cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brazos Partners: the CoMark LBO (TN)

SUBJECT AREAS: Due diligence, Leveraged buyouts, Negotiations, Recapitalization, Valuation CASE SETTINGS: Texas; 6 employees; 2001 The partners of a new midmarket buyout fund are working on a buyout of a closely held modular building company. Although originally structured as a stock deal, they have realized that an asset deal would be preferable from their point of view and are trying to determine what benefits it might hold for the sellers, whose continuing involvement in the company is essential for success. This case describes the process of the deal's due diligence and the state of the LBO industry in the early 21st century.
A Passion for Learning: The Theory and Practice of Optima Match at the University of Washington

Early entrance from secondary school to university, based on the principle of optimal match, is a rare but highly effective educational strategy for many gifted students. The University of Washingt...
Neuropathology associated with ventricular assist devices: an autopsy series of 33 patients.

The ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that has been shown to be an effective modality of cardiac support in patients with heart failure refractory to pharmacologic intervention and who are awaiting cardiac allograft transplantation. Neuropathologic findings in these patients have not been well described. We retrospectively reviewed 2,632 autopsy reports (between 1990 and 2000) and found 64 patients who received VADs. Of these 64 patients, brain and spinal cord tissue was available for review in 33 patients (25 males and eight females; age range, 4 to 69 years; mean age, 52 years). The study group was composed of these 33 patients. Ventricular assist devices were in place from one to 603 days (mean 49 days). Twenty-five patients had left VAD, three had right VAD, and five had biventricular VADs. Brain weights ranged from 928 g to 1,740 g (mean 1,325 g). The most common central nervous system pathologic findings included infarct (N = 23; 70%), acute neuronal necrosis (N = 22; 67% focal and N = 1; diffuse anoxic encephalopathy), hemorrhage (N = 14; 42%), and herniations (N = 7; 21%). Two patients had no neuropathologic findings at autopsy. Cause of death was central nervous system-related in eight patients (24%) including six with massive parenchymal hemorrhage and herniations, one with brainstem infarction, and one with air embolism (radiographically diagnosed). The most common causes of death in the remaining 25 patients included sepsis (n = 10; 30%), pneumonia (n = 4; 12%), and embolic events with widespread infarcts (n = 4; 12%). The most common neuropathologic findings in patients with VAD were related to ischemia and infarction. In a significant subset of patients, central nervous system pathology, particularly hemorrhage with herniation, was the primary cause of death. Ann Diagn Pathol 5:67-73, 2001.
Possible function of carbohydrate on glycoproteins secreted by the pig uterus during pregnancy.

Uteroferrin is a purple iron-containing acid phosphatase secreted by the porcine uterus under the influence of the hormone, progesterone. It is synthesized by the glandular epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium and during pregnancy is taken up by specialized structures (areolae) opposite each uterine gland. Uteroferrin is then released into the fetal circulation and cleared by the liver or fetal kidney. A major role in iron transport to the fetus has been proposed. Uteroferrin, as purified from uterine secretions of pigs, possesses mainly high mannose (predominately Man5 and Man6 chains. These oligosaccharide chains of uteroferrin appear to be responsible for its binding and uptake by reticuloendothelial cells of the fetal liver which is the major site of erythropoiesis of the fetus. Uteroferrin, although implicated in transplantal iron transport, also possesses many of the properties of a lysosomal enzyme and, when newly synthesized, carries the so-called lysosomal recognition marker, mannose 6-phosphate. The phosphate group is masked by a covering N-acetylglucosamine residue, a feature which may account for its secretion rather than retention within lysosomes. Evidence is also presented that the oligosaccharide chains of newly synthesized uteroferrin are larger than those of the mature form and are trimmed after secretion. The phosphate group is also removed. It is not clear whether uteroferrin carbohydrate is implicated in the movement of the glycoprotein across the placenta as well as its uptake by the fetal liver.
Neurobehavioral Effects of Interferon-α in Cancer Patients: Phenomenology and Paroxetine Responsiveness of Symptom Dimensions

We have previously shown that the risk of major depression in patients with malignant melanoma undergoing interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy can be reduced by pretreatment with the antidepressant, paroxetine. Using dimensional analyses, the present study assessed the expression and treatment responsiveness of specific clusters of neuropsychiatric symptoms over the first three months of IFN-alpha therapy. Forty patients with malignant melanoma eligible for IFN-alpha treatment were randomly assigned to receive either paroxetine or placebo in a double-blind design. Neuropsychiatric assessments were conducted at regular intervals during the first twelve weeks of IFN-alpha therapy and included the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Neurotoxicity Rating Scale. Neurovegetative and somatic symptoms including anorexia, fatigue and pain appeared within two weeks of IFN-alpha therapy in a large proportion of patients. In contrast, symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety and cognitive dysfunction appeared later during IFN-alpha treatment and more specifically in patients who met DSM-IV criteria for major depression. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and pain were more responsive, whereas symptoms of fatigue and anorexia were less responsive, to paroxetine treatment. These data demonstrate distinct phenomenology and treatment responsiveness of symptom dimensions induced by IFN-alpha, and suggest that different mechanisms mediate the various behavioral manifestations of cytokine-induced "sickness behavior."
Thrombin receptor ligation and activated rac uncap actin filament barbed ends through phosphoinositide synthesis in permeabilized human platelets

