cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Bank Deregistration Following the 2012 JOBS Act

The 2012 JOBS Act increases the deregistration threshold for banks from 300 to 1200 shareholders of record. Our purpose is to understand whether the banks’ deregistration decision reflects an effort by slow growing banks to reduce excess compliance costs and/or whether the decision is associated with an attempt by corporate insiders to increase private benefits. The Act permits a set of banks to deregister with minimal transition costs and can thereby encourage deregistrations in the pursuit of limited private benefits. We find post-JOBS Act deregistrations differ from prior deregistrations. Unlike prior deregistrations, banks that deregister after the JOBS Act do not display a significant reduction in shareholders immediately prior to deregistration. Moreover, banks deregistering after the Act have significantly lower institutional ownership, more insider trading and insider loans, and do not display significantly lower asset growth. In contrast to positive returns during pre-JOBS Act deregistration announcements, announcement returns for post-JOBS Act deregistrations are insignificant. By reducing the costs of deregistration, our results suggest the Act allowed banks to capture private benefits while increasing the attractiveness of deregistration for higher growth banks.
Toward a Comprehensive Understanding of Allergic Lung Disease

Allergic asthma is a respiratory disease induced by exposure to environmental agents that elicit allergic inflammation and transient airway obstruction and which produce the characteristic symptoms of cough and dyspnea. Prior to the advent of experimental models, asthma was believed to be caused primarily by the degranulation of mast cells and eosinophils primed by antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). More recent studies in mice have shown that T cells primarily mediate antigen-dependent airway obstruction and allergic inflammation through secretion of the cytokines interleukin 4 (IL- 4) and IL-13. Our additional studies indicate that a major environmental link to asthma may be through exposure to environmental proteinases and especially airway infection by proteinase-producing organisms such as fungi. Pending verification in humans, these findings suggest entirely new therapeutic interventions in asthma that include the restricted use of anti-inflammatory therapy and universal application of anti-fungal agents.
Multiple‐Baseline Spaced Receivers

Multiple-baseline, spaced receivers provide a powerful means to determine the wavelength and phase velocity of electrostatic waves. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated using waves detected by probes on sounding rockets. Compared to single baseline measurements, advantages of using multiple-baseline spaced receivers include: (1) the ability to provide independent determinations of phase velocity and wavelength; (2) the ability to determine the properties of short-lived or transient wave events with greater confidence; (3) the ability to resolve 2nπ ambiguities particularly for non-spinning components; and (4) the ability to more easily identify spatial resonance effects. Drawbacks of such multi-baseline probes include potentially more complicated deployment systems and the need for additional electronics, memory, and telemetry.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic-radioreceptor assay of human cerebrospinal fluid neuropeptides. Maximizing recovery of picomoles of peptides and minimizing memory.

Abstract Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) is used to analyze neuropeptides in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from patients suffering from lower-back pain. Because CSF contains only femtomole to picomole amounts of those peptides, it is important to minimize any sample memory effect, while maximizing peptide recovery and avoiding any potential artifactual peak formation during chromatography. This study describes the phenomenon of active site occupancy by peptides on the RP-HPLC column, which is crucial when studying CSF where femtomole to picomole amounts of neuropeptides could be lost. Knowledge of those basic Chromatographic factors is important whenever biologic extracts of peptides are applied to and eluted from an RP-HPLC column and then detected off-line with a radioreceptor assay, which is sensitive at the picomole level.
Hydrogen bonding: VII. Low temperature infrared spectral studies of potassium dihydrogen trifluoride, trihydrogen tetrafluoride, and tetrahydrogen pentafluoride; structure of the H3F−4 ION

Abstract We have recorded the infrared spectra of crystalline K + H 2 F 3 − , K + H 3 F 4 − , and K + H 4 F 5 − at room temperature and 12–18 K. The broad (400 cm −1 ) anion F-H stretching bands for these three salts are not resolved at low temperature; however, in each case the F-H-F bending region is resolved into the maximum number of bands predicted by theory. The complexity of the F-H-F bending mode region shows the H 4 F 5 − ion to be of lower symmetry than predicted by X-ray studies. The H 3 F 4 − ion has three hydrogen fluorides hydrogen bonded to a central fluoride ion, rather than a chain type structure. The F-H stretching bands for the three ions have very similar frequencies (1750–1800 cm −1 ), which shows the hydrogen bonds in the three ions to be of about the same strength, and to be significantly weaker than the hydrogen bond in the HF 2 − ion.
Implications of Oil Inflows for Savings and Reserve Management in the CEMAC

This paper argues that as part of their fiscal optimization strategies CEMAC countries should be given the opportunity to invest into longer-term assets that generate market-based returns. The BEAC has created a framework of longer-term savings funds but due to low remuneration and other factors usage has remained limited. The paper also argues that regional savings in the form of reserve accumulation must be sufficient to ensure the stability of the common currency. While the current level of common foreign reserves may now be appropriate, maintaining an adequate level calls for a link between country-specific savings decisions and the setting of a regional reserve target. Strengthening and diversifying reserve management will also be desirable, a process the BEAC has embarked upon.
Syntheses of carbocyclic uracil polyoxin C analogs: application of Pd(0)/InI-allylation of 4-acetoxy-2-azetidinone.

