cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Esteem and Self-Serving Biases in Reactions to Positive and Negative Events: An Integrative Review

The self-serving bias refers to the tendency of people to interpret and explain outcomes in ways that have favorable implications for the self. The term bias often implies distorted or inaccurate perception that can be shown to be erroneous according to some objective standard. But according to the Random House College Dictionary (1975), a bias is also “a tendency or inclination of outlook; a subjective point of view” (p. 131). Similarly, the Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (1976) defines a bias as “an inclination of temperament or outlook; esp. a highly personal and unreasoned distortion of judgment” (p. 106). In this chapter, we regard self-serving biases as judgments or interpretations of oneself, one’s behavior, and the behavior of others in ways that are favorable to the self, without requiring that such judgments be accurate according to some objective standard. We also begin with no assumptions that biases necessarily reflect motivated distortions in reasoning, rather than normal cognitive processes.
Must Like Cases Be Treated Alike

The principle "treat like cases alike" is an ancient one, and it has often been identified with the rule of law. The principle has special importance in the modern administrative state, in which specific reforms might be undertaken to ensure that indistinguishable cases are treated in the same way. The sentencing guidelines are one example of such a reform, as are efforts to reduce disparities in jury determinations of liability and damages. The argument in this paper is that there is no general requirement that like cases be treated alike. Sometimes like cases should be treated alike for contingent reasons, such as to avoid economic dislocations that might result from nonuniform treatment, or to prevent discrimination or arbitrariness. But whether those reasons apply depends on the specific circumstances; they do not justify a general requirement that like cases be treated alike. There is a widespread intuition that it is unfair to treat like cases differently. But on closer examination fairness (or "integrity") does not require that like cases be treated alike; it only requires that any differences be the result of procedures that can be independently justified. That is why we accept, sometimes without difficulty, that otherwise identically situated people might be treated differently if they live in different political communities or grew up in different families. In fact, a general requirement that like cases be treated alike can perpetuate injustice: it will require that an unjust result, reached in one case, be replicated rather than corrected in future similar cases.
Engineering leadership through tradition and innovation

Engineering is a social enterprise, and those who would be the leaders in our society should emerge from the ranks of those who best practice the best engineering. Understanding the fundamentals of engineering leadership and the rigors of project management are the basis of the continuing educational program of the Gordon Institute at Tufts University. Through the combination of intellectual resources from the traditional Arts, Sciences and Engineering Departments of Tufts University with the real-world industrial innovation and program management specialists of the Gordon Institute, a unique educational opportunity has been created. Looking forward to its seventh graduating class this spring, the Gordon Institute is realizing the aspirations and the expectations of its founder. This paper will describe these expectations and the program of engineering leadership at the Gordon Institute. >
Long-term outcomes after surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect.

Abstract Objective Survival after surgical repair for complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) has improved, but patients are at risk for reoperation to address left atrioventricular valve regurgitation and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We examined the long-term survival, need for reoperation, and associated risk factors after CAVSD repair at our institution. Methods Between 1974 and 2000, a total of 198 patients underwent surgical repair for CAVSD. Of these, 178 patients survived to hospital discharge, of whom 153 (86%) had available follow-up data at a median postoperative time point of 17.2 years (range: 2 months to 38.1 years). Results Overall perioperative mortality was 10.1%, with a significant decrease to 2.9% in the late surgical era: 1991 to 2000 ( P P = .04). The estimated freedom from reoperation was 88% at 10 years, 83% at 20 years, and 78% at 30 years after initial CAVSD repair. Indications for reoperation included left atrioventricular valve regurgitation in 14 patients (7.1%) and left ventricular outflow obstruction in 7 patients (3.5%). Conclusions Long-term survival after repair of CAVSD remains good. However, the need for reoperation is common and affects long-term survival after CAVSD repair.
Microfabricated PDMS Check Valves

This paper presents two types of novel micro check valves that are based on PDMS. The valves consist of a thin flap and a flow restriction block inside a microchannel. The flap is perpendicular to the flow and lies near the block, which forms a restricted fluid path inside the channel. The valves are fabricated entirely from PDMS through replica molding techniques and can be readily integrated in PDMS-based complex microfluidic systems. Testing results show that for a reverse flow, the 2D valve has a saturated leakage rate at higher pressures, leading to an interesting “fluid diode” phenomenon, while the 3D valve has zero leakage at higher pressures.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Activating Effects of Resources Relative to Threat and Responsibility in Person‐Relative‐to‐Event Theory of Coping With Threat: An Educational Application1

