cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Institutional investors, corporate discipline, and the role of debt

Abstract This paper examines the influence of institutional ownership of corporate shares on the capital structure decisions of individual firms. We find that institutional concentration of ownership may be a substitute for the disciplinary and signaling roles of debt. A significant and negative relationship between the use of corporate debt and the percentage of shares owned by institutional investors is observed. This relationship is again observed when a more narrowly defined measure of institutional concentration is employed. The findings reported in this paper suggest that institutional influence through the governance process may not be independent of corporate financing decisions.
Pretreatment of whole blood using hydrogen peroxide and UV irradiation. Design of the advanced oxidation process.

Abstract A new process to pretreat blood samples has been developed. This process combines the Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatment (using H2O2 and UV irradiation) with acid deactivation of the enzyme catalase in blood. A four-cell reactor has been designed and built in house. The effect of pH on the AOP process has been investigated. The kinetics of the pretreatment process shows that at high CH2O2,t=0, the reaction is zeroth order with respect to CH2O2 and first order with respect to Cblood. The rate limiting process is photon flux from the UV lamp. Degradation of whole blood has been compared with that of pure hemoglobin samples. The AOP pretreatment of the blood samples has led to the subsequent determination of chromium and zinc concentrations in the samples using electrochemical methods.
Endoscopic Management of Benign Biliary Strictures

Benign biliary strictures are a common indication for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Endoscopic management has evolved over the last 2 decades as the current standard of care. The most common etiologies of strictures encountered are following surgery and those related to chronic pancreatitis. High-quality cross-sectional imaging provides a road map for endoscopic management. Currently, sequential placement of multiple plastic biliary stents represents the preferred approach. There is an increasing role for the treatment of these strictures using covered metal stents, but due to conflicting reports of efficacies as well as cost and complications, this approach should only be entertained following careful consideration. Optimal management of strictures is best achieved using a team approach with the surgeon and interventional radiologist playing an important role.
A Wilson Cloud Chamber Investigation of the Alpha-Particles from Uranium

The mean ranges of the alpha-particles emitted by uranium have been determined in terms of the mean range of polonium alpha-particles. The ratios obtained for the mean ranges are, for U I/Po, 0.6904\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0007, and for U II/Po, 0.8357\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0008. These correspond to mean air ranges of 2.63 and 3.18 cm, for the particles from U I and U II, respectively, in dry air at normal pressure and at 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, on the basis of the present polonium value of 3.80 cm. The straggling coefficient was determined for the polonium alpha-particles used as the reference range group in the experiment and gave a value considerably closer to theoretical prediction than the usual experimental results. Possible evidence for the existence of a new alpha-emitting isotope of uranium is suggested in the data. The mean air range for the new group is believed to be in the vicinity of 2.9 cm. An identification with the actino-uranium isotope of approximately this range suggested by Wilkins as the parent of the actinium series and with Dempster's 235 uranium isotope is proposed.
Polylogarithmic functional equations: A new category of results developed with the help of computer algebra (MACSYMA)

The interrelation of polylogarithmic functional equations and certain numerical results, known as “ladders”, is discussed, and leads to a consideration of three new, single-variable functional equations at the second order. Two of these families each contain six leading terms whose interrelationship constitutes a constraint on the integration process, but the third has only a single leading term with no such constraints. It is shown how this functional equation can be integrated to the third order, and the process reduced to an algorithm — actually a sequence of instructions — for incorporation into a computer program for symbolic manipulation. The procedure utilizes results from Kummer's equations to cancel out, in sequence, terms which do not vanish, or do vanish, with the variablez. Arguments are all of the form ±z p (1−z) q (1+z) r , and the process is “algebraicized” by using a (p,q,r,s) notation (withs=±1) to represent such terms. Application of the procedure leads to an integration to the fourth and fifth orders, the latter exhibiting 55 transcendental terms. The first step for the transition to the sixth order can also be achieved but the subsequent steps are frustrated by the restricted forms that the Kummer equations take at the fifth order — it is not possible to create the needed equations in a form which vanishes withz; this corresponding to the elimination of the ζ(5) constant in the extension of the numerically determined ladders to the sixth and higher orders. The existence of the higher-order ladders strongly suggests functional equations af these orders, but the present process has not yet been successful in finding them. The new equations have, however, produced ladders that were inaccessible from Kummer's equations, and had heretofore been only obtainable numerically, up to the fifth order. The method which was developed should be capable of generalization to other systems of equations characterized by the appearance of arguments with recurrent factors. Some new feature, however, will need to be determined before the barrier to the sixth order can be breached.
Measurement of electron beam profile and position using pinhole optics on SPEAR beam line II-3

Abstract A 1:1 pinhole imaging diagnostic has been implemented on BL II-3 at SPEAR. A description of the experimental setup is presented. Also, measurements made on the electron beam position and profile under different operating conditions are given together with an interpretation of their significance.
Enzyme cytochemistry of blood and marrow cells

