cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel technique for the rapid determination of tributyl phosphate degradation from alkaline hydrolysis in aqueous and organic phases using FTIR–ATR and verification of this technique by gas chromatography

This paper details a semi-quantitative method for determining tributyl phosphate (TBP) degradation from alkaline hydrolysis using FTIR–ATR accompanied by GC verification and it provides a method to extract TBP from aqueous media associated with its use in nuclear reprocessing. The amount of TBP determined by GC decreases from 95 to 36 % after approximately 4½ h in the reaction. TBP present in the organic phase predicted by the FTIR–ATR technique shows that TBP decreases from 97 to 42 %. Up to 15 % of TBP and 40 % of DBP were extracted from the precipitate based on the extraction recoveries determined.
Initial measurements using a 1.54-μm eyesafe Raman shifted lidar

We have demonstrated an eyesafe lidar system for cloud and aerosol studies using 45-mJ/pulse 1.54-μm radiation generated by wavelength shifting the output from a pulsed Q-switched Nd:YAG laser using a CH4 Raman cell.
Wavelet-based radar waveform adaptable for different operation conditions

We propose using sets of waveforms for different radar operation conditions based on wavelets. The new waveforms can adjust the bandwidth and transmission power adapting to the target and environmental conditions. Each scaling function or wavelet packet can form a narrow-bandwidth pulse with certain transmission power. Narrow bandwidth and large transmission power waveforms are effective for accurate speed detection of long-range targets. A new approach of pulse integration can summarize the detection results of multiple narrow bandwidth pulses producing a high range resolution result of an equivalently wide bandwidth pulse. For close-range tracking task, a set of wide bandwidth pulse waveforms (even a single waveform) with low transmission power can quickly update the range information, and reduce background interferences. The adaption approach is verified by experiments which also demonstrate the purposed waveforms suppressing range sidelobes more effectively than traditional linear frequency modulated (LFM) waveforms.
Enhancing source-level programming tools with an awareness of transparent program transformations

Programs written in managed languages are compiled to a platform-independent intermediate representation, such as Java bytecode. The relative high level of Java bytecode has engendered a widespread practice of changing the bytecode directly, without modifying the maintained version of the source code. This practice, called bytecode engineering or enhancement, has become indispensable in introducing various concerns, including persistence, distribution, and security, transparently. For example, transparent persistence architectures help avoid the entanglement of business and persistence logic in the source code by changing the bytecode directly to synchronize objects with stable storage. With functionality added directly at the bytecode level, the source code reflects only partial semantics of the program. Specifically, the programmer can neither ascertain the program's runtime behavior by browsing its source code, nor map the runtime behavior back to the original source code.This paper presents an approach that improves the utility of source-level programming tools by providing enhancement specifications written in a domain-specific language. By interpreting the specifications, a source-level programming tool can gain an awareness of the bytecode enhancements and improve its precision and usability. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach by making a source code editor and a symbolic debugger enhancements-aware.
High-resolution nanofabrication using a highly focused electron beam

A highly focused electron beam can be used to shape nanodevices. We demonstrate electron beam etching of nanoholes through multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and niobium nanowires. Nanoholes, as small as ∼2.5 nm in diameter, can be reproducibly fabricated. This technique can also be used to fabricate constrictions and larger nanoholes in MWNTs. We argue that with some improvement, this technique might be used to pattern suspended graphene by the removal of targeted single atoms.
Discussion: Agriculture and the Law

Heaven, for a discussant, might be defined as a group of papers in which there are errors of fact and logic with which he can loudly disagree. In these papers, however, I have not found this kind of heaven; I find nothing of consequence to correct. All of the authors have done a thoroughly professional job on their papers. Since I see little to quarrel with, perhaps the most useful thing I can do is to look at the same subject matter from the standpoint of a set of interests slightly different from those of the authors and try to discuss further some of the same points that seem to me particularly important. A recurring point in the Krausz and Reiss paper is the problem of finding an equitable distribution of costs and revenues. Two related topics are involved here: equity, or some sense of what people in general think is fair; and efficiency, as economists define it. Our society as a whole appears to consider it equitable that people be compensated in proportion to the value in production of the resources they own (with strong reservations, however, in the case of the poor). When the same individual owns all the resources used on the farm, errors in the compensation of each factor cancel out and do not affect equity. This is not true, however, when someone else owns some of the resources. It seems to me that the point Krausz and Reiss are making is that the growing number of instances in which the bundle of resources used in farming are owned by different people has made it much more important that these people know the "value"-the marginal productivity-of their inputs. It provides a further incentive, if we ever needed one, to help farmers and other resource owners to obtain better management data and to make better decisions. The economic efficiency problem seems to me more difficult. At least since Adam Smith and his "invisible hand," economists have relied on the market to provide an optimal distribution of resources in production. We know more about the conditions under which this optimum will be produced than Adam Smith did, but we have not, by and large, deviated from the principle. The availability of institutions to combine inputs owned by different individuals may remove some institutional barriers which otherwise would have prevented an optimal combination of factors of production in farming. The fact, however, that these inputs are owned by different people should not, in itself, affect efficiency. A farm with given quantities of land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship is the same
Implications of Ocean Bottom Reflection for Internal Wave Spectra and Mixing