Cells respond to diverse external stimuli by polymerizing cytoplasmic actin, and recent evidence indicates that GTPases can specify where this polymerization takes place. Actin assembly in stimulated blood platelets occurs where sequestered monomers add onto the fast-growing (barbed) ends of actin filaments (F-actin), which are capped in the resting cells. We report that D3 and D4 polyphosphoinositides, Pl(4)P, Pl(4,5)P2, Pl(3,4)P2, and Pl(3,4,5)P3, uncap F-actin in resting permeabilized platelets. The thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP), GTP, and GTP gamma S, but not GDP beta S, also uncap F-actin in permeabilized platelets. GDP beta S inhibits TRAP-induced F-actin uncapping, and Pl(4,5)P2 overcomes this inhibition. Constitutively active mutant Rac, but not Rho, activates uncapping of F-actin. Pl(4,5)P2-binding peptides derived from gelsolin inhibit F-actin uncapping by TRAP, Rac, and GTP gamma S. TRAP and Rac induce rapid Pl(4,5)P2 synthesis in permeabilized platelets. The findings establish a signaling pathway for actin assembly involving Rac in which the final message is phosphoinositide-mediated F-actin uncapping.
Oligomerization of the yeast α-factor receptor : Implications for dominant negative effects of mutant receptors

Oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors is commonly observed, but the functional significance of oligomerization for this diverse family of receptors remains poorly understood. We used bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) to examine oligomerization of Ste2p, a G protein-coupled receptor that serves as the receptor for the α-mating pheromone in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, under conditions where the functional effects of oligomerization could be examined. Consistent with previous results from fluorescence resonance energy transfer (Overton, M. C., and Blumer, K. J. (2000) Curr. Biol. 10, 341–344), we detected efficient energy transfer between Renilla luciferase and a modified green fluorescent protein individually fused to truncated α-factor receptors lacking the cytoplasmic C-terminal tail. In addition, the low background of the BRET system allowed detection of significant, but less efficient, energy transfer between full-length receptors. The reduced efficiency of energy transfer between full-length receptors does not appear to result from different levels of receptor expression. Instead, attachment of fluorescent reporter proteins to the full-length receptors appears to significantly increase the distance between reporters. Mutations that were previously reported to block dimerization of truncated α-factor receptors reduce but do not completely eliminate BRET transfer between receptors. Dominant negative effects of mutant alleles of α-factor receptors appear to be mediated by receptor oligomerization since these effects are abrogated by introduction of additional mutations that reduce oligomerization. We find that heterodimers of normal and dominant negative receptors are defective in their ability to signal. Thus, signal transduction by oligomeric receptors appears to be a cooperative process requiring an interaction between functional monomers.
The structural basis of ankyrin-like repeat function as revealed by the solution structure of myotrophin

Abstract Background: Myotrophin is a 12.5 kDa protein that appears to have a key role in the initiation of cardiac hypertrophy, a central process in many heart diseases. Myotrophin primarily comprises ankyrin-like (ANK) repeats, the 33 amino acid motifs involved in a wide range of protein–protein interactions. As a first step in the structure-based search for cardiac hypertrophy antagonists and in order to gain insight into the molecular basis of action of the ubiquitous and multifunctional ANK repeat motif, we have determined the solution structure of myotrophin using multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Results: The myotrophin structure determination was based on 2786 experimental NMR restraints, and the precision of the coordinates for the final 45 simulated-annealing structures is 0.43 a for the backbone atoms and 0.87 a for all atoms. The structure of myotrophin is well defined and is ellipsoidal: approximately 46 a long and 21 a wide. The ANK repeats, which constitute the main part of the myotrophin structure, are characteristic of a hairpin-like protruding tip followed by a helix-turn-helix motif. The V-shaped helix-turn-helix of the ANK repeats stack sequentially in bundles and are stabilized by compact hydrophobic cores, whereas the protruding tips are less ordered. This arrangement is quite different to the continuous β -sheet topology observed in the corresponding regions of another ANK protein, 53BP2, the structure of which was determined in complex with p53. Conclusions: The solution structure of myotrophin provides important insights into the structural and dynamic features of the ANK motif, and suggests that the protruding tips with highly variable sequences may be critical to facilitate diverse protein–protein recognition. The present structure also provides a molecular basis for the further functional characterization of myotrophin and the development of therapeutics for hypertrophy-related heart diseases.
Venous and arterial thromboembolism in severe sepsis.