Diseases of the blood and bone marrow are commonly associated with abnormalities of oxido-reductase and lysosomal enzymes within individual erythrocytes and leucocytes. There are considerable technical difficulties, however, in adapting enzyme histochemical techniques to the study of haemopoietic tissue since individual cells are readily disrupted during processing, show variable enzyme activity according to the stage of maturation, and possess a lipoprotein cytoplasmic membrane which hinders reagent penetration. Cytochemical techniques for the study of oxido-reductase systems are of importance in the study of the neutrophil in infected patients, the erythrocyte in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and the primitive blast cell in acute leukaemia. Lysosomal enzymes are of importance in the study of the neutrophil in infected patients and in the differential diagnosis of acute leukaemia. Some examples of recent studies of these enzyme systems are given to illustrate technical procedures involving cytocentrifugation of cells on to glass slides, adjustment of the osmolality of the reaction mixture, and the study of smeared cells as opposed to cells incubated in suspension.
Isolation of a yeast protein kinase gene by screening with a mammalian protein kinase cDNA.

ABSTRACT The gene for a new Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinase was identified and isolated by hybridization to a cloned cDNA for the catalytic subunit of bovine cAMP-dependent protein kinase. ...
Behavior therapy: The next decade

Despite predictions of its death, and poor public relations due to a general disenchantment with science during the last decade, behavior therapy has been proven effective and has prospered. Nertheless, we are in danger of overselling seemingly effective techniques due to a shallow approach to scientific evaluation which ignores failures and discourages a more thorough analysis. This approach may prevent the development of truly effective therapeutic approaches and will ensure a continued widening of the scientist-practioioner gap. The encouraging of practitioners to collect data as they practice, a development which will almost certainly be required by various government and third-party payers in the next decade, is suggested and examples provided. This approach should ensure close cooperation and communication among scientists and practitioners, broaden our data base, and prevent premature termination of evaluation of behavior therapy techniques after initial successes.
Nitro- and fluoropolyformals. III, Copolyformals from mixtures of fluoro- and nitro-α,ω-diols

Polyformals of fluoro-, nitramine-, and C-nitrodiols show widely differing properties with respect to glass transition temperature, melting transition, and solubility. Polymers with desirable combinations of these properties, e.g., low Tg, high nitro content, and good solubility in polar solvents, were expected to result from acid-promoted copolycondensation of appropriate mixtures of diols with formaldehyde. A series of such condensations were carried out and the polymers obtained from binary mixtures of fluoro- and nitrodiols, different nitrodiols, and fluoro- or nitrodiols and carboranediols, were characterized by GPC, 1H-NMR, and DSC analysis.
Effect of the Surface Energy Barrier on Sorbate Diffusion in AlPO4-5

The importance of pore exit effects on the diffusion of molecules in AlPO4-5 pores is evaluated using two molecular modeling techniques. In the first approach, a dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics technique is used to obtain molecular fluxes of methane out of the truncated crystal as a function of temperature and sorbate loading. The simulation results indicate the presence of a low-temperature surface barrier for diffusion, which retards the flux of methane relative to its apparent flux in the intracrystalline regions of the material. This pore exit barrier tends to diminish as temperature and loading increase. An explanation based on clustering phenomena is proposed to explain the latter. Next, a simple activated transport model is proposed to predict the relative importance of the surface barrier on the transport of sorbates in AlPO4-5. The potential of mean force for a single sorbate molecule along the pore axis of a truncated crystal provides the required activation energy barrier...
Zinc nutriture and pregnancy outcome

The main purpose of this article is to review the studies describing the relationship between zinc nutriture and pregnancy outcome in humans and animals. In addition, we have included a brief description of our recent findings from a randomized trial on the positive effect of zinc supplementation during pregnancy on birth weight and head circumference of infants. In human studies, the findings in the literature are mostly inconclusive because of inconsistent study conditions, insufficient sample size, or the lack of specific and sensitive test(s) to accurately assess zinc nutriture. Many unanswered questions which require further investigation relating to maternal zinc nutriture and pregnancy outcome are discussed.
Quantification of exocytosis kinetics by DIC image analysis of cortical lawns.

Cortical lawns prepared from sea urchin eggs have offered a robust in vitro system for study of regulated exocytosis and membrane fusion events since their introduction by Vacquier almost 40 years ago (Vacquier in Dev Biol 43:62–74, 1975). Lawns have been imaged by phase contrast, darkfield, differential interference contrast, and electron microscopy. Quantification of exocytosis kinetics has been achieved primarily by light scattering assays. We present simple differential interference contrast image analysis procedures for quantifying the kinetics and extent of exocytosis in cortical lawns using an open vessel that allows rapid solvent equilibration and modification. These preparations maintain the architecture of the original cortices, allow for cytological and immunocytochemical analyses, and permit quantification of variation within and between lawns. When combined, these methods can shed light on factors controlling the rate of secretion in a spatially relevant cellular context. We additionally provide a subroutine for IGOR Pro® that converts raw data from line scans of cortical lawns into kinetic profiles of exocytosis. Rapid image acquisition reveals spatial variations in time of initiation of individual granule fusion events with the plasma membrane not previously reported.
The evolution of counselling

