cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial of active versus expectant management of the third stage of labor

STAGE OF LABOR MATTHEW HOFFMAN, FATIMA NAQVI, ANTHONY SCISCIONE, Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware, Christiana Care Health Services, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Newark, Delaware, Drexel University College of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare active management of the third stage of labor to the more traditional expectant management. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of women who had an uncomplicated term vaginal delivery. Women were randomized to either expectant or active management of the third stage of labor before delivery. Active management consisted of a standardized oxytocin infusion immediately following delivery of the fetus coupled with cord traction and fundal massage. The expectant group had cord traction and fundal massage upon signs of placental separation coupled with a standardized oxytocin infusion following placental delivery. Our primary outcome variable was the mean change in hematocrit pre and post delivery. Univariate analysis was performed using Student’s t test with unequal variance, Wilcoxon rank sum, c and Fisher exact test when appropriate. A P value of ! .05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty women were randomized between August 2002 and November 2003 (72 active management and 78 expectant management). Active management of the third stage of labor was associated with a shorter duration of the third stage of labor (7.3 minutes vs. 9.8 minutes; P value ! .0001). Although there was no difference in incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (EBL >500 mL) in the expectant versus the actively managed groups (17.39% vs. 11.11%; P = .302), the mean change in hct was significantly less in women who were in the actively managed group (2.5 vs. 3.35 P = .0475). There was no significant difference in the need for placental extraction or retained placentas between the groups. CONCLUSION: Active management of the third stage of labor was associated with faster delivery of the placenta and a smaller decrease in the mean pre and post-delivery hematocrit. S82 SMFM Abstracts
Effects of cycloartenol and lanosterol on artificial and natural membranes.

Abstract Cycloartenol, a 9,19-cyclopropane sterol which is isomeric with lanosterol, showed an ability intermediate between lanosterol and cholesterol to increase the microviscosity of lecithin vesicles, to serve as a growth factor for the sterol auxotroph Mycoplasma capricolum , and to increase the microviscosity of M. capricolum membranes. The corresponding membrane effects of cyclolaudenol which contains a methyl group added to C-24 of the isooctenyl side chain of cycloartenol are more like those shown by lanosterol. We propose that the enhanced effectiveness of cycloartenol over lanosterol is due to a more favorable spatial disposition of the angular 14α-methyl group on the α-face of the molecule promoting more effective van der Waals contacts between the phospholipid fatty acyl chains and the sterol α-face. Side chain alkylation appears to perturb such contacts, reducing the effectiveness of cyclolaudenol for competent membrane function in M. capricolum .
Temporal changes in oxygen demand and bacterial sulfate reduction in inland shrimp ponds

Changes in sediment oxygen demand, sulfate reduction rates, and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) abundances were monitored in nine 0.04–0.08 ha earthen shrimp ponds during a 17-week growing season. Organic matter (feed) was added at two rates (standard and high) in a block design. The aquaculture site was located in an inland region and utilized saline groundwater of lower total dissolved salts and a proportionally higher sulfate concentration than undiluted seawater. Sediment oxygen demand was measured in situ in an enclosed chamber, sulfate reduction rates were measured in cores using injected 35SO4–, and SRB counts were estimated using most probable number analyses. Over the growing season, sediment oxygen demand increased four-fold, SRB populations increased by more than one order of magnitude, and sulfate reduction rates increased over two orders of magnitude, with the highest values occurring at the end of the season. Sulfide flux measurements within chambers demonstrated that sulfide re-oxidation represented a greater proportion of sediment oxygen demand at the end of the season (mean 84%) than at the beginning (<2%). Sediment porewater sulfate concentrations were high at all depths (24.7–31.0 mM) and did not appear to limit sulfate reduction. Sediment profiles showed a reasonably strong correlation between organic matter content and sulfate reduction rates (r2 = 0.66). Furthermore, significant differences (P < 0.05) in sulfate reduction were found between ponds that had been used for aquaculture in the previous season versus newly constructed ponds. Differences were consistent with the hypothesis that sulfate reduction was regulated by organic matter quantity and reactivity.
Marketing agricultural products with coupons

Only 3% of the 1990 agricultural commodity marketing budget was for consumer promotions. Branded food marketers have learned to use consumer promotions like coupons to boost sales. Justifications for increased agricultural product couponing include the heavy use of coupons for highly processed foods, possibly distracting consumers away from agricultural commodity substitutes. Coupons can influence planned purchases and in-store decisions. They can be designed to enhance TV advertising impact and to exploit regional and seasonal opportunities. Studies of past coupon events have documented their effectiveness. Based on this evidence, agricultural producers should consider using more coupon promotions. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Adding and removing an attribute in a DEA model : theory and processing

