cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron correlational effects on plasmon damping and ultraviolet absorption in metals

A calculation is presented of the dissipative part of the wave-number-dependent, high-frequency dielectric tensor of a free-electron gas. The calculation, which is exact to lowest order in ${k}^{2}$ and ${r}_{s}$, includes dynamical correlational (screening) effects which lie outside the random-phase approximation (RPA). The results, which can be expressed entirely in terms of integrations involving the RPA dielectric functions, differ significantly from those of previous work. The ${k}^{2}$ coefficient of the plasmon linewidth is predicted to be about an order of magnitude smaller than that measured in high-energy electron scattering experiments. The source of the discrepancy may be due to the failure of the ${r}_{s}$ expansion for metals or to phonon or impurity scattering and interband transitions, which have been ignored in previous work. These effects are discussed here, but have not been calculated. The contribution of electron-electron correlations to optical absorption is shown to be smaller than previously calculated by essentially a factor of the Fermi velocity squared divided by ${c}^{2}$. Previous calculations ignored terms arising from the perturbation of the screening electrons by the high-frequency fields; these terms greatly reduce the correlational effects.
Laser-induced magnetic fields in ICF capsules

Abstract The advantages of inserting a magnetic field into an inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) capsule before compressing it have been pointed out by many authors. A mechanism for generating such a field without the use of low-inductance electrical conductors attached to the capsule is presented. To use this mechanism to insert a magnetic field into an ICF capsule, the capsule must be redesigned. In our approach, a central conductor is added, a toroidal gap is cut in the outer wall and the DT fuel is frozen on the inner surface of the capsule. The capsule is dropped into the reaction chamber and struck first with the laser that generates the magnetic field. The magnetic field propagates into the interior of the capsule through the toroidal gap, and the main compression then closes the gap, crowbars the field, and compresses the fuel to ignition. Other uses of this mechanism include the generation of large magnetic fields in laboratory apparatus for the measurement of the effects of magnetic fields on material samples.
Changes in the motility, morphology, and F-actin architecture of human dendritic cells in an in vitro model of dendritic cell development.

An in vitro model has been developed for analyzing the two developmental phases of human dendritic cell (DC) migration. Employing the age of the culture and the addition of GM-CSF, IL-4, and serum to regulate cellular phenotype, and glass coated with acid-precipitated human plasma proteins to facilitate persistent DC translocation, the model produces three sequential in vitro phenotypes with the following suggested in vivo counterparts: (1) DCs recently isolated from blood, which are highly polar and motile, and reflect the behavior of "undifferentiated" DCs that must extravasate from the blood stream and migrate into peripheral tissue; (2) large, nonmotile, stellate DCs, which reflect the highly "differentiated" signature phenotype of DCs in peripheral tissue, whose function is to capture foreign antigens; and (3) the large, motile "dedifferentiated" DCs, which reflect the behavior of "veiled cells" that have captured an antigen, retracted dendritic processes, migrated out of peripheral tissue, and are in the process of transporting a captured antigen to a proximal draining lymph node for presentation to T cells. Computer-assisted motion analysis of the three sequential phenotypes and fluorescent staining of F-actin reveal three unique behavioral states and unique cellular architecture consistent with inferred in vivo function. This in vitro model should serve as a starting point for elucidating the cues and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of DC differentiation and motility.
Unimaginable Homelands? "Africa" and the Abakuá Historical Imagination

Este articulo analiza los recientes esfuerzos por parte de una serie de grupos dispares para reunificar la sociedad cubana Abakua con la nigeriana Efik Ekpe, la cual supuestamente hubiera dado origin a la cubana. Lo que me interesa dilucidar es en que medida estos esfuerzos reflejan el deseo genuino de los abakua cubanos por reconectar con sus raices africanas, y en que medida responden a los intereses del regimen revolucionario por monopolizar esa nostalgia para de ese modo obtener apoyo social durante un periodo de crisis economica. Es possible que en este caso, proyectos academicos tales como los relacionados con identidades transnacionales tan de moda no permitan que emerjan los intereses reales de aquellos sujetos que la etnografia trata de representar. Este articulo explora estas cuestiones de modo critico a traves de un analisis de la conciencia historica y de la organizacion espacio urbano en la memoria colectiva de los abakua. La identificacion abakua con Africa sugiere que aun cuando exista una conciencia de pertenencia a la diaspora africana, ella responde no tanto a una nostalgia por un pasado mitico como a la necesidad actual de legitimizar una identidad de grupo y reivindicar una autonomia religioso-ritual frente al estado revolucionario cubano.
ESTIMATING RELIABILITY FROM A SINGLE ADMINISTRATION OF A CRITERION-REFERENCED TEST*

