cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geography and Acquirer Returns

We examine the impact of geographical proximity on the acquisition decisions of US public firms over the period 1990-2003. Transactions where the acquirer and target firms are located within 100km of each other are classified as local transactions. We find that acquirer returns in local transactions are more than twice that in non-local transactions. The higher returns to local acquirers are, at least partially, due to information advantages arising from geographical proximity. These information advantages facilitate acquisition of targets that on average create higher overall return. However, bidders use their information advantages to earn a higher share of the surplus created.
FLA-63 blocks food-deprivation-induced behavioral arousal in the mouse

Food-deprivation-induced locomotor arousal was investigated in mice using a daily 2-h shuttle cage test. In Experiment 1, deprived mice demonstrated enhanced locomotor activity compared to ad-lib controls. The pattern of the activity over 15-min intervals showed that the locomotor arousal was partly due to an attenuation of the normal within-session activity decrease characteristic of controls. This finding suggests some inhibition of habituation processes as a result of food deprivation. The second experiment indicated an important role for norepinephrine systems in the mediation of the starvation-induced arousal, as pretreatment with the dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitor FLA-63 blocked locomotor arousal in food-deprived mice.
Towards a percolation model of accessibility: an exploratory step

Transportation networks are characterized by two complementary functions : accessibility to economic activities and mobility to carry out these activities. One of the ways to measure accessibility is the number of opportunities available to a user within a certain distance or travel time. But for users to carry out economic activities, i.e. exercise mobility, they have to at least have perceived bonds to the activities. Given this, we ask what is the process that leads to the development of these perceived bonds? We present an analytical approach based on percolation theory to explain the evolution of perceived bonds to economic activities A subjective accessibility measure, i.e. a network of perceived bonds, is developed based on economic opportunities and individuals' income levels in a transport region. This paper describes and applies, through numerical analysis, i.e. computer simulation, an application of the percolation model to accessibility.
Immunocytochemical demonstration of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in internodal axolemma of myelinated fibers of rat sciatic and optic nerves.

: We used postembedding electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with colloidal gold to determine the ultrastructural distribution of Na+,K+-ATPase in the sciatic and optic nerves of the rat. Using a polyclonal antiserum raised against the denatured catalytic subunit of brain Na+,K+-ATPase, we found immunoreactivity along the internodal axolemma of myelinated fibers in both nerves. This antiserum did not produce labeling of nodal axolemma. These results suggest that an important site of energy-dependent sodium-potassium exchange is along the internodal axolemma of myelinated fibers in the mammalian CNS and PNS and that there may be differences between the internodal and nodal forms of the enzyme.
Plasmodium falciparum: Gene structure and hydropathy profile of the major merozoite surface antigen (gp195) of the Uganda-Palo Alto isolate

Abstract The gene encoding the 195,000-Da major merozoite surface antigen (gp195) of the FUP (Uganda-Palo Alto) isolate of Plasmodium falciparum , a strain widely used for monkey vaccination experiments, has been cloned and sequenced. The translated amino acid sequence of the FUP gp195 protein is closely related to the sequences of corresponding proteins of the CAMP (Malaysia) and MAD-20 (Papua New Guinea) isolates and more distantly related to those of the Wellcome (West Africa) and K1 (Thailand) isolates, supporting the proposed allelic dimorphism of gp195 within the parasite population. The prevalence of dimorphic sequences within the gp195 protein suggests that many gp195 epitopes would be group-specific. Despite the extensive differences in amino acid sequence between gp195 proteins of these two groups, the hydropathy profiles of proteins representative of both groups are very similar. The conservation of overall secondary structure shown by the hydropathy profile comparison indicates that gp195 proteins of the various P. falciparum isolates are functionally equivalent. This information on the primary structure of the FUP gp195 protein will enable us to evaluate the possible roles of conserved, groupspecific and variable epitopes in immunity to the blood stage of the malaria parasite.
Fungal infestation of the surface and interior vessels of freshly collected driftwood

Driftwood, fixed in the field and examined with scanning electron microscopy, shows that its initial colonization is dominated by fungi. As the fungi developed microzonally, there was a tendency for single species domination. The removal of surface tissue exposed the vessels which were colonized by filamentous fungi, some of which were sporulating.
A Relation between the Mid-Infrared [Ne V] 14.3 μm and [Ne III] 15.6 μm Lines in Active Galactic Nuclei

We present a strong correlation between the [Ne V] 14.3 μm and [Ne III] 15.6 μm emission lines arising from the narrow-line regions (NLRs) of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), spanning 4 orders of magnitude in luminosity. The data are compiled primarily from Spitzer Space Telescope observations of nearby Seyfert galaxies (median z = 0.01) and 3C radio sources (median z = 0.52). This correlation is consistent with earlier studies in the optical/UV bands showing that line ratios arising in the NLRs are remarkably constant across AGNs. We also show that the correlation allows only a very narrow range in ionization parameter for simple photoionization models. The observed correlation will place tight constraints on alternative models, which predict constant line ratios over a broader range in ionization parameter.
Altered diaphragm muscle action potentials in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

The Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat is a model of type 2 diabetes, being characterized by obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. In vitro studies tested the hypothesis that diaphragm muscle from ZDF rats has abnormal resting membrane potential and action potentials, similar to type 1 diabetic rodents. Resting membrane potential was comparable for muscle from ZDF and control rats. Diaphragm from ZDF rats had augmented action potential peak height (92.1 mV versus 82.4 mV, P < 0.00001), overshoot (15.6 mV versus 8.1 mV, P < 0.001) and area (80.7 mV ms versus 68.6 mV ms, P < 0.001) compared with that from controls. Action potential rate of depolarization and repolarization were not affected. The K+ blocker, 3,4-diaminopyridine, augmented action potential duration and area of muscle from ZDF and controls, but without significant differences between animal groups. These findings in ZDF rats contrast with type 1 diabetic rats, suggesting that isolated hyperglycemia differs from hyperglycemia combined with other metabolic perturbations with respect to diaphragm electrophysiological derangements.
Separated-kernel image processing using finite-state machines (SKIPSM)

This paper presents a fundamentally new way to carry out many standard image processing operations. In comparison with conventional hardware-based and software-based approaches, SKIPSM (Separated-Kernel Image Processing using Finite State Machines) allows implementation at higher speeds and/or lower hardware cost. The key features of SKIPSM are (1) the separation of a large class of neighborhood image processing operations (generally considered not to be separable) into a row operation followed by a column operation, (2) the formulation of these row and column operations in a form compatible with pipelined operations, (3) the implementation of the resulting operations as simple finite-state machines, and (4) the automated generation of the finite-state machine configuration data. Speed increases and/or neighborhood size increased by factors of 100 or more are achieved using conventional pipelined hardware in this new way. Alternatively, inexpensive off-the-shelf 'chips' can be configured to carry out the same operations as conventional hardware. Corresponding 'speedups' are achieved in software- based implementations. Furthermore, it is often possible to use SKIPSM to carry out 10 of more different image processing operations simultaneously, with no additional processing steps or hardware.
Transformational power as a possible index of creativity.

Based on a conceptual framework developed by Jackson and Messick (1965), a technique was developed for assessing transformational power in responses to creativity test items. Aesthetic reactions of judges were used to evaluate 87 Torrance test protocols for transformational responses. Of 846 “high creative strength” responses, 93 were judged transformational (80% agreement between judges). The six most powerful transformations (100% agreement) were not necessarily produced by those who scored highest on Torrance's test. Limitations of the present study and implications of the results for future research are discussed.
Discovery of Radio Jets in z ~ 2 Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies with Deep 9.7 μm Silicate Absorption

Recent Spitzer observations have revealed a substantial population of z ~ 2 ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) with deep silicate absorption (τ_(9.7) > 1). This paper reports a 20 cm radio study of such a sample to elucidate their physical nature. We discover that a substantial fraction (40%) of deep silicate absorption ULIRGs at z ~ 2 are moderately radio-loud, with L_(1.4GHz) = 10^(25)-10^(26) W Hz^(-1). This is in strong contrast with z ≲ 1 radio galaxies and radio-loud quasars where none of the sources with available IRS spectra have τ_(9.7) > 1. In addition, we observe radio jets in two of our sources, with one having a double lobe structure ~200 kpc in extent and the other showing a one-sided jet extending ~90 kpc from the nucleus. The likely high inclination of the latter, coupled with its deep silicate absorption, implies the mid-IR obscuration does not share an axis with the radio jets. These sources are highly obscured quasars, observed in the transition stage after the birth of the radio source, but before feedback effects dispel the interstellar medium and halt the black hole accretion and starburst activity.
Cyanide-Resistant Respiration of a Neurospora crassa Membrane Mutant

Choline starvation of the Neurospora crassa chol-1 mutant leads to a decrease in respiration through the cytochrome chain and a concomitant induction of the alternate oxidase.
Serotoninergic innervation of stapedial and tensor tympani motoneurons

Retrograde tracing and neurotransmitter immunohistochemistry were combined to determine whether serotonin neurons innervated stapedial and tensor tympani motoneurons. With high-power light microscopy, putative axo-somatic and axo-dendritic contacts were observed between serotonin-positive endings and both stapedial and tensor tympani motoneurons, indicating that serotonin neurons terminate on brainstem motoneurons innervating the middle-ear muscles. With this connection, the serotonin system may directly modulate middle-ear muscle activity.
New chemically selective optical materials for waveguide sensors

