality and legality of these pledges. The excerpt is based in part on Samuel C. Thompson, Jr. Beyond the “Buffett Rule” Making The Income Tax More Progressive, 133 Tax Notes 705 (Nov. 7, 2011).
Popular Music in FRBR and RDA: Toward User-Friendly and Cataloger-Friendly Identification of Works

ABSTRACTThe gradual adoption since 2010 of the content standard Resource Description and Access, based on the conceptual model Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records, has brought change to many areas of library cataloging, including popular music. In particular, the cataloging community has had to grapple with new practices in assigning access points for resources once considered simple, such as popular music albums containing songs written by people other than the featured recording artist. This article outlines some of the difficulties encountered and offers a principled approach to cataloging popular music that would reduce cataloger burden and reconcile catalog data with users' expectations.
Minorities in Contemporary Europe: Still Bargaining Chips in International Diplomacy?

In this paper I compare the strength of minority advocacy groups with regard to their potential to increase international pressure upon non-responsive European Union host-states of these minorities. It is my contention that even in this day and age, minorities in the EU are still seen as potential enemies from within, and that this perception negatively impacts their ability to achieve minority protection within their host-states. By applying an adapted version of Keck and Sikkink’s (1998) boomerang-model, within the context of a repetitive-game, I show how minorities that have a country of identification are better equipped to push their interests domestically, than those lacking an outside actor that might act on their behalf. I thus show that minorities in some cases 'can' in fact obtain adequate protection, but that this has little to do with humanitarian goals. Instead interstate interests dominate minority protection politics. Assuming that minority protection in the EU is more advanced, I argue that this kind of process is likely to be present in a more extreme form globally.
Selective alteration of the ventilatory response to hypoxia results from mutation in the myelin proteolipid protein gene.

Central nervous system myelin is formed from the lipid-rich, highly specialized oligoden-drocyte plasma membrane, which ensheaths axons, leaving spaces only at the nodes of Ranvier. Within the myelin sheath are many myelin-associated lipophilic proteins, the most abundant of which are myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin basic protein (MBP). These two proteins constitute 60–90% of myelin protein in mammalian species.1
Statistics of Internal Elastic Fields and Dislocation Density Tensor in Deformed FCC Crystals

The statistics of internal elastic fields and dislocation density tensor associated with arbitrary 3D dislocation distributions have been modeled using probability density function and pair correlations. Numerical results for these quantities have been obtained for dislocation structures generated by the method of dislocation dynamics simulation.
Observations on the Growth and Metabolic Functions of Cultured Cells Derived from Human Adipose Tissue

SummaryThe growth and metabolic activity of cultured cells derived from human adipose tissue (CAT cells) were studied and compared to cultured skin fibroblasts. The morphological appearance of the CAT cells was distinctly different from that of fibroblasts. The growth rate of CAT cells as measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation was much slower than the fibroblast growth rate. Cultured CAT cells synthesized significantly more 14C-lipid from 14C-glucose, while fibroblast cultures had a higher metabolic rate as measured by CO2 production. Insulin stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation in both CAT and fibroblast cultures. The CAT cells did not show a consistent insulin response of lipid or CO2 production, but this may be a reflection of donor age or nutritional status. Even though the CAT cell may be a type of stromal cell peculiar to adipose tissue rather than a preadipocyte or adipocyte, it may prove useful in studies of human obesity.
Effects of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on macrophage enzyme levels

Murine peritoneal macrophages were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Measurements of changes in acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase levels were made as an indication of activation by cytokine treatment. IFN-gamma or TNF-gamma treatment resulted in a significant increase in the activities of both enzymes measured in the cell lysates. This increase was observable after 6 h of incubation, but reached its maximum level after 24 h of incubation. The effect of the treatment of the cell with both cytokines together was additive. No synergistic effect of addition of both cytokines on the enzyme levels was observed.