Abstract A linear internal wave model for reflection off a sloping bottom applied to a field of horizontally isotropic waves typical of the deep ocean leads to a strongly perturbed frequency-vertical wavenumber energy spectrum. The spectrum is dominated by a nonintegrable singularity at the internal wave critical frequency characteristic of the environment and bottom slope. An observational requirement that the internal wave spectrum near the bottom relax to the open deep-ocean level and shape within a few hundred meters vertically implies a flux imbalance normal to the boundary. The flux that must be redistributed over the internal wave spectrum, or lost from it, amounts to O(10−2 W m−2), larger than for most other energy transfer mechanisms estimated for internal waves. A small fraction of this flux imbalance applied to mixing can account for a basin-averaged effective vertical diffusivity of 10−4 m2 s−1. Bottom reflection represents not only a likely and powerful sink for internal wave energy, but a me...
Influence of Sedimentary Bedding on Reactive Transport Parameters under Unsaturated Conditions

Moisture and contaminant transport in partially saturated, heterogeneous, layered sediments is typically anisotropic. Solute transport parameters, including dispersivity and the adsorption coefficient, and the modeled concentration of reactive minerals may depend on the direction of flow with respect to sedimentary layering. Reaction rates, in contrast, should be independent of flow direction. We determined the influence of flow direction on transport parameters for nonreactive (Br{sup -}) and reactive (cobalt ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [Co(II)EDTA{sup 2-}]) solutes under partially saturated conditions by imposing flow either parallel to or across sedimentary bedding in 11 intact sediment cores of various textures. Higher dispersivity of nonreactive tracers in parallel-bed cores suggested fluid channeling through permeable layers, while low-conductivity layers dampened channeling in cross-bed samples. Rates of transformation of Co(II)EDTA{sup 2-} into Co(III)EDTA{sup -} and of disassociation of Co{sup 2+} and EDTA{sup 4-} were modeled assuming that the reaction rates were independent of the flow direction. The concentration of Mn oxides that was responsible for the transformation reaction was dependent on the flow direction, which governed the extent of contact between the solution and the solid phase. Similarly, the adsorption constants of Co(II)EDTA{sup 2-} and Co(III)EDTA{sup -} were dependent on the flow direction but were also unique formore » each experiment. The modeled concentration of reactive minerals was the most sensitive parameter describing the reaction and transformation of Co(II)EDTA{sup 2-}.« less
Community Development Credit Unions: Securing and Protecting Assets in Black Communities

Credit Unions, with a hundred year history, and Community Development Credit Unions (CDCUs), with a 30–40 year history of serving the under-served, have only recently begun to be recognized by some of the media and the progressive community as “safe havens” and fair lenders. There is little independent, academic research, however, that investigates and evaluates the ways that credit unions are community-rooted and responsive to local needs, and/or their achievements in this area. This paper reports on preliminary qualitative research this author has conducted to help us understand how community development credit unions in Black communities in the U.S. provide affordable financial services, and especially help their clients/members to preserve assets. Major findings include: all CDCUs note that they charge lower rates for their products, and provide higher interest or dividends when possible; both which enable members/customers to save money and build assets. CDCUs work closely with their members to personalize services, to help them avoid loans they cannot afford, and to educate them enough to make sound financial decisions and preserve their assets. Many give some direct options to their members to avoid “payday loans” with check cashing and other predatory lenders. In addition, most CDCUs are deeply involved in their communities, and the bigger ones actually provide donations, encourage their employees to volunteer in the community and are generous employees (creating jobs with benefits and job ladder opportunities). Some are able to help finance affordable housing and contribute to other community economic development projects.
An Intergenerational Choir Formed to Lessen Alzheimer’s Disease Stigma in College Students and Decrease the Social Isolation of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Family Members A Pilot Study

The intergenerational choir was formed for the purpose of combating the stigma of Alzheimer's disease in college students, and in that process also lessening the social isolation of people with AD and their family members. The choir was composed of 13 college students and 13 people with AD and a family member. Data from the college students were gathered through semi-structured open-ended questions on attitudes and knowledge about AD, collected at three points in time over 8 weeks of rehearsals. Data were collected from the people with AD and their family members through a focus group and observations over 8 weeks of rehearsals. Results a show a decrease in social isolation for the older choir members, and for the college students: a decrease in negative attitudes, an increase in positive attitudes and themes of - recognizing capabilities, expanded understanding of AD, reduced stigma, and reduced social discomfort.
Data center power control for frequency regulation