Two new series of chemically-selective optical materials have been made and tested on chemical sensor. One new series of materials was based on polymer blending in a host of glutaraldehyde cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol). Chemically- selective dopants in this host demonstrate property- selective separations of chemicals from mixtures. We have optimized the composition, optical properties and the coating procedures for several specific blends for optical sensing. These blends have clear UV and visible spectral regions for direct spectroscopic sensing and they are excellent absorber of many inorganic and organic charged species from aqueous environments. A second new series consists of polyelectrolyte containing silica composites prepared by sol-gel processing. The thickness of spin-coated films of these materials on glass can be varied from 0.1 micrometers to 4 micrometers . These materials are ion exchangeable and less brittle than the parent silica substrate due to the incorporation of the organic polyelectrolyte. These new composites retain the nano-scale porosity and optical transparency into the UV of the parent silica sol-gel processed glasses making them attractive host matrices for the immobilization of a variety of chemical reagents. Results obtained with film-clad sensors from both new series of materials are presented.
Modeling the dependence of alumina solubility on temperature and melt composition in cryolite-based melts

The solubility of alumina in NaF-AlF3 melts was calculated and modeled thermodynamically for the temperature range of 1240 to 1300 K (967 °C to 1027 °C). The solute complexes of alumina in the cryolite melts were identified to be Na2Al2OF6 (acidic solute), Na2Al2O2F4 (neutral solute), and Na4Al2O2F6 (basic solute). The assumption that the oxygen-free solute species in solution were Na3AlF6 and NaAlF4 was supported by the modeling results. The equilibrium constants for the formation reactions of the solutes were calculated and the corresponding ΔG 0 values were evaluated as a function of temperature. The interaction derivatives (∂ ln a NaF/∂x add, ∂ ln a NaF/∂x add, and ∂ ln a AlF3/∂x add) for small additions of LiF, CaF2, and MgF2 to the NaF-AlF3-Al2O3 ternary system were also estimated as a function of temperature and melt composition.
Advances in decentralized single-beacon acoustic navigation for underwater vehicles: Theory and simulation

This paper reports the theory and implementation of a decentralized navigation system that enables simultaneous single-beacon navigation of multiple underwater vehicles. In single-beacon navigation, each vehicle uses ranges from a single, moving reference beacon in addition to its own inertial navigation sensors to perform absolute localization and navigation. In this implementation the vehicles perform simultaneous communication and navigation using underwater acoustic modems, encoding and decoding data within the acoustic broadcast. Vehicles calculate range from the time of flight of asynchronous acoustic broadcasts from the reference beacon. Synchronous clocks on the reference beacon and the vehicles enable the measurement of one-way travel-times, whereby the time of launch of the acoustic signal at the reference beacon is encoded in the acoustic broadcast and the time of arrival of the broadcast is measured by each vehicle. The decentralized navigation algorithm, running independently on each vehicle, is implemented using the information form of the extended Kalman filter and has been previously shown to yield results that are identical to a centralized Kalman filter at the instant of each range measurement. We summarize herein the architecture and design of the acoustic communications (Acomms) system consisting of an underwater acoustic modem, synchronous clock, and the software necessary to run them, and salient results from the validation of the decentralized information filter using a simulated data set.
Supplier–supplier relationships in buyer–supplier–supplier triads: Implications for supplier performance

Abstract A growing number of studies and evidence from industries suggest that, besides managing the relationship with its suppliers, a buyer needs to proactively manage the relationships between those suppliers. In a buyer–supplier–supplier relationship triad, the buyer, as the contracting entity, influences the suppliers’ behaviors and the relationship between them. By considering the relationships in such a triad, we are able to gain a richer and more realistic perspective of buyer–supplier relationships. In this study, our goal is to examine supplier–supplier relationships in buyer–supplier–supplier triads, focusing on how such relationships impact the supplier performance. We frame the supplier–supplier relationship as co-opetition—one in which competing suppliers work together to meet the buyer's requirements. We investigate the role of the buyer on such relationships, and how the buyer and co-opetitive supplier–supplier relationships affect supplier performance. We find mixed empirical support for our hypotheses. However, we are able to demonstrate the dynamics of supplier–supplier co-opetition in the buyer–supplier–supplier triad. We point out the need for further studies in this area.
Closing One Door but Opening Another: Deterrence and Shifts in Direction of Resource Accumulation

Prior research shows that competitors’ deterrence within a technological domain diminishes a firm’s inventive effort in that particular domain. Yet, it falls short of explaining to which alternativ...
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Sensitivity to Corticosteroids in Vitro

Abstract Corticosteroid inhibition of mitogen induced lymphocyte transformation was studied in patients with definite or suspected primary open-angle plaucoma (POAG). Patients without glaucoma served as normal controls. From a dose response curve with prednisolone-21-PO4 or prednisolone the value of 50% inhibition (I50) was determined for each patient. In Series I it was necessary to disqualify 70% of the data whereas in Series II less than 5% were excluded. In Series I the median I50 (M X 10(-8) prednisolone-21-PO4) was 12 for 11 controls and 8 for 18 total POAG'S (p less than .01). In Series II the opposite result was obtained. The median I50 was 8 for 49 controls and 12 for 79 total POAG'S (p less than .01). In series II similar results were obtained with prednisolone. There was no difference between definite and suspected glaucoma patients. The cause of the discrepancy between the present two series and among the other published studies is not clear. The source of normal controls, from either an eye clinic or volunteer groups, may be a factor.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization Carl J. Pepine. 1066 pp, illustrated. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1998. $99.00. ISBN 0–683-30125-X.