Abstract The history of counselling in the USA is presented in terms of four developmental stages: infancy, early childhood, late childhood, and adolescence. It is suggested that client-centred counselling may be an inadequate model as counselling moves into adulthood. The emphasis on relationship is necessary but not sufficient. A more active approach is needed in which the counsellor is prepared to use a wider variety of techniques, to take actions about clients' problems rather than just talk about them, and to devote more attention to a training and support role in relation to a wide variety of community agencies.
Eastern Altantic fracture zones as potential disposal sites for radioactive waste

Disposal of radioactive waste in the sea floor of fracture zones associated with the flanks of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge may be a satisfactory alternative to land disposal. Effective physiographic, sedimentary, chemical, and oceanographic barriers exist in these aseismic deep canyons, especially in the eastern Atlantic. In addition, the major producers of radioactive wastes are likely to be near the Atlantic Ocean. If such a disposal strategy is adopted, intensive study of the sedimentologic and oceanographic properties of oceanic fracture zones will be necessary.
A Principle or a Strategy? Voter Identification Laws and Partisan Competition in the American States:

We undertake a comprehensive examination of restrictive voter ID legislation in the American states from 2001 through 2012. With a dataset containing approximately one thousand introduced and nearly one hundred adopted voter ID laws, we evaluate the likelihood that a state legislature introduces a restrictive voter ID bill, as well as the likelihood that a state government adopts such a law. Voter ID laws have evolved from a valence issue into a partisan battle, where Republicans defend them as a safeguard against fraud while Democrats indict them as a mechanism of voter suppression. However, voter ID legislation is not uniform across the states; not all Republican-controlled legislatures have pushed for more restrictive voter ID laws. Instead, our findings show it is a combination of partisan control and the electoral context that drives enactment of such measures. While the prevalence of Republican lawmakers strongly and positively influences the adoption of voter ID laws in electorally competitive stat...
Sexual Harassers: Behaviors, Motives, and Change Over Time

This research was designed to examine the characteristics of sexual harasser behaviors in 118 published arbitration decisions. A qualitative coding process was used to describe behaviors in terms of their severity, type, duration, and frequency. The interrelationships between these characteristics were examined along with the individual’s record of discipline and past aggression. The results indicate that harassers tended to repeat the same types of behavior, and that severity generally increased over time. Although past discipline for sexual harassment appeared to reduce this escalation, it was not very effective in stopping the behaviors. Perpetrators who had engaged in gender harassment were more likely to have a record of aggressive behaviors. Additional comparisons indicate important differences in the behavior of perpetrators as categorized by type of behavior.
Studies of Co, Al, and Mn substitutions in NdNi5 metal hydride alloys

Abstract The structure and gaseous phase hydrogen storage characteristics of a series of as-cast Nd(NiCoAlMn) 5 alloys were studied. Without an annealing treatment, the main phase of these alloys was NdNi 5 -structured with Nd 2 Ni 7 (may include Nd 5 Ni 19 and NdNi 4 ) as the main secondary phase. In most of the alloys, single-plateau pressure–concentration–temperature isotherms were observed due to the expansion of the unit cells brought on by additions of larger B-elements into the alloys. As the amount of replacement element increased, both the equilibrium plateau pressure and hydrogen storage capability reduced. A proper guideline for the amounts of Al- and Mn-additions was established for battery application: Co = 8 at.%, 8 at.% ⩽ Mn + Al ⩽ 14 at.%. In the half-cell electrochemical measurements, the capacities of these un-annealed Nd-based AB 5 alloys were lower than those of the commercially available misch metal (Mm)-based AB 5 alloy but showed an advantage in high-rate dischargeability. In the sealed cell experiments, some of the Nd-based AB 5 alloys showed superior high-rate and charge-retention performance compared to the Mm-based AB 5 alloy. The abundance of secondary phase may have played an important role in influencing the high-rate performance. The alloy with the composition of Nd 17 Co 8 Al 6 Mn 8 Ni 61 showed the best overall electrochemical performance and was recommended for further study.
Gauge Length and Surface Damage Effects on the Strength Distributions of Silicon Carbide and Sapphire Filaments

The assumption of the constancy of the Weibull distribution parameters with variations in gauge length was tested for SiC-on-carbon and sapphire filaments. Surface damage was superimposed on the ga...
Teacher Warranties--How Good Is the Antidote in Improving the Quality of Teachers?.