Person-relative-to-event (PrE) theory is a general theory of coping with threat that emphasizes the relationship between level of appraised threat relative to level of appraised person resources, and personal responsibility (Duval and Mulilis, 1999; Mulilis and Duval, 1995, 1997, in press; Mulilis, Duval, and Bovalino, 2000; Mulilis, Duval, and Rombach, 2001). While the theory has assumed that level of personal responsibility moderates the effects of appraised levels of resources relative to threat, nevertheless it also has been suggested (Mulilis and Duval, 1997) that these processes might, in fact, occur in an independent and parallel manner. Alternatively, Brickman (1987) suggested that a person attributes responsibility for the solution of a problem to self only to the extent that the person perceives that he or she is in control of future events surrounding the problem. Using an academic assessment as the threatening event, the present study was conducted to test these competing assumptions in the context of an educational setting. Results of this investigation support the previous suggestion of the authors that personal responsibility and resources relative to threat appear to operate as independent and parallel cognitive processes in PrE theory. Implications of these results for improved academic performance are discussed.
Urinary Excretion Kinetics for Evaluation of Drug Absorption IV: Studies with Tetracycline Absorption Enhancement Factors

Absorption of plain tetracycline hydrochloride after oral ingestion by humans was compared to the absorption of this material when it was given with d-glucosamine hydrochloride and with citric acid. Its absorption was also compared to the absorption of tetracycline phosphate complex. Absorption evaluation was by means of excretion rate measurements. Tetracycline absorption was essentially the same from all preparations. This finding was in agreement with some findings previously reported and in conflict with others.
Solvent effects on solubilities and partition coefficients of some copper(II)-beta-diketone complexes

Abstract The solubilities of three members of a homologous series of copper(II)-beta-diketone complexes have been measured in a number of common organic solvents at 25 ± 0·02 deg centigrade. Using these data and respective molar volumes of the solid chelates, solubility parameter values (δ) were calculated. The constancy of the calculated values was taken as evidence of the adequacy of the regular solution concept for explaining the observed solubility trends in the solvents studied. Distribution coefficients for the first member of the series were measured in a number of aqueous-organic solvent systems. The extraction data were examined by the regular solution treatment and good agreement of solubility parameter values (δ) calculated from solubility and distribution data was obtained. A comparison of results obtained by the various proposed methods is given. A verification of the validity of estimating δ values for chelate compounds from structural information was attempted.
Climate-driven effects of fire on winter habitat for caribou in the Alaskan-Yukon Arctic.

Climatic warming has direct implications for fire-dominated disturbance patterns in northern ecosystems. A transforming wildfire regime is altering plant composition and successional patterns, thus affecting the distribution and potentially the abundance of large herbivores. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are an important subsistence resource for communities throughout the north and a species that depends on terrestrial lichen in late-successional forests and tundra systems. Projected increases in area burned and reductions in stand ages may reduce lichen availability within caribou winter ranges. Sufficient reductions in lichen abundance could alter the capacity of these areas to support caribou populations. To assess the potential role of a changing fire regime on winter habitat for caribou, we used a simulation modeling platform, two global circulation models (GCMs), and a moderate emissions scenario to project annual fire characteristics and the resulting abundance of lichen-producing vegetation types (i.e., spruce forests and tundra >60 years old) across a modeling domain that encompassed the winter ranges of the Central Arctic and Porcupine caribou herds in the Alaskan-Yukon Arctic. Fires were less numerous and smaller in tundra compared to spruce habitats throughout the 90-year projection for both GCMs. Given the more likely climate trajectory, we projected that the Porcupine caribou herd, which winters primarily in the boreal forest, could be expected to experience a greater reduction in lichen-producing winter habitats (−21%) than the Central Arctic herd that wintered primarily in the arctic tundra (−11%). Our results suggest that caribou herds wintering in boreal forest will undergo fire-driven reductions in lichen-producing habitats that will, at a minimum, alter their distribution. Range shifts of caribou resulting from fire-driven changes to winter habitat may diminish access to caribou for rural communities that reside in fire-prone areas.
AN EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF PORTFOLIOS SELECTED FROM VALUE LINE RANK ONE STOCKS: 1976–1982

In this study, the performance of portfolios selected from among Value Line rank one stocks is compared with portfolios consisting of randomly selected New York Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange stocks. Results indicate that before considering transactions costs, active traders who invest in Value Line rank one stocks can earn positive excess returns. However, after considering transaction costs, neither active traders nor passive investors in rank one stocks can earn returns that are statistically greater than returns achieved by portfolios of randomly selected stocks. These results are not sensitive to variations in portfolio size.
Remembering George Washington: What Do Instructional Materials Teach Us about Washington's Patriotism?