Carbocyclic uracil polyoxin C analogs are prepared from an acylnitroso-derived hetero Diels−Alder cycloadduct in fewer than nine steps. Pd(0)/InI-mediated allylation of 4-acetoxy-2-azetidinone is used to install the β-amino acid side chain at the C-5′ position of the carbocycle.
Charged cyclodextrin-mediated sample stacking in micellar capillary electrophoresis: A simple method for enhancing the detection sensitivity of hydrophobic compounds

The development of on-line sample stacking techniques for enhancing limits of detection of neutral analytes in micellar capillary electrophoresis (MCE) has recently gained much attention. Utilizing high-conductivity sample matrices to invoke sample stacking is promising, but requires the limited use of sample solubilizing agents such as alcohols in the sample matrix. In this study, we show how simple replacement of the sample solvent (methanol) with a solution of sulfated beta-cyclodextrin (s beta-CD) allows a significant increase in the sensitivity of detection of model hydrophobic analytes. This increase in sensitivity is accompanied by significant peak sharpening. Sulfated CDs in the sample matrix allow for effective solubilization of hydrophobic analytes without the use of organic solvents such as methanol. The testing of various sample matrix s beta-CD concentrations for their effect on peak sharpening identified 3 to 5% as optimal for the estrogen standards. The use of a s beta-CD sample matrix allowed for hydrostatic injections (3.5 kPa) of 297 s, compared with 4 s when the analytes were dissolved in methanol. A mechanism explaining the s beta-CD-induced effect involves an analyte transfer mechanism where the s beta-CDs, despite providing anodic mobility to analytes in the sample zone, are able to transfer analytes to trailing separation buffer micelles for "recycling" back into the sample zone without compromising the stacking process. The overall improvement in sensitivity allows detection of estrogens in the parts-per-billion range and stands to improve the utility of MCE as a bioanalytical technique.
Do prenatal steroids improve the survival of late preterm infants with complex congenital heart defects

AIM: We evaluated the use of prenatal steroids (PNS) and the effect of that practice on hospital mortality of late preterm infants with complex congenital heart defects (CHD). METHODS: Retrospective review of records of late preterm infants with complex CHD infants that were cared for in a single tertiary perinatal center between 2002 and 2009. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which of the risk factors commonly associated with death prior to discharge from the hospital predict the outcome (hospital death). RESULTS: Of the 106 late preterm infants with complex CHD, 31(29%) died and 15 (14%) received PNS. Endotracheal intubation in the delivery room (42% vs 15%), necrotizing enterocolitis (10% vs 0%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (52% vs 25%) were statistically more frequent in non-surviving infants. Non-surviving infants were more frequently treated with PNS (23% vs 11%) but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.131). Using logistic regression analysis, delivery room intubation (OR 4.91; 95% CI 1.78 – 13.51) and the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.28 – 8.48), but not prenatal steroids were independently associated with increased risk of hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected population of late preterm infants with complex CHD, prenatal steroid treatment did not independently influence survival.
Comparison of Visualization Methods Used to Measure the Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratio in Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios are commonly determined after these phospholipids are separated by thin-layer chromatography and made visible by one of several methods. Here, we comprehensively survey the experiences of other authors with these visualization methods, and we have evaluated the available techniques. We report standard curves of dipalmityl lecithin and sphingomyelin made visible by six of these methods. Bromthymol blue in ammonia vapor or charring with either sulfuric acid:water (1:1 by vol) or potassium dichromate (10 g/liter) in sulfuric acid:water (7:3 by vol) produces spots of similar intensity for both phospholipids. However, iodine vapor, a phosphomolybdic acid dip, or charring with ammonium sulfate, produces more intense sphingomyelin spots. We recommend that ( a ) visualization methods be used that produce similar spot intensities for both phospholipids so that the ratio determined reflects the actual relative amounts of lecithin and sphingomyelin, and ( b ) if clinical predictions are made based on interpretation tables provided in the literature, the visualization method on which the ratio interpretation tables are based gives results that correlate with the actual ratio.
The hyperthermophile chromosomal protein Sac7d sharply kinks DNA