We present a theoretical and computational study of the impact of inserting a new attribute and removing an old attribute in a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. Our objective is to obviate a portion of the computational effort needed to process such model changes by studying how the efficient/inefficient status of decision-making units (DMUs) is affected. Reducing computational efforts is important since DEA is known to be computationally intensive, especially in large-scale applications. We present a comprehensive theoretical study of the impact of attribute insertion and removal in DEA models, which includes sufficient conditions for identifying efficient DMUs when an attribute is added and inefficient DMUs when an attribute is removed. We also introduce a new procedure, HyperClimb, specially designed to quickly identify some of the new efficient DMUs, without involving LPs, when the model changes with the addition of an attribute. We report on results from computational tests designed to assess this procedure's effectiveness.
A straightforward and highly efficient precipitation/on-pellet digestion procedure coupled with a long gradient nano-LC separation and Orbitrap mass spectrometry for label-free expression profiling of the swine heart mitochondrial proteome

For label-free expression profiling of tissue proteomes, efficient protein extraction, thorough and quantitative sample cleanup and digestion procedures, as well as sufficient and reproducible chromatographic separation, are highly desirable but remain challenging. However, optimal methodology has remained elusive, especially for proteomes that are rich in membrane proteins, such as the mitochondria. Here, we describe a straightforward and reproducible sample preparation procedure, coupled with a highly selective and sensitive nano-LC/Orbitrap analysis, which enables reliable and comprehensive expression profiling of tissue mitochondria. The mitochondrial proteome of swine heart was selected as a test system. Efficient protein extraction was accomplished using a strong buffer containing both ionic and nonionic detergents. Overnight precipitation was used for cleanup of the extract, and the sample was subjected to an optimized 2-step, on-pellet digestion approach. In the first step, the protein pellet was ...
Facilitation of tumor growth by syngeneic normal cells mixed with tumor cells in vitro

Facilitated tumor growth was observed in syngeneic animals after the subcutaneous inoculation of these animals with normal syngeneic spleen cells and tumor cells previously mixed in vitro. Tumor incidence, latency, and growth rate appear quantitatively directly related to the ratio of spleen cells to tumor cells in the challenge inocular. This phenomenon was consistently demonstrated in two syngeneic murine tumor-host systems and one sygeneic rat system. Facilitated tumor growth is not a specific property of the spleen cells in these mixtures. Mixtures of liver cells and tumor cells produce identical results. Reproducible facilitated growth of tumor isografts by mixture with normal spleen cells, however, must be considered in the design and interpretation of all in vivo neutralization experiments.
Electronic messages increase hepatitis B screening in at-risk Asian American patients: a randomized, controlled trial.

Hepatitis B (HBV) induced hepatocellular carcinoma is the greatest cancer health disparity affecting Asian Americans, but the prevalence of screening to detect HBV is suboptimal. Our aims were to determine the effectiveness of electronic health record (EHR) prompts to increase ordering of HBV tests among primary care providers (PCPs) within an academic health system. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial between April and June 2011 among 76 PCPs caring for 175 outpatient adults with Chinese or Vietnamese surnames, with appointments with providers and no history of HBV testing. Providers were randomized to either receive an EHR prompt for HBV testing prior to patients’ appointments or usual care. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients (1) whose physician ordered a HBsAg test and (2) who completed testing. Secondary outcomes were (A) test results and (B) whether the physicians followed-up on the results. HBsAg tests were ordered for 36/88 (40.9 %) of the intervention patients and 1/87 (1.1 %) of the control patients [χ 2 (df = 1) = 41.48, p < 0.001]. Thirty intervention patients (34.1 %) and no control patients completed the HBsAg test [χ 2 (df = 1) = 35.80, p < 0.001]. Four (13.3 %) of the completed tests were HBsAg-positive, 14 (46.7 %) were immune, and 12 (40 %) were unprotected from HBV. Two HBsAg-positive patients were referred to specialists, and 3 unprotected patients were vaccinated for HBV. EHR-based provider prompts significantly increased HBV testing in Chinese and Vietnamese patients when compared to “usual care.” EHR prompts are a promising intervention that could significantly increase screening for HBV.
EVIDENCE THAT NITRIC OXIDE ENHANCES CADMIUM TOXICITY BY DISPLACING THE METAL FROM METALLOTHIONEIN

Cadmium is carcinogenic in humans and rodents. Although extensive evidence indicates that the toxicity and genotoxicity of Cd is ameliorated by binding to cysteine clusters in metallothionein (MT), the factors governing Cd release at intracellular target sites remain unknown. Nitric oxide is a pollutant gas and an important intercellular messenger in the inflammatory immune response. When growing Chinese hamster ovary cells were treated for 24 h with 0.5, 0.75, or 1.0 mM CdCl2 followed by a 1-h exposure to 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mM 1,1-diethyl-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazine (DEA/NO), an NO-generating sodium salt, NO enhanced Cd-induced inhibition of colony forming ability without affecting Cd-induced cytolethality. In experiments designed to determine whether NO acts by displacing Cd from cellular MT, cells treated with 2.0 mM CdCl2 followed by 1.5 or 3.0 mM DEA/NO exhibited 29 and 38% reductions, respectively, in the amount of Cd bound to MT. When purified rat liver MT was used to further characterize NO-induced...
Decentralized stabilization of dynamically interconnected systems