A test in which the range of possible scores is partitioned into k non-overlapping intervals that define different levels of student mastery of a well-specified content domain is generally classified as criterion-referenced (Millman, 1974). An example is the familiar pass-fail test with a criterion of, say, 75 percent correct. Since such tests are often used in conjunction with instructional programs that attempt to maximize the number of students attaining the highest mastery states and thereby minimize the variability of test scores, the classical correlation between scores on parallel tests (or equivalently, the ratio of true to observed variance) may be attenuated by lack of variability and is unsatisfactory as an indicator of reliability (Popham & Husek, 1969). In addition, Hambleton and Novick (1973) note that the classical approach to reliability is based on a definition of error that is not entirely appropriate for such tests.
Comment on Papers by Bennett, Steward, and Holmberg: Involvement in Planned Social Change

I think that Bennett has set the stage for a broad and significant view of "planned social change" when he has called it a stage—as I would say, rather than "incident," as he does—in the development of human consciousness. This stage, I take it, is characterized by the consciousness, first, that planned change is possible and, second, that it is very difficult. Planned social change also signifies, Bennett appears to be arguing, a new conception of the social scientist, most nearly exemplified by the "action anthropologist," namely, as that investigator who not only tries to find out what is the case, unparticipating, uninvolved, detached, but who tries to find out as he is acting, and who acts as he is trying to find out.
Dynamic Patterning in PEO-Based Single Ion Conductors for Li Ion Batteries

We use quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) to study polymer dynamics in PEO-based single ion conductors (ionomers) where the anion is covalently bonded to a PEO spacer through a comonomer unit, so that only the cation contributes to conductivity. We compare the effects of changing ion content on the dynamics of the polymer spacer in two ways—by varying the ratio of ionized to nonionized monomer units and by changing the spacer length. In both cases, two dynamic classes of spacer atoms are observed: we associate these classes with bridge atoms located in the midspacer region and anchor atoms located near the ionized comonomer. Because these dynamic classes are associated with different spatial regions on the PEO spacer, we propose that fast [bridge] and slow [anchor] regions are spatially segregated. We use QENS to determine the fraction of bridge and anchor atoms and estimate their ionic compositions. We further combine this with X-ray scattering to assess the degree of ionic phase separation and prop...
Post-Liver Transplant Hepatitis C Therapy

Pharmacologic therapies to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) have rapidly evolved over the past few years and resulted in short courses of all oral multidrug cocktails of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) rates consistently >90 % in low-risk patient populations. Of note, these same cocktails are now being used off-label with unprecedented success in patients post-liver transplantation (LT) revolutionizing how we think about treating HCV in patients who need and have a liver transplant. For patients who are already post-LT, the tolerability of therapy has improved affording most patients the opportunity to be treated and cured. In patients not on cyclosporine, sofosbuvir (SOF) and simeprevir with or without ribavirin (RBV) showed in a pooled analysis an SVR12 rate of 87–90 %. Paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, and ribavirin treatment has also been studied post-LT and demonstrated a 97 % SVR12 rate with 24 weeks of therapy in patients with early-stage fibrosis. Ledipasvir + SOF + RBV for 12 or 24 weeks achieved SVR12 rates of >96 % in post-LT patients including those with compensated cirrhosis. We are fortunate to have truly entered a new era of HCV therapy, where non-decompensated post-LT patients are no longer disadvantaged and can enjoy SVR rates similar to non-transplant patients. These well-tolerated medications call into question the ideal time to cure HCV. Specifically, short courses of interferon-free medication may be able to be administered peri-transplant in order to spare the new graft all the potential complications of viral infection. At this time, the best-tolerated and most cost-effective approach to this important new strategy is under active investigation.
Limiting the Spread of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone: Opportunities for Intervention

The global pandemic of HIV/AIDS is at catastrophic levels in sub-Saharan Africa, while the need for research and treatment initiatives throughout the developing world remains critical. The West African country of Sierra Leone is representative of both of these facts. The purposes of this study were to assess the HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of adult Sierra Leoneans to determine what type of HIV prevention efforts are needed in this population and to determine how such efforts could be developed and implemented. Interviews with 487 adults residing in the capital city of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and in the Northern Province of that country revealed HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that reflect the impact of culture and tradition on the spread of HIV/AIDS. The challenges for HIV prevention raised through this study indicate the need to examine in greater depth the culturally specific use of traditional healers and traditional theater as channels of information that could serve to make HIV prevention initiatives more effective in Sierra Leone.
Seeking Balance to Dialectic Tensions in Teaching Through Philosophic Inquiry

Purpose: To propose a plausible means of cultural criticism of nursing's educational environment for preparing new nurses by exploring epistemological tensions and their consequences from the perspective of educators. Design: Naturalistic, qualitative, philosophic. Method: Six nurse educators teaching in a university-based traditional BSN program were interviewed in one southeastern state of the United States about their experience as creative, innovative teachers during 1991. Findings: Three major themes were reflections of the positivist work culture of teaching, reconciliation of tensions, and repercussions from personal choices. Educators reconcile dialectic tension by suppression, subordination, or equilibrium and are influenced by their sense of tension and willingness to be risk takers. Conclusions: Philosophical conflicts are inherent in nursing when commitments to empirical knowledge and personal meaning are both valued. A plausible means for moving beyond this tension is to increase awareness of the dynamics and consequences that occur when perspectives seem contradictory. Schools of nursing socialize future nurses. Calling into question the context in which the professional nursing culture is transmitted and reproduced is necessary if nurses of the future are to be in the forefront of changing health care.
First-principle natural band alignment of GaN / dilute-As GaNAs alloy

