cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managerial Response to the May 2003 Dividend Tax Cut

We survey 328 financial executives to determine the effects of the May 2003 dividend tax cut. We find that the tax cut led to initiations and dividend increases at some firms. However, executives say that among the factors that affect dividend policy, the tax rate reduction is less important than the stability of future cash flows, cash holdings, and the historic level of dividends. Tax effects have roughly the same importance as attracting institutional investors and the availability of profitable investments. We also find that press releases only occasionally mention the dividend tax cut as the reason for an initiation. In May 2003, the dividend tax rate for retail investors fell dramatically. The top statutory tax rate on dividend income dropped from more than 38% to 15% and the top rate on capital gains declined from 20% to 15%. According to theory, this tax cut should have led to greater dividend payout because it reduced the tax disadvantage of dividends relative to capital gains. (Capital gains are still somewhat tax favored because they can be delayed until the investor sells the stock or avoided altogether at death.) In this paper, we use survey evidence to explore how this large reduction in the tax cost of dividends affects corporate payout decisions. Several recent empirical papers (described in Section V) argue that the May 2003 tax reduction led to increased dividend payments. We do not dispute this conclusion. Rather, we examine whether the tax reduction affected payout policy in a first-order or second-order manner. In the latter case, we could imagine that some firms were “on the fence” about paying a dividend, given the existing equilibrium. The tax cut might have led these firms to initiate dividends, but overall, the effects of the tax effect might still have been modest. It seems plausible that the tax effect was second order because the May 2003 tax cut reduced tax rates for retail investors but not for taxable institutions, and retail investors are generally not thought to be of first-order importance. To examine the relative importance of taxes on corporate payout decisions, we look at three types of evidence. First, in Section I, we present summary information on dividend initiations and aggregate payout. This evidence indicates that there was a surge in initiations that peaked in the quarter after the tax cut and then returned to pre-cut levels. Moreover, the average age of an initiator also fell in the year after the tax cut but has since returned to historic levels. We also find that aggregate repurchases have grown much more than aggregate dividends since May
High-Throughput Counting and Superresolution Mapping of Tetraspanins on Exosomes Using a Single-Molecule Sensitive Flow Technique and Transistor-like Semiconducting Polymer Dots

Here, we describes a method for high-throughput counting and superresolution mapping of surface proteins on exosomes, using a combination of a single-molecule sensitive flow technique and an adaptive superresolution imaging method. Exosomes stained with membrane dye and dye-conjugated antibodies were analyzed using a microfluidic platform at a flow rate of 100 exosome/s to determine size and protein copy number. Superresolution mapping was performed with exosomes labeled with novel transistor-like, semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots), which exhibit spontaneous blinking with <5 nm localization error and a broad range of optical-adjustable duty cycles. Based on the copy numbers extracted from the flow analysis, the switch-on frequency of the Pdots were fine adjusted so that structures of hundreds of exosomes can be obtained within five minutes. The high throughput and high sensitivity of this method offer clear advantages for characterization of exosomes and similar biological vesicles.
Depression and social anxiety symptoms explain substance use problems beyond amount/frequency of substance use

Social anxiety and depression are common mental health diagnoses that are highly related to the use of substances. Researchers have found relationships between social anxiety and depression with alcohol and marijuana use problems. However, interrelations among population characteristics, internalizing symptoms, substance use, and substance use problems can cloud research findings. Undergraduate students (n = 221, 57.0% female) and community members (n = 269, 50.2% female) completed questionnaires regarding internalizing symptoms and substance use. We conducted a series of hierarchical linear regressions, which revealed that social anxiety and depression were differentially associated with substance use problems in the undergraduate and community samples, above and beyond the amount and frequency of use. Results of this study suggest that clinicians target social anxiety and depression symptoms among their clients to potentially reduce alcohol or marijuana use problems.
An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of Standardized Patient Comments on Empathy and Student Communication Scores.

Objective. The objectives of this study were to 1) quantify students9 communication ability using standardized patient (SP) communication rubric scores, 2) describe and categorize SP comments of student empathy and 3) test the relationship between communication scores and empathy. Methods. A concurrent mixed methods research design was used to assess a graded Performance Based Assessment (PBA) of student pharmacists at a college of pharmacy in the Midwest US. PBA rubrics (n=218) completed by SPs contained 20 assessment items with space for open-ended feedback. Scoring categories for communication assessment included: Yes, Inconsistent, No, and N/A. Descriptive statistics were calculated for rubric scores. SP feedback was transformed into categorical data by categorizing assessments suggesting high empathy, mixed empathy, and low empathy encounters. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used to test the relationship between empathy category and communication score. Results. SPs wrote comments on 141 of 218 rubrics (64.7%). The mean communication score was 38.96 ± 1.64 (Range of 31 to 40) out of a maximum 40 points. The totals for the low, mixed, and high empathy category transformations were 6 (4.3%), 95 (67.4%), and 40 (28.4%), respectively. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were statistically significant, suggesting that communication scores were different between empathy categories. Conclusion. There is a positive association between scores on communication rubrics and student empathy categorization, with students exhibiting different levels of clinical empathy. While the PBA of interest was not specifically focused on empathy, SPs frequently provided empathy feedback to students suggesting empathy was important to the encounter.
A time-course study of actively stained mouse brains: Diffusion tensor imaging parameters and connectomic stability over 1 year