Abstract A decentralized stabilization design with most evenly distributed complexity of controllers is presented for dynamically interconnected systems.
Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Mortality: Operative Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. san diego

Percentage mortalities for different Colorado potato beetle instars were equal when equivalent concentrations of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. san diego were administered on a body weight basis. When late first instars were placed on treated foliage and held under different temperatures, 100% mortality occurred at 28-33 degrees C, whereas at 18 degrees C mortality was only 45%. Fifty percent of second instars recovered from feeding on treated foliage, if they were placed on untreated foliage within 2.8 h of first exposure to treated foliage. Fourth instars did not avoid treated foliage in a choice test, nor did they leave treated foliage when untreated foliage was in contact with the treated foliage. Field applications of B. thuringiensis subsp. san diego need to be timed so larvae are exposed to treated foliage for at least 6-8 h, when temperatures exceed 24 degrees C.
Exaggerated discharge of neurosomes into spastic muscle by heat reflex.

SummaryThe limited experimental evidence presented tends to support the statement that the reflex effects of heat applied to the skin are associated with the exaggerated discharge of ephemeral, pleomorphic, and lipoidal neurosomes from the motor end plates into spastic or cramp-like muscle. The neurosomes have a variable affinity for gold, silver, and lipoidal stains. There are characteristic instantaneous changes in the morphology of the motor end plates and myoplasm in response to the reflex effects of thermal trauma applied to the skin.
Phased Vertical Cavity Laser Arrays

Vector space models (VSMs) are mathematically well-defined frameworks that have been widely used in text processing. In these models, high-dimensional, often sparse vectors represent text units. In an application, the similarity of vectors -- and hence the text units that they represent -- is computed by a distance formula. The high dimensionality of vectors, however, is a barrier to the performance of methods that employ VSMs. Consequently, a dimensionality reduction technique is employed to alleviate this problem. This paper introduces a new method, called Random Manhattan Indexing (RMI), for the construction of L1 normed VSMs at reduced dimensionality. RMI combines the construction of a VSM and dimension reduction into an incremental, and thus scalable, procedure. In order to attain its goal, RMI employs the sparse Cauchy random projections.
Hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of manganese in the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea.

The liver is a major organ involved in regulating whole body manganese (Mn) homeostasis; however, the mechanisms of Mn transport across the hepatocyte basolateral and canalicular membranes remain poorly defined. To gain insight into these transport steps, the present study measured hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of Mn in an evolutionarily primitive marine vertebrate, the elasmobranch Leucoraja erinacea, the little skate. Mn was rapidly removed from the recirculating perfusate of isolated perfused skate livers in a dose-dependent fashion; however, only a small fraction was released into bile (<2% in 7h). Mn was also rapidly taken up by freshly isolated skate hepatocytes in culture. Mn uptake was inhibited by a variety of divalent metals, but not by cesium. Analysis of the concentration-dependence of Mn uptake revealed of two components, with apparent Km values 1.1 ± 0.1 μM and 112 ± 29 μM. The Km value for the high-affinity component was similar to the measured skate blood Mn concentration, 1.9 ± 0.5 μM. Mn uptake was reduced by nearly half when bicarbonate was removed from the culture medium, but was unaffected by a change in pH from 6.5 to 8.5, or by substitution of Na with Li or K. Mn efflux from the hepatocytes was also rapid, and was inhibited when cells were treated with 0.5 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol to deplete ATP levels. These data indicate that skate liver has efficient mechanisms for removing Mn from the sinusoidal circulation, whereas overall biliary excretion is low and appears to be mediated in part by an ATP-sensitive mechanism.
A propos de la dissociation de l'hydrate de chloral

Infra-red spectrophotometric analysis of chloral hydrate shows that this compound dissociates into water and chloral when in benzene or in carbon tetrachloride solution.
Resection of a leiomyosarcoma of the azygos vein

We report the resection of a leiomyosarcoma of the azygos vein in an elderly woman. The rare nature of the tumor and the unusual site of origin are discussed.
Review of the Allonemobius fasciatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) Complex with the Description of Two New Species Separated by Electrophoresis, Songs, and Morphometrics

The Allonemobius fasciatus (De Geer) complex, a group of closely related ground crickets, has proven recalcitrant to analysis by traditional methods of museum taxonomists. Here we formally describe two new species ( A. walkeri and A. fultoni ), reinstate the species status of A. socius (Scudder), and provide an electrophoretic key to the complex. In addition, we describe male calling song, habitat, life cycle, and geographic distribution of each species in the complex, and we compare the species morphometrically.
Modeling of Chemical Processes in a Diesel Engine With Alcohol Fuels