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the local density approximation (LDA) functional are employed to investigate the band alignment of dilute-As GaNAs alloys with respect to the GaN alloy. Conduction and valence band positions of dilute-As GaNAs alloy with respect to the GaN alloy on an absolute energy scale are determined from the combination of bulk and surface DFT calculations. The resulting GaN / GaNAs conduction to valence band offset ratio is found as approximately 5:95. Our theoretical finding is in good agreement with experimental observation, indicating the upward movements of valence band at low-As content dilute-As GaNAs are mainly responsible for the drastic reduction of the GaN energy band gap. In addition, type-I band alignment of GaN / GaNAs is suggested as a reasonable approach for future device implementation with dilute-As GaNAs quantum well, and possible type-II quantum well active region can be formed by using InGaN / dilute-As GaNAs heterostructure.
Managing Legal Issues in the Software Development Life Cycle

Abstract Technology today is being misused to propagate copyright violations. the need for awareness becomes critical when the software developer can be held directly liable for creating devices that might be used to circumvent copyright protection technology. Current software development life cycles do not take legal issues into consideration during the development of potentially controversial products. This may result in legal complications if the laws have changed by the time the product is released. This article presents a proactive method of handling legal issues. Modifications are suggested to the existing development life cycles, which can be used to ensure compliance with current legal standards. Legal reviews create a built-in resilience buffer in the product that result in a finished product better compliant with current standards and standards that can be set in the future. This avoids liability and legal issues that might arise by following the traditional approach. A cost-benefit analysis is ...
Cooperative ligand binding by bovine phenol sulfotransferase.

Abstract Although several phenol sulfotransferases (PSTs) that metabolize hormones and xenobiotics have been purified and examined by steady state kinetic methods, little is known about ligand binding and subunit interactions in these enzymes. Inhibition of a purified recombinant homodimeric bovine PST by 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol (DCNP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) displayed very sharp titration curves that required modeling with Hill equations with slope factors of 2 and 3, respectively. This observation suggested positive cooperative ligand binding during catalytic turnover. The binding of PCP was also monitored by intrinsic protein fluorescence, which was quenched up to 36% upon saturation with the inhibitor. In the absence of 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS), quenching curves were fit with the Hill equation and an interaction factor of 1. In contrast, inclusion of PAPS increased the association of PCP and resulted in positive cooperative binding with an interaction factor of 1.6–1.9. Whereas adenosine-3′,5′-diphosphate (PAP) also facilitated cooperative binding of PCP, adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP) was not effective. This correlated to inhibition of PST by PAP, whereas AMP was not inhibitory up to 1 mM. Therefore, occupation of the PST nucleotide binding site(s) facilitates a subunit interaction that can promote subsequent binding of phenolic ligands.
OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE THYROXINE-BINDING SITE OF PREALBUMIN IN HUMAN SERUM.

It has been suggested by other workers that prealbumin possesses 2 species of binding sites, one of which binds both thyroxine (T4) and tetraiodothyroacetic acid (TA4) and is inhibited by barbital, and the other of which binds only TA4 and is not affected by barbital. To test this hypothesis, 131I-labeled TA4 was synthesized from 131I-labeled T4 by rat kidney cortex incubated with serotonin. Binding of labeled TA4 and T4 in human serum was studied by the technique of filter paper electrophoresis in Tris-maleate buffer, pH 8.6. Relatively low concentrations of TA4 displaced tracer concentrations of T4 from prealbumin completely; in contrast, equimolar concentrations of T4 failed to displace tracer concentrations of TA4. Higher concentrations of T4, however, caused a progressive and ultimately an almost complete displacement of tracer concentrations of TA4 from prealbumin; this displacement conformed to a single linear function of the logarithm of the concentration of T4. In low concentrations, inhibitors o...
Use of atrial epicardial electrodes to diagnose and treat postoperative arrhythmias in children

Abstract Temporary Teflon-coated stainless steel wires were placed on the right atrium of 100 consecutive infants and children undergoing open heart surgery. The patients' ages ranged from 1 day to 17 years. The wires were used for diagnosis or treatment 40 times in 30 patients. Atrial electrograms were recorded 14 times to diagnose arrhythmias and conduction disturbances that were unsuspected or misdiagnosed from the standard electrocardiogram. In 10 patients, atrial pacing was used to treat postoperative arrhythmias. Atrial pacing was also used as an adjunct to therapy in 16 children with postoperative low cardiac output and bradycardia with intact atrioventricular conduction. The wires were removed before discharge and no complications resulted from their use. Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of temporary atrial wires after cardiac surgery in adults. This experience confirms that the technique is easy and safe and can be of great diagnostic and therapeutic value in children.
Determinants of interstate variations in capital and current outlay by state and local governments