The power consumption of a data center with a large number of computer servers can be controlled precisely on fast timescales, making data centers rather valuable assets to the electric grid. This paper explores the potential of using large-scale data centers to provide frequency regulation. In particular, Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling (DVFS) is employed to adjust the power consumptions of individual computer servers. An aggregated power response model is developed for the entire data center. Service response time model is incorporated to ensure performance of the data center. A novel power management strategy is then proposed to control the CPU frequencies of individual servers to follow a given regulation signal while respecting desired response time requirement. Simulations based on real workload traces and real regulation signals are performed. The results indicate that the regulation signal can be tracked very accurately under the proposed control strategy, and a single data center can achieve about a half-million-dollar revenue by participating in the regulation market without affecting its service quality.
Method for inferring sensor attitude through multifeature tracking

This paper describes an algorithm for determining the attitude (yaw, pitch, and roll) of an imaging sensor relative to its attitude at a reference time. Inputs are images at the two times and relative sensor position. We assume the latter is provided by an inertial navigation system (INS) or other source. The algorithm was developed to meet the needs of passive ranging where accurate estimates of attitude are crucial to performance and are difficult to obtain, particularly when the sensor and INS are not co-located. On the other hand, it is not difficult to obtain estimates of relative motion to the required accuracy.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Polychronic—Monochronic Tendency Model: PMTS scale development and validation

Polychronicity has traditionally been defined as a form of behavior wherein a person engages in two or more activities during the same block of time, while monochronicity occurs when a person engages in one activity at a time. These concepts have become increasingly relevant in discussions of `time personality', worktime in the home, and technological impacts on time. Other underlying dimensions of polychronicity also exist, such as preferences and feelings towards whether to combine activities or not. In order to reflect this more complex perspective, a validated, updated measure of a person's polychronic—monochronic overall tendency is needed. The present study is a re-inquiry and extension of the Polychronic Attitude Index (PAI), introduced in 1991. In the current research plan we propose, develop, and validate a general five-item comprehensive `reflective' single factor extended model. The general Polychronic—Monochronic Tendency Model is constructed using confirmatory factor analysis. The five-item s...
Cortisol enhances the transcription of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-6 in cultured osteoblasts.

Previous work indicate that glucocorticoids inhibit the synthesis of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IG-FBP-3), -4, and -5, but not IGFBP-6, in osteoblast cultures. IGFBP-6 binds IGF-II with high affinity and prevents IGF-II-mediated effects. As IGF-II is present at high concentrations in bone, we postulate that glucocorticoids may regulate IGF-II by altering IGFBP-6 synthesis. We tested the expression of IGFBP-6 in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). Treatment of Ob cells with cortisol caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in IGFBP-6 messenger RNA levels, as determined by Northern blot analysis. The effect was maximal after 48 h of treatment and observed with cortisol concentrations of 10 nM to 1 microM. Treatment with cortisol also increased IGFBP-6 polypeptide levels in the medium, as determined by Western immunoblot analysis. Cycloheximide at 3.6 microM decreased IGFBP-6 transcripts and prevented the stimulatory eff...
Intensive family preservation services: an examination of critical service components

Prescribed models of intensive family preservation services are based on assumptions regarding the contribution of service intensity, short-term duration of services and a home-based approach to positive outcomes for children and families. A descriptive and exploratory study tests these assumptions by examining the association of service structure characteristics to case outcomes: child placement, child safety, and gains in family skills and child well-being. This study finds that, while service intensity is indeed a predictor of short and long-term placement outcomes for families, families’ gains while in treatment (as rated by caseworkers) are even better predictors of placement outcomes.
Active Surveillance of Dynamic Environments using a Multi-Agent System

Abstract Mobility and multi-functionality have been recognized as being basic requirements for the development of fully automated surveillance systems in realistic scenarios. Nevertheless, problems such as active control of heterogeneous mobile agents, integration of information from fixed and moving sensors for high-level scene interpretation, and mission execution are open. This paper describes recent and current research of the authors concerning the design and implementation of a multi-agent surveillance system, using static cameras and mobile robots. The proposed solution takes advantage of a distributed control architecture that allows the agents to autonomously handle general-purpose tasks, as well as more complex surveillance issues. The various agents can either take decisions and act with some degree of autonomy, or cooperate with each other. This paper presents an overview of the system architecture and of the algorithms involved in developing such an autonomous, multi-agent surveillance system.
Flux growth of bismuth tungstate, Bi2WO6

Abstract Bismuth tungstate crystals, Bi 2 WO 6 , were grown from WO 3 rich-fluxes containing Na 2 O and NaF. The crystals were clear, free of inclusions, strain-free and single domain. Details of flux growth conditions are reported. The best crystals grew at a rate of 4°C/h, between 900 and 780°C; and the thickness of the crystals increased exponentially with fluoride content of the melt. Results are discussed in terms of phase diagram information, and mechanisms of flux growth. An unexplained phenomenon was that the crystals grew with a vertical orientation within the flux. Characterization data are reported. The largest crystals were 10 mm X 5 mm X 1 mm. Details are also given for flux growth from bismuth borate and alkali borate fluxes.
Heparinase inhibits neovascularization.