Methanol utilization in a compression ignition engine has held tentative promise for a number of years, and, in fact, the concept has seen large scale field trials intended to demonstrate this option as a precursor to commercial implementation. However, results from those tests have identified some of the practical problems encountered with this fuel, namely, (1) its difficulty of vaporization and (2) its high autoignition temperature. Luminosity promoting additives, which facilitate radiative transport as a component of flame spread (because pure alcohol burns with little luminosity, continuum radiation as a reaction transport mechanism is essentially absent), intake air heating, active and passive heat sources, etc., represent some of the attempts to overcome limitations of these two factors. Except for intake air preheat, these augmentation methods have been noted to result in poor off-load thermal cycle efficiency. Focusing on the case of intake air preheat (which can be achieved by elevated compression ratio), and to model the chemical reaction kinetics, the partially stirred reactor model in CHEMKIN was used. This approach provided examination of the chemistry and reaction rates associated with an actual trial in which methanol was the fuel under study. To initiate this simulation, literature available reaction mechanisms were obtained, and then the experimental cylinder pressure history was matched by control of heat release rate via the partially stirred reactor model. This is represented within the reactor model by changing the turbulent mixing intensity factor. The overall reaction sequence, which models cylinder pressure, and attendant extent of reaction were the major focus. The minor focus included production of emission gases, e.g., the aldehydes and unburned fuel. Not only are the model results consistent with actual findings, they also support a method for addressing causes of off-load inefficiency and engine failures due to engine oil dilution with fuel.
South Carolina's diked tidal wetlands: The presisting dilemmas

Abstract South Carolina has a significant stock of diked coastal wetlands, dating from the days of rice culture before the Civil War. A survey of those controlling these sites along the entire South Carolina coast reveals that many continue to be used for waterfowl hunting, with management practices becoming more intensive than they were when partial data were gathered a decade ago. It also suggests that most of the acreage involved is located in large fields, where management is more difficult and mosquito control problems are more likely. This survey also indicates that public access is limited, but that there is evidence of continuing conflict over ownership. This situation creates a persisting dilemma for coastal zone management, shaping conflicts between alternative strategies for the use of natural systems.
Concomitant microbial generation of palladium nanoparticles and hydrogen to immobilize chromate

The catalytic properties of various metal nanoparticles have led to their use in environmental remediation. Our aim is to develop and apply an efficient bioremediation method based on in situ biosynthesis of bio-Pd nanoparticles and hydrogen. C. pasteurianum BC1 was used to reduce Pd(II) ions to form Pd nanoparticles (bio-Pd) that primarily precipitated on the cell wall and in the cytoplasm. C. pasteurianum BC1 cells, loaded with bio-Pd nanoparticle in the presence of glucose, were subsequently used to fermentatively produce hydrogen and to effectively catalyze the removal of soluble Cr(VI) via reductive transformation to insoluble Cr(III) species. Batch and aquifer microcosm experiments using C. pasteurianum BC1 cells loaded with bio-Pd showed efficient reductive Cr(VI) removal, while in control experiments with killed or viable but Pd-free bacterial cultures no reductive Cr(VI) removal was observed. Our results suggest a novel process where the in situ microbial production of hydrogen is directly coupled to the catalytic bio-Pd mediated reduction of chromate. This process offers significant advantages over the current groundwater treatment technologies that rely on introducing preformed catalytic nanoparticles into groundwater treatment zones and the costly addition of molecular hydrogen to above ground pump and treat systems.
HPMA copolymers: origins, early developments, present, and future.

Abstract The overview covers the discovery of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers, initial studies on their synthesis, evaluation of biological properties, and explorations of their potential as carriers of biologically active compounds in general and anticancer drugs in particular. The focus is on the research in the authors' laboratory — the development of macromolecular therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and musculoskeletal diseases. In addition, the evaluation of HPMA (co)polymers as building blocks of modified and new biomaterials is presented: the utilization of semitelechelic poly(HPMA) and HPMA copolymers for the modification of biomaterial and protein surfaces and the design of hybrid block and graft HPMA copolymers that self-assemble into smart hydrogels. Finally, suggestions for the design of second-generation macromolecular therapeutics are portrayed.
Studies of Fast Negative Ions in Superfluid Helium

The normal negative ion in liquid helium consists of an electron confined in a bubble of radius approximately 19 A. These bubbles have been studied in many experiments. Time-of-flight mobility measurements have revealed that there are other types of negative ion of higher mobility and unknown structure. In this note we report on a study of the fastest of these and discuss the conditions under which it can be observed.
Tribolium castaneum Transformer-2 regulates sex determination and development in both males and females.