It was found that for the three functions examined, local schools, highways, and health and hospitals, wider variations existed for the capital outlay component than for the current expenditure component.
Continuations approach to large-change sensitivity analysis

A differential equation whose trajectories represent the evolution of the transfer function of an electronic circuit or system as a function of some potentially variable parameter is derived and used as the basis of a continuations algorithm for large-change sensitivity analysis. The resultant algorithm is computationally efficient and is illustrated with several examples.
Controlled cutting and hydroxyl functionalization of carbon nanotubes through autoclaving and sonication in hydrogen peroxide

In this study, an eco-friendly process utilizing a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide along with autoclaving and sonication was developed, accomplishing both carbon nanotube size reduction and hydroxyl functionalization.
MOLECULAR DENSITY OF STATES FROM ESTIMATED VAPOR PHASE HEAT CAPACITIES

Heat capacity data between 298 and 1500K are used to derive a reduced set of apparent vibrational frequencies that can be used for estimation of molecular density of states, ρ(E). Estimates for a number of molecule and radical species, using a reduced set of three frequencies with noninteger degeneracies, are shown to compare favorably to direct count methods, which require specification of the complete frequency set. Use of the reduced set of three frequencies leads to significant improvement in calculations of ρ(E)/Q as compared to similar calculations which use only a single geometric- or arithmetic-mean frequency approximation. Since vapor phase heat capacity data of molecules and radicals can be estimated accurately by a group additivity formalism, this approach provides a method to estimate ρ(E) for use in calculations of pressure effects in unimolecular and chemical activation reaction systems. The accuracy of the ρ(E)/Q distributions obtained from heat capacity data makes this a viable method for those cases where the complete frequency distribution is not known. It is especially valuable for those cases where contributions to ρ(E) from internal rotors or low frequency vibrations such as inversions are not well known. This approach is useful for quantum RRK or inverse Laplace transform calculations of k(E) since no assignment of transition state properties is necessary. The reduced frequency set can also be combined with ΔHf(298) and S(298) to provide a compact data set to describe thermodynamic properties at any temperature. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shifts of the Ca II K line in He I 10830 dark points.

We investigate the velocity field of the solar chromosphere at the location of 65 He i 10830 dark points (DP's). We have obtained spectra of such points in the vicinity of the Ca II K line. As a measure of differential chromospheric velocity, we use the shift of the K line center relative to a nearby photospheric Fe i line. We find that in He i DP's, the distribution of K line shifts is skewed towards the blue: the blueward skewing is more pronounced in He i DP's located in coronal holes. To the extent that He i DP's are proxies of coronal bright points, our study is relevant to previous reports of outflows from such bright points.
Transplantation: Personalizing induction therapy in kidney transplantation

Induction therapy with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin is preferable to induction with daclizumab in renal transplant recipients at high immunological risk. These findings provide additional support to the idea that personalized immunosuppressive regimens should be developed in renal transplant recipients.
Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria tenella Infections in Ochratoxin A-Compromised Broiler Chickens

A 2 x 6 factorial experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of coccidial infections in ochratoxin A-compromised chicks. Ochratoxin A was incorporated into the feed at the dose levels of 0, .5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 micrograms/g toxin in feed (ppm), and fed to the birds from 1 day of age. Birds from each treatment were inoculated with either Eimeria acervulina or Eimeria tenella at 14 days of age. Ochratoxin A decreased the severity of lesions caused by both E. acervulina and E. tenella but did not prevent infection. Packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, relative weight of the kidney, and plasma protein levels were altered in a manner consistent with the independent effects of ochratoxicosis and coccidiosis. A combination of ochratoxin A and either species of coccidia produced a greater decrease in body weights, increase in feed conversions, and decrease in plasma carotenoid levels than either disease alone. The relative weight of the liver and level of plasma uric acid were altered in a manner that was dependent on the species of coccidia used. These data indicate that ochratoxin A and coccidial infections can interact to limit broiler performance and that some responses are directly related to the species of coccidia.
Macroinvertebrate assemblages in Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) springs