The burden of thromboembolism (TE) in severe sepsis is largely unknown. We assessed the prevalence of venous and arterial TE in patients with severe sepsis over a four-week period. We performed a retrospective analysis of a pooled database of three randomized, placebo-controlled trials of two novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of severe sepsis, drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA)and secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor (sPLA2I). The study was conducted at intensive care units of the participating institutions. A total of 2,649 patients with known or suspected infection and sepsis-associated acute organ dysfunction were enrolled in the three trials and were assigned to treatment groups (DrotAA=850; sPLA2I =578; placebo=1221). The database was queried for venous and arterial TE, using investigator reports of serious adverse events. Eighty-four of 2,649 patients (3.2%; 95% confidence interval, 2.5% to 3.9%) developed at least one thromboembolic event over 28 days. Nearly threequarters of episodes were atheroembolic (n=62); 25% involved the deep venous system (n=25). Ischemic stroke (n=30) and venous thromboembolism (n=25) each occurred in about 1% of patients. Ischemic stroke and acute coronary syndrome had a higher peak incidence during the first five days compared to venous TE onset, which was more constant over the 28-day period. Subgroup analysis by pooled treatment groups yielded TE rates of 2.0% (DrotAA), 3.5% (placebo), and 4.0% (sPLA2I), respectively. Clinically manifest TE occurred in about 3% of severe sepsis patients treated in the intensive care unit over a 28-day period. Arterial TE may be more common than previously recognized. More accurate estimates of TE prevalence and relationship to sepsis await future studies.
Dynamics of iron movement involving colloids, bacteria, and siderophores in an aqueous alkaline environment

Abstract Water quality used for irrigation of alkaline soils will have a significant effect on Fe addition to the plant environment. By following the distribution of Fe added to reservoir water we were able to determine the fate of inorganic Fe in an alkaline environment which contains planktonic bacteria and photosynthetic cyanobacteria. The formation of colloidal Fe was found to be dependent on pH and amount of colloid increased with incubation time. Addition of aluminum, copper, chromium and lanthinum salts greatly increased colloidal Fe formed; however, considerable quantities of Fe remained in solution even in the presence of these cations. The adsorption of Fe onto the surface of bacteria was greatly increased in the presence of aluminum, chromium, copper and lanthinum salts, while active transport into planktonic bacteria was markedly reduced by these four cations. Fe was immobilized by adsorption and active transport of cyanobacteria but release of Fe from cyanobacteria was slow. Greatest solubili...
Is TU Wei-ming Confucian?

Tu Wei-ming’s discourse has been badly understood by some Western philosophers who study Confucianism. I suggest that this misunderstanding stems from the fact that these philosophers fail to realize that Confucian discourse is in an entirely different register from Western philosophical discourse. I then propose my own preliminary definition of Confucian discourse in five points and present a structural analysis of a text by Tu Wei-ming. Finally, I consider which features of Tu’s discourse can properly be called Confucian. The answer to this question reflects not only on Tu but also on Confucian discourse and the study of Confucianism in general.
Measurement of springback

Abstract Springback, the elastically-driven change of shape of a part after forming, has been measured under carefully-controlled laboratory conditions corresponding to those found in press-forming operations. Constitutive equations emphasizing low-strain behavior were generated for three automotive body alloys: drawing-quality silicon-killed steel; high-strength low-alloy steel; and 6022-T4 aluminum. Strip draw-bend tests were then conducted using a range of die radii (3
670E VALPROATE MAY DELAY BRAIN MATURATION AND PRODUCES HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION IN INFANT MICE

Normal nursing 2 to 4 d-old mice received 100 or 200 mg/kg of valproate (VAL) s.c. once daily for 5 d. At 100 mg/kg there was no effect on body weight (wt). At 200 mg/kg/, body wt was reduced 20% (P=0.001), brain wt, 20% (P<0.001) and brain [K+], 3% (P=0.009); brain [Na+] tended to rise. Both doses increased brain glycogen (31%), glucose (27%), glucose-6-P (15%), fructose-6-P (21%) and decreased fructose-di-P (35%), pyruvate (14%), citrate (15%), α-ketoglutarate (14%) and malate (18%), suggesting a decreased metabolic flux through the glycolytic pathway and Krebs citric acid cycle. Together with the decrease in P-creatine (7%) the findings suggest reduced cerebral metabolic rate (CMR). Brain aspartate was reduced 12% at 100 mg/kg VAL (P<0.001) and 25% at 200 mg/kg (P=0.002). At 200 mg/kg VAL, brain glutamate fell 14% (P=0.006) while taurine increased 13% (P=0.039). Both doses tended to decrease brain GABA and increase brain glycine. Both VAL doses decreased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) concentration 60% (P<0.001); plasma fatty acid levels were normal. At 200 mg/kg VAL the liver glycogen content was reduced 73% (P<0.001). VAL-induced decreased brain wt and [K+], the apparent reduction in CMR, and the direction of the amino acid changes are most compatible with delayed brain maturation. Critical reductions in plasma β-OHB and liver glycogen levels may relate to VAL-associated hepatic-deaths in infants and children.
Condition based maintenance optimization for wind power generation systems under continuous monitoring