While the application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), tractography, and connectomics to fixed tissue is a common practice today, there have been limited studies examining the effects of fixation on brain microstructure over extended periods. This mouse model time-course study reports the changes of regional brain volumes and diffusion scalar parameters, such as fractional anisotropy, across 12 representative brain regions as measures of brain structural stability. The scalar DTI parameters and regional volumes were highly variable over the first 2 weeks after fixation. The same parameters were consistent over a 2-8-week window after fixation, which means confounds from tissue stability over that scanning window were minimal. Quantitative connectomes were analyzed over the same time with extension out to 1 year. While there was some change in the scalar metrics at 1 year after fixation, these changes were sufficiently small, particularly in white matter, to support reproducible connectomes over a period ranging from 2-weeks to 1-year post-fixation. These findings delineate a scanning period, during which brain volumes, diffusion scalar metrics, and connectomes are remarkably consistent.
Symmetry and isotropic coherence transfer. II Multi spin calculations using a Young tableaux formulation

A general treatment of spin dynamics during coherence transfer is presented as an example of a many-body problem under strong coupling. In a previous paper, coherence transfer by isotropic mixing (IM) between two coupled spins was examined. However, the greatest experimental interest in the technique of IM centers on the transfer of coherence between spins that are not directly coupled. The dynamics of coherence transfer in multiple spin systems are cast in a superoperator formulation, in which diagonalization of the mixing Liouvillian matrix allows derivation of the coherence transfer frequencies from the eigenvalues
Breast cancers with special genetic-phenotypic correlations

Abstract Some invasive breast carcinomas are unique in that they show a specific recurrent genetic abnormality that is associated with distinct morphologic features. These tumors are triple-negative and are generally associated with a favorable prognosis compared with other triple-negative breast carcinomas. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a biphasic epithelial-myoepithelial invasive carcinoma that like its salivary gland counterpart, is characterized by a recurrent t(6; 9) (q22-23; p23-24) translocation which results in the formation of a MYB-NFIB fusion gene. Secretory carcinoma shows a recurrent (12; 15); (p13; q25) translocation that results in an ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion, which is also seen in mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland. Tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity, previously called "breast tumor resembling the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma," and "solid papillary carcinoma with reverse polarity" shows IDH2 hotspot mutations, which are rare in other breast carcinomas. This review will provide an overview of the morphologic, immunohistochemical, molecular, and clinical features of these rare examples of breast cancers with special genetic–phenotypic correlations.
Expectations and Sexual Desire in Romantic Relationships: An Experimental Investigation of Pleasure and Emotional Closeness Expectancies among Young Adults.

Drawing from expectancy-value theory, the current study documented expected likelihoods (i.e., expectancies) of orgasm, non-orgasmic sexual pleasure, and emotional closeness during sex with a romantic partner, then tested their causal roles In sexual desire. Participants (N = 582, 50.3% women) were drawn from college student and online samples of young adults in the US. Expectancies were high overall; men reported much higher orgasm expectancies than women and this gender difference was larger in the college sample. Using a within-subjects, factorial experimental design, hypothetical vignettes manipulated participants' expectancies (high/low) pertaining to sex with a romantic partner. Multilevel models indicated emotional closeness expectancies had the strongest effects on men's and women's desire. Orgasm expectancies had stronger effects among the online sample, yet had the weakest effects on desire overall. Both emotional closeness and non-orgasmic pleasure expectancies had stronger effects on women's desire than on men's. Findings indicate young adults' expectations for their romantic sexual experiences may play strong roles in stimulating or stifling their sexual desire, suggesting some desire differences may be partially explained by differences in expectancies, and underscore sex as an important mechanism for fostering intimacy and experiencing pleasure for both young men and young women. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Thermal analysis of the IUE - Seven years later

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) is a large astronomical observatory which was launched on January 26, 1978. The observatory was placed into a three-axis stabilized, eccentric synchronous orbit with an inclination of about 29 degrees. It was designed for a three year lifetime, but is currently still operational. This paper will briefly review the thermal design which consists of multilayer insulation, ammonia-filled grooved heat pipes, bimetallic actuated louvers, and assorted commandable heaters. It will then discuss the seven years of thermal data and compare the results with prelaunch predictions. Finally an attempt will be made to explain the unexpected and continuing rise in temperature of the hydrazine auxiliary propulsion system which has increased over twenty degrees centigrade since launch.
Pressure Necrosis in Geriatric Patients