Abstract Neovascularization is associated with the regulation of tissue development, wound healing, and tumor metastasis. A number of studies have focused on the role of heparin-like molecules in neovascularization; however, little is known about the role of heparin-degrading enzymes in neovascularization. We report here that the heparin-degrading enzymes, heparinases I and III, but not heparinase II, inhibited both neovascularization in vivo and proliferation of capillary endothelial cells mediated by basic fibroblast growth factor in vitro. We suggest that the role of heparinases in inhibition of neovascularization is through depletion of heparan sulfate receptors that are critical for growth factor-mediated endothelial cell proliferation and hence neovascularization. The differences in the effects of the three heparinases on neovascularization could be due to different substrate specificities for the enzymes, influencing the availability of specific heparin fragments that modulate heparin-binding cytokines involved in angiogenesis.
A narrow band pattern-matching model of vowel perception

The purpose of this paper is to propose and evaluate a new model of vowel perception which assumes that vowel identity is recognized by a template-matching process involving the comparison of narrow band input spectra with a set of smoothed spectral-shape templates that are learned through ordinary exposure to speech. In the present simulation of this process, the input spectra are computed over a sufficiently long window to resolve individual harmonics of voiced speech. Prior to template creation and pattern matching, the narrow band spectra are amplitude equalized by a spectrum-level normalization process, and the information-bearing spectral peaks are enhanced by a "flooring" procedure that zeroes out spectral values below a threshold function consisting of a center-weighted running average of spectral amplitudes. Templates for each vowel category are created simply by averaging the narrow band spectra of like vowels spoken by a panel of talkers. In the present implementation, separate templates are used for men, women, and children. The pattern matching is implemented with a simple city-block distance measure given by the sum of the channel-by-channel differences between the narrow band input spectrum (level-equalized and floored) and each vowel template. Spectral movement is taken into account by computing the distance measure at several points throughout the course of the vowel. The input spectrum is assigned to the vowel template that results in the smallest difference accumulated over the sequence of spectral slices. The model was evaluated using a large database consisting of 12 vowels in /hVd/ context spoken by 45 men, 48 women, and 46 children. The narrow band model classified vowels in this database with a degree of accuracy (91.4%) approaching that of human listeners.
Plasma levels of d-amphetamine in hyperactive children. Serial behavior and motor responses.

Amphetamine has been clearly documented to be an efficacious treatment for hyperactive children. The pharmacokinetics of amphetamine have been studied in adults, but not in children. Sixteen male children who scored >2 SD from norms on Factors I and IV of Conners's Teacher Rating Scale and who were not excluded for reasons to do with medical or psychiatric conditions, intelligence, or age, had a plasma d-amphetamine apparent elimination half-life of 6.8±0.5 h. Peak plasma level occurred between 3 and 4 h (62.7±3.8 and 65.9±3.6 ng/ml, respectively). Six of these children had a repeat study and there were no significant differences within subject in apparent elimination half-lives and attained peak blood levels. The variation in plasma levels was greater during absorption than during elimination. Both behavioral and motor activity resonses as analyzed by differences between amphetamine and placebo days (by paired t-tests) indicate significant responses between hours 1–4; however, these responses do not correlate with plasma amphetamine levels; they occur during the absorption phase. The decreased response to later similar plasma levels of d-amphetamine may be related to depletion of catecholamine stores, to replacement by a ‘false neurotransmitter’ metabolite of amphetamine, or to alteration in receptor sensitivity.
Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Adults With Severe Mental Illness: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

There is strong evidence that adults with severe mental illness evidence high rates of both lifetime trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relative to the general population. However, little attention has yet been paid in this population to intimate partner violence (IPV), a form of trauma that is often recurrent and linked with long-term mental and physical health consequences. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of a random sample of public-sector psychiatric patients recruited from a day-hospital program from 2002 to 2004. Our results are all the more troublesome indicating that over 90% of suicidal inpatients reported a past year history of IPV victimization and perpetration. These findings clearly suggest that the presence of severe and recurrent forms of IPV place individuals with severe mental illness, who already constitute a vulnerable population, at extreme risk. Thus, as public-sector clinicians increase their efforts to screen for trauma and PTSD in this population, particular attention should be paid to assessing for the presence and severity of both IPV victimization and perpetration using more comprehensive IPV measures such as the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) Language: en
ACETALDEHYDE INCREASES FREE IRON IN THE HEART: POSSIBLE MECHANISM IN ALCOHOL CAHDIOMYOPATHY