The clamor for the quick fix to education's ills, as highlighted in the reform reports of the 1980s, has given rise to the idea of teacher training institutions' ensuring the quality of their prod ucts. The author reviews the strategy and describes its flaws before describing what he believes is a more productive model.
Anion Protection of CuZnSOD during Peroxidative Activity with H2O2

Abstract The “peroxidase” activity of the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase is a poorly sustained activity because of the competing inactivation of the enzyme. New evidence suggests that the bound oxidant may be partitioning between oxidizing the enzyme or oxidizing small anions. At constant peroxide, nitrite and azide only partially protect the enzyme (50%) against loss of copper(I) and inactivation up to one anion per copper. Beyond that level, there is no further protection. Bicarbonate ion also protects, but larger amounts are required. These data suggest that there is significant oxidation of the enzyme even in the presence of the small anions and therefore the formation of the bound oxidant cannot be sustained in a true catalytic process.
Metamaterial-based broadband terahertz modulators

Broadband modulation of propagating terahertz waves at room temperature is demonstrated using subwavelength metallic slit arrays. Our designs enable the modulation of terahertz transmission by at least 55% at their modulation frequencies.
Ascaris suum: homocytotropic antibody responses in mice.

Abstract Homocytotropic antibodies in the sera of CD-1 and DBA/1 mice infected with larval A. suum were titered by PCA reactions. IgG 1 and reaginic antibody responses were similar in both strains of mice. With a dose of 8000 to 10,000 embryonated eggs, reaginic antibody was detected during the second week and IgG 1 antibody during the third week of infection. Doses of 1500 to 5000 eggs gave delayed antibody responses or did not induce a detectable response, although an anamnestic response followed a challenge inoculation even when no detectable antibody was observed in initial infection. Larval A. suum infections in two strains of mice did not potentiate a reaginic response to ovalbumin.
The structures of the to-infinitive

This article presents an approach to the English to-infinitive where to is a preposition with a bare infinitive complement and ECM and object control complements receive a small clause analysis. Crucial to this approach is the positioning of PRO, which always occurs in the subject position of to's complement. This positioning allows a complementary distribution of PRO, lexical NPs, and NP-trace. The distribution of these elements, in conjunction with the small clause approach, creates multiple advantages including the elimination of current inconsistencies in the theory of null case, the reduction of control to anaphoric binding, and a general and uniform theory of complementation.
Racial differences in survival from gynecologic cancer

Objective To determine whether survival from gynecologic cancer is different between African-American and white patients at an inner-city hospital with both a large clinic and a private service. Methods We studied 538 patients (89 African American, 449 white) diagnosed with cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer at a single institution from January 1, 1989 through December 31, 1993. Information was obtained on age, stage, site of disease, histology, and type of health insurance (public or commercial). Insurance coverage was used as a proxy for socioeconomic status. Overall survival was estimated by the method of Kaplan and Meier and compared by the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to evaluate the effects of multiple factors on survival. Results African-American patients were significantly older and were more likely to have cervical cancer and public insurance than white patients. Overall survival was worse for African-American patients than for white patients ( P Conclusions African-American patients with gynecologic cancer at our institution have worse overall survival than white patients. The survival difference seems to be due predominantly to differences in socioeconomic status and stage at diagnosis.
Wave Propagation in a Timoshenko Beam Building Model

This study analyzes wave propagation in a Timoshenko beam model of a high-rise building excited by base motion. This model accounts for wave dispersion caused by bending and is more realistic for analysis of wave propagation in high-rise buildings than shear beam and other discrete nondispersive models. The model transfer functions and impulse response functions are obtained from the analytical solution for a forced vibration response of the beam excited by base motion. The impulse response functions represent the model response to a virtual input pulse; a set of such functions at different levels is used to study pulse propagation in the beam. A parametric study of dispersion and its effects on the model transfer functions and impulse response functions is presented in terms of dimensionless parameters and in ranges corresponding to buildings. The model is validated for a 9-story full-scale RC building and smaller earthquake excitation. The results provide insight into dispersive wave propagation in buildings caused by bending, which is useful for the interpretation of impulse responses of buildings obtained from earthquake records and for the development and testing of wave methods for structural health monitoring. The results can also be used for testing numerical models for pulse propagation in buildings.
Assembly of Heterohexameric Trypanosome Hexokinases Reveals That Hexokinase 2 Is a Regulable Enzyme

Glycolysis is essential to Trypanosoma brucei, the protozoan parasite that causes African sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Hexokinase (HK), the first enzyme in glycolysis, catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to form glucose 6-phosphate. T. brucei harbors two HKs that are 98% identical at the amino acid level, T. brucei hexokinase 1 (TbHK1) and TbHK2. Recombinant TbHK1 (rTbHK1) has HK activity, whereas rTbHK2 does not. Unlike other eukaryotic HKs, TbHK1 is not subject to inhibition by ADP and glucose 6-phosphate. However, TbHK1 is inhibited by myristate, a critical fatty acid in T. brucei biology. We report here that rTbHKs, similar to authentic TbHK, form oligomers. Myristate dissociated these assemblies when incubated with either ATP or glucose. Furthermore, oligomer disruption was reversible by removal of myristate. Mixing of rTbHK1 and rTbHK2 monomers followed by reassembly yielded enzyme with an ∼3-fold increase in specific activity compared with similarly treated rTbHK1 alone. Surprisingly, reassembly of rTbHK2 with an inactive rTbHK1 variant yielded an active HK, revealing for the first time that rTbHK2 is competent for HK activity. Finally, pyrophosphate inhibits active reassembled rTbHK2 oligomers but not oligomeric rTbHK1, suggesting that the two enzymes have distinct regulatory mechanisms.
Discrete Versus Continuous Mapping of Facial Electromyography for Human–Machine Interface Control: Performance and Training Effects