The elderly remain one of the highest at-risk groups for pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers form due to the intensity and duration of pressure; high intensity leads to deep tissue injury (DTI). DTI pressure necrosis appears as purple or maroon tissue in tissue subjected to pressure and therefore is not always on a bony prominence. Prevention is focused on reducing the duration and magnitude of pressure. Treatment includes topical wound care including debridement, nutrition and pressure relief on the damaged tissue.
Group Summary: Receptivity

The majority of work conducted during the workshop focused on the analytical or numerical treatment of receptivity problems; however, due to the initiation of an experimental study on the wave-packet phenomenon on a rotating-disk during the workshop, an analytical study on the modulational stability of such flows was begun. The receptivity studies initiated during the workshop were both for the incompressible and compressible regimes as well as for two- and three-dimensional flows.
Inverse Opal SiO2 Photonic Crystals as Structurally-Colored Pigments with Additive Primary Colors

Porous silica, structured as three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) photonic crystal particles, is investigated as a pigment material with structural color. Brightly and uniformly colored 3DOM SiO2 powders were obtained by templating of a tetraethoxysilane-containing precursor in polymeric colloidal crystals, pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere to maintain a small amount (ca. 5–8 wt %) of residual carbon as a background absorber, and particle size reduction. The color depended on placing optical stop bands in the appropriate range of the visible spectrum. This was achieved through selection of the polymer sphere diameter in the colloidal crystal template and fine-tuning by the pyrolysis temperature, which controls the extent of condensation and shrinkage of the 3DOM SiO2 structure. The stop bands shifted to shorter wavelengths, and the chroma of these pigments increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature in the range from 475 to 900 °C. Using this temperature control, it was possible to obtain materials with a variety of colors and chroma using a single template sphere size. In addition, the assortment of spectral colors could be extended by mixing 3DOM SiO2 pigments with primary colors (red, green, blue) via a unique additive color-mixing mechanism, which distinguishes these pigments from most conventional pigments that rely on subtractive color mixing. These approaches enable the preparation of pigments with multiple colors using a single material composition, providing opportunities to replace potentially harmful dyes and pigments with nontoxic and relatively inert silica.
Cranberry Extract Ameliorates Obesity-Related Liver Inflammation via the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Pathway

Obesity is commonly associated with an increase in hepatic triglycerides, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD may progress into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which includes an inflammatory component, and eventually cirrhosis. Polyphenols, such as those found in cranberries, have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cranberry extract (CBE) on NASH in an obese mouse model. C57bl/6J mice fed either 60%kcal from fat diet (HF, n=48) or 10%kcal from fat diet (LF, n=12). After 11 weeks, 24 mice from the HF group were switched to HF diet supplemented with 0.8% CBE. After an additional 10 weeks, mice were euthanized and markers of obesity and NAFLD were examined. Body weight, relative liver weight, and liver triglyceride concentrations were not affected by CBE supplementation. CBE supplementation did significantly decrease circulating alanine aminotransferase levels compared to the HF group, indicatin...
Growth hormone therapy in childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency: adult anthropometric and psychological outcomes.

The current adult heights of hypopituitary children treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rGH) now range between −1.5 and −0.7 height standard deviations (HtSDS) of control populations. These height outcomes are markedly better than the ones observed following treatment with pituitary-derived human growth hormone (pGH) (between −4.7 and −2.0 Ht SDS). Although treatment with rGH has not yielded adult heights that are equal to genetic target heights, the discrepancy is much less now than in previous decades. Higher rGH dose, longer duration of treatment, early age at diagnosis, correction of height deficit prior to onset of puberty, and daily rGH injections have had beneficial effects on final adult heights. The current dosing regimens, (0.3–0.18 mg/kg/wK) have not had an adverse effect on bone maturation and have not stimulated an earlier onset of puberty. Although height gains in puberty are less than controls, a majority of treated subjects reach heights within the normal range for adults. Higher doses of rGH during puberty have been studied in limited numbers of adolescents with positive effects; however, standard dosing will likely continue to be used because of financial considerations and safety concerns. Further improvements in adult heights are likely to be reported when the youngest children who began rGH in 1985 complete their growth. Several studies have investigated the quality of life (QOL) of GH-deficient (GHD) patients who, as children, had been treated with GH predominantly during the pGH era. Domains of functioning assessed include educational attainment, employment, and marital status. Although some studies have reported a generally positive adaptation, others have shown this group to exhibit marked deficits. Limited adult height outcomes in the pGH era of GH therapy has sometimes been used to account for poor outcomes. Variable behavioral findings are likely related to sample heterogeneity and disparate research methodologies and designs, most particularly the choice of control or comparison groups. In addition to summarizing this older literature, we report on a recently completed investigation in which the QOL adjustment of GHD patients is compared to that of same-sex siblings. Comparisons between GHD cases and norms for standardized questionnaires indicated both better and worse functioning in several domains. In contrast, very limited differences were detected between GHD cases and same-sex siblings. IGHD (isolated growth hormone deficiency) patients were functioning better than those with MPHD (multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies), but the effect sizes of these differences in most areas were relatively small. Adult height and degree of growth over the course of GH therapy were generally unrelated to QOL outcomes. Findings from the present study underscore the importance of selecting unbiased control/comparison groups in evaluating psychological outcomes among GHD adults.
Introducing specification-based data structure repair using alloy