Five distinct macroinvertebrate assemblages were identified using cluster analysis of the rank-order abundances of 13 orders in 15 freshwater springs of central Pennsylvania, U.S.A. A principal components analysis of 20 environmental factors indicated that an insect-dominated assemblage occurred in low pH, softwater sandstone springs and an amphipod-dominated assemblage was associated with medium to hardwater springs with a silt to gravel substratum. Three other assemblages were found in hardwater limestone springs: the peracaridan-hydrobiid assemblage was characterized by dense macrophyte beds and a silt to cobble substratum, the peracaridan-triclad-glossosomatid assemblage by a rubbly, gravel-cobble substratum and relatively high discharge, and the peracaridan-hydrobiid-oligochaete assemblage by a silty substratum and dense mats of green algae. Most of the common macroinvertebrate species were associated with specific physical, chemical, and (or) vegetational factors, but abundance associations between species pairs were generally lacking. We infer that assemblages are primarily determined by the match between the environmental mosaic of individual springs and the ecological requirements of the available species, rather than by strong interspecific interactions. Species-environment associations were assessed in an additional study of five closely neighboring springs in which some environmental variables of the wider study were nearly constant.
Ethical Issues in DNA Sequencing in the Neonate

With the recognition of genetic disorders in the newborn, there is the potential to offer new lifesaving therapies. For other conditions such as hypothyroidism in Down syndrome or hypercalemia in the 22q11 microdeltion syndrome, the early identification of an untreatable condition permits prompt screening for potential comorbid conditions. DNA testing for disorders and DNA-based screening are rapidly evolving. With new more powerful tests, there is an increasing ability to see into a potential future and change the outcome for newborns. However, there remain significant ethical and structural issues to be considered before routine implementation of DNA testing.
Structure and properties of a beryllium dilayer

All-electron, density-functional calculations on an hcp Be dilayer find c/a at equilibrium to be 1.69 +- 0.03, a = 4.20 +- 0.02 a.u. (Kohn, Sham, Gaspar) or c/a = 1.69 +- 0.02, a = 4.10 +- 0.03 a.u. (Hedin and Lundqvist). In either case there is very weak interplanar bonding. While these structural properties are noticeably different from those of the bulk crystal, the dilayer work function (Hedin and Lundqvist) is essentially identical to the experimental bulk value.
Relationship between isotopic uranium activities and total uranium at various uranium enrichments

There is often a need to calculate isotopic uranium activities from total uranium mass or gamma spectrometry measurement data. This calculation is based on a model of the relationship of the234U activity to that of235U since both are enriched together in the normal gaseous diffusion enrichment process. This paper presents equations for calculating these activities that have been developed from several sources of data. These equations have been used for several characterization studies and have produced very good results when compared to results from actual isotopic uranium analyses. However, because the variability in the model causes significant uncertainty in the calculated results, alpha-spectrometry is recommended for critical applications.
Testing of Diesel Electric Generating Sets for Nuclear Service

Performance tests were conducted on nuclear service diesel electric generating sets to verify their capability, to start a number of times without outside power available, to accept and reject loads, to accept loads after prolonged no load operation and to operate for a period of time with no external cooling available.
Structural analysis of asunaprevir resistance in HCV NS3/4A protease

Asunaprevir (ASV), an isoquinoline-based competitive inhibitor targeting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease, is very potent in vivo. However, the potency is significantly compromised by the drug resistance mutations R155K and D168A. In this study three crystal structures of ASV and an analogue were determined to analyze the structural basis of drug resistance susceptibility. These structures revealed that ASV makes extensive contacts with Arg155 outside the substrate envelope. Arg155 in turn is stabilized by Asp168, and thus when either residue is mutated, the enzyme’s interaction with ASV’s P2* isoquinoline is disrupted. Adding a P1–P3 macrocycle to ASV enhances the inhibitor’s resistance barrier, likely due to poising the inhibitor to its bound conformation. Macrocyclic inhibitors with P2* extension moieties avoiding interaction with the protease S2 residues including Arg155 must be chosen for future design of more robust protease inhibitors.
Rolling/sliding wear behavior of a chromium-molybdenum rail steel in pearlitic and bainitic conditions

Abstract A chromium-molybdenum premium rail steel was isothermally heat treated to produce microstructures of pearlite, upper bainite, upper and lower bainite and lower bainite. Wear tests were conducted under rolling/sliding conditions which generate a very high wear rate for standard carbon rail steel after an initial break-in period. At a hardness of 39 HRC, pearlite performed much better than upper bainite of the same hardness. However, upper plus lower bainite and lower bainite microstructures, of hardness 49 and 54 HRC respectively, exhibited a greater resistance to break-in. Even with increased slide/roll ratios and contact pressures, the higher hardness steel could not be induced to break-in. It is concluded that high carbon bainitic steels could offer improved properties with respect to current materials and that a full and systematic investigation of their characteristics should be carried out.
Superheated Water Chromatography: A Brief Review of an Emerging Technique

Abstract The use of superheated water as a reversed‐phase mobile phase has been gaining acceptance over the past few years. There have been several recent publications on the properties of superheated water, its utility as a mobile phase, and the instrumental considerations required for its use. Because of its low cost and toxicity, the use of pure water has several advantages, particularly in the field of “green chemistry,” in which toxic solvents and reagents are avoided. This review will detail work performed using superheated water chromatography over the past several years. †Dedicated to the memory of Prof. Harry B. Mark Jr.; mentor, colleague, and friend.
An empirical analysis of union election outcomes in the electric utility industry