Individuals with high spinal cord injuries are unable to operate a keyboard and mouse with their hands. In this experiment, we compared two systems using surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded from facial muscles to control an onscreen keyboard to type five-letter words. Both systems used five sEMG sensors to capture muscle activity during five distinct facial gestures that were mapped to five cursor commands: move left, move right, move up, move down, and “click”. One system used a discrete movement and feedback algorithm in which the user produced one quick facial gesture, causing a corresponding discrete movement to an adjacent letter. The other system was continuously updated and allowed the user to control the cursor's velocity by relative activation between different sEMG channels. Participants were trained on one system for four sessions on consecutive days, followed by one crossover session on the untrained system. Information transfer rates (ITRs) were high for both systems compared to other potential input modalities, both initially and with training (Session 1: 62.1 bits/min, Session 4: 105.1 bits/min). Users of the continuous system showed significantly higher ITRs than the discrete users. Future development will focus on improvements to both systems, which may offer differential advantages for users with various motor impairments.
Cloning and Heterologous Expression of a Methanococcus vannielii Gene Encoding a Selenium-Binding Protein

The activation and incorporation of selenium into selenocysteine containing selenoproteins has been well established in an Escherichia coli model system but there is little specific information concerning the transport and intracellular trafficking of selenium in biological systems in general. A selenium transport role is a possible function of a novel 42 kDa selenium-binding protein that recently was purified from Methanococcus vannielii. The gene encoding a monomer of this protein (Sbp) has been cloned, sequenced and heterologously expressed in E. coli. The 8.8 kDa gene product contains 81 amino acids. The recombinant Sbp (rSbp) protein was shown to bind selenium from added selenite. The bound selenium appeared predominantly in dimeric and tetrameric forms of the protein. The gene encoding Sbp occurs in an operon that contains a carbonic anhydrase gene and selenocysteine-containing formate dehydrogenase genes, suggesting possible roles in selenium-dependent formate metabolism.
Hispanic Community College Students: Acculturation, Family Support, Perceived Educational Barriers, and Vocational Planning

A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the associations between the role of acculturation, perception of educational barriers, need for family kin support, vocational planning, and expectations for attaining future vocational goals against the demographic variables (gender, age, being the oldest child, the first to attend college, and generational status) of 219 Hispanic American community college students in precollegiate classes. The results indicate that students who are the first in their family to attend college will be less acculturated, seek out kinship support less, and have fewer positive outcome expectations. First-generation students have lower levels of acculturation, but have conducted more vocational planning and have higher expectations for the future. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
DNA adduct formation, metabolism, and morphological transforming activity of aceanthrylene in C3H10T1/2CL8 cells

Abstract Aceanthrylene (ACE), a cyclopenta-fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (CP-PAH) related to anthracene, has been studied for its ability to be metabolized, to form DNA adducts, and to morphologically transform C3H10T1/2CL8 mouse embryo fibroblasts in culture. Although ACE has been previously shown to be a strong mutagen in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA89 and TA100, it did not transform C3H10T1/2 cells (0.4–16 μg/ml) under 2 treatment protocols: treatment (for 24 h) 1 day after seeding the cells; treatment (for 24 h) 5 days after seeding the cells. Both protocols are effective in detecting the morphological transforming activity of PAH and CP-PAH and the latter protocol has been shown to be effective in detecting chemicals which are active in the first protocol only with the additional treatment of the cells with a tumor promoter. ACE is metabolized by C3H10T1/2 cells to ACE-1,2-dihydrodiol (the cyclopenta-ring dihydrodiol) at a rate of 450 pmoles ACE-1,2-dihydrodiol formed/h/106 cells. ACE-7,8-dihydrodiol and ACE-9,10-dihydrodiol, identified as major Aroclor-1254-induced rat liver microsomal metabolites from their UV, NMR, and mass spectral data, were not identified in incubations of C3H10T1/2 cells with ACE. ACE-DNA adducts in C3H10T1/2 cells were isolated, separated, identified, and quantitated using the 32P-postlabeling method. ACE forms 4 major adducts and each was identified as an ACE-1,2-oxide/2′-deoxyguanosine adduct. The level of adduction was 2.18 pmoles ACE adducts/mg DNA after a 24-h incubation of ACE (16 μg/ml) with C3H10T1/2 cells. ACE-DNA adduct persistence and repair were evaluated in C3H10T1/2 cells using a hydroxyurea block after ACE treatment. ACE-DNA adducts were not repaired under the conditions used in the morphological transformation studies. Thus, ACE provides an interesting example of a mutagenic PAH which is metabolized by C3H10T1/2 cells to active intermediates, forms relatively stable and persistent 2′-deoxyguanosine adducts in C3H10T1/2 cells, and yet induces no detectable morphological transforming activity under the experimental conditions used.
Localization of keratin in the notochord and in notochord derived tumors—immunohistological study of rat embryo and human chordoma