While several different techniques utilize specifications to check correctness of programs before they are deployed, the use of specifications in deployed software is more limited, largely taking the form of runtime checking where assertions form a basis for detecting erroneous program states and terminating erroneous executions in failures. Recent approaches [1] proposed constraint-based repair where data structure constraints are used to repair erroneous states. However, data structure constraints are too weak a form of specification for error recovery in general. We have developed a specification-based approach for data structure repair, which allows repairing erroneous executions in deployed software by repairing erroneous states. The key novelty is our support for rich behavioral specifications, such as those that relate pre-states with post-states to accurately specify expected behavior and hence to enable precise repair.
Gibbs Prior Models, Marching Cubes, and Deformable Models: A Hybrid Framework for 3D Medical Image Segmentation

Hybrid frameworks combining region-based and boundary-based segmentation methods have been used in 3D medical image segmentation applications. In this paper we propose a hybrid 3D segmentation framework which combines Gibbs models, marching cubes and deformable models. We use Gibbs models to create 3D binary masks of the object. Then we use the marching cubes method to initialize a deformable model based on the mask. The deformable model will fit to the object surface driven by the gradient information in the original image. The deformation result will then be used to update the parameters of Gibbs models. These methods will work recursively to achieve a final segmentation. By using the marching cubes method, we succeed in improving the accurancy and efficiency of 3D segmentation. We validate our method by comparing the segmentation result with expert manual segmentation, the results show that high quality segmentation can be achieved with computational efficiency.
The Effect of Lewis Acids on the Cycloaddition of 3,3,6‐Trimethylcyclohex‐5‐ene‐1,2,4‐trione: Hydrogen Transfer versus Cycloaddition with Cyclopentadiene

Exposure of 3,3,6-trimethylcyclohex-5-ene-1,2,4-trione to catalytic amounts of Lewis acids revealed two disparate reactions in the presence of cyclopentadiene. The expected cycloaddition was found to be reversible for the title compound, and transfer hydrogenation was the preferred pathway over long periods of time. Other tested substrates were able to undergo facile cycloaddition with considerable yields and without the parallel reduction.
Ethnographic studies of children: the difficulties of entry, rapport, and presentations of their worlds 1

This essay examines the entire process of doing ethnography with children, from observation and interviewing to transcribing and writing the final ethnographic account. In particular, this article examines three difficulties that researchers encounter when doing ethnography with children: (1) how do ethnographers enter the children's worlds’ (2) to what extent do we as researchers observe and participate, thus changing the children's worlds; and, (3) how do we write the ethnography to most fully present the children's perspectives. Since there are particular cultures where we may violate an adult‐specific role by participating in children's events, ethnographers need to be careful about how our social and cultural constructions of childhood frame our social interactions in fieldwork. In terms of the ethnography itself, our notions of authorship and authority may obscure the children's narratives or meanings, which are often polymodal and neither linear nor sequential. Examples from the author's fieldwork ...
Laser Scanning Digital Camera for Retinal Imaging with a 40 Degree Field of View

A laser scanning digital camera designed for retinal imaging is described. This device features illumination with a scanned slit and imaging with a 40 degree field, and it could provide eye diagnostics to underserved populations.
A Method for Suppression of Pressure Pulses in Fluid-Filled Piping—Part I: Theoretical Analysis

A simple, nondestructive method to suppress pressure pulses in a fluid-filled piping is theoretically analyzed, and the result provides the basis needed for design and evaluation of a pressure-pulse suppression device based on the proposed theory. The method is based on forming of fluid jets in the event of a pressure surge such that the pulse height as well as the energy of the pulse are reduced. The result for pressure pulses in the range of practical interest shows that a substantial reduction can be attained in the pulse height with accompanied reduction of pulse energy remaining in the system. The analysis also reveals that a certain amount of trade-off exists in the design of the suppression device; a certain level of pulse energy remaining in the system must be accepted in order to limit the pulse height below a certain level and vice versa. 7 refs., 5 figs.
Exploiting the Personal Computer in the Research Laboratory

An Apple II, a 6502 microprocessor based personal computer, is currently being used to record and analyze data from isolated nerve preparations. The system was designed to provide low cost data handling capabilities in the research laboratory.
COMPARISON OF E ROSETTE NEGATIVE AND E ROSETTE POSITIVE T CELL SUBSETS