History textbooks have long been criticized for their adherence to the “stabilized national narrative” (VanSledright 1998). However, teachers need to also be aware of the ideological influences of the supplemental instructional materials they choose. A case study of the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon illustrates this need for awareness, answering two questions: (1) Are Stephen Nathanson (2002) and Joel Westheimer's (2009) features of patriotism evident in the Education Center's account of the life of George Washington? and (2) How does the language used in the Education Center compare to the language used to describe George Washington in a sample middle school U.S. history textbook? Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicates that patriotic attitudes are overtly evident in the Education Center, as opposed to the implicit patriotism of the textbook. Findings also indicate that an authoritarian patriotism is expressed in the Education Center. Educational implications of t...
Materials for the preparation of polymer pen lithography tip arrays and a comparison of their printing properties

Polymer Pen Lithography (PPL) uses an array of polymeric tips, typically composed of poly(dimethyl siloxane), to transfer ink onto a surface and create patterns of soft molecules with micrometer to nanometer feature dimensions. In this study, tip arrays were fabricated from poly(methyl methacrylate), poly([methyl methacrylate]-co-[butyl methacrylate]), and poly(3-mercaptopropylmethylsiloxane), and used to pattern 1-mercaptohexadecanoic acid onto Au surfaces to determine the fidelity of pattern transfer by PPL as a function of the mechanical properties of the materials. It was found that the dependence between the applied force and feature edge length correlates directly to the mechanical properties of each of the polymers used to fabricate the tip arrays, where stiffer polymers have a reduced dependence between the applied force and feature size. This study demonstrates that PPL tip arrays can be composed of a wide variety of materials whose choice is determined by the desired printing application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy: preliminary experience in consecutive patients and comparison to standard laparoscopic splenectomy

Background Since first being described in 2009, single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy has been described in a limited number of case reports and small case series. No studies have evaluated single-incision splenectomy in unselected patients, and outcomes of the procedure have not previously been compared to standard laparoscopy.
Low‐Dose IV Acetylcholine Acts As a “Preconditioning‐Mimetic” in the Canine Model

Brief episodes of ischemia paradoxically protect or "precondition" the heart and reduce infarct size caused by a subsequent, more sustained, coronary artery occlusion, perhaps by stimulation of adenosine receptors coupled to muscarinic receptors via the inhibitory G protein. However, brief ischemia is not a desirable form of therapy. Using the anesthetized canine model, we therefore sought to determine if small intravenous (i.v.) doses of the muscarinic agonist acetylcholine would provide a therapeutically feasible means to mimic preconditioning. Four groups of dogs underwent a 40-minute intervention period, followed by 1 hour of coronary occlusion and 5 hours of reperfusion: 8 received two i.v. doses of acetylcholine (0.01 mg each) at 40 minutes and 5 minutes before the sustained occlusion; 8 received equipotent doses of nitroglycerin (0.05 mg; a vasodilator that does not act via the M2 muscarinic receptor); 7 received conventional ischemic preconditioning (four 5-minute episodes of coronary occlusion, each interrupted by 5 minutes of reperfusion); and 8 controls received no intervention. Coronary blood flow and hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout the protocol, regional myocardial blood flow was measured during the sustained occlusion by injection of radiolabeled microspheres, and infarct size was assessed by tetrazolium staining. All four groups were equally ischemic during coronary occlusion. However, infarct size was reduced significantly in both the preconditioned and acetylcholine-treated dogs when compared with controls (6% +/- 2% [p < 0.01 vs controls], 10% +/- 2% [p < 0.05 vs controls], and 19% +/- 3% of the myocardium at risk).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pre-mRNA splicing as a target for antisense oligonucleotides

Abstract Splicing is one of the major post-transcriptional modifications a eukaryotic mRNA precursor (pre-mRNA) has to undergo to yield the mature mRNA. During pre-mRNA splicing the non-coding sequences (introns) of the precursor are removed and coding sequences (exons) are joined. This process takes place within a complex called a spliceosome and requires the presence of a number of splicing factors such as small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). Oligonucleotides containing sequences complementary (antisense) to unique sequences within the pre-mRNA can be used to modify splicing and, thus, gene expression. Likewise, snRNPs provide another important target for using antisense oligonucleotides as investigative tools to further study the mechanism of splicing. This article reviews the available literature on the use of antisense oligonucleotides targeted against pre-mRNA and those targeted against small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) within the spliceosomal complex.
Treatment Expectations in Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem which is increasing in prevalence due to the aging of the population. Despite recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of HF, morbidity and mortality rates both remain high, owing in part to the presence of multiple medical, psychosocial, behavioural and economic factors which confound HF management. Multidisciplinary HF disease management programmes are ideally structured to deal with the myriad issues which confront the physician in managing complex HF patients, and several studies have now documented that such programmes are effective in reducing hospital admissions, improving quality of life, and decreasing the overall cost of medical care. In addition, disease management programmes offer a multitude of advantages to the HF patient, including reductions in both morbidity and mortality, and these benefits translate into improved patient satisfaction.
Competitive adsorption in natural water: role of activated carbon pore size