Presence of keratin was observed in the notochordal plate of 10-day rat embryos. The characteristic changes in the appearance of the notochord during the following days of gestation were also observed in sections stained by immunofluorescence with keratin antisera. On day 12, the keratin-positive notochordal plate had become a cylindrical structure closely apposed to the ventral surface of the spinal cord. The distance between notochord and spinal cord progressively increased at later stages. The expression of keratin was also studied by the Avidin-Biotin complex method on 4 chordomas, tumors originating from intraosseous notochordal vestigial remnants. In accordance with the developmental study all chordomas were keratin-positive.
Translating Discoveries into Medicine: Psychiatric Drug Development in 2011

Recent reviews have described the crisis in central nervous system (CNS) drug development, especially for psychiatric disorders (Paul et al, 2010). As several pharmaceutical companies reduced their investments in psychiatric drug development, NIMH has asked: (1) why the retreat from one of the most important public health targets, and (2) how could we invest federal dollars to ensure that the public will have a next generation of treatments? We have heard many answers to the retreat question: abundance of generics, lack of novel validated targets, paucity of predictive animal models, absence of biomarkers, and regulatory challenges, to name a few. The business case for psychiatric drug development is not promising. CNS drugs cost more and take longer to reach the market than other types of drugs: only 8% of those that make it to clinical trials end up being approved and they tend to fail in late-stage clinical trials after a significant investment has been made. This commentary addresses the second question by summarizing the NIMH response to the first. Although we will not solve all of the challenges, our hope is that NIMH can catalyze new efforts to develop the next generation of more effective, safer medications for the group of disorders that now represents the largest source of medical disability in the developed world. Ultimately, our success will depend on creating personalized treatments for people with mental disorders, based on a deeper understanding of individual differences in biology and treatment response. In this study we will focus on the earlier step of developing the next generation of treatments.
Third-octave-mode chatter in rolling. Part 3: Stability of a multi-stand mill

AbstractThe stability of a tandem mill is analysed by considering interstand interactions. In this part of the paper the stability of the multistand multimodal chatter model, developed in Part 1 [1], is ascertained. The general model is represented in a simplified form, which highlights only phenomena caused by strip velocity, or equivalently, strip tension variations between stands. This mechanism constitutes one of the most critical sources of self-excitation in the operation of tandem mills and leads to the most detrimental effects associated with third-octave mode chatter. As before, the theoretical analysis of the stability conditions is followed by a simulation study that shows the major dynamic trends in the mill's behaviour.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-enhanced MR renography: repeated measures of GFR and RPF in hypertensive patients

This study aims to assess the feasibility of a protocol to diagnose renovascular disease using dual MR renography acquisitions: before and after administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhi...
A posteriori error estimation of finite element approximations in fluid mechanics

Abstract Several techniques for a posteriori error estimation of finite element approximations of time-dependent problems are developed and tested. These include a discontinuous Galerkin method for linear convection problems, a residual-type method for diffusion problems and an operator splitting method for convection-diffusion problems. Some extensions to certain classes of nonlinear hyperbolic problems are also presented.
R. Yehoshua ben Levi’s Final Ascent as a Model Tikkun Hanefesh

Abstract Various Talmudic aggadot portray death as the conclusion of tikkun hanefesh. Yet several aggadot, the deaths of R. Yehoshua b. Levi and R. Hanina b. Papa (b. Ketub. 77b) and the Heavenly Tribunal questions of Rava (b. Sabb. 31a), portray post-death tests. These Talmudic “philosophy of death” passages—as well as the Angel of Death narratives at the end of tractate b. Moʿed Qaṭan—complement each other and complete a single theme. Together they convey the lesson that, while tikkun hanefesh is most relevant during life, there is an ultimate tikkun opportunity after death, which is chiefly a test of humility.
A repressor (MATα2 product) and its operator control expression of a set of cell type specific genes in yeast