The rapid growth of information in the area of invasive and interventional cardiology has resulted in a plethora of texts focusing on interventional techniques and complications. Many of these texts reflect the experiences of the authors. Fortunately, a small amount of reading can prove to be educational. There are few texts that remain committed to educating the reader about the broad topic of invasive cardiology. This text, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization , is most remarkable for having started with the basics and continued into the difficult arena of how to integrate both invasive and noninvasive data in managing the individual patient. In doing so, the editors …
Performance evaluation of a generator-absorber heat-exchange heat pump

A generator-absorber heat-exchange (GAX) heat pump was modeled in this study using OSU-ABSIM, a modular steady-state simulation program. While the thermodynamics of GAX cycles have been investigated in the past, a comprehensive implementation-related performance evaluation of this cycle is not available. Therefore, in the present study, the complete absorption system was analyzed for the heating and cooling modes, including air-to-hydronic heat exchangers and a natural gas-fired generator. Several significant variables that affect cycle performance were systematically investigated. The effect of ambient temperature on system COP was determined for the cooling and heating modes. The system cooling COP at the rating point was maximized by varying the heat-exchanger UA values. The decrease in GAX overlap at low ambients, and the corresponding transformation to the absorber heat-exchange cycle was also modeled; and the implications on system COP were investigated. Furthermore, the role of an additional solution-solution heat exchanger at the low ambients in enhancing COP was quantified. The results of this study can be used to determine the merits of this cycle versus other absorption heat-pump alternatives. The comprehensive investigation of performance (including off-design conditions) allows the evaluation of year-round performance, which can be used in conjunction with climate data to establish the applicability to different geographic locations.
Multi-chip neuromorphic motion processing

We describe a multi-chip CMOS VLSI visual motion processing system which combines analog circuitry with an asynchronous digital interchip communications protocol to allow more complex motion processing than is possible with all the circuitry in the focal plane. The two basic VLSI building blocks are a sender chip which incorporates a 2D imager array and transmits the position of moving spatial edges, and a receiver chip which computes a 2D optical flow vector field from the edge information. The elementary two-chip motion processing system consisting of a single sender and receiver is first characterized. Subsequently, two three-chip motion processing systems are described. The first such system uses two sender chips to compute the presence of motion only at a particular stereoscopic disparity. The second such system uses two receivers to simultaneously compute a linear and polar topographic mapping of the image plane, resulting in information about image translation, rotation, and expansion. These three-chip systems demonstrate the modularity and flexibility of the multi-chip neuromorphic approach.
Continuous glucose monitoring improved glucose control in adults but not in young adults or children with type 1 diabetes.

R W Beck Dr R W Beck, Jaeb Center for Health Research, Tampa, FL, USA; rbeck@jaeb.org Does continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improve glucose control in adults and children with type 1 diabetes? ### Design: randomised controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00406133. ### Allocation: {concealed}.* ### Blinding: unblinded. ### Follow-up period: 26 weeks. ### Setting: 10 centres in the USA. ### Patients: 322 adults and children ⩾8 years of age who had type 1 diabetes for ⩾1 year and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations of 7–10%, received intensive insulin therapy through an insulin pump or ⩾3 daily injections, had not recently used CGM at home, and successfully completed a 1-week run-in phase. Patients were stratified into 3 age groups: ⩾25 years (n = 98), 15–24 years (n = 110), and 8–14 years (n = 114). ### Intervention: CGM using a subcutaneous …
Environmental shear deformation zones and crazes in crosslinked polystyrene and poly(para-methylstyrene)

Thin films (∼ 1μm) of polystyrene and poly (para-methylstyrene) were bonded to annealed copper grids and crosslinked using electron radiation to increaseν, the network strand density. At eachν separate films were strained in air and in Freon 113 until the critical strain,ɛ c, for plastic deformation was reached. Transmission electron microscopy observations reveal that both sets of films undergo a transition from crazing to localized shear deformation zones (DZs) asν is increased. The critical strains for both crazing and DZ formation are markedly decreased in Freon 113. The DZs formed in Freon 113 show abrupt changes in extension ratio,λ, at their interfaces while those formed in air show more diffuse changes inλ. A mechanism for environmental DZ formation is proposed in which the diffusion rate of Freon 113 into the DZ is strongly enhanced by the ongoing plastic deformation. This mechanism is suggested by Rutherford backscattering measurements of Freon 113 diffusion into PS which show that such diffusion in the absence of plastic deformation is much too slow to allow the observed rate of growth of the environmental DZs.
A procedure for rapidly evaluating the effect of chemicals cm denitrification