The proteins Sac7d and Sso7d belong to a class of small chromosomal proteins from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and S. solfactaricus, respectively. These proteins are extremely stable to heat, acid and chemical agents. Sac7d binds to DNA without any particular sequence preference and thereby increases its melting temperature by approximately 40 degrees C. We have now solved and refined the crystal structure of Sac7d in complex with two DNA sequences to high resolution. The structures are examples of a nonspecific DNA-binding protein bound to DNA, and reveal that Sac7d binds in the minor groove, causing a sharp kinking of the DNA helix that is more marked than that induced by any sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins. The kink results from the intercalation of specific hydrophobic side chains of Sac7d into the DNA structure, but without causing any significant distortion of the protein structure relative to the uncomplexed protein in solution.
On the recoverable and dissipative parts of higher order stresses in strain gradient plasticity

Abstract The expressions for the free energy in two recent formulations of strain gradient plasticity are extended to include the locked-in strain energy around statistically stored dislocations. This is accomplished by using the strain dependent factor η(ep), which represents the fraction of the rate of plastic work converted into heat in accordance with the latent heat measurements from classical metal plasticity. The expressions for the plastic work in the two formulations differ by different representations of the portion of plastic work associated with the existence of plastic strain gradients and the corresponding network of geometrically necessary dislocations, while the dissipative parts of plastic work are assumed to be the same in both formulations. The expressions for the recoverable and dissipative parts of the higher order stresses, defined as the work-conjugates to plastic strain and its gradient, are then derived. It is shown that the stress and strain fields of isothermal boundary-value problems of strain gradient plasticity are independent of η, but that this factor may be of importance for non-isothermal analysis in which the dissipated plastic work acts as an internal heat source. The effects of plastic strain gradient on the plastic response of twisted hollow circular tubes made of a rigid-plastic material with different hardening properties are then evaluated and discussed.
Line, point and surface defect morphology of graded, relaxed GeSi alloys on Si substrates

Abstract Relaxed, graded UHVCVD GeSi layers on Si substrates have been studied to determine the critical processes which control the material quality. Although low threading dislocation densities can be achieved in these relaxed structures, we observe that there is an increase in threading dislocation density with an increase in final Ge concentration in the graded composition layer. Such unexpected behavior for graded layers is connected to the interaction of gliding threading dislocations with the rough surface of the relaxing layer. We have developed a model which can explain the formation of dislocation pile-ups and the associated impact on surface morphology in relaxed, graded GeSi layers. Rare, deep regions of the surface cross-hatch pattern, created by groups of misfit dislocations located in the dislocated graded region, can block gliding threading dislocations, leading to dislocation pile-ups and greater threading dislocation densities. With subsequent growth, the surface becomes more rough due to the influence of the inhomogeneous strain fields on the local growth rate. We show that this vicious cycle of inhomogeneous defect distribution, surface modification, and pile-up formation can be drastically tempered by growing the relaxed layers on off-cut substrates. In addition, we show that the highly dislocated region of the buffer getters background impurities and typically lowers the intrinsic carrier concentration to below 10 14 cm −3 . If the growth temperature of the buffer is too low, however, dislocation glide in the graded region can generate acceptor-like point defects. These point defects can be easily annihilated with a short 900 °C anneal. Such behavior is entirely consistent with early results obtained from plastically deformed bulk Si.
Not a split decision for human hematopoiesis.

Hematopoietic lineage schemes commonly show two distinct lymphoid and myeloid branches arising from the hematopoietic stem cell early during blood cell development. A new study of human hematopoiesis demonstrates that, similar to findings in mice, this split is not as dichotomous as is often presented.
A feature model of coupling technologies for Earth System Models

Couplers that link together two or more numerical simulations are well-known abstractions in the Earth System Modeling (ESM) community. In the past decade, reusable software assets have emerged to facilitate scientists in implementing couplers. While there is a large amount of overlap in the features supported by software coupling technologies, their implementations differ significantly in terms of both functional and non-functional properties. Using a domain analysis method called feature analysis, we explore the spectrum of features supported by coupling technologies used to build today's production ESMs.
Nicardipine, a new calcium channel blocker: Role for vascular selectivity

Calcium channel blockers are important drugs for the treatment of chronic stable angina. However, negative inotropic and dromotropic effects may limit their usefulness in patients with atrioventricular conduction abnormalities or left ventricular dysfunction. A new generation of calcium channel blockers will soon be available that have a more vascular selective action than currently available agents. Of the new agents, nicardipine has been most extensively studied. In experimental studies, nicardipine is more specific for vascular smooth muscle than for cardiac smooth muscle and for coronary than peripheral vasculature. In controlled trials, nicardipine exhibited efficacy and safety that was comparable to older calcium blockers or beta blockers. However, nicardipine was associated with minimal negative inotropic or dromotropic effects even in patients with existing left ventricular dysfunction. Thus, nicardipine may have an advantage over existing calcium channel blockers, especially in patients with underlying cardiac disease.
Effect of interfacial dipoles on charge traps in organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells

We introduce a bias-dependent fluorescence modulation technique to directly probe charge transfer processes at the organic–inorganic interface of working bilayer hybrid solar cells. Large hysteresis in bilayer P3HT–TiO2 devices indicates the presence of charge traps at the interface, unlike in P3HT-COOH–TiO2 devices. The results provide insights into enhancing interfacial interactions between organic and inorganic materials using modifiers such as –COOH, for the rational design of efficient hybrid solar cells.
SUB 3-micron gap microplasma fet with 50 V turn-on voltage

This work reports the smallest microplasma field-effect transistor reported till date that operates with a low turn-on voltage of ~50V dc; a more than 3x reduction in the turn-on voltage compared to earlier reported work. Our previous work used plasma from an external source to operate the transistor while in the present work we use rf or dc voltage to directly generate plasma in the transistor channel and use dc gate field effect to control the device conduction. The reduction in turn-on voltage is achieved by a small plasma cavity of 1.5μm gap width.
Self-reactive B cells in nonautoimmune and autoimmune mice

The defining feature of autoimmune disease is the presence of specific autoreactive lymphocytes. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), for example, is characterized by a discrete set of antibodies directed to nuclear antigens; these include autoantibodies to DNA and snRNPs that are diagnostic for SLE. The murine model of SLE, theMRL-lpr/lpr mouse, likewise, has a similar autoantibody profile. To understand how SLE-associated autoantibodies are regulated in healthy individuals and to identify mechanisms underlying their expression in autoimmunity, we have developed a transgenic (tg) model system using multiple sets of tgs. The development of B cells bearing these tgs has been studied in B ALB/c andMRL-lpr/lpr autoimmune backgrounds, and the relative fates of anti-ssDNA and anti-dsDNA tg B cells when they are a part of a diverse as well as monoclonal B cell repertoire have been evaluated.
The future of programming languages: evidence to support a midwest university information systems curriculum

The university curriculum for an Information Systems program has become a challenge for colleges and universities. This paper determined the status of programming languages used by business and industry for application development in a regional area located in the Midwest. The paper reflected the percentage of what languages were being used, the increase, decrease, or nonusage of languages, ranked the current and future use of languages, and identified business and industry recommendations for curriculum content in a university program.
A method of adjustment for preferred levels of capsaicin in liquid and solid food systems among panelists of two ethnic groups and comparison to hedonic scaling

Abstract Preferred levels of capsaicin were determined by a method of adjustment and acceptability scaling in two groups, American descendants and Mexicans living in the United States in two food systems. Four chicken stock and four rice samples with different concentrations of capsaicin (0, 4, 8, and 16 ppm) rated for degree of liking. Groups of subjects with monotonically increasing, monotonically decreasing and peaked functions of liking across the concentrations were observed in both ethnic groups. Chicken stock and rice samples were also adjusted by each panelist to their preferred level of hotness. In the first study this was accomplished by mixing with a concentrated version of the food item. In the second study adjustment was made by adding a concentrated solution of capsaicin to the food base, much like adding a hot sauce to food. Adjustment and scaling methods agreed in that a higher concentration was preferred in the rice sample as opposed to the concentration in soup. Estimated optima from adjustment and scaling were positively correlated in both studies. However, adjustment yielded lower estimated optima than scaling. Reliability estimates, based on correlation across replicates, were similar for the two methods. In the first experiment (mixing with a concentrated food), reliability for soup and rice adjustment gave r -values of +0.77 and +0.52, respectively. In the second study (adjustment by a concentrated ‘sauce’), r -values were +0.82 for soup and +0.89 for rice. The adjustment method provides a reliable and flexible technique for determining preferred heat levels in food systems.
Focusing on quality assurance

Quality care for patients is important for not only maintaining a healthy private practice, but also for maintaining high standards of professionalism for dentistry itself. This article discusses historical origins, perspectives, goals, and the ADA’s Office of Quality Assurance—the liaison between the dentist and external regulating groups that place demands on the dental community.
The A0.6Nb5Se8 (A = Eu, Pb, Sn, and Sr) structure: A trigonal prismatic variation of the TIV5S8 channel structure

Abstract Three new ternary niobium selenides A0.6Nb5Se8, A = Sr, Pb, and Sn, have been synthesized. The new compounds have the previously reported Eu0.6Nb5Se8 structure, as judged by the similarity in intensities and positions of lines on X-ray powder patterns. Lattice constants at 298 K are: a = 17.925(13), b = 3.425(2), c = 19.464(12) A , β = 107.89(6) o (Eu 0.6 Nb 5 Se 8 ) a = 17.970(6), b = 3.420(1), c = 19.525(6) A , β = 107.88(3) o (Pb 0.6 Nb 5 Se 8 ) a = 17.941(7), b = 3.414(1), c = 19.510(6) A , β = 107.85(3) o (Sn 0.6 Nb 5 Se 8 ) a = 18.007(10), b = 3.425(2), c = 19.462(8) A , β = 107.93(5) o (Sr 0.6 Nb 5 Se 8 ) The A0.6Nb5Se8 structure comprises a 3∞[Nb5S8] framework built from NbSe2-type trigonal prismatic layers parallel to the (001) plane that are interconnected by face sharing to double chains of staggered edge-shared [NbSe6] octahedra along the b direction. This 3∞[Nb5S8] framework leaves channels parallel to b in which the A atoms lie. The A0.6Nb5Se8 structure is distinct from the TIV5S8 structure, in which all the transition-metal atoms are octahedrally coordinated.
Emotional experience and perception in the absence of facial feedback.