Tribolium castaneum Transformer (TcTra) is essential for female sex determination and maintenance through the regulation of sex-specific splicing of doublesex (dsx) pre-mRNA. In females, TcTra also regulates the sex-specific splicing of its own pre-mRNA to ensure continuous production of functional Tra protein. Transformer protein is absent in males and hence dsx pre-mRNA is spliced in a default mode. The mechanisms by which males inhibit the production of functional Tra protein are not known. Here, we report on functional characterization of transformer-2 (tra-2) gene (an ortholog of Drosophila transformer-2) in T. castaneum. RNA interference-mediated knockdown in the expression of gene coding for tra-2 in female pupae or adults resulted in the production of male-specific isoform of dsx and both female and male isoforms of tra suggesting that Tra-2 is essential for the female-specific splicing of tra and dsx pre-mRNAs. Interestingly, knockdown of tra-2 in males did not affect the splicing of dsx but resulted in the production of both female and male isoforms of tra suggesting that Tra-2 suppresses female-specific splicing of tra pre-mRNA in males. This dual regulation of sex-specific splicing of tra pre-mRNA ensures a tight regulation of sex determination and maintenance. These data suggest a critical role for Tra-2 in suppression of female sex determination cascade in males. In addition, RNAi studies showed that Tra-2 is also required for successful embryonic and larval development in both sexes.
Social participation and charitable giving: A multivariate analysis

Despite an abundance of survey data on charitable giving, researchers have not analysed these data asking the kinds of theoretical questions and employing the kinds of multivariate statistical techniques that would advance our understanding of the social processes leading to charitable behaviour. This article reports the authors' first findings from their continuing efforts to develop and test such a multivariate causal model of the social, demographic, economic and motivational determinants of individual charitable giving. The first section outlines ouridentification theory of charitable giving. In the second section we discuss the data and how we operationalise our variables. The third section examines whether there is broad quantitative support for major tenets of the model developed if applied at the household level. In the fourth section we enquire about which factors are most strongly related to giving behaviour. We conclude with a discussion about the centrality of communities of participation for inducing charitable giving and about the practical implications for fundraising.
Gigabit local area networks: a systems perspective

A broad overview of gigabit local area networks (LANs) is presented from a systems perspective. Motivations and technical goals of gigabit LANs and challenges of coping with highly bursty traffic and large bandwidth mismatches between network links are described. The focus is on concerns unique to gigabit LANs, especially issues that differentiate them from gigabit wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and lower-speed LANs. Major systems issues are discussed, and possible solutions, such as the virtual-connection architecture, are presented. The hardware technology required by gigabit LANs is illustrated by SONET components. >
Distortion of anisotropic hyperelastic solids under pure pressure loading: Compressibility, incompressibility and near-incompressibility

The purpose of this note is to examine distortion during pure pressure loading for anisotropic hyperelastic solids. We contrast the corresponding issues in compressible and incompressible hyperelasticity, and then use these results to examine nearly incompressible materials. An anisotropic compressible hyperelastic solid will generally exhibit both volume change and distortion under hydrostatic pressure loading. In contrast, an incompressible hyperelastic solid—both isotropic and anisotropic—exhibits no change to its current state of deformation as the hydrostatic pressure is varied. Nearly incompressible hyperelastic materials are compressible, but approach an incompressible response in an appropriate limit. We examine this limiting process in the context of transverse isotropy. The issue arises as to how to implement a nearly incompressible version of a given truly incompressible material model. Here we examine how certain implementations eliminate distortion under pure pressure loading and why alternative implementations do not eliminate the distortion.
Automatic and Precise Orthorectification, Coregistration, and Subpixel Correlation of Satellite Images, Application to Ground Deformation Measurements

We describe a procedure to accurately measure ground deformations from optical satellite images. Precise orthorectification is obtained owing to an optimized model of the imaging system, where look directions are linearly corrected to compensate for attitude drifts, and sensor orientation uncertainties are accounted for. We introduce a new computation of the inverse projection matrices for which a rigorous resampling is proposed. The irregular resampling problem is explicitly addressed to avoid introducing aliasing in the ortho-rectified images. Image registration and correlation is achieved with a new iterative unbiased processor that estimates the phase plane in the Fourier domain for subpixel shift detection. Without using supplementary data, raw images are wrapped onto the digital elevation model and coregistered with a 1/50 pixel accuracy. The procedure applies to images from any pushbroom imaging system. We analyze its performance using Satellite pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) images in the case of a null test (no coseismic deformation) and in the case of large coseismic deformations due to the Mw 7.1 Hector Mine, California, earthquake of 1999. The proposed technique would also allow precise coregistration of images for the measurement of surface displacements due to ice-flow or geomorphic processes, or for any other change detection applications. A complete software package, the Coregistration of Optically Sensed Images and Correlation, is available for download from the Caltech Tectonics Observatory website
Automata theory and development: I.