Like E rosette positive (E+) T cells, a subpopulation of null cells express human T lymphocyte antigens (HTLA antigens). To shed light on the relationship of E+HTLA+ and E−HTLA+ cells we compared their prevalence in newborns vs adults, their cell size distribution and their spontaneous 3H-thymidine uptake. Compared to adults, newborns had lower proportions of E+HTLA+ (newborns 61±9% vs adults 73±11%, p 5mm/hr. By comparison, only 16% of E+HTLA+ lymphocytes had sedimentation rates > 5mm/hr. Lymphocyte suspensions depleted of B cells by nylon fiber column filtration and containing both E+HTLA+ and E−HTLA− cells had 18 hr spontaneous 3H-thymidine uptakes of 2417±1879 cpm/105 cells. By contrast the 3H-thymidine of purified E+HTLA+ cells obtained by gradient separation of E resetting cells was 836±359 cpm/105 cells. These findings indicate that the E−HTLA+ cell subset consists of large, dividing cells which are prevalent in the blood during the neonatal period. (Supported hv USPHS NIH Grant CA 17534 and Contract 1-CP-33333. J. Kaplan is recipient of NIH Research Career Development Award CA 00188).
Neonatal Outcomes for Immigrant vs. Native-Born Mothers in Taiwan: An Epidemiological Paradox

In Taiwan, immigrant women by marriage face social discrimination due to widespread impressions that they give birth to low birth weight, high-risk, high cost babies due to their lower socioeconomic status, shorter stature, and lower pre-pregnant weight than native-born Taiwanese women. This study compared crude and adjusted birth outcomes of immigrant mothers (Chinese and Vietnamese) relative to native-born Taiwanese, and tested for the phenomenon of an epidemiological paradox of favorable neonatal outcomes among immigrants. Data from patient charts of all singleton live births during 2002–2007, weighing ≥500 and <4,000 g, and ≥20 weeks gestational age at a regional hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were used. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis controlling for maternal characteristics (demographics, national origin, obstetric and prenatal factors) and neonatal characteristics (birth weight, gestational age). Of 3,267 births satisfying the inclusion criteria, 19.0% were to Chinese and Vietnamese mothers. Crude birth weight was lowest for Taiwanese mothers, who also had the highest rate of preterm delivery (<37 weeks). The adjusted birth weight for Chinese and Vietnamese mothers was 87.7 and 74.7 g higher, respectively than native-born Taiwanese (both P < 0.001). Chinese and Vietnamese mothers also had lower odds of preterm birth (ORs 0.46 and 0.47, respectively). Findings support paradoxically better neonatal outcomes among Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant mothers in Taiwan. Findings can be used to initiate public education to reverse the widespread negative perceptions and attitudes towards immigrant spouses in Taiwan.
Protein markers and differentiation in culture for Schlemm’s canal endothelial cells

The two cell types that populate the human conventional outflow pathway, Schlemm's canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork (TM) regulate intraocular pressure. In culture, SC and TM cells have been useful tools toward understanding their respective roles in conventional outflow homeostasis. Unfortunately, currently available protein markers that distinguish SC from TM cells are limited, motivating the present study. Antibodies that specifically recognize different vascular endothelial markers were used to probe lysates from mature cell monolayers subjected to SDS-PAGE followed by western blot analyses. Results show that SC and TM cells both expressed many of the endothelial candidate proteins investigated, such as Robo1/4, Tie2/TEK, VEGF-R1/R2, VCAM-1, eNOS and neuropilin-1. In contrast, all SC cell strains tested (n=11) expressed two proteins, fibulin-2 and vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, not expressed by TM cells. To examine changes in VE-cadherin expression and cell-cell junction formation, indicated by transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), SC cells were seeded onto filters at confluence and growth factors were withdrawn. Culturing cells in media containing adult bovine serum rather than fetal bovine serum resulted in a 75% mean increase in TEER and 67% corresponding average increase in VE-cadherin expression (p<0.05). While both TM and SC cells form monolayers, are contact inhibited, share some endothelial responsibilities and several endothelial protein markers, SC cells uniquely express at least two proteins which likely reflect a distinction in cellular responsibilities in vivo. One of these responsibilities, maintenance of the blood-aqueous barrier, can be modeled in culture upon withdrawal of growth factors from SC cell monolayers.
Regulation of mast-cell and basophil function and survival by IgE