The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that facial expressions are either necessary or sufficient to produce emotional experience. Researchers have noted that the ideal test of the necessity aspect of this hypothesis would be an evaluation of emotional experience in a patient suffering from a bilateral facial paralysis; however, this condition is rare and no such report has been documented. We examined the role of facial expressions in the determination of emotion by studying a patient (F.P.) suffering from a bilateral facial paralysis. Despite her inability to convey emotions through facial expressions, F.P. reported normal emotional experience. When F.P. viewed emotionally evocative slides her reactions were not dampened relative to the normative sample. F.P. retained her ability to detect, discriminate, and image emotional expressions. These findings are not consistent with theories stating that feedback from an active face is necessary to experience emotion, or to process emotional facial expressions.
Interactions Among General Systems of Cracks and Anticracks: An Integral Equation Approach

An integral equation approach based on the fundamental solutions due to point loads and point dislocations in an elastic body is utilized for this purpose. A Gauss Chebychev quadrature is used to reduce the integral equations to a system of linear equations consisting of the distributions of Burger's dislocation vectors and forces on the cracks and the anticracks, respectively
Dream City, Plaster City: Worlds’ Fairs and the Gilding of American Material Culture

This article focuses on the “gilding” in the Gilded Age: the imitative finishes and faux facades that made the artifice of the Gilded Age possible. By drawing from the history of international world’s fairs and results from the 2008 archaeological excavation of Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, these imitative forms can be seen to have provided an authentically transformative experience to those who consumed them by virtue of their cheap and temporary materials. Finally, looking at the twenty-first-century “McMansions” of the Second Gilded Age shows a similar drive to sustain illusions of affluence and status through imitative material forms.
Sebaceous cyst extraction through mini-incisions

A method for removing sebaceous cysts through a mini-incision using 5 per cent phenol is described. It is recommended for selected cases where it is important to leave the minimal surgical scar.
Credit for impact theory.

In the news focus story "Impact theory gets whacked” (11 October, p. 183), D. Clery summarizes the present conundrum we face in understanding the Moon’s eerie isotopic similarity to the Earth. However, it contains one oversight in ascribing the proposal of the giant impact hypothesis to William Hartmann and Donald Davis (1) in 1975. In actuality, two groups developed this idea contemporaneously and both discussed essentially the same idea at a Cornell conference in 1974, at which all four researchers were present. Hartmann and Davis directly acknowledged this in a footnote in their paper.
Optical filter design with holographic photopolymer materials and selective buried ion exchange optical waveguides

In this presentation we discuss a digital signal processing approach to optical component design and the fabrication of components in photopolymer layers and ion exchange waveguides. This technique is useful in designing complex filters such asapodized and cascaded gratings. We then illustrate the design process for a new type of Bragg filter formed in an edge illuminated holographic photopolymer. The filter can readily be apodized to reduce side lobes and cascaded to form various types of passband filters. In order to integrate filters of different types with optical fiber networks we describe a selectively buried ion exchange waveguide that provides efficient coupling between optical fibers and polymer materials deposited on the surface of the waveguide.
Programmable DDRx Controllers

Modern memory controllers employ sophisticated address mapping, command scheduling, and power management optimizations to alleviate the adverse effects of DRAM timing and resource constraints on system performance. A promising way of improving the versatility and efficiency of these controllers is to make them programmable. Unfortunately, the stringent latency and throughput requirements of modern DDRx (double data rate memory interface technology) devices have rendered such programmability largely impractical, confining DDRx controllers to fixed-function hardware. Pardis is the first programmable memory controller that can meet these challenges and thus satisfy the performance requirements of a high-speed DDRx interface.
The role of home care service in family care of developmentally disabled children: an exploratory study.

Recent concern about the needs of developmentally disabled children living at home has led to increased attention to family support programs. Home care service is one family support option which should be viewed as a basic fundamental support strategy. An exploratory study of a small number of families caring for developmentall disabled children in New York City indicates that publicly-funded home care produces a great number of benefits for this special population.
Working Women of Early Modern Venice. By Monica Chojnacka. Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001. Pp. xxii, 188. $32.50.