By utilizing condition monitoring information collected from wind turbine components, condition based maintenance (CBM) strategy can be used to reduce the operation and maintenance costs of wind power generation systems. The existing CBM methods for wind power generation systems deal with wind turbine components separately, that is, maintenance decisions are made on individual components, rather than the whole system. However, a wind farm generally consists of multiple wind turbines, and each wind turbine has multiple components including main bearing, gearbox, generator, etc. There are economic dependencies among wind turbines and their components. That is, once a maintenance team is sent to the wind farm, it may be more economical to take the opportunity to maintain multiple turbines, and when a turbine is stopped for maintenance, it may be more cost-effective to simultaneously replace multiple components which show relatively high risks. In this paper, we develop an optimal CBM solution to the above-mentioned issues. The proposed maintenance policy is defined by two failure probability threshold values at the wind turbine level. Based on the condition monitoring and prognostics information, the failure probability values at the component and the turbine levels can be calculated, and the optimal CBM decisions can be made accordingly. A simulation method is developed to evaluate the cost of the CBM policy. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed CBM approach. A comparative study based on commonly used constant-interval maintenance policy demonstrates the advantage of the proposed CBM approach in reducing the maintenance cost.
Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Complications in Critically Ill Patients with Cancer

Cancer and its treatments lead to profound suppression of innate and acquired immune function. In this population, bacterial infections are common and may rapidly lead to overwhelming sepsis and death. Furthermore, infections caused by viral and fungal pathogens should be considered in patients who have specific immune defects. As cancer therapies have become more aggressive the risk for infection has increased and many patients require intensive care support. Despite improvements in long-term survival, infections remain a common complication of cancer therapy and accounts for the majority of chemotherapy-associated deaths. By understanding the host defense impairments and likely pathogens clinicians will be better able to guide diagnosis and management of this unique population.
Use of chromosome fluorescence in evaluating human chromosome fractionation.

Abstract Fractionated human metaphase chromosomes were stained with quinacrine mustard and examined by fluorescent microscopy. Enrichment for specific chromosomes was determined by their characteristic fluorescent staining properties.
Discredited Assessment and Treatment Methods Used with Children and Adolescents: A Delphi Poll

In the context of intense interest in identifying what works in mental health, we sought to establish a consensus on what doesnot work—discredited psychological assessments and treatments used with children and adolescents. Applying a Delphi methodology, we engaged a panel of 139 experts to participate in a two-stage survey. Participants reported their familiarity with 67 treatments and 35 assessment techniques and rated each on a continuum from not at all discredited to certainly discredited. The composite results suggest considerable convergence in what is considered discredited and offer a first step in identifying discredited procedures in modern mental health practice for children and adolescents. It may prove as useful and easier to identify what does not work for youth as it is to identify what does work—as in evidence-based practice compilations. In either case, we can simultaneously avoid consensually identified discredited practices to eradicate what does not work and use inclusively defined evi...
Old vs. new concepts of value for the manager

Similarities and differences between old-style cost reduction and the new unique approach of value engineering are presented in a narrative style. A few misconceptions about value engineering, held by some members of the engineering management community, are described and set straight. The potential contribution of value engineering as a design tool is described, and general examples of applicability from the author's industrial experience are mentioned.
Organization of mesoscale convective systems: 2. Linear theory

[1] The anelastic system of equations (3-D momentum, continuity and thermodynamic energy) is used to investigate the organization of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) using the reference layer concept presented in part 1. Latent heating is assumed to be proportional to the vertical velocity. The WKBJ method is used to solve this system of equations by perturbing the solution linearly from that at the reference level, which is the top of the reference layer. The reference layer is defined as a layer with maximum wind shear and unstable moist stratification over a minimum thickness of 200 mbar. The characteristics of the reference layer, such as the magnitude of the shear and moist stratification, determine the type of MCS' organization and associated properties in the analysis. This result agrees well with numerical simulations of linear MCSs presented in part 1 of this series of study. Three types of MCSs are identified from the linear theory: one is nonlinear and two are linear. The group speed of all three types turns out to be proportional to the mean wind at the reference level. Nonlinear MCSs occur when the vertical wind shear is weak and the stratification is unstable. Type 1 linear solutions are neutral, shear-parallel lines; their reference layers are usually in the middle troposphere. Type 2 linear solutions are amplifying, shear-perpendicular lines; their reference layers are usually in the lower troposphere. The theory predicts the widths and growth rates of the type 2 linear MCSs. The width of an amplifying MCS is determined as a simple function of the Richardson number, while the growth rate is a function of vertical wind shear and Richardson number. Tests of the linear theory using data from several field experiments show that it gives fairly realistic results for a variety of the observed MCSs.
Effects of three juvenile hormone analogs on the female German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).