Mast cells and basophils are important effector cells in T helper 2 (T(H)2)-cell-dependent, immunoglobulin-E-associated allergic disorders and immune responses to parasites. The crosslinking of IgE that is bound to the high-affinity receptor Fc epsilon RI with multivalent antigen results in the aggregation of Fc epsilon RI and the secretion of products that can have effector, immunoregulatory or autocrine effects. This response can be enhanced markedly in cells that have been exposed to high levels of IgE, which results in the increased surface expression of Fc epsilon RI. Moreover, recent work indicates that monomeric IgE (in the absence of crosslinking) can render mast cells resistant to apoptosis induced by growth-factor deprivation in vitro and, under certain circumstances, can induce the release of cytokines. So, the binding of IgE to Fc epsilon RI might influence mast-cell and basophil survival directly or indirectly, and can also regulate cellular function.
Vesicles Bearing Toxoplasma Apicoplast Membrane Proteins Persist Following Loss of the Relict Plastid or Golgi Body Disruption

Toxoplasma gondii and malaria parasites contain a unique and essential relict plastid called the apicoplast. Most apicoplast proteins are encoded in the nucleus and are transported to the organelle via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Three trafficking routes have been proposed for apicoplast membrane proteins: (i) vesicular trafficking from the ER to the Golgi and then to the apicoplast, (ii) contiguity between the ER membrane and the apicoplast allowing direct flow of proteins, and (iii) vesicular transport directly from the ER to the apicoplast. Previously, we identified a set of membrane proteins of the T. gondii apicoplast which were also detected in large vesicles near the organelle. Data presented here show that the large vesicles bearing apicoplast membrane proteins are not the major carriers of luminal proteins. The vesicles continue to appear in parasites which have lost their plastid due to mis-segregation, indicating that the vesicles are not derived from the apicoplast. To test for a role of the Golgi body in vesicle formation, parasites were treated with brefeldin A or transiently transfected with a dominant-negative mutant of Sar1, a GTPase required for ER to Golgi trafficking. The immunofluorescence patterns showed little change. These findings were confirmed using stable transfectants, which expressed the toxic dominant-negative sar1 following Cre-loxP mediated promoter juxtaposition. Our data support the hypothesis that the large vesicles do not mediate the trafficking of luminal proteins to the apicoplast. The results further show that the large vesicles bearing apicoplast membrane proteins continue to be observed in the absence of Golgi and plastid function. These data raise the possibility that the apicoplast proteome is generated by two novel ER to plastid trafficking pathways, plus the small set of proteins encoded by the apicoplast genome.
Approximate Hartree-Type Wave Functions and Matrix Elements for the K and L Shells of Atoms and Ions

Perturbation effects of electron screening on wave functions and dipole matrix elements of $K$ and $L$ electrons of ions or inner shells of atoms have been computed to order ${Z}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Some screening effects of this order have also been computed for the $M$ shell. Some of the terms of order ${Z}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ have also been evaluated and found to be small compared with those neglected in this paper. The dipole matrix elements have been used to compute x-ray mass absorption coefficients and the comparison with the experimental values is discussed.
The Effects of Transnational Environmentalism on Domestic Environmental Coalitions: Thick Conservation Networks and Thin Pollution Networks in Ecuador

Abstract Ecuador's environmental movement has engaged in the international environmental network since 1978. This article examines how transnationalism has affected Ecuadorian environmental organizations by comparing two issue networks: the conservation network and the pollution network. Data from an on-line organizational survey of Ecuadorian organizations and interviews show that the transnational conservation network, a resource-rich vertical network, has encouraged the growth of horizontal/domestic networks in Ecuador, but the domestic network is dysfunctional. By contrast, the relatively poor transnational pollution network did not generate growth in horizontal/domestic networks. Instead, independent organizations emerged domestically. This organizational network may prove more functional.
A closer look at trading strategies for U.S. equity closed-end investment companies

Abstract Earlier studies of U.S. closed-end investment companies (CEICs) examined whether the discount between CEIC price and net asset value could be exploited to gain excess returns. We advance these studies by investigating many more trading strategies and various transaction costs. We find that the role of the span between buy and sell trigger points is highly significant in determining returns, and that transaction costs impact returns and mitigate the influence of the trigger point span. Moreover, the 10 most successful strategies for each transaction cost level exhibit lower coefficients of variation than does the Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) index.
Crystallization and microstructural evolution of cordierite-based thick film dielectrics

Abstract Microstructural evolution of glass–ceramic dielectric thick films based on a nonstoichiometric cordierite, 2.4MgO·2Al 2 O 3 ·5SiO 2 , containing B 2 O 3 , P 2 O 5 , and PbO were investigated in conjunction with nucleation and crystal growth. The cordierite thick films were deposited by screen printing on a 96% alumina substrate, and then fired in the temperature range of 850–950°C in a N 2 atmosphere. Surface microstructure characteristics of the thick films depended on PbO content. Heterogeneous nucleation originated predominantly from the interface between the densified thick film and the alumina substrate. The added PbO segregated to the remaining glass during crystallization, and the relative concentration of Pb in the glass was proven to increase with rising temperature. Most of the remaining glass protruded from the film surface at the final temperature of 950°C. Penetration of the alumina substrate by the remaining glass was also observed. The influences of temperature and PbO on the microstructural evolution including nucleation and growth will be discussed with possible explanations for the observed results.
Acrosomal enzymes and ultrastructure of unfrozen and cryotreated human spermatozoa