In this carefully researched book, Monica Chojnacka stresses the independence of working women in early modern Venice. Accepting the premise that, in general, the wives, sisters, and daughters of the nobility led highly restricted lives throughout this period, she argues that both economic forces and the formation of new charitable institutions benefited popolane (non-elite women) by providing them with forms of sociability, community, and agency that were denied their social superiors.
Mechanotransduction in the renal tubule

The role of mechanical forces in the regulation of glomerulotubular balance in the proximal tubule (PT) and Ca2+ signaling in the distal nephron was first recognized a decade ago, when it was propo...
Regulation of NFATc2 gene expression by the transcription factor Runx2

NFATc2 is a transcription factor that has been shown to function as a repressor of cartilage cell growth and differentiation in mice. In order to understand the transcriptional regulation of NFATc2 gene expression, we have cloned and characterized approximately 2.5 kb 5'-flanking regions of the mouse and human NFATc2 genes. Sequence analysis of the promoters revealed putative binding sites for the Runx family of transcription factors, of which one member, Runx2, plays a key role in chondrocyte maturation and osteoblast differentiation. Using promoter-reporter assays we have shown that Runx2 overexpression results in a significant increase in NFATc2 transactivation in fibroblastic, mesenchymal and chondrocytic cells. Runx2 overexpression also resulted in a substantial increase in endogenous NFATc2 mRNA levels in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells implicating the NFATc2 gene as a potential downstream target of Runx2. Our results suggest that the role of Runx2 in promoting chondrocyte maturation and hypertrophy may be mediated, at least in part, via the stimulation of NFATc2 expression.
The Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome.

Five unrelated children born to epileptic women treated with hydantoin anticonvulsants were found to have a similar broad multi-system pattern of abnormalities, including craniofacial anomalies, nail and digital hypoplasia, prenatal-onset growth deficiency, and mental deficiency. This altered pattern of morphogenesis is distinct from other recognized disorders, including the trimethadione syndrome (see preceding article). It has been reported only in the offspring of women using hydantoins, thus justifying the term "fetal hydantoin syndrome."
Recession effects on the forests and forest products industries of the South.

The economic recession affected southern forests and related industries substantially, particularly those sectors most closely related to home construction. Between 2005 and 2009, for example, the three primary forestry sectors wood manufacturing, paper manufacturing, and forestry and logging lost more than 110,000 jobs in the southern United States. This article assesses the effects of the recession on the southern U.S. by reviewing existing data related to economic and resource impacts, including employment, timber product output, production facilities, state economies, exports, and forest area and management activities. While all sectors were affected, wood products and furniture manufacturing experienced the greatest change. As a result of the downturn, the South's forest sector's direct contribution to the regional economies decreased by 24 percent between 2004 and 2009. Some developments such as rebounding paper consumption, expanding export markets, and bioenergy, however, offer potential growth op...
The rapid expression of myocardial hsp 70 mRNA and the heat shock 70 kDa protein can be achieved after only a brief period of retrograde hyperthermic perfusion.

The induction of heat shock proteins in the myocardium has been suggested as a possible intervention to allow for enchanced cardioprotection. We have postulated that a brief period of retrograde hyperthermic perfusion would be sufficient to induce Hsp 70 mRNA and protein accumulation. To investigate this hypothesis, rat hearts (n = 45) were perfused at 37°C for 30 min, then perfused for 15 min at 42°C, and allowed to recover at 37°C for 120 min. Control hearts (n = 23) were perfused at 37°C continuously. Northern analysis indicated that in hearts treated with a brief period of retrograde hyperthermic perfusion Hsp 70 mRNA levels were increased 2.85 ± 0.02-fold (P<0.01) by 10 min, 4.88 ± 0.94-fold (P<0.01) by 15 min, 9.19 ± 0.62-fold (P<0.001) by 30 min, 9.4 ± 0.52-fold (P<0.001) by 60 min, 9.45 ± 0.57-fold (P<0.001) by 90 min and 9.66 ± 0.99-fold (P<0.001) by 120 min of normothermic recovery as compared to control hearts. Western analysis revealed that the heat inducible Hsp 72 kDa protein was increased 2.37 ± 0.45-fold (P<0.01) at 60 min, 2.53 ± 0.25-fold (P<0.01) at 90 min, and 2.7 ± 0.6&-fold (P<0.01) at 120 min when compared to control hearts. Our results indicate that the induction of the heat shock protein Hsp 70 can be rapidly achieved through retrograde hyperthermic perfusion of the myocardium.
A Biophysical Model of the Mitochondrial Respiratory System and Oxidative Phosphorylation