Chronic alcohol(ETOH) exposure in man and turkeys (TK) leads to structural and functional changes in the heart; similar cardiac pathology has been found in some infants with the fetal alcohol syndrome. The mechanism of ETOH induced cardiac damage is unknown but may, in part, involve lipid peroxidation (LPO) of heart membranes. Acetaldehyde(ALD), the first oxidation product of ETOH, could be the main mediator of ETOH injury. The direct effect of ALD on heart tissue LPO has not been reported and this, therefore, was investigated in our study. Normal TK and Sprague Dawley rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Left ventricular(LV) homogenates were analyzed for LPO using the thiobarbituric acid reaction(malondialdehyde(MDA) production; mean±SE in nmolMDA/100mg prot.) before and after in vitro addition of 1%ALD. LPO was increased in rat LV(n=5) following the addition of ALD (250±9vs486±24, p<0.02). A similar increase was obtained using TK LV(n=5, see below), suggesting that the increase was not species specific. The cause of ALD induced increased LPO is unknown; one possible mechanism could involve delocalization of tissue iron (Fe) leading to enhanced LPO via an Fe catalyzed(e.g.Haber-Weiss) reaction. We found that in vitro addition of 1%ALD also resulted in a significant 2-fold increase in free Fe levels of TK(n=6) and rat(n=5)LV(TK:48±12 to 105±6;rat:99±5 to 174±10nmolFe/100mg prot.). The addition of Fe chelators deferoxamine(DEF) and dihydrobenzoic acid(DBA) at 0.02M protected against ALD induced increase in TK LV LPO(CON:321±66;1%ALD:567±96;DEF:196±24;DBA:343 ± 36, p<0.03vs 1%ALD). Thus, ALD increases free Fe levels and LPO in TK and rat heart homogenates. Should similar changes occur in vivo, these results suggest a mechanism of ETOH induced cardiomyopathy and a possible mode of treatment.
Droplet Impingement Cooling for Electronics Using Silicon Nozzles

This paper examines the performance of a silicon nozzle on the droplet impingement cooling of a simulated electronic chip with a dielectric coolant. A silicon nozzle plate with 49 orifices on a 1 inch square area is bonded with swirl chips. A compact test beds with embedded cartridge heaters and thermocouples at specified locations, is built and integrated with a condenser to test the cooling performance at a given heat flux. Through the system testing, the importance of vapor/excess-liquid exits, orientation due to gravity, and the temperature control of recirculating liquid are revealed. The use of Swiss-roll micronozzles have provided up to 45 W/cm2 uniform heat removal at 23 cc/min cm2 liquid flux.© 2003 ASME
Depression screening in adolescents in the United States: a national study of ambulatory office-based practice.

Abstract Objective To determine the frequency of depression screening during ambulatory, office-based visits for adolescents seen in general/family medicine or pediatric practices in the United States using nationally representative data; to determine the patient-, provider-, and visit-level factors associated with depression screening during ambulatory visits to inform recommendations to promote screening. Methods This cross-sectional study used the 2005–2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys. Data were limited to ambulatory, office-based visits to general/family medicine or pediatrics clinics for adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who did not have a documented diagnosis of depression. Results Depression screening was rare (0.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.3), and it was 80% less likely to occur during visits for Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white adolescents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.7). Depression screening was 9.1 times more likely in the Northeast compared to the West (aOR 9.1, 95% CI 2.2–38.1) if there were no visits within past 12 months compared to 6 or more visits (aOR 6.1; 95% CI 1.8–20.4), and if stress management (aOR 24.2, 95% CI 11.8–49.5) or other mental health counseling (aOR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2–23.6) were provided. Conclusions Depression screening for adolescents is rare and is associated with racial/ethnic and regional disparities. The integration of behavioral and mental health services within the patient-centered medical home might assist providers in identifying and treating depression and in addressing such disparities.
Retrospective distortion correction for 3D MR diffusion tensor microscopy using mutual information and Fourier deformations.

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be complicated by distortions that contribute to errors in tissue characterization and loss of fine structures. This work presents a correction scheme based on retrospective registration via mutual information (MI), using Fourier transform (FT)-based deformations to enhance the reliability of the entropy-based image registration. The registration methodology is applied to correcting distortions in 3D high-resolution DTI datasets, incorporating a complete set of affine deformations. Results demonstrate that the proposed methodology can consistently and significantly reduce the number of mis-registered pixels, leading to marked improvement in the visualization of internal brain white matter structure via DTI. Post-registration analysis reveals that eddy current effects cannot fully account for the observed image distortions. Combined, these findings are supportive of the non-model-based, post-processing approach for correcting the distortions, and demonstrate the advantages of combining FT-based deformations and MI registration in enhancing the practical utility of DTI.
Recognizing and exploiting differences between RNAi and small-molecule inhibitors.