Pooled semen judged to be normal in all parameters was divided into a number of aliquots which were either 1) kept untreated; 2) mixed with glycerol (10% v/v); 3) washed by centrifugation and resuspended to the original volume with buffer; or 4) washed and resuspended in buffer with glycerol (10% v/v). The progressive motility, viability, ultrastructure, and acrosomal enzyme activity (8 different hydrolases) were studied before and after cryotreatment. The described washing procedure effectively removed seminal plasma, and did not alter sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm ultrastructure, or the acrosomal enzymes studied. Glycerol (10%, v/v) had a deleterious effect on most parameters evaluated before cryotreatment. Cryotreatment severely altered the motility and viability of the spermatozoa and their acrosomal morphology but did not cause significant decreases in most of the acrosomal hydrolases measured. However, acrosin/proacrosin levels decreased by 50-80% and were correlated to the acrosomal damage. A simple assay for the measurement of acrosin/proacrosin enzyme levels in whole sperm is presented which could be used as a monitor for acrosomal integrity. No significant differences were seen between the samples cryotreated in the absence or presence of seminal plasma.
Hole–hole correlation effects on magnetic properties of MnxIII1−xV diluted magnetic semiconductors

Abstract The mean-field theory represents a useful starting point for studying carrier-induced ferromagnetism in MnxIII1−xV diluted magnetic semiconductors. A detail description of these systems requires to include correlations in the many-body hole system. We discuss the effects of correlations among itinerant carriers on magnetic properties of bulk MnxIII1−xV and magnetic semiconductor quantum wells. Presented results were obtained using parabolic band approximation and we also derive a many-body perturbation technique that allows to account for hole–hole correlations in realistic semiconductor valence bands.
Zoysiagrass Species and Genotypes Differ in Their Winter Injury and Freeze Tolerance

Lack of cold hardiness may limit widespread use of newly released zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) cultivars in the transition zone. Our objectives were to quantify differences in the winter injury of 35 zoysiagrass genotypes in field plots in West Lafayette, IN, and the freeze tolerance of 13 genotypes in a cold stress simulator as well as determine the relationship between leaf width, establishment rate, and autumn growth with winter injury. Winter injury varied between years and among genotypes in the field study. Zoysia japonica Steud. genotypes had less winter injury each year than Z. matrella (L.) Merr. genotypes. Genotypes of Z. japonica available as seed had less winter injury (2% in both years) than genotypes of Z. japonica (41%, 2005; 54%, 2006) and Z. matrella (51%, 2005; 73%, 2006) available only as vegetative propagules. 'Meyer', 'Chinese Common', and 'Zenith' were the commercially available cultivars exhibiting the least winter injury ( 88%) both years. There was a relationship (r2 = 0.48, P = 0.0088) between freeze tolerance (LT 50 ) in the cold stress simulator and winter injury in the field. Freeze tolerance ranged from -8.4°C (Diamond) to -11.5°C (Meyer and Zenith). Meyer has been the industry standard for zoysiagrass, but our research has identified other commercially available cultivars and genotypes with winter injury similar to Meyer.
The unwed fathers: Generation recidivism and attitudes about intercourse in California youth authority wards

Abstract 22 unwed fathers and 22 unwed nonfathers, all wards of the California Youth Authority, were interviewed, (a) More unwed fathers than nonfathers were illegitimate (p < .01) and (b) had siblings with illegitimate children (p < .001). (c) More siblings of illegitimate Ss than siblings of legitimate Ss themselves had illegitimate children (p < .01). More unwed fathers than nonfathers approved (d) of their own children's becoming unwed parents (p < .001) and (e) of extramarital sex (p < .001), but disapproved of (f) the use of contraceptives. They felt (g) responsible for pregnancies they caused (p < .05), (h) said they would marry a woman with another man's illegitimate child (p < .001), and (i) felt that their children would not be affected by their behavior (p < .001).
The genetics of autism spectrum disorders

Epidemiological twin studies demonstrate that autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent genetic disorders. Subsequent analyses indicate that the causes of ASDs include less common single-gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, as well as ASDs caused by multiple interacting genes of weak effect. Genome-wide linkage analysis has identified several susceptibility loci for the ASDs, and positional and functional candidate genes have been identified that appear to represent susceptibility genes for the ASDs. Analysis of additional larger samples and the use of genome-wide association and high-throughput variant detection will lead to the identification of further genes for ASDs.
Development of a Novel Multiplex PCR Assay to Detect Functional Subtypes of KIR3DL1 Alleles