Unions in the electric utility industry consistently won a greater percentage of elections between 1970 and 1989 than did unions in other industries. Several factors significantly affected union victory rates at electric utilities: when the election was held, the union involved, the size of the utility, the percent of the state’s labor force unionized, the number of eligible voters, whether the election involved multiple-unions, and whether the election was Regional- or Board-directed.
The Role of the State in Urban Development: The Case of Houston, Texas

Theories dealing with the role of the state in cities vary considerably in emphasis, from traditional political matters to neo-Marxist and neo-Weberian theories accenting a broader political-econom...
Connectivity of neurons in identified auditory circuits studied with transport of dextran and microspheres plus intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow

The components of a neural circuit are usually distinguished in separate experiments to identify long connections, presynaptic, and postsynaptic components. We describe a procedure to visualize these components in the same experiment. Neurons in the inferior colliculus the axons of which project to the medial geniculate body were identified by retrograde transport of latex microspheres, while their innervation from the cochlear nucleus was simultaneously visualized by anterograde transport of dextrans. In aldehyde-fixed slices, the microsphere-labeled neurons near dextran-labeled axons were injected with biotinylated Lucifer Yellow. Subsequent avidin-biotin histochemistry allowed permanent visualization. The specific neurons involved in this circuit and the axonal contacts they received were easily visualized with the light microscope. This method allows the study of complex innervation patterns in the mammalian central nervous system.
The effects of corticosteroids and thyrotropin-releasing hormone on newborn adaptation and sympathoadrenal mechanisms in preterm sheep.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of prenatal corticosteroids and thyrotropin-releasing hormone on postnatal adaptation and sympathoadrenal function in preterm lambs. STUDY DESIGN: Catheterized fetal lambs received saline solution ( n = 6), corticosteroids alone ( n = 8), or corticosteroids plus thyrotropin-releasing hormone ( n = 6) for 60 hours. The lambs were delivered by cesarean section at a gestational age of 130 ± 1 days. Ventilatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic responses and plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured for 2 hours after birth. Statistical anaysis was performed by use of independent t tests or analysis of variance. RESULTS: Ventilatory function and cardiac contractility were significantly improved in both corticosteroid and corticosteroid plus thyrotropin-releasing hormone animals. Lambs treated with corticosteroid plus thyrotropin-releasing hormone had significantly higher aortic pressure and left ventricular blood pressure than either of the other groups. The postnatal norepinephrine and epinephrine surge was blunted in response to corticosteroid and corticosteroid plus thyrotropin-releasing hormone treatment. There were no differences in metabolic responses among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: In premature lambs prenatal exposure to corticosteroids and thyrotropin-releasing hormone improves postnatal cardiovascular adaptation more than corticosteroids alone.
The cause of global amphibian declines: a developmental endocrinologist's perspective

Greater than 70% of the world's amphibian species are in decline. We propose that there is probably not a single cause for global amphibian declines and present a three-tiered hierarchical approach that addresses interactions among and between ultimate and proximate factors that contribute to amphibian declines. There are two immediate (proximate) causes of amphibian declines: death and decreased recruitment (reproductive failure). Although much attention has focused on death, few studies have addressed factors that contribute to declines as a result of failed recruitment. Further, a great deal of attention has focused on the role of pathogens in inducing diseases that cause death, but we suggest that pathogen success is profoundly affected by four other ultimate factors: atmospheric change, environmental pollutants, habitat modification and invasive species. Environmental pollutants arise as likely important factors in amphibian declines because they have realized potential to affect recruitment. Further, many studies have documented immunosuppressive effects of pesticides, suggesting a role for environmental contaminants in increased pathogen virulence and disease rates. Increased attention to recruitment and ultimate factors that interact with pathogens is important in addressing this global crisis.
The DWBA description of the 90Zr(p,d)89Zr reaction at energies from 20 MeV to 185 MeV

Abstract Exact finite range DWBA calculations were performed for the lowest four transitions in the 90Zr(p,d)89Zr reaction at seven incident energies varying from 22.9 to 185 MeV. The energy dependence of the spectroscopic factors reported recently by other authors was not reproduced. We point out that the use of an effective p-n interaction related to G-matrix techniques in the DWBA amplitude for the transfer reaction cannot be justified so easily as for the case of inelastic nucleon scattering. Our present results show further that there is no need for such an effective interaction in the DWBA description of the (p,d) reaction.
Direct And Indirect Optical Solutions To Linear Algebraic Equations: Error Source Modeling