Summary The product of the yeast MATα 2 gene, α2 protein, negatively regulates expression of a class of yeast cell type specific genes, the a -specific genes. In this paper we show that α2 is a sequence-specific DNA binding protein. It recognizes a 32 base pair DNA sequence (operator) located upstream of an a -specific gene, STE 6. A strongly homologous sequence is present upstream of each of the other four known a -specific genes. A synthetic STE 6 operator, when placed in a test promoter ( CYC 1), brings the promoter under negative control by α2 in vivo. This operator brings about repression when it is placed between the CYC 1 upstream activation sequence (UAS) and the transcription start and when it is placed upstream of the UAS, outside the promoter. Thus, the operator need not overlap with essential promoter sequences to permit repression by α2.
Ethical Aspects of Current French Economic Policies the French System of Planning

Given the not so cordial state of current Franco-American relations, I had best begin this paper with a repudiation of some of the possible implications of its title. I will not have the impertinence of a foreigner who, despite great admiration and greater affection for la France, would presume to hand down judgments upon her economic policies. Many and some of the most basic policies are so intimately part and parcel of French foreign policy and Gaullist ambitions for the Fifth Republic that a citizen of the United States, almost as a matter of principle, is incapable of thoroughly disinterested ethical analysis. Thus it would be inappropriate, if not unethical, for me to evaluate the French attitude toward British entry into the European Economic Community, apparent reluctance to grant significant tariff reductions under the Kennedy round, fear of domination from growing investments by U.S. Corporations, and so on. And, of course, it would also be improper to deal with the question of French aid to developing nations, even though that aid averaged above 2% of GNP from 1956 to 1961 and has only recently fallen to a level that is more than double the American effort.1 Similarly it would be unjustified interference in domestic affairs to comment upon the interesting and much discussed proposals for reform of the French business firm suggested by a distinguished public servant.2 And finally, even if it were possible to supress nationalistic bias, my personal value judgments might not be considered impartial inasmuch as they are akin to those of French citizens who are overly critical in a nation of critics. Active respect for another nation's policies and plan objectivity would seem to require a discreetly descriptive method, a tranquilizer in every sense of the word. Fortunately, however, there is one policy which the French themselves consider an exciting experiment, worthy of the new France and her revolutionary tradition?worthy, too, of imitation. It is almost certain that knowledgeable Frenchmen would object if an outsider were to confine himself to pallid description of their new institution of planning; rather his presentation should be in keeping with the stature of French planning which as now constituted is sufficiently developed to withstand easily most any adverse criticism.
Kinetics of eicosapentaenoic acid in brain, heart and liver of conscious rats fed a high n-3 PUFA containing diet

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), a precursor of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may benefit cardiovascular and brain health. Quantifying EPA's in vivo kinetics might elucidate these effects. [1-(14)C]EPA was infused i.v. for 5min in unanesthetized male rats fed a standard EPA-DHA diet. Plasma and microwaved tissue were analyzed. Kinetic parameters were calculated using our compartmental model. At 5min, 31-48% of labeled EPA in brain and heart was oxidized, 7% in liver. EPA incorporation rates from brain and liver precursor EPA-CoA pools into lipids, mainly phospholipids, were 36 and 2529nmol/s/g×10(-4), insignificant for heart. Deacylation-reacylation half-lives were 22h and 38-128min. Conversion rates to DHA equaled 0.65 and 25.1nmol/s/g×10(-4), respectively. The low brain concentration and incorporation rate and high oxidation of EPA suggest that, if EPA has a beneficial effect in brain, it might result from its suppression of peripheral inflammation and hepatic conversion to bioactive DHA.
Ureteroscopic treatment of larger renal calculi (>2 cm)

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the current status of ureteroscopic lithotripsy (UL) for treating renal calculi of >2 cm, as advances in flexible ureteroscope design, accessory instrumentation and lithotrites have revolutionised the treatment of urinary calculi. While previously reserved for ureteric and small renal calculi, UL has gained an increasing role in the selective management of larger renal stone burdens. Methods We searched the available databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, for relevant reports in English, and the article bibliographies to identify additional relevant articles. Keywords included ureteroscopy, lithotripsy, renal calculi, and calculi >2 cm. Retrieved articles were reviewed to consider the number of patients, mean stone size, success rates, indications and complications. Results In all, nine studies (417 patients) were eligible for inclusion. After one, two or three procedures the mean (range) success rates were 68.2 (23–84)%, 87.1 (79–91)% and 94.4 (90.1–96.7)%, respectively. Overall, the success rate was >90% with a mean of 1.2–2.3 procedures per patient. The overall complication rate was 10.3%, including six (1.4%) intraoperative and 37 (8.9%) postoperative complications, most of which were minor. The most common indications for UL were a failed previous treatment (46%), comorbidities (18.2%), and technical and anatomical factors (12.3%). Conclusions UL is safe and effective for treating large renal calculi. While several procedures might be required for total stone clearance, UL should be considered a standard approach in the urologist’s options treating renal calculi of >2 cm.
Returns to Initial Shareholders in Savings Institution Conversions: Evidence and Regulatory Implications

