cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Updating of Deteriorating Bridge Infrastructures Through Monitoring Data

The knowledge about the deteriorating characteristics and future operation conditions in civil infrastructure systems is never complete. Any decision-making framework must include a rational approach for quantifying these uncertainties and their bearing on the decision making process, thought the entire life-cycle of operation. A probability logic approach provides a consistent foundation for this, employing probability models to characterize the relative likelihood of the different system properties. Health monitoring data, when available, may be used to update the probabilistic quantification related to these uncertainties as well the future assessment of the condition of the infrastructure system under consideration. This work presents a Bayesian framework for updating the assessment of bridge infrastructure systems through use of monitoring data. Focus is put on deteriorating characteristics for bridges, which can have a significant impact on the reliability of the system. Stochastic simulation techniques, primarily based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation, are proposed for the Bayesian updating and various models classes are examined for the bridge system. The updating of the relative likelihood for each of the models through monitoring data is also considered. An illustrative example is presented that demonstrates the power of this approach for updating the assessment of an aging overpass concrete bridge and guiding maintenance decisions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Effect of Length, Topology, and Concentration on the Microviscosity and Microheterogeneity of DNA Solutions

The viscoelastic behavior of chromosomal DNA, which is heterogeneously distributed within the nucleus, may influence the diffusion of nuclear organelles and proteins. To identify some of the parameters that affect DNA viscoelasticity, we use the high-throughput method of multiple-particle nanotracking to measure the microviscosity and degree of heterogeneity of solutions of chromosomal DNA, linear DNA, and circular double-stranded DNA over a wide range of concentrations and lengths. The thermally excited displacements of multiple fluorescent microspheres imbedded in DNA solutions are monitored with 5 nm spatial resolution and 30 Hz temporal resolution, from which mean-squared displacement (MSD) and viscosity distributions are generated. For all probed DNA solutions but the most concentrated solution of the longest molecules, the ensemble-averaged MSD increases linearly with time at all probed time scales, a signature of viscous transport. The associated mean viscosity of the DNA solutions increases slowly with concentration for circular DNA and more rapidly for linear DNA, but more slowly than predicted by theory. The heterogeneity of the DNA solutions is assessed by computing the relative contributions of the 10%, 25%, and 50% highest values of MSD and viscosity to the ensemble-averaged MSD and viscosity. For both linear DNA and circular DNA, these contributions are much larger than observed in homogeneous liquids such as glycerol. The microheterogeneity of the linear DNA solutions increases with concentration more significantly for linear DNA than circular DNA. These in vitro results suggest that the topology, local concentration, and length of DNA influence the microrheology and microheterogeneity of the DNA within the nucleus.
A versatile, commercially available automated synthesizer for the development and production of pet radiotracers

The automation of routinely produced radiotracers is an important process for any PET center. Automation allows frequent, highly reproducible syntheses with large amounts of radioactivity while minimizing exposure to the radiochemist in comparison with manual radiotracer synthesis. We found the Gilson SK233 Work Station, coupled with Gilson's 735 Sampler Software and a Gilson SPE (solid phase extraction) module, to be a versatile, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution to our need for automation in the development and routine synthesis of radiotracers.
Influence of grain size on transition temperature of thermochromic VO2

Vanadium(IV) oxide (VO2) is a unique material that undergoes a reversible phase transformation around 68 °C. The material could potentially be used as an energy-efficient coating for windows since its reflectance in the infrared (IR) increases significantly more than in the visible region. Currently, VO2 is limited by a transition temperature (τc) that is too high, luminous transmittance that is too low or both. In this study, a transition temperature of 45 °C is achieved for a reactively sputtered, undoped film by restricting grain size to approximately 30 nm. It is concluded that a higher density of grain boundaries (smaller grain size) provides a greater number of nucleating defects which in turn reduces τc. Similarly, a higher density of grain boundaries may reduce the hysteresis width (difference between transition temperatures in heating and cooling). Also in this study, a new set of optical performance metrics is proposed in which the solar spectrum is divided into the ultraviolet (UV), visible and...
Stimulation of the insulin-sensitive cAMP phosphodiesterase by an ATP-dependent soluble factor from insulin-treated rat adipocytes.

Abstract The insulin-sensitive cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) in the microsomal fraction (Fraction P-2) from basal (-insulin) rat adipocytes was stimulated upon incubation with 2 mM ATP plus the soluble fraction from insulin-treated adipocytes (Fraction S-2+). Fraction S-2+ was prepared in the presence of p-nitrophenylphosphate, sodium vanadate, and EGTA. The ATP-dependent stimulation of PDE was routinely 60–70%. The unknown factor in Fraction S-2 was water-soluble, heat-labile, excluded by Sephadex G-50, mostly retained by Sephadex G-100, and not inhibited with 1 μg/ml heparin, 3 mM CaCl2, or 30 mM NaF. The soluble factor may be a mediator of insulin action on PDE, possibly a protein kinase.
Identity and general similarity

L'A. pense que la notion d'identite relative est une idee coherente pour definir les relations logiques entre les noms communs representant un type de chose, et que les objections emises a priori a l'encontre de cette notion sont incorrectes. Il illustre son propos en montrant comment certains problemes persistants en ce qui concerne l'identite peuvent etre resolus en faisant appel a la conception de l'identite relative elaboree dans le cadre d'une logique de la similitude generale. Il se penche plus particulierement sur le probleme du changement dans le temps et sur celui de l'identite contingente
Conservation of the developmentally regulated dendritic localization of a Purkinje cell-specific mRNA that encodes a G-protein modulator: comparison of rodent and human Pcp2(L7) gene structure and expression.