The impact of pore size on the competition mechanism between natural organic matter (NOM) in Illinois groundwater and the micropollutant atrazine was assessed using activated carbon fibers (ACFs). Two microporous ACFs with narrow and broad pore size distributions, designated ACF-10 and ACF-25, respectively, were used. The average pore sizes of ACF-10 and ACF-25 were 6 and 13.4 A. Single solute adsorption, simultaneous adsorption and preloading experiments were performed. On ACF-10 it was found that the adsorption of atrazine was reduced significantly in the presence of NOM, even though the NOM loading was very small as a result of pore exclusion. The uptake of atrazine by ACF-10 in the presence of NOM (simultaneous adsorption) was comparable to the NOM-preloaded capacity. In addition, preloaded atrazine was not displaced by subsequently adsorbed NOM. The results support a pore blockage mechanism by which NOM molecules block access to, but do not penetrate into the primary micropores. Atrazine capacity on ACF-25 which has primary micropores as well as a large volume of secondary micropores, was reduced in the presence of NOM; however, the reduction in capacity was much less than that observed with ACF-10. Preloading with NOM showed further capacity reduction compared with simultaneous adsorption. These results combined with the result that preloaded atrazine exposed to NOM showed displacement of atrazine support a direct site competition mechanism in the secondary micropore region. Attempts to regenerate NOM preloaded ACF-10 and ACF-25 using a strong alkali solution failed to recover atrazine capacity, suggesting that NOM was strongly adsorbed at the fiber surface as well as within micropores.
The γ-phase of high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene: III. The equilibrium melting point and the phase diagram

The equilibrium melting point of polypropylene has been determined as a function of pressure. For pressures of crystallization below 0.5 kbar the melting point observed is characteristic of the α-phase, whereas for crystallization pressures above 0.9 kbar the values are typical of the γ-phase. The principal technique used, to be reported in this paper, was the Hoffman Weeks plot of melting point versus crystallization temperature. Unlike the α-phase, the γ-phase does not show significant levels of abnormal lamellar thickening and the use of the Hoffman Weeks plot is accurate, correlating well with results from small angle X-ray scattering studies. Results demonstrate that the equilibrium melting point of the γ-phase, when extrapolated back to atmospheric pressure, is similar to that of α-polypropylene. The heat of fusion has been determined using the Clapeyron equation and the phase diagram constructed using the Gibbs equation. Reasons for the relative stability of the phases are proposed.
The normal HCT trial re-revisited: what were the actual findings?

The Authors Reply: Below is our response to the open commentary1 on the Normal Hematocrit Cardiac Trial (NHCT).
Transfer of Detection Contacts to Tracking Contacts in Surveillance

Surveillance of a region is conducted by using a search system to detect targets and a tracking system or force to follow them. After the search system detects a target, the tracking force will attempt to gain contact, usually by a local search. Before the tracking force detects the target, and thereby completes transfer, contact may be lost by the search system. If recontact is made by the search system, the new contact will be used by the tracking force to localize its search for the target. As the local search by the tracking force proceeds, contact by the search system may be lost and regained a number of times. The probability of transfer is obtained under the assumption that the transfer rate decreases as the time since last contact by the search system increases. The particular problem considered is that of sea surveillance for submarines, in which the search system is a fixed field of sensors and the tracking force consists of mobile units, such as ships, aircraft, and helicopters. However, the model can be adapted to other transfer problems, such as the transfer of a contact by a search radar to contact by a tracking radar.
Contribution of Tropical Cyclones to Global Very Deep Convection

AbstractBased on the 12-yr (1998–2009) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation feature (PF) database, both radar and infrared (IR) observations from TRMM are used to quantify the contribution of tropical cyclones (TCs) to very deep convection (VDC) in the tropics and to compare TRMM-derived properties of VDC in TCs and non-TCs. Using a radar-based definition, it is found that the contribution of TCs to total VDC in the tropics is not much higher than the contribution of TCs to total PFs. However, the area-based contribution of TCs to overshooting convection defined by IR is 13.3%, which is much higher than the 3.2% contribution of TCs to total PFs. This helps explain the contradictory results between previous radar-based and IR-based studies and indicates that TCs only contribute disproportionately large amount of overshooting convection containing mainly small ice particles that are barely detected by the TRMM radar. VDC in non-TCs over land has the highest maximum 30- and 40-dBZ height ...
“¿Qué Estoy Haciendo Aquí? (What Am I Doing Here?)”: Chicanos/Latinos(as) Navigating Challenges and Inequalities During Their First Year of Graduate School