The biology of RNA interference has greatly facilitated analysis of loss-of-function phenotypes, but correlating these phenotypes with small-molecule inhibition profiles is not always straightforward. We examine the rationale of comparing RNA interference to pharmacological intervention in chemical biology.
Controlling shareholders, board structure, and firm performance: Evidence from India ☆

Abstract We examine the prevalence and performance impact of controlling shareholders and study corporate board structures and ownership structures in 1796 Indian firms. Families (founders) are present on the boards in 63.2 (65.5) percent of the sample firms. On average, founders own over 50% of outstanding shares. In contrast to the findings of Anderson and Reeb (2003) in the U.S. context, we find that controlling shareholder board membership in Indian firms has a statistically significant negative association with Tobin's Q. Higher proportion of independent directors, higher institutional ownership or larger firm size does not appear to mitigate this relationship. Overall, board membership of controlling shareholders appears to be costly for minority shareholders.
Employees' reactions to an interactive website assessing alcohol use and risk for alcohol dependence, stress level and coping

Objective We assessed employee's reactions to using a website‐based intervention designed to identify moderate and high‐risk drinkers and to reduce their problematic drinking.Methods One hundred and eighty‐seven participants completed a prewebsite‐intervention survey, website intervention, and a follow‐up survey assessing participants' reactions to the website. The website provided feedback regarding participants' alcohol use, risk of lifetime or current alcohol dependence, stress level, and coping style. Participants identified as at ‘low’ or ‘moderate’ risk for alcohol‐related problems were randomly assigned to receive either ‘limited individualized feedback’ or ‘full individualized feedback’. High‐risk participants were given the full individualized feedback intervention.Results Twenty‐three per cent were identified to be at high risk of having alcohol‐related problems, and 17% were at moderate risk. Most participants viewed the site information as interesting and easy to use. High‐risk participants we...
Nuclear spin-lattice relaxation of isotopic impurities in solid hydrogen

We report calculations of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation of isotopic impurities (HD) in solid hydrogen. The temperature-independent relaxation observed at low temperatures is attributed to the quantum tunneling of the impurities, and the pronounced minimum observed at intermediate temperatures is associated with scattering from thermally excited vacancies.
Toxicity of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Intracranial Tumors in Patients With Collagen Vascular Diseases or Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose: To assess toxicity in patients with either a collagen vascular disease (CVD) or multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with intracranial radiosurgery. Methods and Materials: Between January 2004 and April 2009, 6 patients with MS and 14 patients with a CVD were treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for intracranial tumors. Treated lesions included 15 total brain metastases in 7 patients, 11 benign brain tumors, 1 low grade glioma, and 1 cavernous malformation. Toxicities were graded by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Acute/Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria. 'Rare toxicities' were characterized as those reported in the scientific literature at an incidence of <5%. Results: Median follow-up time was 16 months. Median dose to the tumor margin was 13.0 Gy (range, 12-21 Gy). Median size of tumor was 5.0 cm{sup 3} (range, 0.14-7.8 cm{sup 3}). Of the 14 patients with CVD, none experienced a Grade 3 or 4 toxicity or a toxicity characterized as rare. Of the 6 patients with MS, 3 experienced rare toxicities, and two of these were Grade 3 toxicities. Rare complications included a patient experiencing both communicating hydrocephalus and facial nerve palsy, as well as 2 additional patients with motor cranial nerve palsy. High-grade toxicities included the patientmore » with an acoustic neuroma requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for obstructive hydrocephalus, and 1 patient with a facial nerve schwannoma who experienced permanent facial nerve palsy. Interval between radiosurgery and high-grade toxicities ranged from 1 week to 4 months. Conclusions: Our series suggests that patients with MS who receive GKRS may be at increased risk of rare and high-grade treatment-related toxicity. Given the time course of toxicity, treatment-related edema or demyelination represent potential mechanisms.« less
Utilization of vanadium alloys in the DIII-D radiative divertor program

Abstract Vanadium alloys are attractive candidate structural materials for fusion power plants because of their potential for minimum environmental impact due to low neutron activation and rapid activation decay. They also possess favorable material properties for operation in a fusion environment. General Atomics in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a plan for the utilization of vanadium alloys as part of the radiative divertor upgrade for the DIII-D tokamak. The plan will be carried out in conjunction with General Atomics and the Materials Program of the US Department of Energy. This application of a vanadium alloy will provide a meaningful step in the development of advanced materials for fusion power devices by: (1) developing necessary materials processing technology for the fabrication of large vanadium alloy components and (2) demonstrating the in-service behavior of a vanadium alloy (V4Cr4Ti) in a tokamak environment. The program consists of three phases: first, small vanadium alloy coupon samples will be exposed in DIII-D at positions in the vessel floor and within the pumping plenum region of the existing divertor structure; second, a small vanadium alloy component will be installed in the existing divertor, and third, during the forthcoming radiative divertor modification, scheduled for completion in mid-1997, the upper section of the new double-null, slotted divertor will be fabricated from vanadium alloy product forms. This program also includes research and development efforts to support fabrication development and to resolve key issues related to environmental effects.
Broadened Pulse-Step Change−Isotopic Sharp Pulse Analysis of the Mechanism of Methane Partial Oxidation to Synthesis Gas