Abstract A laboratory procedure evaluating chemicals influencing denitrification proved to be simple to perform, reproducible and offers a procedure for the rapid screening of a large number of chemicals. The procedure utilized a nutrient rich medium inoculated with soil and a single dual thermal conductivity detecter which allowed for the determination of O2, N2, CO2 and N2O in the same analytical sequence. The medium chosen allows for rapid rates of denitrification with the chemical's effects clearly delineated in a 5 min analysis with the thermal conductivity detecter after only 24 hr incubation. A high correlation between test chemicals suppressive to denitrification by the laboratory procedure and a long‐term greenhouse study was obtained.
Secondary Mineralization Pathways Induced by Dissimilatory Iron Reduction of Ferrihydrite Under Advective Flow

Iron (hydr)oxides not only serve as potent sorbents and repositories for nutrients and contaminants but also provide a terminal electron acceptor for microbial respiration. The microbial reduction of Fe (hydr)oxides and the subsequent secondary solid-phase transformations will, therefore, have a profound influence on the biogeochemical cycling of Fe as well as associated metals. Here we elucidate the pathways and mechanisms of secondary mineralization during dissimilatory iron reduction by a common iron-reducing bacterium, Shewanella putrefaciens (strain CN32), of 2-line ferrihydrite under advective flow conditions. Secondary mineralization of ferrihydrite occurs via a coupled, biotic-abiotic pathway primarily resulting in the production of magnetite and goethite with minor amounts of green rust. Operating mineralization pathways are driven by competing abiotic reactions of bacterially generated ferrous iron with the ferrihydrite surface. Subsequent to the initial sorption of ferrous iron on ferrihydrite, goethite (via dissolution/reprecipitation) and/or magnetite (via solid-state conversion) precipitation ensues resulting in the spatial coupling of both goethite and magnetite with the ferrihydrite surface. The distribution of goethite and magnetite within the column is dictated, in large part, by flow-induced ferrous Fe profiles. While goethite precipitation occurs over a large Fe(II) concentration range, magnetite accumulation is only observed at concentrations exceeding 0.3 mmol/L (equivalent to 0.5 mmol Fe[II]/g ferrihydrite) following 16 d of reaction. Consequently, transport-regulated ferrous Fe profiles result in a progression of magnetite levels downgradient within the column. Declining microbial reduction over time results in lower Fe(II) concentrations and a subsequent shift in magnetite precipitation mechanisms from nucleation to crystal growth. While the initial precipitation rate of goethite exceeds that of magnetite, continued growth is inhibited by magnetite formation, potentially a result of lower Fe(III) activity. Conversely, the presence of lower initial Fe(II) concentrations followed by higher concentrations promotes goethite accumulation and inhibits magnetite precipitation even when Fe(II) concentrations later increase, thus revealing the importance of both the rate of Fe(II) generation and flow-induced Fe(II) profiles. As such, the operating secondary mineralization pathways following reductive dissolution of ferrihydrite at a given pH are governed principally by flow-regulated Fe(II) concentration, which drives mineral precipitation kinetics and selection of competing mineral pathways.
Comparison of hemiarthroplasty and reverse arthroplasty for treatment of proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review.

Background: Complex proximal humeral fractures that are not amenable to surgical fixation represent a difficult treatment problem. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically examine the outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty (with use of a fracture-specific stem) for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed by means of a search of electronic databases. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted relevant data from each included study. When outcomes data were similar among studies, the data were pooled by means of frequency-weighted values to generate summary outcomes. Results: Fourteen studies fulfilled all inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included. Patients were followed for a frequency-weighted mean of 43.5 months in the reverse arthroplasty group and 31.1 months in the hemiarthroplasty group (p = 0.228). Subjective outcomes (including the Constant score, Constant pain subscore, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score) and range-of-motion parameters (including active forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation) were similar between the two groups. Compared with hemiarthroplasty, reverse arthroplasty was associated with 4.0 times greater odds of a postoperative complication. Conclusions: The compiled data and frequency-weighted means demonstrated improvement in function, pain, and range of motion after reverse arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty. Patients and physicians should consider projected functional outcomes, implant costs, and complication rates when selecting an appropriate arthroplasty technique for this indication.
Flame‐resistant polyester/cotton fabrics

New experimental results are reported for the modification of 50/50 polyester/cotton blend fabrics made from bromine-free and bromine-containing polyester with a reactive flame retardant compound of high phosphorus content. Reaction of the cotton in the blend with methyl-phosphonic diamide yields modified fabrics in which flame resistance is attained without impairment of fabric hand. The level of flame resistance depends on the amount of insolubilized phosphorus in the treated fabric, but the hand is essentially unchanged even for fabrics of high phosphorus content which pass the vertical test of DOC-FF-3-71. The results of this work provide a basis for improved definitions of future approaches to the development of flame resistant polyester/cotton blend fabrics.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of the Beta and Delta Polymorphs of HMX