Based on in-depth qualitative interviews, this study analyzed the challenges and structural inequities that Chicanos/Latinos(as) encountered and resisted during their first year of graduate school. Grounded in intersectionality theory, this study analyzed how race, class, and gender inequalities that are embedded in the graduate schooling process impinged on first-year Chicano/Latino(a) doctoral students. Findings reveal that academic transition challenges; isolation and alienation; clashes with traditional academic culture and the graduate school curriculum; and racist, sexist, and classist microaggressions constituted the most salient hurdles for Chicanos/Latinos(as) as they transitioned into graduate study. Respondents, however, challenged these structural inequalities through their deployment of various resistance strategies. Overall, the study underscores the importance of both analyzing the first-year doctoral education experience of Chicanos/Latinos(as) and utilizing intersectionality theory for an...
A “middle-out” approach to human pharmacokinetic predictions for OATP substrates using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models provide a framework useful for generating credible human pharmacokinetic predictions from data available at the earliest, preclinical stages of pharmaceutical research. With this approach, the pharmacokinetic implications of in vitro data are contextualized via scaling according to independent physiological information. However, in many cases these models also require model-based estimation of additional empirical scaling factors (SFs) in order to accurately recapitulate known human pharmacokinetic behavior. While this practice clearly improves data characterization, the introduction of empirically derived SFs may belie the extrapolative power commonly attributed to PBPK. This is particularly true when such SFs are compound dependent and/or when there are issues with regard to identifiability. As such, when empirically-derived SFs are necessary, a critical evaluation of parameter estimation and model structure are prudent. In this study, we applied a global optimization method to support model-based estimation of a single set of empirical SFs from intravenous clinical data on seven OATP substrates within the context of a previously published PBPK model as well as a revised PBPK model. The revised model with experimentally measured unbound fraction in liver, permeability between liver compartments, and permeability limited distribution to selected tissues improved data characterization. We utilized large-sample approximation and resampling approaches to estimate confidence intervals for the revised model in support of forward predictions that reflect the derived uncertainty. This work illustrates an objective approach to estimating empirically-derived SFs, systematically refining PBPK model performance and conveying the associated confidence in subsequent forward predictions.
National and Local Public Relations Campaigns during the 1946 Steel Strike.

Abstract Although scholars recognize the importance of public relations in the process of negotiations between management and organized labor, few have attempted to document such efforts or to analyze their effects. This review of public relations activities at the local and national levels during the 1946 steel strike indicates that national public relations campaigns, conducted by the union and the steel trade association, had virtually no impact on the resolution of the strike at the local level, and local public relations programs, conducted by the union local and a small manufacturing company, did little to further management or union goals at the national level. If anything, the national programs only confused the community by offering messages that did not necessarily correspond to the local situation.
The Effect of Soil Fauna on Litter Mass Loss and Nutrient Loss Dynamics in Arctic Tundra at Barrow, Alaska

Litterbags and arthropod defaunation techniques were used to evaluate the effects of soil—litter fauna on loss of dry matter and nutrient elements from native litter in arctic tundra. A control and a naphthalene—treated plot were established in each of three microhabitats. Faunal populations, litter dry mass and % N, and the concentration of Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, P, Zn, and K in the litter were measured from each litterbag. Litterbags were collected at 10—d intervals during the 1974 nonfrozen season and twice in 1975. Litter mass and nutrient loss differed among habitats and exhibited differing responses to defaunation, as did dry mass loss. Generally greater dry mass loss and less nutrient loss occurred from the litter in the control than in the corresponding defaunated plot. Nutrient loss was greater in plots that are subjected to natural periodic flooding than in plots never flooded. Loge regression lines of percent mass loss vs. days are reported for each plot on a calendar year and a nonfrozen season basis. Results of this study are compared with results from decomposition studies in other arctic and temperate systems.
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics of closed-system reactions

Abstract Stoichiometric chemical reactions in a closed isothermal system are studied in terms of classical and statistical thermodynamics. It is demonstrated that the affinity decay rate in such a system is independent of reaction mechanism. On this basis a general thermodynamic description of the reactions is provided, valid for reactions with diverse mechanisms. In contrast to earlier approaches dealing only with systems close to equilibrium, the present formalism is applicable to systems arbitrarily far from equilibrium. The agreement between computation and experiment is distinctly better than in calculations based on absolute rate theory.
Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of High School Students: Gimme 5 Program