Vergleichende Beschreibung der die Reifung und die Fortpflanzung verzogernden bzw. verhindernden Effekte von drei Juvenilhormonanaloga beiBlattella germanica.
p53 overexpression and K-ras gene mutations in primary sclerosing cholangitis-associated biliary tract cancer

Cholangiocarcinoma occurs frequently in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We evaluated the incidence and prognostic significance of p53 protein overexpression and K-ras gene mutations in patients with biliary tract cancer and PSC. p53 protein expression was determined in specimens from 12 patients with biliary tract cancer, using the antibody, D07. K-ras mutations were detected using DNA sequencing and a mutation ligation assay. Accumulation of p53 protein was detected in 6 of 12 tumors (50%). K-ras mutations were detected in 4 of 12 tumors (33%). Overall survival in patients with p53-negative tumors was significantly longer (P < 0.05) than that in patients with p53-positive (mutant) tumors. Similarly, overall survival was significantly longer (P < 0.05) in the absence of a K-ras mutation than in patients with a tumor containing a K-ras mutation. Mean interval from the time of diagnosis of PSC until the diagnosis of biliary tract cancer was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in patients with p53 overexpression than in those patients without p53 overexpression (2 versus 47 months). p53 overexpression and K-ras mutations occur commonly in patients with PSC and biliary tract cancer and are associated with a shortened survival. Patients with longstanding PSC are less likely to have these genetic alterations and may have a better prognosis.
Economic Conversion: The Critical Link

Publisher Summary This chapter describes physical security and economic wellbeing that require a significant fraction of the productive resources currently being poured into the militaries of the world be shifted to productive, civilian-oriented activity. The economy is that part of the society whose central function is to provide material wellbeing. Even noncontributive activities often require goods and services that can only be produced with the same labor, machinery, and equipment needed to produce economically valuable goods and services. Improvements in the techniques of production come primarily from research and development aimed at discovering and applying new civilian-oriented technology. Despite the fact that persistent high levels of military spending tend to be fearsomely damaging to any economy, a simple minded policy of sharply cutting back military expenditures would create considerable economic distress. Advanced planning for conversion should reassure those whose livelihood currently depends on continued funding of military projects that the curtailment or elimination of these activities will not cost them their jobs.
Elimination of magnesium ions as an absolute requirement for the native conformation of tryptophan transfer ribonucleic acid

Abstract The biologically active form (form I) of tryptophan tRNA of Escherichia coli B elutes earlier than the biologically inactive form (form II) on a methylated albumin-kieselguhr column. Heating form II in the presence of 2 m -NaCl-0.1 m -Tris-HCl (pH 7.5)-1 m m -EDTA at 50 °C for ten minutes shifts the tryptophan tRNA profile from the form II position to the form I position on a methylated albumin-kieselguhr column; thus, divalent cations are not absolutely necessary for the conformation of the active form of tryptophan tRNA.
IR Reflectance Properties Of Weakly And Strongly Absorbing Surface Films

In an external reflection measurement, the optical properties of a surface film can give rise to a variety of spectral behavior on metallic and nonmetallic substrates. The diversity of behavior can be explained by the presence of transverse optical (TO) and longitudinal optical (LO) bands of the film in the infrared region. The excitation modes associated with these bands are directional with respect to the plane of the surface. Spectral interpretation is facilitated by understanding the roles of the TO and LO bands in reflectance spectra, the substrate selection rules for the appearance of these bands, and the relationship between the TO and LO frequencies. We will show that weakly absorbing films have a simpler optical behavior than strongly absorbing films.
Structure elucidation of some minor components of the polybromobiphenyl mixture, Firemaster.

The polybrominated biphenyl known as “Firemaster” is a flame retardant that accidentally became mixed with cattle feed in Michigan in 1973. The resulting toxicosis to animals and humans prompted extensive study to determine Firemaster's toxic components. Although 4 of 12 major Chromatographic peaks of Firemaster produce mixed enzyme induction, they do not account for the total toxicity. By capillary gas chromatography, it was observed that Firemaster FF-1, lot FH 7042, consisted of at least 60 compounds. We have isolated or otherwise determined the structure for 10 minor components of Firemaster: 3,3′,4,4′-tetra-,2,2′,3,5′, 6-penta-,2,2′,4,4′,5-penta-,3,3′, 4,4′,5-penta-,2,3,3′, 4,4′, 5-hexa-,2,3,3′,4,4′,5′-hexa-, 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexa-, 2,2′, 3,3′,4,5,5′- hepta-,2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′- hepta-and 2,2′,3,3′,4,5,6′- hepta-bromobiphenyl. All of these polybromobiphenyl congeners except 2,2′,4,4′,5-pentabromobiphenyl are in the latest eluting (most polar) fraction by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of Firemaster. This fraction exhibits biological activity. Hyperkeratosis induction tests were carried out on rabbit ears with 3,3′,4,4′-tetra-,2,2′,3,5′, 6-penta-, 2,3,3′,4,4′,5-hexa-, 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexa-, and 2,2′,3,3′,4,5,6′-heptabromobiphenyl, but only 3,3′,4,4′-tetra- and 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl gave positive responses. Apparently, these two compounds and 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentabromobiphenyl are significant contributors to the hyperkeratotic activity of Firemaster.
Priority inheritance protocol in Ada 95