The mechanism of the partial oxidation of CH4 was studied by a transient response analysis of a broadened pulse combined with either a step change or a sharp isotopic pulse. Over the unreduced NiO/SiO2 catalyst, the reaction between CH4 and O2 occurs via the Eley−Rideal mechanism, CH4 in the gas phase (or weakly adsorbed) reacting with O2 in the adsorbed state. In contrast, over the reduced NiO/SiO2 catalyst, the reaction takes place by a Langmuir−Hinshelwood mechanism, CH4 and O2 reacting in the adsorbed states. In addition, isotopic pulses of 18O2 revealed that over the reduced catalyst lattice oxygen is formed and reduced by the carbon species; hence, on the reduced catalyst a dynamic redox process occurs.
Heterobifunctional photoaffinity labeling reagents.

Cet article de synthese decrit les methodes de marquage par photoaffinite de macromolecules. Les reactifs heterobifonctionnels ont ete divises en fonction de leur specificite pour les groupements amino, sulfhydryl, guanidino, indole, carboxyls et non specifiques
Nonlinear static cyclic pushover analysis for flexural failure of reinforced concrete bridge columns with combined damage mechanisms

In a fixed connection of a reinforced concrete bridge column, experiments have shown that the longitudinal reinforcing bars slip at the interface of the connection under cyclic seismic loading. The bond-slip (or strain penetration) of the longitudinal reinforcing bars causes a pinching effect in the column’s hysteresis curve. The bond-slip (or strain penetration) reduces the column’s stiffness and increases its deformations during an earthquake event, significantly affecting the performance of the column. Significant strength degradation has also been observed after the column reaches its ultimate strength. This study is to model a reinforced concrete column’s performance under cyclic pushover analysis with combined damage mechanisms including concrete cracking, concrete strength degradation due to concrete spalling, longitudinal reinforcing bars buckling, and bond-slip between longitudinal reinforcing bars and concrete. Two multi-scale nonlinear finite element models with and without the bond-slip (or strain penetration) of a reinforced concrete bridge column are proposed. The simulated column’s hysteresis curves under nonlinear cyclic pushover are compared with available experimental data. The results show that the proposed models with bond-slip together with combined damage mechanisms can effectively predict the seismically induced flexural failure behavior of the reinforced concrete bridge columns.
Rigorous Results on Valence-Bond Ground States in Antiferromagnets

We present rigorous results on a phase in antiferromagnets in one dimension and more, which we call a valence-bond solid. The ground state is simply constructed out of valence bonds, is nondegenerate, and breaks no symmetries. There is an energy gap and an exponentially decaying correlation function. Physical applications are mentioned.
Isolation of human growth hormone isohormones D and E in milligram amounts (II), using isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel.

Abstract Human growth hormone (hGH) isohormones D and E were prepared from a partial enzymatic hydrolyzate catalyzed by plasmin, using isoelectric focusing cn pclyacrylamide gel to fractionate the digest. Separation between the two lsohcrmone epecles was optimized by employing a maximally flattened pH gradient between pH's 4.3 and 5.6. Gel slices containing isohormones D and E were extracted and concentrated by Steady-State Stacking on polyacrylamide gel. The extract was purified by gel filtration and lyophillzed. Overall yields of lyophllized isohormones 0 and E were 10.9 mg and represented a recovery of 51% relative to the densitometrically estimated isohormcne concentrations in the hGH digest. Purity of the products, based on Lowry analysis, U.V. absorbance and radioimmunoassay (RIA) was 60-70%. The isolated isohormone species were active in th'e rat tibia-line assay and in the specific RIA for hGH.
Effect of the chelating agent gedta on the mineral nutrient status of an Mg‐efficient and an Mg‐Inefficient corn inbred

Abstract Two corn (Zea mays L.) inbreds, B57 and OH40B, were grown in nutrient solution with and without the chelating agent GEDTA (enough to chelate all the Ca in the nutrient solution) to determine if the effects on mineral nutrient status could reveal more of the nature of the inefficiency of the OH40B to Mg. The GEDTA increased plant concentrations of both Ca and Mg, but more so in the efficient than in the inefficient inbred. The chelator depressed Cu transport to shoots of both inbreds and served to induce an Fe deficiency at the highest level of application. The inefficient inbred shoots generally contained more Zn and Mn than the efficient inbred in all treatments and for Mn the effect was expressed in both shoots and roots.
Frequent Gene Conversion Between Human Red and Green Opsin Genes