Abstract Twelve high schools (6 matched pairs) were selected to participate in a four-year nutrition intervention program which targets increased fruit and vegetable consumption. The cohort, 9th grade students enrolled in New Orleans archdiocesan high schools in 1993-94 (N = 2339; 44% male, 77% White, 4% Black, 7% Hispanic, 12% other (Asian, Indian)) are being followed through 12th grade. Five questionnaires were administered to 95% (N = 2213) of the 9th grade cohort during baseline assessment period (Spring 1994). The questionnaires were designed to assess knowledge; frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption; awareness of the 5-A-Day Program, stages of change, self-efficacy, self-perception, and social support. Out of 22 nutrition-related knowledge questions, which focused on fruits and vegetables and the 5-A-Day message, students correctly answered 39% of the questions, being significantly higher (p
Shape optimization of acoustic scattering bodies

Shape optimization of acoustic scattering bodies is carried out using genetic algorithms (GA) coupled to a boundary element method for exterior acoustics. The BEM formulation relies on a modified Burton-Miller algorithm to resolve exterior acoustics and to address the uniqueness issue of the representation problem associated with the Helmholtz integral equation at the eigenvalues of the associated interior problem. The particular problem of interest considers an incident wave approaching an axisymmetric shaped body. The objective is to arrive at a geometric configuration that minimizes the acoustic intensity captured by a receiver located at a distance from the scattering body. In particular, the acoustic intensity is required to be minimum as measured proportional to the integral of the product of the potential and its complex conjugate over a volume of space which models the receiver. This is opposed to the more traditional measure of the potential at a single point in space.
Platelet alpha2A-adrenoceptor function in major depression: Gi coupling, effects of imipramine and relationship to treatment outcome.

Abstract Studies suggest α 2A -adrenoceptors (α 2A AR) dysregulation in major depressive disorder (MDD). Platelet α 2A ARs exist in high- and low-conformational states that are regulated by G i protein. Although α 2A AR coupling to G i protein plays an important role in signal transduction and is modulated by antidepressants, it has not been previously investigated. α 2 AR density in the high- and low-conformational states, agonist affinity and coupling efficiency were investigated in 27 healthy control subjects, 23 drug-free MDD patients and 16 patients after imipramine treatment using 3 H-yohimbine saturation and norepinephrine displacement of 3 H-yohimbine binding experiments. Coupling measures were derived from NE-displacement experiments. Patients had significantly higher α 2A AR density, particularly in the high-conformational state, than control subjects. Coupling indices were normal in patients. High pre-treatment agonist affinity to the receptor in the high-conformational state and normal coupling predicted positive treatment outcome. Decreased coupling to G i predicted a negative treatment outcome. Imipramine induced uncoupling (−11%) and redistribution of receptor density in treatment responders only, but had no effect on α 2A AR coupling or density in treatment non-responders. Increased α 2A AR density may represent a trait marker in MDD. The results provide indirect evidence for abnormal protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) in MDD which may be pursued in future investigations.
Venture capital, ownership structure, accounting standards and IPO underpricing: Evidence from Germany

Abstract This study investigates the impact of venture capital (VC), ownership structure, and accounting standards on initial public offering (IPO) underpricing in Germany. Using data from Germany's Neuer Markt (NM), we test two key hypotheses regarding IPO underpricing; first, whether VC ownership and higher levels of post-IPO insider ownership result in lower underpricing, and second, whether additional information disclosure results in lower underpricing. Besides the standard underpricing measure, we also use a modified underpricing measure to better assess true entrepreneurial wealth loss. Robust findings indicate that none of these factors are significant in lowering IPO underpricing, which suggests the importance of examining standard theories within alternative institutional environments. Results are consistent with the stylized fact that Germany's NM firms had relatively minimal use of VC financing, which may point to not only a weaker role for venture capitalists in Germany but fewer incentives to reduce information asymmetry arising from outside ownership.
The extracardiac lateral tunnel Fontan, constructed with bovine pericardium: comparison with the extracardiac conduit Fontan.

Background The Fontan procedure performed with an extracardiac conduit (ECC) has gained wide acceptance as an alternative to the intracardiac lateral tunnel because it avoids placement of extensive atrial suture lines and use of prosthetic material in the systemic circulation. The extracardiac lateral tunnel (ELT) is a modification of the Fontan procedure which uses pericardium and the external surface of the atrium to create a conduit from the inferior vena cava to the pulmonary artery. This surgery theoretically avoids disruption of intra-atrial conduction by eschewing endocardial suturing while maintaining conduit growth potential and the ability to easily create a fenestration to the systemic circulation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the short-term outcome of 96 consecutive patients who underwent an extracardiac Fontan procedure. An ELT using bovine pericardium was performed in 59 patients, whereas 37 patients received a traditional ECC. Results The 2 groups were similar with respect to age ( P = .96), body surface area ( P = .54), number of preoperative Fontan risk factors ( P = .43), and ventricular morphology ( P = .72). There were no significant differences in the following outcome variables between the ELT and the traditional ECC: length of hospitalization ( P = .73), duration of chest tube drainage ( P = .48), abnormal rhythm at time of discharge ( P = .27), and mortality ( P = .63). Conclusions The ELT Fontan can be performed with a low risk of mortality and complications. The results are equivalent to the traditional ECC procedure. The theoretical advantages of the procedure suggest that it should be considered a useful modification of Fontan surgery.
Competencies for the introductory accounting sequence