Dimensional changes related to temperature cycling of the {beta} and {delta} polymorphs of HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) are important for a variety of applications. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the {beta} and {delta} phases are measured over a temperature range of -20 C to 215 C by thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA). Dimensional changes associated with the phase transition were also measured, and the time-temperature dependence of the dimensional change is consistent with phase transition kinetics measured earlier by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). One HMX sample measured by TMA during its initial heating and again three days later during a second heating showed the {beta}-to-{delta} phase transition a second time, thereby indicating back conversion from {delta}-to-{beta} phase HMX during those three days. DSC was used to measure kinetics of the {delta}-to-{beta} back conversion. The most successful approach was to first heat the material to create the {delta} phase, then after a given period at room temperature, measure the heat absorbed during a second pass through the {beta}-to-{delta} phase transition. Back conversion at room temperature follows nucleation-growth kinetics.
A global resource-constrained parallelization technique

This paper presents a new approach to resource-constrained compiler extraction of fine-grain parallelism, targeted towards VLIW supercomputers, and in particular, the IBM VLIW (Very Large Instruction Word) processor. The algorithms described integrate resource limitations into Percolation Scheduling—a global parallelization technique—to deal with resource constraints, without sacrificing the generality and completeness of Percolation Scheduling in the process. This is in sharp contrast with previous approaches which either applied only to conditional-free code, or drastically limited the parallelization process by imposing relatively local heuristic resource constraints early in the scheduling process.
Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Based High-Throughput Screening Assay for Inhibitors of Essential Protein-Protein Interactions in Bacterial RNA Polymerase

The binding of sigma factors to core RNA polymerase is essential for the specific initiation of transcription in eubacteria and is thus critical for cell growth. Since the responsible protein-binding regions are highly conserved among all eubacteria but differ significantly from eukaryotic RNA polymerases, sigma factor binding is a promising target for drug discovery. A homogeneous assay for sigma binding to RNA polymerase (Escherichia coli) based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) was developed by using a europium-labeled σ70 and an IC5-labeled fragment of the β′ subunit of RNA polymerase (amino acid residues 100 through 309). Inhibition of sigma binding was measured by the loss of LRET through a decrease in IC5 emission. The technical advances offered by LRET resulted in a very robust assay suitable for high-throughput screening, and LRET was successfully used to screen a crude natural-product library. We illustrate this method as a powerful tool to investigate any essential protein-protein interaction for basic research and drug discovery.
Evaluation of Water Evaporation and Energy Fluxes in Controlled Environmental Saltwater Shrimp Production System

Currently, traditional outdoor and raceway aquaculture systems in the United States produce less than 1% of the world’s shrimp. With 90% of domestic demands being imported from abroad, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have been developed to produce shrimp at high densities in tanks located in a controlled environment. The sustainability of RAS shrimp production is critical to the development of this industry in the U.S. By placing the RAS tanks in a controlled environment, e.g., greenhouse or warehouse, year round production can be realized. Energy costs are a vital concern, since the temperature of the water in the tanks needs to be maintained at an elevated temperature (i.e. 30oC). One of the primary energy losses from the system is due to evaporation from the tanks. This phenomenon constitutes more than 50% of the total energy losses from the system although little data is available. Water conservation is also an important consideration, because the water needs to be replaced.
Reduction and methylation of ziprasidone by glutathione, aldehyde oxidase, and thiol s-methyltransferase in humans: an in vitro study

In humans, approximately two-thirds of the metabolic clearance of ziprasidone proceeds through reduction of the N-S bond of the benzisothiazole moiety, which is followed by methylation of the resulting thiophenol to the major metabolite S-methyldihydroziprasidone. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the underlying mechanism of this clearance route.Incubation of ziprasidone in human liver cytosol yielded the reduction product dihydroziprasidone. Heating the cytosol prior to incubation prevented the reaction, and the reaction was saturable (KM = 3.9 µM; Vmax = 0.24 nmol/min/mg protein), supporting that it was enzyme catalyzed. It was partially stimulated by 2-hydroxypyrimidine and inhibited by menadione, supporting a role for aldehyde oxidase in this reaction.However, incubation of ziprasidone with reduced glutathione, even in the absence of cytosol, readily yielded dihydroziprasidone indicating that there is also a chemical reduction component to this clearance pathway. The pathway ...
Aeroelastic behavior of composite plates subject to damage growth