Direct and indirect solutions to linear algebraic equations (LAEs) are considered with attention to the use of optical acousto-optic (AO) systolic array processors. Specific attention is given to error sources in one AO systolic processor. A case study of an LAE solution is conducted. The first error source model for an optical systolic array processor is advanced. Using this and digital computer modeling, a direct solution is found to be less sensitive to various optical system error sources than is an indirect solution. Acoustic attenuation is found to be the dominant error source in the AO systolic array processor considered. Related error source remarks on different bipolar data representation schemes and on optical versus digital solutions to a triangular system of equations are also advanced.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sulfuric Acid-Ammonium Sulfate Aerosol: Optical Detection in the St. Louis Region

Nephelometric sensing of the deliquescence of ammonium sulfate produced by the reaction of sulfuric acid or ammonium bisulfate aerosol with ammonia provides a means for detecting these substances in air. Field experiments show them to be the dominant substances in the submicrometer, light-scattering aerosol in the St. Louis region.
AMP-activated protein kinase regulates neuronal polarization by interfering with PI 3-kinase localization

Axon-dendrite polarization is crucial for neural network wiring and information processing in the brain. Polarization begins with the transformation of a single neurite into an axon and its subsequent rapid extension, which requires coordination of cellular energy status to allow for transport of building materials to support axon growth. We found that activation of the energy-sensing adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway suppressed axon initiation and neuronal polarization. Phosphorylation of the kinesin light chain of the Kif5 motor protein by AMPK disrupted the association of the motor with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), preventing PI3K targeting to the axonal tip and inhibiting polarization and axon growth.
Two-phase pressure drop in a horizontal thin annulus: Effects of channel vibration and wall gas injection

Abstract Two-phase pressure drop in a narrow horizontal annular test section was experimentally investigated, using air and water as the working fluids. The annular test section had inner and outer diameters of 7.93 mm and 9.53 mm, respectively. In one group of tests (constant quality tests) air and water were mixed before entering the test section. In another group (variable quality tests), gas was injected into the test section via the porous inner test section wall. The liquid Reynolds number varied in the ReL = 50–9000 range, and the test section exit qualities covered the 0–25% range. The measured total pressure drops were compared with the predictions of a one-dimensional model with several two-phase frictional pressure drop correlations. The pressure variations caused by flow acceleration were calculated based on the homogeneous flow assumption. The correlation of Beattie and Whalley [D.R.H. Beattie, P.B. Whalley, A simplified two-phase frictional pressure drop prediction method, Int. J. Multiphase Flow 18 (1982) 83–87] agreed reasonably well with results of both groups of tests. The effect of lateral mechanical vibrations, imposed at the center of the test section, on two-phase pressure drop was also studied, with vibration amplitudes in the 0.034–0.2 mm range, and frequencies in the range 5–400 Hz. These effects were generally small.
Cholinergic and non-cholinergic afferents of the caudolateral parabrachial nucleus: a role in the long-term enhancement of rapid eye movement sleep

Abstract A single microinjection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol into the feline caudolateral parabrachial nucleus produces an immediate increase in state-independent ipsilateral ponto-geniculo-occipital waves, followed by a long-term rapid eye movement sleep enhancement lasting 7–10 days. Using retrogradely-transported fluorescent carbachol-conjugated nanospheres and choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry, afferent projections to this injection site for long-term rapid eye movement sleep enhancement were mapped and quantified. Six regions in the brain stem contained retrogradely-labelled cells: the raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus, laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, parabrachial nucleus, and the pontine reticular formation. The retrogradely-labelled (rhodamine+) cells in the pontine reticular formation and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus contributed the predominant input to the parabrachial nucleus injection site (34.3±5.3% and 28.4±5.6%, respectively), compared to the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (5.8±3.8%), parabrachial nucleus (13.5±3.1%), raphe nuclei (12.9±2.7%), and locus coeruleus (5.1±2.4%). By comparison with findings of afferent input to the induction site for short-latency rapid eye movement sleep in the anterodorsal pontine reticular formation, the parabrachial nucleus injection site is characterized by a similar proportion of afferents, except that the raphe nuclei were found to provide more than a two-fold greater input. Retrogradely-labelled neurons quantified in these nuclear regions consisted of 21.5% double-labelled (rhodamine+/choline acetyltransferase+) cholinergic and 78.5% noncholinergic (rhodamine+/choline acetyltransferase−) cells. The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus contributed the predominant (51.7±8.2%) cholinergic input, compared to laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (20.7±10.2%), parabrachial nucleus (23.1±7.5%), and pontine reticular formation (4.4±2.1%). A comparative analysis of the total retrogradely-labelled cells within each nuclear region which were also double-labelled showed the highest proportion in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (76.2±7.5%) compared to pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (39.4±3.6%), parabrachial nucleus (37.3±2.8%), and pontine reticular formation (3.2±2.1%). These data indicate that while pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus neurons exert a powerful cholinergic influence on the injection site for long-term rapid eye movement enhancement, a major component of the afferent circuitry is non-cholinergic. Since the non-cholinergic input includes contributions from the locus coeruleus and raphe nuclei, it is probable that the caudolateral parabrachial nucleus contains cholinergic and aminergic afferent systems that participate in the long-term enhancement of rapid eye movement sleep.
Global increase in cerebral metabolism and blood flow produced by focal electrical stimulation of dorsal medullary reticular formation in rat.