Abstract In his recent book “Cybernetics and Development”, Michael Apter has persuasively shown that many problems of embryological development are ripe for cybernetic treatment. Recent results, based on von Neumann's theory of self-reproducing automata, yield models more “biological” than those presented by Apter. We extend these results to emphasize their relevance to a theory of development.
Managerial Motives and Merger Financing

We examine how managerial motives influence the choice of financing for a sample of 209 completed mergers from 1981–1988. Our evidence indicates that bidding firm management is more likely to finance mergers with cash when target firm ownership concentration is high, preventing the creation of an outside blockholder. This suggests bidding firm managers prefer to keep ownership structure widely diffused to reduce external monitoring. We also find that bidding firm management is more likely to finance mergers with stock when the variance of bidding firm's stock return is high. This suggests managers of risky firms prefer leverage-reducing transactions to reduce their personal risk.
A conformational change in the lactose permease of Escherichia coli is induced by ligand binding or membrane potential

Lactose transport in membrane vesicles containing lactose permease with a single Cys residue in place of Val 315 is inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide in a manner that is stimulated by substrate or by a H+ electrochemical gradient (delta microH+; Sahin-Toth M, Kaback HR, 1993, Protein Sci 2:1024-1033). The findings are confirmed and extended in this communication. Purified, reconstituted Val 315-->Cys permease reacts with N-ethylmaleimide or hydrophobic fluorescent maleimides but not with a membrane impermeant thiol reagent, and beta-galactosides specifically stimulate the rate of labeling. Furthermore, the reactivity of purified Val 315-->Cys permease is enhanced by imposition of a membrane potential (delta psi, interior negative). The results indicate that either ligand binding or delta psi induces a conformational change in the permease that brings the N-terminus of helix X into an environment that is more accessible from the lipid phase.
Effect of moisture damage on material properties and fatigue resistance of asphalt mixtures

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) has been used successfully to evaluate complex characteristics of fatigue damage and fracture of asphalt binders and mastics by measuring fundamental viscoelastic properties and damage characteristics. DMA was used to define the effect of moisture on fatigue damage and to concentrate on the fatigue damage susceptibility of the sand and asphalt mixture mastic fraction. Dynamic frequency sweep and time sweep tests were performed on cylindrical sand-asphalt samples in a dry state and after being subjected to moisture saturation. Test results clearly indicate that moisture reduces viscoelastic stiffness, fatigue resistance, and eventually fatigue life of sand-asphalt. The mechanistic role of moisture in fatigue was analyzed and quantified by using nonlinear viscoelastic theory based on pseudovariable concepts and a continuum damage fatigue model. The effect of material surface energies, which is strongly related to fracture and damage, is further discussed by using DMA fatigue test results and varying surface energy characteristics of individual mixture constituents. The DMA experimental procedure and analysis is an efficient way to identify the influence of moisture and to compare sand-asphalt mixtures in terms of moisture susceptibility.
Compact wideband multi-layer cylindrical dielectric resonator antennas

Homogenous dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) have been studied widely and their bandwidth have been reached to the possible upper limit. A new non-homogenous DRA, multilayer cylindrical DRA (MCDRA), is designed and fabricated to achieve wider bandwidth. The antennas consist of three different dielectric discs, one on top of the other. Two different excitation mechanisms are studied here. As much as 66% of impedance bandwidth with a broadside radiation pattern has been demonstrated using a 50 Omega coaxial probe placed off the antenna axis. More than 32% of impedance with a broadside radiation pattern has been achieved when the antenna is excited by an aperture coupled 50 Omega microstrip feedline. Mode analysis is carried out to investigate the natural resonance behaviours of the MCDRA structure.
ac-Stark-shift-induced photoelectron spin polarization in resonant multiphoton ionization

The influence of the ac-Stark shifts on the spin polarization (SP) of the photoelectron in a resonant multiphoton ionization is discussed. It is shown that the Stark shifts of various levels are different and this removes any initial fine-structure degeneracy of the excited states. This increased dynamic separation between the states increases the SP of the ejected photoelectron. Numerical results are presented to illustrate this effect. By expressing the equations of motion in the spin basis set the precise conditions necessary to observe nonzero SP are identified. It is shown on the basis of these conditions that although the removal of the fine-structure degeneracy occurs independent of whether the atom has any spin-orbit coupling, this does not induce any spin polarization if the atom has no spin-orbit coupling.
Ethylene modulates genetic, positional, and nutritional regulation of root plagiogravitropism

Plagiogravitropic growth of roots strongly affects root architecture and topsoil exploration, which are important for the acquisition of water and nutrients. Here we show that basal roots of Phaseolus vulgaris L. develop from 2–3 definable whorls at the root–shoot interface and exhibit position-dependent plagiogravitropic growth. The whorl closest to the shoot produces the shallowest roots, and lower whorls produce deeper roots. Genotypes vary in both the average growth angles of roots within whorls and the range of growth angles, i.e. the difference between the shallowest and deepest basal roots within a root system. Since ethylene has been implicated in both gravitropic and edaphic stress responses, we studied the role of ethylene and its interaction with phosphorus availability in regulating growth angles of genotypes with shallow or deep basal roots. There was a weak correlation between growth angle and ethylene production in the basal rooting zone, but ethylene sensitivity was strongly correlated with growth angle. Basal roots emerging from the uppermost whorl were more responsive to ethylene treatment than the lower-most whorl, displaying shallower angles and inhibition of growth. Ethylene sensitivity is greater for shallow than for deep genotypes and for plants grown with low phosphorus compared with those supplied with high phosphorus. Ethylene exposure increased the range of angles, although deep genotypes grown in low phosphorus were less affected. Our results identify basal root whorl number as a novel architectural trait, and show that ethylene mediates regulation of growth angle by position of origin, genotype and phosphorus availability.
Fuzzy multiobjective routing model in B-ISDN