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the competencies demanded and supplied by the introductory accounting sequence. A random sample of Accounting faculty was surveyed to determine the topic coverage believed to be important to students majoring in accounting and the extent of conceptual knowledge and technical ability that accounting majors should achieve for each topic. To provide greater insight, the results of this survey were compared to the results of a survey of Finance, Management and Marketing faculty that used the same research instrument. Among the findings is that the most important competencies demanded by Accounting faculty are those related to financial accounting topics. The competencies demanded by Finance faculty are most closely aligned with those demanded by Accounting faculty, while Management and Marketing faculty demand more competencies related to managerial accounting topics. These and other findings should prove useful in the design and development of the introductory accounting sequence.
Progestational potency of chlormadinone acetate in the immature beagle bitch: Preliminary report

Abstract Chlormadinone acetate (CAP) and norethindrone (NET) were administered orally to immature, estradiol benzoate-primed beagle bitches. The progestational activity of these compounds was compared by measuring uterine/body weight ratios and by scoring uterine morphological responses. On the basis of uterine/body weight ratios, CAP was 225 times more potent as a gestogen than was NET. By McPhailtype scoring the potency of CAP was 62 times that of NET and by a comparative method ranking uterine morphological responses the relative progestational potency of CAP to NET was 82. It has been reported that CAP has about 5 times the progestational potency of NET in man. The present study demonstrates that there is a marked interspecies difference in the relation of these two compounds. The importance of establishing pharmacologically analogous doses (PAD) before initiating toxicity studies in experimental animals is emphasized.
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase, a short-lived protein of endoplasmic reticulum with multiple control mechanisms

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a short-lived, polytopic membrane-bound non-heme iron enzyme localized primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum. SCD is required for the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, and plays a key role in hepatic synthesis of triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins. The intracellular concentration of SCD fluctuates in a wide range in response to complex and often competing hormonal and dietary factors. A combination of transcriptional regulation and rapid protein degradation produces transient elevations of SCD enzyme activity in response to physiologic demands. Dysregulation of SCD has been implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) in the Presence of Citric Acid over Perovskite Type SO42-/TBBFS under UV-Vis Light Irradiation

The photocatalytic reduction experiments of Cr(VI) over the sulfate-modified titanium-bearing blast furnace slag photocatalyst under UV-vis light irradiation in the absence/presence of citric acid (0≤[citric acid]≤4 mM) were performed at different pH and different initial concentration. In the presence of citric acid, the photocatalytic reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) was significantly enhanced and kinetic constants of the compound system (in the presence of photaocatalyst, citric acid and Cr(VI))was nearly 9.2 times than that in the absence of citric acid. This enhanced efficiency may be attributed to the effective separation of electron-hole in the presence of citric acid. The maximum rate of Cr(VI) reduction was obtained for an initial citric acid/Cr(VI) molar ratio, R=3.75, a further increment in R being disadvantageous; however, the photocatalytic reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) in the presence of citric acid was always faster than in its absence. The synergistic effect factor is always greater than 6 in the compound system, indicating that a marked synergistic effect between the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) and citric acid.
Simultaneous diffusion and convection in single breath lung washout.

Two mathematical models of pulmonary single breath gas washout (one analytic, one numerical) are developed and their predictions compared with experimental data on human subjects. Weibel's 23 generation symmetric anatomical model is used as a guide to bronchial tree geometry. Experimental plots of nitrogen concentration versus volume expired, dead space versus breath holding time, and dead space versus tidal volume are compared with plots predicted by the models. Agreement is good. A plot of nitrogen concentration in the airways as predicted by the numerical model at different times during inhalation and exhalation of a single breath of oxygen is shown. Model predictions for changes in dead space with changes in washout gas and expiratory flow rate are discussed. Use of the analytic model for obtaining average values of the path length from mouth to alveoli in a given subject is discussed. To the extent of their agreement with experiment, the models provide a sound physical basis for the correlation of airway structure and function.
Generalized granuloma annulare: Clinical and laboratory findings in 100 patients