A study of the aeroelastic response of damaged composite plates is presented. The plates considered are those that undergo damage on a slow or rapid time scale due to the natural progression of microcracks in the composite structure. Dynamic characteristics are unique to the coupled damage/aeroelastic system and are developed as part of the solution methodology. The aeroelastic response is shown to be highly dependent upon the distribution and accumulation of damage, and the importance of the interdependence of aeroelastic stability and damage is established. The aeroelastic stability boundary evolves with the growth of damage and the results show the need to develop damage as part of the solution.
Allergic contact dermatitis to dimethoxane in a spin finish

A textile worker exposed to dimethoxane in an aqueous system developed allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing to this compound and its possible products in an aqueous system demonstrated sensitization to acetaldehyde and crotonaldehyde.
Radionuclide studies of the spleen in trauma and iatrogenic disorders

The first task of radiocolloid spleen imaging, after trauma, is to determine if the organ is functioning. If this cannot be demonstrated, splenic avulsion must be considered. The second task is to document splenic injury (not to suggest splenectomy, but to serve as a baseline for following later healing). Failure to heal may be a risk factor for subsequent splenic rupture. The third task of spleen imaging is to determine if accessary splenic fragments are present and functional. The radiocolloid spleen scan facilitates the successful accomplishment of all of these tasks.
Effects of age and resistance exercise on skeletal muscle interstitial prostaglandin F2α

Abstract Prostaglandin (PG) F 2α has been shown to contribute to the anabolic events in skeletal muscle. We measured the skeletal muscle interstitial concentration of PGF 2α at rest and following a standard bout of resistance exercise in eight young (27±2 year) and eight old (75±4 year) men. Interstitial PGF 2α concentration was determined from microdialysate samples obtained from two microdialysis probes placed in the vastus lateralis. Microdialysates were collected 1 h pre- and 5–6, 8–9, and 24–25 h postexercise. The exercise bout consisted of 4 exercises (3 sets of 8 replications at 80% 1 RM per exercise) emphasizing the quadriceps. Interstitial PGF 2α levels were not different ( P >0.05) between young and old at rest (1.50±0.35 vs. 1.52±0.30 ng ml −1 ) or at any time point following the resistance exercise bout. For the young and old combined there was a change ( P 2α levels at 5–6 h (93%) and 8–9 h (95%), which had returned to preexercise levels by 24–25 h. These results show that PGF 2α is increased in skeletal muscle following a standard bout of resistance exercise and aging does not alter interstitial levels of this PG at rest or after exercise. These data, coupled with previous findings, suggest that the anabolic factor PGF 2α should be considered when discussing the complex processes that regulate muscle mass in young and old individuals.
1501 CORRELATION OF MATERNAL AND NEONATAL WHITE BLOOD COUNT (WBC) AND TOTAL NEDTROPHIL – COUNT (TNC)

During normal labor, stress-induced corticosteroid release is thought to result in an observed rise in maternal WBC and TNC. However, it is not known whether maternal steroid release or other factors during labor cause a rise in neonatal WBC and TNC. We examined the relationship between maternal and neonatal WBC and TNC. Twenty-one mother-infant pairs delivering at Wilmington Medical Center were identified where both mother and infant had a WBC within 12 hours of delivery. No known factors which affect either the maternal or neonatal WBC were present. WBC were determined by Coulter S counter and corrected for nucleated RBC's. TNC were calculated from differential counts and the WBC. WBC and TNC of each mother-infant pair were compared by linear regression analysis. Our preliminary impression is that the neonatal WBC is not affected by transplacental passage of steroids or other factors that affect the maternal WBC during normal labor. Further data will be required to confirm this impression.
Visual Cognition: Rats Compare Shapes Among the Crowd

Rats can discriminate simple shapes visually, even if they are moved around, made smaller, or partially covered up; the strategy they use may help shed light on human brain mechanisms for discriminating complex features, such as faces.
Positronium in superintense high-frequency laser fields

The distortion induced by a superintense high-frequency laser field inhibits both ionisation of a ground state positronium atom (Ps) to emit e− and e+ and annihilation to decay into γ-rays. We apply high-frequency Floquet theory (HFFT) to evaluate the half-life for both ionisation and annihilation of Ps in either a linearly or circularly polarised field, over quiver amplitudes (governed by the ratio of laser field strength to the square of the oscillation frequency) extending to ∼100 au and beyond. We also consider the HFFT validity criteria, which set upper and lower bounds on the laser frequency, and present a generally applicable plot that facilitates determining the optimal quiver amplitude and laser intensity. For currently available lasers that satisfy the validity criteria, the laser-induced lifetimes become far longer than field-free values, but the ionisation lifetime is 105-fold or more shorter than the annihilation lifetime for para-Ps (spins antiparallel) and 108-fold shorter than that for ort...
Structure of the gene encoding peripherin, an NGF-regulated neuronal-specific type III intermediate filament protein.