We sought to determine whether the increases in local cerebral blood flow (LBCF) elicited by focal electrical stimulation within the dorsal medullary reticular formation (DMRF), are secondary to or independent of, increased local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU). Rats were anesthetized (chloralose), paralyzed, artificially ventilated and arterial pressure and blood gases controlled. LCBF and LCGU were determined in two separate groups of animals, using the autoradiographic [14C]iodoantipyrine and [14C]2-deoxyglucose methods, respectively. In unstimulated controls, LCBF (n= 5) and LCGU (n= 5) were linearly related (r = 0.780; P < 0.001) in the 27 brain regions studied. During DMRF stimulation LCGU increased significantly in 21 of the 27 regions, including cerebral cortex (up to 168% of control), thalamic nuclei (up to 161%) and selected ponto-medullary regions (e.g. parabrachial complex: 212%; vestibular complex: 147%). Along with LCGU, LCBF rose significantly in 25 regions (sensory motor cortex: 163%; anterior thalamus: 161%; parabrachial complex: 186%). Correlation analysis demonstrated that, during DMRF stimulation, the close relationship between LCBF and LCGU is preserved (r = 0.845; P < 0.001) and that, in addition, the increase in LCBF (δ LCBF) is proportional to the increase in LCGU (δ LCGU) (δLCGU+ 6.92; r = 0.7729; P < 0.001). Excitation of neurons or fibers within DMRF increases brain metabolism globally and blood flow secondarily. The DMRF appears to modulate cerebral metabolism globally, by as yet undefined pathways.
Peripheral fields and branching patterns of buccal mechanosensory neurons in the opisthobranch mollusc,navanax inermis

Abstract A population of about 75 primary sensory cells were identified on the dorsal surface of each buccal ganglion of Navanax. Each sensory cell possesses at least one mechanosensitive field in the pharynengeal wall or lips that correlates somototopically with its position in the buccal ganglia. Many cells had additional fields that could be widely separated, requiring that their afferent processes branch. Cells were found with processes in more than one buccal nerve and with multiple processes in the same nerve. Hyperpolarization of the soma or repetitive electrical or physiological stimulation could cause failure of centripetal propagation of impulses. Impulses initiated in different branches could fail at different distances from the soma. Axon spikes that fail to invade the soma may or may not invade other branches. Axon spikes in separate branches that fail to invade the soma can summate to initiate an invading impulse. These findings suggest that integration of information from different branches may occur in a single sensory neuron.
Stochastic resonance in a double well.

A theoretical explanation for the phenomenon of stochastic resonance in a double well is presented. Starting with the standard Langevin description for this process, a systematic, time-dependent, perturbation-theory analysis of the associated Fokker-Planck equation yields stochastic resonance. In order to get stochastic resonance, the governing parameters must satisfy special inequalities. The analysis also produces these inequalities.
Chondrocranial morphology of Leptodactylus larvae (Leptodactylidae: Leptodactylinae): Its utility in phylogenetic reconstruction.

Chondrocranial morphology of leptodactylid frogs is scarcely known and has not been completely described for any species of Leptodacty- lus. We describe the diversity of chondrocranial morphology in the genus Leptodactylus based on the analysis of 22 species, representing the four species groups: the fuscus Group, ocellatus Group, melanonotus Group, and pentadactylus Group. Furthermore, 26 characters are identified and used in a phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis using Physalaemus, Cros- sodactylus, and Hylodes as outgroups suggests two monophyletic clades within Leptodactylus: the melanonotus-ocellatus clade and the pentadactylus- fuscus clade. However, it does not support the monophyly of the species groups as currently recognized and it suggests a paraphyletic Leptodactylus. Enforc- ing the monophyly of the ingroup, i.e., Leptodactylus, results in the same major two clades of Leptodactylus. Leptodactylus riveroi, a taxon previously unassigned to any species group, appears most closely related to the melano- notus-ocellatus clade based on chondrocranial characteristics. J. Morphol. 238:287-305, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Implications of Data Screens on Merger and Acquisition Analysis: A Large Sample Study of Mergers and Acquisitions from 1992-2009

We analyze the characteristics of transactions in a comprehensive set of mergers and acquisitions based on SDC data from 1992 through 2009. We do not impose restrictions found in previous empirical work such as excluding private bidders, small targets or those deals with no target value reported. We show that the scope of mergers and acquisitions activity is much broader than implied in the mergers and acquisitions literature, which tends to oversample larger deals involving publicly traded firms. Further, some results in the large sample are different than in the extant literature. For example, the finding that mergers occur in waves is attenuated with a larger sample, due to the greater presence of smaller and/or non-public firms. Also, acquirers gain in most takeovers even though acquirer announcement returns have decreased threefold from 1992 to 2009.