Clinical and laboratory records of 100 biopsy-proved cases of generalized granuloma annulare seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1966 and 1986 were reviewed. The skin eruption involved predominantly annular lesions in 67 patients and predominantly nonannular papules in 33. The ratio of female-to-male patients was 2.9:1 in the annular group and 1.4:1 in the nonannular group. The mean age at onset was 51.7 years. The eruption was symptomatic in 34 patients, and specific precipitating factors could be implicated in 16 patients. No consistently associated systemic disorders were identified. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 21% of our referral group of generalized granuloma annulare cases, compared with 9.7% in 1350 cases of localized granuloma annulare and 10.3% in 1383 cases of all forms of granuloma annulare seen at the Mayo Clinic in the same period. Serum lipid abnormalities were more common in the generalized annular group. Follow-up data indicated a chronic, relapsing course in most patients.
Electron-energy-loss study of clean and oxygen-exposed polycrystalline zirconium.

A detailed interpretation of reflection electron-energy-loss spectra taken from clean and oxygen-exposed polycrystalline zirconium is described. Using a density-of-states model, the angular momentum character and binding energies of the unoccupied levels are discussed. Depth-sensitive oxidation state and plasmon information obtained by varying the primary electron beam energy from 100 to 600 eV is presented. The oxidation state of the zirconium appears to increase with depth through the oxgyen-containing layer suggesting that oxides such as ZrO, Zr/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and possibly nonstoichiometric oxides are present.
Reactive iron in marine sediments

The influence of reactive iron oxides on sediment pore-water chemistry is considered in detail. A carefully calibrated extraction scheme is used to determine the depth distributions of reactive iron phases at two very different localities: the relatively iron-rich Mississippi Delta and the relatively iron-poor FOAM site in Long Island Sound. Closed system incubations are used to characterize the rates of reaction between sulfide and both naturally occurring and pure iron mineral phases. Rates of iron liberation to pore solution are measured in the presence and absence of sulfate reduction, and the origin of dissolved iron in organic-rich sediments is speculated upon.
Effect of solution concentration on splat formation and coating microstructure using the solution precursor plasma spray process

Abstract The Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) process had been successfully used to deposit 7YSZ thermal barrier coatings. In this research, the effects of solution precursor concentration on 7YSZ splat formation and coating microstructure are studied. With increasing solution concentration, solution viscosity increases and surface tension decreases. Solution concentration has no effect on precursor pyrolysis and crystallization temperatures. The average atomized droplets size of ∼ 35 μm is the same for low and high concentration solutions. By contrast, splat formation is greatly dependent on precursor concentration. Low concentration precursors experience surface precipitation and lead to shell formation. The deposits consist of semi-pyrolyzed material and result in a soft, porous coating. When the substrate temperature is raised to 450 °C, spongy deposits are formed. High concentration solutions are beneficial for volume precipitation within droplets. Solid particles are formed, melted and form splats on contact with the substrate. The build-up of dense splats provides a dense coating.
Temperature acclimation in Tribolium and Musca at locomotory, metabolic, and enzyme levels

Abstract The results of this study indicate that metabolic acclimation precedes locomotory acclimation. The effect of acclimation on the two species varies with respect to enzyme (Mg2+-activated ATPase) activity. Tribolium confusum shows acclimative differences in ATPase activity throughout its normal temperature range. Enzyme activity of warm-acclimated beetles transferred to a low temperature showed little acclimation after more than 900 hr at the new temperature. This suggests that a rapid acclimation of ATPase activity is not essential to this insect and, perhaps, that other mechanisms are more important. The ATPase activity of Musca domestica shows no substantial acclimative differences in the temperature range of 15 to 30°C, but, at low temperatures near the chill-coma temperature, acclimative differences are evident. These differences increase the insect's sensitivity to temperature and are similar to interspecific differences found with the same enzyme in other insects. The results of this study also suggest that the rate of acclimation to temperature is dependent on the thermal environment of the insect being studied. Insects that live in a relatively stable thermal environment, like T. confusum, seem to acclimate slowly. M. domestica, which lives in a highly variable thermal environment, acclimates more rapidly.
Measurements of fluid oscillations in isochronous containers

An experiment was designed to measure the fluid oscillations in planar isochronous containers. Measurements of the resonant fluid response to forced oscillations provide direct experimental confirmation of the existence of these special containers.
Three New Species of Psittacobrosus from Brazilian Parrots

Three new species of Psittacobrosus (Mallophaga: Menoponidae) are described and illustrated. They and their type-hosts are: nandayi from Nandayus ncnday, versicoluri from Brotogeris versicolurus, and dalgleishi from Brotogeris tirica.