Abstract We have cloned the rat gene encoding peripherin, a neuronal-specific intermediate filament protein that is NGF-regulated. Determination of the complete sequence, including 821 nucleotides of the 5′-flanking region, allows us to make conclusions about the evolutionary origin of the peripherin gene, its homology with other intermediate filament proteins, and possible mechanisms of regulation of peripherin expression in neurons. The positions of the eight peripherin gene introns correspond to the intron patterns of desmin, vimentin, and GFAP, with one example of intron sliding. Together with protein sequence homologies, this conclusively demonstrates that peripherin is a type III intermediate filament protein. The peripherin promoter contains sequences homologous to regions of other NGF-regulated promoters, which may function in peripherin induction by NGF.
Simulation center training as a means to improve resident performance in percutaneous noncontinuous CT-guided fluoroscopic procedures with dose reduction.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted simulation-based resident training for CT-guided fluoroscopic procedures by measuring procedural and technical skills, radiation dose, and procedure times before and after simulation training. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. A prospective analysis included 40 radiology residents and eight staff radiologists. Residents took an online pretest to assess baseline procedural knowledge. Second-through fourth-year residents’ baseline technical skills with a procedural phantom were evaluated. First-through third-year residents then underwent formal didactic and simulation-based procedural and technical training with one of two interventional radiologists and followed the training with 1 month of supervised phantom-based practice. Thereafter, residents underwent final written and practical examinations. The practical examination included essential items from a 20-point checklist, including site and side marking, consent, time-out, and s...
Long-term optical imaging of intrinsic signals in anesthetized and awake monkeys

Some exciting new efforts to use intrinsic signal optical imaging methods for long-term studies in anesthetized and awake monkeys are reviewed. The development of such methodologies opens the door for studying behavioral states such as attention, motivation, memory, emotion, and other higher-order cognitive functions. Long-term imaging is also ideal for studying changes in the brain that accompany development, plasticity, and learning. Although intrinsic imaging lacks the temporal resolution offered by dyes, it is a high spatial resolution imaging method that does not require application of any external agents to the brain. The bulk of procedures described here have been developed in the monkey but can be applied to the study of surface structures in any in vivo preparation.
Effect of temperature on photosynthesis‐light response and growth of four phytoplankton species isolated from a tidal freshwater river

Three cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz. emend. Elenkin, Merismopedia tenuissima Lemmermann, and Oscillatoria sp.) and one diatom (Aulacoseira granulata var. angustissima O. Mull. emend. Simonsen) were isolated from the tidal freshwater Potomac River and maintained at 23° C and 40 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 on a 16:8 L:D cycle in unialgal culture. Photosynthetic parameters were determined in nutrient-replete cultures growing exponentially at 15, 20, 25, and 30° C by incubation with 14C at six light levels. P Bmax was strongly correlated with temperature over the entire range for the cyanobacteria and from 15 to 25° C for Aulacoseira, with Q10 ranging from 1.79 to 2.67. The α values demonstrated a less consistent temperature pattern. Photosynthetic parameters indicated an advantage for cyanobacteria at warmer temperatures and in light-limited water columns. P Bmax and Ik values were generally lower than comparable literature and field values, whereas α was generally higher, consistent with a somewhat shade acclimated status of our cultures. Specific growth rate (μ), as measured by chlorophyll change, was strongly influenced by temperature in all species. Oscillatoria had the highest μ at all temperatures, joined at lower temperatures by Aulacoseira and at higher temperatures by Microcystis. Values of μ for Aulacoseira were near the low end of the literature range for diatoms consistent with the light-limited status of the cultures. The cyanobacteria exhibited growth rates similar to those reported in other studies. Q10 for growth ranged from 1.71 for Aulacoseira to 4.16 for Microcystis. Growth rate was highly correlated with P Bmax for each species and the regression slope coefficients were very similar for three of the species.
Low-temperature thermal properties of a sol-gel glass.

The thermal conductivity and specific heat of an uncompacted sol-gel glass have been measured over the temperature range T\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.1--10 K. Relative to the compacted product, vitreous silica, the specific heat attributed to two-level states at T\ensuremath{\lesssim}1 K is larger by a factor of 15, but the thermal conductivity is unchanged even though the phonon velocities are smaller by a factor of 2. At Tg1 K, phonon transport appears to be limited by scattering from pores intrinsic to the sol-gel product.
Unraveling the molecular machinery that promotes pancreatic β-cell dysfunction during oxidative stress: focus on “Phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase promotes cytokine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells: evidence for regulation by Rac1”

insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells regulates glucose uptake from the blood into peripheral tissues, such as liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Therefore, pancreatic β-cells possess a central role in controlling systemic glucose homeostasis and energy balance. The relative proportion of this
Institutional Change in Intellectual Property Rights

More than other forms of property ownership, intellectual property rights exist at the pleasure of the government and have been treated more as means to social policy rather than the end of policy itself.' Thus, in tracing the definition of these "rights," we in effect trace the institutional development of one of the earliest and most prolonged attempts consciously to intervene in the market to solve market failure.