To study the evolution of human X-linked red and green opsin genes, genomic sequences in large regions of the two genes were compared. The divergences in introns 3, 4, and 5 and the 3′ flanking sequence of the two genes are significantly lower than those in exons 4 and 5. The homogenization mechanism of introns and the 3′ flanking sequence of human red and green opsin genes is probably gene conversion, which also occurred in exons 1 and 6. At least one gene conversion event occurred in each of three regions (1,3, and 5) in the sequences compared. In conclusion, gene conversion has occurred frequently between human red and green opsin genes, but exons 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been maintained distinct between the two genes by natural selection.
Norepinephrine content in the paraventicular nucleus of the hypothalamus as a function of photoperiod and dopaminergic tone

The decline in the release of various anterior pituitary hormones, particularly prolactin (PRL), as a result of exposure to inhibitory, short-day photoperiods in long-day breeders is a well-documented phenomenon. This alteration in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis is largely controlled by changes in the duration of the nocturnal melatonin pulse secreted by the pineal gland. Increased duration of melatonin secretion serves to increase the inhibitory activity of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons, which in turn suppress PRL release and synthesis. However, other hypothalamic factors also appear to stimulate anterior pituitary function, working in concert with changes in TIDA activity to modulate circulating PRL levels under different photoperiod conditions. Past work from this laboratory has suggested that neurochemical changes at the level of the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN), particularly changes in norepinephrine (NE) activity, may represent one of these modulatory influences. The current study investigated potential alterations in NF, content within the PVN during the early stages of short-day exposure in Siberian hamsters. In addition, the interaction of NE content with the modulatory dopamine (DA) system was investigated via administration of a DA agonist (CB154) or antagonist (pimozide). Hamsters received CB 154 (500 µg), pimozide (45 µg), or control solution via the drinking water under either long days (16L:8D) or short days (10L:14D), and were sacrificed at 1, 3, or 5 wk of photoperiod and drug treatment. The brains were removed, and the PVN microdissected from the hypothalamus and analyzed for catecholamine content using high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). The results revealed the expected stimulation of circulating PRL under both photoperiods following pimozide administration, as well as the expected trend toward an accelerated suppression of PRL under short days induced by CB 154. For control animals, there were no changes in NE content, or the ratio of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyglycol (MHPG)/NE in long-day exposed animalx, but for short-day animals, both NE content and the ratio of MHPG/NE declined over time. Administration of CB 154 had only a marginal effect on NE content and the ratio of MHPG/NE, but pimozide administration resulted in a decline in NE content and an increase in the MHPG/NE ratio under short days, and an increase in NE content and the MHPG/NE ratio over time for long-day animals. These results suggest that both photoperiod and administration of a DA antagonist that increases circulating PRL levels induce alterations in NE terminal activity within the hypothalamic PVN.
DID THE GREEKS BELIEVE IN THEIR ROBOTS

This paper investigates the ‘prehistory’ of automata in fourth-century Greece. It argues, first, that automata appear more frequently in the philosophy and drama of this period than has usually been recognised; second, that robots function in classical Greek literature as a utopian substitute for slavery or other forms of bound labour; and, finally, that the failure of Hellenistic automata to realise this utopia illustrates some basic constraints on the power of technology to disturb social institutions in the ancient world.
The probability density function for phase-difference estimates obtained from the envelopes of the sum and difference of two sine waves

Probability density function of phase difference magnitude, using estimator having gain matched amplifiers
Vitamin supplements for the elderly: are they worth it?

David R Thomas Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University Medical Center, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA Tel.: +1 314 977 8462; E-mail: thomasdr@slu.edu “Accumulating evidence from randomized, controlled, prospective trials suggests that vitamin and mineral supplementation may not always be innocuous...More disturbingly, even supplementation doses considered to be within a therapeutic range have been shown to produce unwanted outcomes.”
Complete spontaneous remission of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the maxillary sinus after concurrent infections.

Case Description A 67-year-old woman presented to her dentist for evaluation of painless, right-sided facial swelling that had been slowly increasing for approximately 4 weeks. The swelling did not improve after a course of oral antibiotics. One month after presentation, she was referred to an oral surgeon who extracted 2 teeth. During this procedure, a soft tissue mass that involved the right maxilla was noted, and biopsies of the mass were performed. Histologic examination of the mass revealed sheets of monomorphic, large cells with vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli, with admixed scattered small lymphocytes (Figure 1). Immunohistochemistry stains showed positive CD 20, CD10, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, and MUM-1 with negative CD5, consistent with diffuse large B-cell