Abstract Priority inversion is any situation where low priority tasks are served before higher priority tasks. It is recognized as a serious problem for real-time systems. In this paper, we describe the fundamental mechanisms in Ada 95 to reduce uncontrolled priority inversion in real-time scheduling. We implemented the priority inheritance protocol (PIP) in Ada 95 to better illustrate Ada's new usefulness for real-time programming. A detailed discussion of this protocol and other related issues are presented.
Nutrient and hydrologic budgets of a great lakes coastal freshwater wetland during a drought year

A coastal wetland along Lake Erie (Ohio, U.S.A.) was studied to determine hydrologic and phosphorus budgets and spatial and temporal variation of phosphorus and related chemical parameters. The wetland was influenced by changing Lake Erie water levels, seiches, shifting shoreline sediments, and watershed inflow during a year of severe drought. The water budget for a 7-month period (March – September, 1988) had average inflow of 15 200 m3 day−1 from the watershed and 3.5 m3 day−1 from Lake Erie. The wetland increased in volume by 700 m3 day−1 despite a drought that resulted in 80% more evapotranspiration than rainfall as a barrier beach isolated the wetland from Lake Erie for 77% of the study period. Conductivity decreased by 34% as water flowed through the wetland and turbidity and total suspended solids were variable and statistically similar at inflow and outflow. Average total phosphorus concentrations in the inflow and outflow were also similar (247 and 248 µg P l−1 respectively) although total soluble phosphorus and soluble reactive phosphorus decreased significantly (α=0.05) from inflow to outflow (averages 94 to 45 µg P l−1 and 7.5 to 4.0 µg P l−1 respectively). Nutrient budgets from field data estimate a retention of 36% of the phosphorus, presumably in the sediments (0.8 mg P m−2 day−1). A general nutrient retention model, an estimated deposition rate from a sediment core and a simulation model predicted higher mass retention of phosphorus but similar percentage retention.
NEUROMUSCULAR REFRACTORINESS DURING BLOCKAGE OF TRANSMISSION A quantitative study

The effects of suxamethonium and tubocurarine on the refractoriness of neuromuscular transmission were studied in 21 anaesthetized adult subjects under various levels of neuromuscular block. The ulnar nerve was stimulated every 12 s with twin supramaximal stimuli 4 ms apart. At any level of block, the refractory fraction (the fractional decrement of the compound electromyographic response of the adductor pollicis to the second twin stimulus, relative to the response to the first) was used to quantify neuromuscular refractoriness. The magnitude of block was determined by the response to the first stimulus. Correlation between refractoriness and the degree of block was sought. Without block, neuromuscular transmission averaged 23% (SEM 4) refractory with this twin interval. The refractory fraction was increased markedly by suxamethonium, reaching 0.69 (SEM 0.1) at 50% block. Complete refractoriness occurred during 25–75% block in eight of 11 instances. Tubocurarine did not significantly alter refractoriness, paired responses to the twin stimuli decreasing proportionately during block.
Summarizing the motion of self-propelled cells: applications to sperm motility.

Summary. Proper characterization of the motion of spermatozoa is an important prerequisite for interpreting differences in sperm motility that might arise from exposure to toxicants. Patterns of sperm movement can be extremely complex. On the basis of an exponential model that relates the discretely approximated curvilinear velocity to the tracking rate, we develop a statistic that indexes the predictability of the path for individual sperm. We summarize the path of each sperm using this and two other statistics: (1) the path displacement velocity and (2) linearity of movement. We apply the method to a set of rat sperm tracks representative of both normal and abnormal motion characteristics.
Fubinito (Immediately) Implies FTA

(2006). Fubinito (Immediately) Implies FTA. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 113, No. 4, pp. 344-347.
Large flow rate/high frequency microvalve array for high performance actuators

Abstract This paper presents fabrication, testing, and analysis of a large flow rate microvalve array. The array consists of 88-microvalves fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI wafer simplifies the fabrication process and eliminates the need for multi-layer surface micromachining process and bulk wafer-bonding procedures. The analytical resonant frequency of the valve is up to 50 kHz and operates at high delta pressures (i.e. 0.14 MPa). The microvalves are fabricated with various flap widths ranging from 300 to 400 μm and flap thickness ranging from 10 to 13 μm. The results indicate that, in terms of geometrical designs, flap displacement and flow rate are strongly dependent on flap thicknesses and to a lesser degree on flap widths. The resonance frequency increases as valve flap thickness increases and width decreases. Comparison between predicted and measured flow rate shows good agreement. A flow rate up to 35 cm 3 /s was measured. A failure criterion is also presented using the fracture stress analysis and shows good agreement with experimental result.
A Review of Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Given the severe and chronic problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the limitations of available treatments, there exists a large public health need for additional interventions. As more parents are inquiring about complementary and alternative treatments (CATs), both parents and practitioners require up-to-date information about them and whether and how to integrate them into treatment. After presenting data on CAT usage patterns for ASD, we review 13 ingestible (i.e., orally administered) and 6 noningestible (i.e., externally administered) CATs for ASD. For each CAT we briefly describe its definition; rationale for use; current research support, limitations, and future directions; safety issues; and whether we currently recommend, not recommend, or find it acceptable for the treatment of ASD. We conclude this paper with recommendations for future research and ten clinical recommendations for practitioners.
Mode coupling and cavity–quantum-dot interactions in a fiber-coupled microdisk cavity