In this paper, stock prices for savings institutions that have converted to the stock form of organization are examined. Event-study methodology is used to focus on the returns to initial shareholders in the period immediately following initial trading. The results of the study indicate significant positive returns in savings institution conversions in the first several trading days, suggesting a one-time wealth transfer from depositors not exercising their rights to initial shareholders. The results also provide support for the efficiency of the market as the market price adjusts quickly in the first two days of trading after the public offering. Given the FHLBB's objectives, there appears to be little cause for regulatory concern although initial returns are significant.
The Empire of Things: Regimes of Value and Material Culture

The Empire of Things: Regimes of Value and Material Culture. Fred Myers. ed. Santa Fe: School of American Research Press, 2001. ix. 353 pp., illustrations, references, index.
Budget cuts jeopardize space exploration

In the light of 12% across-the-board cuts in the second round of federal budgetary action, the announcement by the Office of Management and Budget that the cut to be absorbed by NASA is only 6% appears to be good news. But this is not at all the case, even though the reduced NASA FY 1982 budget would still be above the FY 1981 budget by about 4%, because the first round of budget cuts trimmed NASA to a bare minimum. The budget had been strained after absorbing the huge first-mission costs of the space shuttle. The portion of the budget for the shuttle still seems to be reserved, untouchable, basically as it was after the first budget-cutting round. Further, the shuttle's costs are rising, and NASA's budget for the following year (FY 1983) is subject to larger cuts—a figure of about $1 billion has been mentioned.
Angioedema: etiology, pathophysiology, current and emerging therapies.

Abstract Background Angioedema (AE) is characterized by nonpitting edema of the dermis and subcutaneous layers. The most common sites of involvement are the tongue, lips, face, and throat; however, swelling can also occur in the extremities, genitalia, and viscera. Life-threatening airway swelling can also occur. AE may be allergic or nonallergic. The overall lifetime incidence of AE is reported to be as high as 15%. Objective This article summarizes the etiology, pathophysiology, and current treatment of several forms of nonallergic AE (including hereditary, acquired, and idiopathic AE) and focuses on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema (ACEi-AE), which is responsible for 30%−40% of all AE seen in United States emergency departments. Discussion Although the triggers, which are primary biologic mechanisms, and treatments for ACEi-AE may differ from those of the hereditary and acquired forms of AE, the clinical effects of ACEi-AE are mediated through a shared pathway, the kallikrein-kinin system. Thus, although current therapeutic options for ACEi-AE are limited, recent advances in the treatment of hereditary AE (HAE) appear promising for improving the outcomes of patients with ACEi-AE. Conclusions New HAE medications that correct imbalances in the kallikrein-kinin system may prove safe and efficacious in the treatment of ACEi-AE.
Prevention of Apoptosis by a Baculovirus Gene During Infection of Insect Cells

Programmed cell death is an active process of self destruction that is important in both the development and maintenance of multicellular animals. The molecular mechanisms controlling activation or suppression of programmed cell death are largely unknown. Apoptosis, a morphologically and biochemically defined type of programmed cell death commonly seen in vertebrates, was found to be initiated during baculovirus replication in insect cells. A specific viral gene product, p35, was identified as being responsible for blocking the apoptotic response. Identification of the function of this gene will allow further definition of the molecular pathways involved in the regulation of programmed cell death and may identify the role of apoptosis in invertebrate viral defense systems.
Mutation of a conserved CDK site converts a metazoan Elongation Factor 1Bβ subunit into a replacement for yeast eEF1Bα

Elongation factor subunit eEF1Bβ (formerly EF-1β in plants and EF-1δ in animals) was identified and cloned in a screen for proteins from pea that interact with a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). CDKs are enzymes that regulate progression through meiotic and mitotic cell cycles in eukaryotes. eEF1Bβ and the related protein eEF1Bα (formerly EF-1β' in plants and EF-1β in animals and fungi) can catalyze GTP/GDP exchange on the G-protein eEF1A (formerly EF-1α in plants, animals and fungi) during the elongation phase of protein synthesis in eukaryotes. Recombinant Cdc2 and its native homologues from pea extracts associated both in vitro and in vivo with eEF1Bβ. A Cdc2-cyclin B complex phosphorylated recombinant plant eEF1Bβs, but not eEF1Bα. These interactions between CDK and eEF1Bβ prompted investigations into the in vivo consequences of this relationship. Expression of cDNAs encoding rice or pea eEF1Bβ subunits failed to complement a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant deleted for the eEF1Bα gene, as was previously observed for the human eEF1Bβ. However, replacement of Thr91, the sole consensus CDK phosphorylation site in pea eEF1Bβ, with alanine allowed the pea protein to substitute for eEF1Bα function in vivo. In addition, this rescued strain was severely cold sensitive, and more sensitive to translational inhibitors than wild-type yeast. Taken together, these results suggest a physiological connection between the cyclin-dependent class of kinases and a translational elongation factor in mitotic cells, and provide the first in vivo evidence that an altered form of eEF1Bβ can serve as the guanine nucleotide exchange factor for eEF1A.