Among NK cell receptor-ligand partnerships, KIR3DL1 and HLA-Bw4 demonstrate the greatest diversity; permutations of their allelic combinations titrate NK reactivity. Balancing selection has maintained distinct subtypes of KIR3DL1 alleles in global populations, implying that each may provide unique fitness advantages and variably influence disease processes. Though approaches exist for determining HLA-B allotypes, practical methods for identifying KIR3DL1 alleles are lacking. We have developed a PCR-based approach that identifies functional subtypes of KIR3DL1 alleles; it is suitable for research and may have clinical application. Six allele subsets were identified based on expression characteristics of the eleven most common KIR3DL1 alleles represented in reported populations. The remaining 62 low-frequency alleles were distributed into these groups based on sequence homology to coding regions. Subtype-specific SNPs were found in exons 3, 4, and 7, and used as priming sites for five multiplex PCR reactions. Genomic DNA derived from 175 unrelated donors and 52 related individuals from 6 families demonstrated >99.5% concordance between sequence-based typing and our novel approach. Finally, PCR-based typing accurately predicted NK phenotypes obtained by flow cytometry after staining with DX9 and Z27 monoclonal antibodies. This novel approach facilitates high-throughput analysis of KIR3DL1 allotypes to enable a broader understanding of KIR3DL1 and HLA-Bw4 interaction in health and disease.
Comparison of CRT display measurement techniques

Several techniques have been published for measuring the performance of cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. Our goal was to find a measurement technique that could be implemented with commercially available hardware, and that could be used to quickly and accurately assess the performance of a CRT display. This paper discusses several subjective and objective assessment techniques and compares the results obtained from the application of these techniques to a miniature CRT used in helmet-mounted displays.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Complexity in transition metal oxides

Abstract A vast array of experimental and theoretical results in manganites has shown that the colossal magnetoresistance effect can be understood based on the competition of insulating and ferromagnetic phases. The general aspects of the theoretical description appear to be valid for any compound with intrinsic phase competition. In high temperature superconductors, recent experiments have shown the existence of intrinsic inhomogeneities in many materials, revealing a phenomenology quite similar to that of manganese oxides. We will review briefly the results for manganites in order to propose a similar scenario in the high T c cuprates.
Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture After Core Decompression and Placement of a Tantalum Strut for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Multiple treatment options have been described to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head, all with the goal of slowing or reversing the disease process and preventing the need for arthroplasty in a young patient population. Core decompression of the femoral head to allow revascularization is a commonly used technique that can now be supplemented by placement of the Osteonecrosis Intervention Implant (Zimmer, Warsaw, Ind). It consists of a tantalum strut that acts as a buttress for the subchondral bone of the femoral head. In this case, our patient underwent this procedure with subsequent subtrochanteric fracture. The factors leading to this iatrogenic injury are location of implant insertion, patient selection, and premature ambulation.
The central image of a gravitationally lensed quasar.

A galaxy can act as a gravitational lens, producing multiple images of a background object. Theory predicts that there should be an odd number of images produced by the lens1,2, but hitherto almost all lensed objects have two or four images. The missing ‘central’ images, which should be faint and appear near the centre of the lensing galaxy, have long been sought as probes of galactic cores too distant to resolve with ordinary observations3,4,5,6,7. There are five candidates for central images, but in one case the third image is not necessarily the central one8,9,10, and in the others the putative central images might be foreground sources11,12,13,14,15. Here we report a secure identification of a central image, based on radio observations of one of the candidates14. Lens models using the central image reveal that the massive black hole at the centre of the lensing galaxy has a mass of 20,000M⊙ pc-2, which is in agreement with expections based on observations of galaxies that are much closer to the Earth.
Urologic laser types and instrumentation

Though the primary role of lasers in urology has always been in the treatment of urolithiasis, there are several other indications for their use. There are many different types of lasers currently available, each with unique properties conducive to treating certain disorders. As such, it is critical that today's urologist understands each laser's characteristics in order to optimize patient selection and treatment. The lasers which are primarily used in urologic applications include the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser; the Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd:YAG); the Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP) laser and the Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser. This review focuses on the unique characteristics of each of these lasers as well as the instrumentation needed utilize and deploy these tools in the urinary tract.
Visual localization after rearrangement of retinotectal maps in fish

In each lobe of the optic tectum, the primary visual centre of fishes, terminals of the optic nerve distribute themselves to form a precise visuotopic map of the visual field seen by the opposite eye1,2. The tectum has an essential role in orienting a fish towards a food object before the fish seizes it3,4. Moreover, experiments involving selective lesions or focal stimulation of tectum suggest that the detection and localization of an object in space depend on the visuotopic map, and that the fish's orienting response is directed by a ‘motor map’ in register with the visuotopic map5–9. The relationship between the two maps has been studied here by taking advantage of the finding in goldfish that the removal of the caudal half of the tectum leads in tune to the formation of a compressed but functional visuotopic map7,10,11. As behavioural orientation was found to be accurate despite compression, the putative motor map cannot be fixed anatomically in relation to the tectum.