A quantum master equation model for the interaction between a two-level system and whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) of a microdisk cavity is presented, with specific attention paid to current experiments involving a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) embedded in a fiber-coupled AlxGa1−xAs microdisk cavity. In standard single mode cavity QED, three important rates characterize the system: the QD-cavity coupling rate g, the cavity decay rate kappa, and the QD dephasing rate gamma[perpendicular]. A more accurate model of the microdisk cavity includes two additional features. The first is a second cavity mode that can couple to the QD, which for an ideal microdisk corresponds to a traveling wave WGM propagating counter to the first WGM. The second feature is a coupling between these two traveling wave WGMs, at a rate beta, due to backscattering caused by surface roughness that is present in fabricated devices. We consider the transmitted and reflected signals from the cavity for different parameter regimes of {g,beta,kappa,gamma[perpendicular]}. A result of this analysis is that even in the presence of negligible roughness-induced backscattering, a strongly coupled QD mediates coupling between the traveling wave WGMs, resulting in an enhanced effective coherent coupling rate g=sqrt(2)g0 corresponding to that of a standing wave WGM with an electric field maximum at the position of the QD. In addition, analysis of the second-order correlation function of the reflected signal from the cavity indicates that regions of strong photon antibunching or bunching may be present depending upon the strength of coupling of the QD to each of the cavity modes. Such intensity correlation information will likely be valuable in interpreting experimental measurements of a strongly coupled QD to a bimodal WGM cavity.
An Experimental Investigation of the Electrolytic Grinding Process

Data are presented covering the effect of several variables on grinding rate for the electrolytic grinding process. The relative amount of material removal due to electrolysis and due to conventional grinding action was investigated. The Faraday current efficiency of the electrolytic part of the process was found to be near 100 per cent to the extremely high current density of 700 amps per sq in. This is thought to result from the scraping action of the wheel abrasive which prevents passivation of the work anode. Several phenomena of the process are explained on the basis of hydrogen gas pressure in the work-wheel interface. A formula is presented for calculating the hydrogen gas pressure. Equations are proposed for the basic chemical reactions of the process.
Effects of Vegetation Cover on the Microwave Radiometric Sensitivity to Soil Moisture

The reduction in sensitivity of the microwave brightness temperature to soil moisture content due to vegetation cover is analyzed using airborne observations made at 1.4 and 5 GHz. The data were acquired during six flights in 1978 over a test site near Colby, Kansas. The test site consisted of bare soil, wheat stubble, and fully mature corn fields. The results for corn indicate that the radiometric sensitivity to soil moisture S decreases in magnitude with increasing frequency and with increasing angle of incidence (relative to nadir).The sensitivity reduction factor, defined in terms of the radiometric sensitivities for bare soil and canopy-covered conditions Y=1 - Scan/ Ss was found to be equal to 0.65 for normal incidence at 1.4 GHz, and increases to 0.89 at 5 GHz. These results confirm previous conclusions that the presence of vegetation cover may pose a serious problem for soil moisture detection with passive microwave sensors.
A discussion of Hill's method of secular perturbations and its application to the determination of the zero-rank effects in non-singular vectorial elements of a planetary motion

Knowledge of the perturbations of zero-rank is essential for the understanding of the behavior of a planetary or cometary orbit over a long interval of time. Recent investigations show that these zero-rank perturbations can cause large oscillations in both the shape and position of the orbit. At present we lack a complete analytical theory of these perturbations that can be applied to cases where either the eccentricity or inclination is large or has large oscillations. For this reason we here develop formulas for the numerical integration of the zero-rank effects, using a modified Hill's theory and suitable vectorial elements. The scalar elements of our theory are the two components of Hamilton's vector in a moving ideal reference frame and the three components of Gibb's rotation vector in an inertial system. The integration step can be taken to be several hundred years in the planetary or cometary case, and a few days in the case of a near-Earth space probe. We re-discuss Hill's method in modern symbolism and by applying the vectorial analysis in a pseudo-euclidean spaceM3, we obtain a symmetrical computational scheme in terms of traces of dyadics inM3. The method is inapplicable for two orbits too close together. In Hill's method the numerical difficulty caused by such proximity appears in the form of a small divisor, whereas in Halphen's method it appears as a slow convergence of a hypergeometric series. Thus, in Hill's method the difficulty can be watched more directly than in Halphen's method. The methods of numerical averaging have, at the present time, certain advantages over purely analytical methods. They can treat a large range of eccentricities and orbital inclinations. They can also treat the free ‘secular’ oscillations as well as the forced ones, and together with their mutual cross-effects. At the present time, no analytical theory can do this to the full extent.
The power of phylogenetic approaches to detect horizontally transferred genes

Horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in evolution because it sometimes allows recipient lineages to adapt to new ecological niches. High genes transfer frequencies were inferred for prokaryotic and early eukaryotic evolution. Does horizontal gene transfer also impact phylogenetic reconstruction of the evolutionary history of genomes and organisms? The answer to this question depends at least in part on the actual gene transfer frequencies and on the ability to weed out transferred genes from further analyses. Are the detected transfers mainly false positives, or are they the tip of an iceberg of many transfer events most of which go undetected by current methods? Phylogenetic detection methods appear to be the method of choice to infer gene transfers, especially for ancient transfers and those followed by orthologous replacement. Here we explore how well some of these methods perform using in silico transfers between the terminal branches of a gamma proteobacterial, genome based phylogeny. For the experiments performed here on average the AU test at a 5% significance level detects 90.3% of the transfers and 91% of the exchanges as significant. Using the Robinson-Foulds distance only 57.7% of the exchanges and 60% of the donations were identified as significant. Analyses using bipartition spectra appeared most successful in our test case. The power of detection was on average 97% using a 70% cut-off and 94.2% with 90% cut-off for identifying conflicting bipartitions, while the rate of false positives was below 4.2% and 2.1% for the two cut-offs, respectively. For all methods the detection rates improved when more intervening branches separated donor and recipient. Rates of detected transfers should not be mistaken for the actual transfer rates; most analyses of gene transfers remain anecdotal. The method and significance level to identify potential gene transfer events represent a trade-off between the frequency of erroneous identification (false positives) and the power to detect actual transfer events.
Sterol metabolism, XXXI. Synthesis of the epimeric [24-3H] cholest-5-ENE-3β, 24-diols

A synthesis of [24-3H] (24S)-cholest-5-ene-3β, 24-diol (cerebrosterol) in 12.1% radiochemical yield and of its 24-epimer has been achieved by sodium borotritide reduction of 3β-hydroxycholest-5-en-24-one derived from 3β-hydroxychol-5-enic acid by an improved procedure. The epimeric 3β, 24 diols were separated as the dibenzoate esters, for which circular dichroism data are presented in support of the assigned absolute stereochemistry.
“Reading and deafness”: a review

One of most pressing topics of concern within the field of deaf education is the pattern of little progress in reading achievement for deaf and hard of hearing (d/hh) students in middle and high school (Yoshinaga-Itano & Downey, 1996; Gallaudet Research Institute, 2003). Researchers over the last 45 years have repeatedly argued that deaf education lacks the volume and quality of research it needs to increase the quality of educational opportunity, especially in the areas of reading and reading comprehension (Luckner & Handley, 2008; Luckner, Sebald, Cooney, Young, & Muir, 2005/2006). Reading and Deafness: Theory, Research and Practice (Trezvek, Paul & Wang, 2009) has been hailed as a ‘‘first-of-its-kind text’’ that provides ‘‘a comprehensive and balanced view of reading and deafness’’ (back cover). Unfortunately, instead of building on the current knowledge base in the field of literacy, the authors reached back a decade to a document with a deeply troubled history, the summary of the findings of the National Reading Panel (NRP, 2000) in order to structure a book with questionable utility. Instead of heeding the slew of articles that appeared after the NRP summary was released, highlighting the importance of what Allington (2002), and others refer to as the ‘‘missing pillars’’ of reading instruction (including motivation, access to appropriate texts, etc.) the book’s authors focused heavily on phonics and phonemic awareness with less emphasis on other areas of reading instruction. In this review, we argue that the book’s emphasis on sound-based pathways to literacy, and lack of depth and clarity in other areas such as vocabulary, engagement, and comprehension are troubling in terms of their treatment of research and implications for practice. Much of our critique mirrors the response of Allen et al. (2009) to the authors’ 2008 article on the
DYNAMICS OF A COMMUNITY OF DOMINANT WOODY RIPARIAN SPECIES ALONG A COASTAL RIVER OF TEXAS

Abstract Little is known about the structure of riparian communities within the central Gulf coast of Texas. We present a phytosociological description of the riparian corridor within two contiguous sites along the Mission River in Refugio County, Texas, that differ in respect to tidal influence along the river, and compare this woody riparian community to others in Texas. In summer 2009 and 2010, we established 33 transects perpendicular to the river after reviewing digital data from ArcMap 9.3.1 on elevation, edaphic characteristics, uses of land, and cover of land and wetland. We included sites above and below the tidal zone to ensure that the diversity of the community was documented. Transects traversed the edge of the river, ridge and swale topography, and up to the transitional zone between the riparian zone and upland habitat. We sampled a total of 137 plots and documented all species of trees, shrubs, and vines with diameter at breast height ≥3 cm. The important species were Ulmus crassifolia, Ce...