Routing algorithms are required to guarantee the various quality-of-service (QoS) characteristics requested by the wide range of applications supported by Broadband Integrated Services Digital Networks (B-ISDNs). In this paper the routing problem is formulated as a fuzzy multiobjective optimization model. The fuzzy approach allows for the inclusion and evaluation of several criteria simultaneously. The proposed model takes into consideration the balancing of the load in the network to avoid link saturation and hence the possibility of congestion. The efficiency and applicability of the model are tested under different load conditions by studying several measures of performance.
NATURE OF THE GROWTH FACTOR FOR THE COLORLESS ALGA PROTOTHECA ZOPFII

Barker's study on the nutritive requirements of Prototheca zopfii indicated that this colorless alga fails to grow in the absence of small amounts of yeast extract. A study of the growth factor requirements of Prototheca has shown that the active constituent of yeast extract necessary for the growth of this organism is thiamin (vitamin B(1)). Thiamin can fully replace the complex yeast material and allows, in the basal medium used, a maximum cell yield in concentrations of 1-3 x 10(-7)M. Thiamin as such, however, is not essential for the growth of Prototheca zopfii. The alga can develop equally well if supplied with both the thiazole and pyrimidine constituents of this vitamin. These appear to be needed in equimolar proportions. Maximum cell yield is obtained with 3 x 10(-8)M concentrations of the two components.
Protective role of anti-idiotypic antibodies in autoimmunity--lessons for type 1 diabetes.

Circulating autoantibodies to beta cell antigens are present in the majority of patients with Type 1 diabetes. These autoantibodies can be detected before and at time of clinical diagnosis of disease. Although the role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of the disease is debated, their presence indicates a dysregulation of the humoral immune response. Mechanisms regulating autoantibodies in Type 1 diabetes are not well understood. In contrast, in other autoimmune diseases there is acceptance that autoantibodies are regulated not only by antigen but also by other antibodies that bind to the antigen-binding site of these autoantibodies (anti-idiotypic antibodies). The proposed purpose of this network is to maintain an equilibrium between autoantibodies and their anti-idiotypic antibodies, preventing autoimmunity, while allowing a robust response to exogenous antigen. Anti-idiotypic antibodies regulate both autoantibody binding and their levels by a) neutralizing autoantibodies, and b) inhibiting the secr...
The Isotopic Composition of Precipitation from Two Extratropical Cyclones

Abstract Precipitation samples were collected at stations in the Eastern United States for two extratropical cyclones during the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) of 1986 and analyzed for their δ18O values. They represent the first synoptic-scale datasets of isotopic values. Measured isotope ratios are explained in terms of physical principles and meteorological processes. They are shown to be related to vertical profiles of ω cloud-top temperatures, evaporation beneath cloud base, isotope equilibration, and water vapor sources for the precipitation. Measured isotope ratios are then compared to values obtained from simple models of convective and stratiform precipitation. Both storms are shown to exhibit a consistent pattern of isotope ratios, with lowest δ18O values occurring in the stratiform precipitation well within the cold air, and highest values associated with the convective precipitation of the warm sector. A pronounced-amount effect, in which δ18O values decrease as rainfall totals incr...
The esthetics of sociobiology

Abstract Despotism and Differential Reproduction. L. L. Betzig (1986). New York: Aldine de Gruyter. xi + 171 pp. DM. 89,—(cloth). ISBN 3-11-010-839-9: Homicide. Martin Daly and Margo Wilson (1988). New York: Aldine de Gruyter. 328 pp. $42.95 (cloth). ISBN 0-202-0117-7; Evolution. Creative Intelligence and Intergroup Competition. Edited by Alan McGregor (1986). The Mankind Quarterly . Washington, D.C.: The Cliveden Press. 96 pp. $20.00 (paper). ISBN 0-941694-30-5; The Sociobiology of Ethnocentrism. Edited by V. Reynolds, Vincent S. E. Falger, and Ian Vine (1986). Beckenham, Kent: Croom Helm. xv + 327 pp. £27.50 (cloth). ISBN 0-7099-4222-2; and Essays in Human Sociobiology: Vol. 2. Edited by Jan Wind and Vernon Reynolds (1986). V.U.B. Study Series 26 . Brussels: Vrije Universiteit. ix + 253 pp. D.fl. 45,—(paper). ISBN 90-70289-38-5.
Electrostatic regulation of quality factor in non-ideal tuning fork MEMS