A computational model for the mitochondrial respiratory chain that appropriately balances mass, charge, and free energy transduction is introduced and analyzed based on a previously published set of data measured on isolated cardiac mitochondria. The basic components included in the model are the reactions at complexes I, III, and IV of the electron transport system, ATP synthesis at F1F0 ATPase, substrate transporters including adenine nucleotide translocase and the phosphate–hydrogen co-transporter, and cation fluxes across the inner membrane including fluxes through the K+/H+ antiporter and passive H+ and K+ permeation. Estimation of 16 adjustable parameter values is based on fitting model simulations to nine independent data curves. The identified model is further validated by comparison to additional datasets measured from mitochondria isolated from rat heart and liver and observed at low oxygen concentration. To obtain reasonable fits to the available data, it is necessary to incorporate inorganic-phosphate-dependent activation of the dehydrogenase activity and the electron transport system. Specifically, it is shown that a model incorporating phosphate-dependent activation of complex III is able to reasonably reproduce the observed data. The resulting validated and verified model provides a foundation for building larger and more complex systems models and investigating complex physiological and pathophysiological interactions in cardiac energetics.
Topological feature vectors for exploring topological relationships

Topological relationships between spatial objects such as overlap, disjoint, and inside have for a long time been a focus of research in a number of disciplines like cognitive science, robotics, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and spatial reasoning. In particular as predicates, they support the design of suitable query languages for spatial data retrieval and analysis in spatial database systems and Geographic Information Systems. While conceptual aspects of topological predicates (like their definition and reasoning with them) as well as strategies for avoiding unnecessary or repetitive predicate evaluations (like predicate migration and spatial index structures) have been emphasized, the development of correct and efficient implementation techniques for them has been rather neglected. Recently, the design of topological predicates for different combinations of complex spatial data types has led to a large increase of their numbers and accentuated the need for their efficient implementation. The goal of this article is to develop efficient implementation techniques of topological predicates for all combinations of the complex spatial data types point2D, line2D, and region2D, as they have been specified by different authors and in different commercial and public domain software packages. Our solution is a two-phase approach. In the exploration phase, for a given scene of two spatial objects, all topological events like intersection and meeting situations are recorded in two precisely defined topological feature vectors (one for each argument object of a topological predicate) whose specifications are characteristic and unique for each combination of spatial data types. These vectors serve as input for the evaluation phase which analyzes the topological events and determines the Boolean result of a topological predicate or the kind of topological predicate. This paper puts an emphasis on the exploration phase and the definition of the topological feature vectors. In addition, it presents a straightforward evaluation method.
Characterization of gut microbiomes in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients: A connection between endogenous alcohol and NASH

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious liver disease associated with obesity. Characterized by metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, and liver inflammation, NASH is believed to be under the influence of the gut microflora. Here, the composition of gut bacterial communities of NASH, obese, and healthy children was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA pyrosequencing. In addition, peripheral blood ethanol was analyzed to monitor endogenous ethanol production of patients and healthy controls. UniFrac-based principle coordinates analysis indicated that most of the microbiome samples clustered by disease status. Each group was associated with a unique pattern of enterotypes. Differences were abundant at phylum, family, and genus levels between healthy subjects and obese patients (with or without NASH), and relatively fewer differences were observed between obese and the NASH microbiomes. Among those taxa with greater than 1% representation in any of the disease groups, Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia were the only phylum, family and genus types exhibiting significant difference between obese and NASH microbiomes. Similar blood-ethanol concentrations were observed between healthy subjects and obese non-NASH patients, but NASH patients exhibited significantly elevated blood ethanol levels. Conclusions: The increased abundance of alcohol-producing bacteria in NASH microbiomes, elevated blood-ethanol concentration in NASH patients, and the well-established role of alcohol metabolism in oxidative stress and, consequently, liver inflammation suggest a role for alcohol-producing microbiota in the pathogenesis of NASH. We postulate that the distinct composition of the gut microbiome among NASH, obese, and healthy controls could offer a target for intervention or a marker for disease. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
Endoscopic coverage of fetal myelomeningocele in utero

Abstract Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery for the coverage of myelomeningocele in utero. Study Design: Women in the mid-second trimester of a pregnancy complicated by fetal myelomeningocele were offered an experimental procedure designed to prevent ongoing exposure of the spinal cord to the intrauterine environment. The procedure consisted of maternal laparotomy while the patient was under both general and epidural anesthesia, with exposure of the gravid uterus. Endoscopic ports were placed for camera and operating instruments. Amniotic fluid was removed and replaced with carbon dioxide. The fetus was then positioned and a maternal split-thickness skin graft was placed over the exposed spinal cord or neural elements. The skin graft and a covering of Surgicel Absorbable Hemostat were attached with fibrin glue prepared from autologous cryoprecipitate. Results: Four fetuses with open myelomeningocele underwent endoscopic coverage of the spinal lesion between 22 weeks 3 days and 24 weeks 3 days of gestation. One infant, delivered by planned cesarean section at 35 weeks' gestation after demonstration of fetal lung maturity, is almost 3 years old. A second infant was delivered by cesarean section at 28 weeks after preterm labor and is now almost 6 months old. Both survivors manifest only mild motor and somatosensory deficits. One fetus who was delivered 1 week after operation after development of amnionitis died in the delivery room of extreme prematurity. The final fetus died intraoperatively from abruptio placentae. Conclusion: Minimally invasive fetal surgery appears to constitute a feasible approach to nonlethal fetal malformations that result in progressive and disabling organ damage. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:153-8.)
Fracture-toughness testing of limestone

Fracture-toughness measurements were made on standard three-point-bend fracture specimens of Indiana limestone. Specimen dimensions, experimental techniques, and methods of data reduction were chosen to comply as closely as possible to the Tentative Method of Test for Plane Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials (ASTM Designation: E399-72T). Typical strain-gage-type clip-in displacement gages were found to lack the necessary sensitivity for measuring the crack-opening displacement while an LVDT displacement transducer having a linear range of ±0.25 mm (±0.010 in.) was found to be ideal.
Determinants of inflation in the Islamic Republic of Iran--a macroeconomic analysis

This study establishes a framework for analyzing the major determinants of inflation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. An empirical model was estimated by taking into consideration disequilibria in the markets for money, foreign exchange, and goods. Results strongly support the need for a sustained prudent monetary policy in order to reduce inflation and stabilize the foreign exchange market. The estimation shows that an excess money supply generates an increase in the rate of inflation that, in turn, intensifies asset substitution (from money to foreign exchange), thereby weakening real demand for money and exerting pressures on the foreign exchange market. The study also found that a permanent rise in real income tends to increase the real demand for money and reduces inflation in the long run.
High throughput paper spray mass spectrometry analysis.

Abstract Background Fast analysis of chemicals in samples of complex mixtures is important for many analytical applications including therapeutic drug monitoring and food safety screening. Methods Based on the paper spray technology developed recently, a high throughput device was developed in this work and used for evaluation of the fast quantitative analysis using paper spray mass spectrometry. Results The performance of the method was characterized with bovine blood samples spiked with sunitinib and nicotine. At optimized condition, relatively fast analysis speed of 7 s/sample was achieved with relatively good LOQs (1 ng/ml) and quantitation. Conclusion In an application of the method for food screening, LODs better than 1 ng/g were achieved for clenbuterol in beef.
Right choice for optical bus interconnect: metallic-hollow-core-waveguides or multimode polymer waveguides?

The performance of metallic-hollow-core-waveguides (MHCWs) and multimode polymer waveguides (MMPWs) are numerically evaluated using ray-tracing method for complex board level optical interconnects sys- tems such as optical bus. Based on an ideal model neglecting the wave- guide surface roughness, we find that MHCWs will provide lower optical loss for small curvature bending waveguides, 45 deg micro-mirror couplers and optical beam splitters, while MMPWs shows a better optical transmis- sionfor straight waveguides. The conclusion is thatMHCWs will be a better choice than MMPWs for complex optical bus architectures in terms of per- formance, cost and stability. © 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
An Upward Looking Airborne Millimeter Wave Radiometer For Atmospheric Water Vapor Sounding And Rain Detection

A 90/180 GHz multichannel radiometer is currently under development for NASA's 1985 Hurricane Mission onboard the Convair 990 research aircraft. The radiometer will be a fixed beam instrument with dual corrugated horns and a common lens antenna designed to operate simultaneously at 90 and 180 GHz. The all solid state front-end will contain three double side band data channels at 90 + or - 3 GHz, 180 + or - 3 GHz, and 180 + or - 7 GHz. The airborne radiometer will mount in a window port on the CV-990 and will maintain a fixed beam view approximately 14 degrees off zenith. The radiometer design is a Dicke chopper arrangement selected to achieve maximum absolute temperature accuracy and minimum brightness temperature sensitivity. Analog outputs of the three data channels will be calibrated dc voltages representing the observed radiometric brightness temperatures over the selected integration time.
Characterization and modeling of stiffness reduction in SCS-6-Ti composites under low cycle fatigue loading

Abstract The stiffness reduction and evolution of microstructural damage of a unidirectional silicon carbide fiber reinforced titanium matrix composite under tension-tension fatigue were investigated. Tests were conducted under load control with maximum applied stresses ranging from 750 to 945 MPa. The crack density of the interfacial reaction layer and matrix, matrix crack length, and interfacial debonding length as a function of fatigue cycles and applied stress levels were measured. The results showed that the composites exhibited an initial regime with slow stiffness reduction, followed by a rapid stiffness drop regime and a plateau regime with minimal change in stiffness for the applied stress levels used in this study. The residual stiffness at N = 10 6 cycles is independent of the applied stress levels, while the microstructural damage accumulation varied with the applied stresses. A partial crack shear-lag model was also developed to predict the residual stiffness as a function of fatigue damage accumulation. Analytical simulation indicated that the profile of the stiffness reduction curves was dominated by the matrix crack density, while the extent of stiffness reduction was dominated by the matrix crack length.