This paper presents a method of regulation and maximization of Q-factor in anti-phase driven tuning fork MEMS. Non-symmetric regulation of stiffness in coupled 2-DOF resonators using the negative electrostatic spring effect is shown to adjust the momentum misbalance caused by fabrication imperfections in nominally symmetric structures. Balancing the structure through stiffness matching minimizes the loss of energy through the substrate and maximizes the device anti-phase Q-factor. The approach is experimentally demonstrated using a vacuum packaged SOI MEMS tuning fork gyroscope with initial operational frequency of 2.2 kHz and Q-factor of 0.6 million. By electrostatically tuning stiffness of one of the suspensions, momentum misbalanced caused by the fabrication imperfections was minimized, suppressing anchor loss and increasing the Q-factor to above 0.8 million, attributed to the thermoelastic limit. The experimentally validated analytical model of substrate dissipation is applicable to Q-factor tuning in anti-phase resonators and gyroscopes.
Beyond the "recognition code": structures of two Cys2His2 zinc finger/TATA box complexes.

Abstract Background: Several methods have been developed for creating Cys 2 His 2 zinc finger proteins that recognize novel DNA sequences, and these proteins may have important applications in biological research and gene therapy. In spite of this progress with design/selection methodology, fundamental questions remain about the principles that govern DNA recognition. One hypothesis suggests that recognition can be described by a simple set of rules—essentially a "recognition code"—but careful assessment of this proposal has been difficult because there have been few structural studies of selected zinc finger proteins. Results: We report the high-resolution cocrystal structures of two zinc finger proteins that had been selected (as variants of Zif268) to recognize a eukaryotic TATA box sequence. The overall docking arrangement of the fingers within the major groove of the DNA is similar to that observed in the Zif268 complex. Nevertheless, comparison of Zif268 and the selected variants reveal significant differences in the pattern of side chain-base interactions. The new structures also reveal side chain-side chain interactions (both within and between fingers) that are important in stabilizing the protein-DNA interface and appear to play substantial roles in recognition. Conclusions: These new structures highlight the surprising complexity of zinc finger-DNA interactions. The diversity of interactions observed at the protein-DNA interface, which is especially striking for proteins that were all derived from Zif268, challenges fundamental concepts about zinc finger-DNA recognition and underscores the difficulty in developing any meaningful recognition code.
Control of Intracellular Signaling by Modulation of Fibronectin Conformation at the Cell−Materials Interface†

Fibronectin adsorbs to a variety of surfaces. Adsorption on different biomaterial substrates can result in different conformations for the adsorbed fibronectin. The adsorption isotherms of fibronec...
Compilation for a high-performance systolic array

We report on a compiler for Warp, a high-performance systolic array developed at Carnegie Mellon. This compiler enhances the usefulness of Warp significantly and allows application programmers to code substantial algorithms.The compiler combines a novel programming model, which is based on a model of skewed computation for the array, with powerful optimization techniques. Programming in W2 (the language accepted by the compiler) is orders of magnitude easier than coding in microcode, the only alternative available previously.
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model

Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been limitedly used for orthotopic pancreatic tumor xenografts due to severe respiratory motion artifact in the abdominal area. Orthotopic tumor models offer advantages over subcutaneous ones, because those can reflect the primary tumor microenvironment affecting blood supply, neovascularization, and tumor cell invasion. We have recently established a protocol of DCE-MRI of orthotopic pancreatic tumor xenografts in mouse models by securing tumors with an orthogonally bent plastic board to prevent motion transfer from the chest region during imaging. The pressure by this board was localized on the abdominal area, and has not resulted in respiratory difficulty of the animals. This article demonstrates the detailed procedure of orthotopic pancreatic tumor modeling using small animals and DCE-MRI of the tumor xenografts. Quantification method of pharmacokinetic parameters in DCE-MRI is also introduced. The procedure described in this article will assist investigators to apply DCE-MRI for orthotopic gastrointestinal cancer mouse models.
Application of the sampling theorem to a multislit coupling structure of a confocal-mirror resonator

A coupling method of a confocal-mirror resonator is described in which a multislit structure on a mirror is partially transmitting energy. The sampling theorem is applied to this structure to determine the slit interval so as to minimise the deformation of a resonant-field distribution.
Preparation of Gelatin: Phenytoin Sodium Microsphers: An IN VITRO and IN VIVO Evaluation

AbstractIn this study phenytoin sodium microspheres were formulated with biodegradable acid-treated gelatin. The microspheres were subjected to in vitro and in vivo testing. The percent drug retained in the microspheres, as well as its release from the microspheres, was tested. In vitro data revealed a decrease in percent druq retained in the microspheres with an increase in addition of glutaraldehyde to the microsphere formulations. The statistically most consistent drug release was observed from formulations containing 10 g of gelatin and 2 g of phenytoin sodium. From this formulation the slowest release was observed when 5 ml of glutaraldehyde were added to the various formulations, whereas the fastest release was observed when no glutaraldehyde was added. In vivo studies consisted of administering phenytoin sodium in microsphere form and an aqueous solution v i a various routes of administration and determining phenytoin plasma concentration vs. time profiles in female Sprague Dawley Rats. Computer fi...