Abstract L7/Pcp-2 is a GoLoco domain protein that modulates the activation of Gα i and Gα o . We have previously described the Purkinje cell-specific expression of the Pcp-2(L7) gene and the abundant localization of its mRNA in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cell dendrites. Here we report on two alternative cerebellar forms of the L7/Pcp-2 mRNA and protein by examination of the gene structures and cDNA sequences of the mouse, rat, and human genes. The structures of the rodent and human genes are very similar with the most notable difference in the genomic configuration of the first exon. Despite this difference, the human and rodent genes both encode two alternative mRNAs due to the choice of two transcriptional start positions. The two mRNA forms, in turn, predict two forms of the L7/Pcp-2 protein, which are both highly conserved across species. These two protein forms differ with respect to the number of GoLoco domains. Lastly we examined the issue of mRNA localization in dendrites. In mouse both mRNA forms are detectable in dendrites but their relative proportions change during development. In addition we performed in situ hybridization on a developmental series of human cerebellar sections and demonstrate that the L7/Pcp-2 mRNA is also localized in dendrites of humans. As previously described in the mouse the dendritic localization in humans is developmentally regulated being most prominent during the peak phase of synaptogenesis and decreasing dramatically with age. The conservation of all of these properties of both the L7/Pcp-2 protein and mRNA highlights their likely importance in controlling the development and/or motor control function of Purkinje cells.
Neogastroplites meets Metengonoceras: morphological response of an endemic hoplitid ammonite to a new invader in the mid-Cretaceous Mowry Sea of North America

High levels of morphological variability have been attributed to various ecological and developmental mechanisms, including selection for ecological generalists in an unstable environment, inherent developmental plasticity, and the absence of competitors in an empty ecosystem. The late Albian–early Cenomanian hoplitid ammonite Neogastroplites of the Mowry Sea of North America, notorious for its extreme levels of intraspecific variability, is used as a test case of the idea that a lack of competitors promotes variability. The group responded to the invasion of a second ammonite, the engonoceratid Metengonoceras, into the Mowry Sea by spreading into a previously unoccupied region of morphospace, suggesting possible ecological character displacement and a release from constructional constraints. However, morphological variability did not decrease, as would be predicted by the competition model. The variability of Neogastroplites might instead result from environmental instability or developmental flexibility.
Stimulation of food intake following opiate agonists in rats but not hamsters.

The proposed μ and ϰ opiate receptor agonists morphine and ketocyclazocine, as well as meperidine, were compared for their ability to stimulate feeding and drinking by male rats and hamsters that were not deprived of food or water. Morphine (8.0 mg/kg) and ketocyclazocine (0.5–4.0 mg/kg), but not meperidine (0.5–64.0 mg/kg), increased 3-h food intake by rats. By 6 h the hyperphagic responses were less pronounced. However, 6-h water intake was increased by all three agonists. In contrast to rats, hamsters failed to increased food or water intake over an 8-h period following morphine (6.25–800 mg/kg), ketocyclazocine (0.25–16.0 mg/kg), or meperidine (1.0–128 mg/kg) administration. Thus, ϰ or μ opiate receptors may mediate the observed hyperphagic effect of opiate agonists on rat food intake. In addition, these results are consistent with our earlier suggestion that hamsters lack an opiate-sensitive feeding system.
Foreign object damage on the leading edge of a thin blade

Foreign object damage (FOD) occurs when hard, millimeter-sized objects such as gravel or sand are ingested into aircraft jet engines. Particles impacting turbine blades at velocities up to about 300 m/s produce small indentation craters which can become sites for fatigue crack initiation, severely limiting the lifetime of the blade. In this study, the impact on the edge of a thin plate is investigated by using the finite element method. Dimensional analysis is used to group the impact and material variables into the smallest possible sets characterizing FOD. Primary focuses are addressed on the effects of residual stress and stress concentration, and the implication of fatigue cracking at different locations is given. These results provide useful insights for the real FOD and fatigue cracking problems encountered in turbine engines.
Measurement of fecal coliform bacteria from domestic waste

The objective of this research is to estimate the concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria from the septic tank effluent and the sand columns discharge. Collected samples of effluent from the septic tank were analyzed for number of pathogens using sand filter. Estimates on raw waste strength were made by measuring settleable solids and recording the volume feed and time feed for the septic tank each day. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and pH were also measured for the septic tank effluent to ensure that the waste is within the normal (allowable safe) range. Average FC, BOD, and TSS values were measured to be in the range of 435,000–52,530,00 colonies per 100 ml, 130–230 mg/L, and 80–307 mg/L respectively for septic tank influent. A removal of the order of 99% for FC, TSS, and BOD in column effluent was achieved using the sand filters.
Building better bonds: Facilitating interdisciplinary knowledge exchange within the study of the human–animal bond

There is an increasing need among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers involved in the study and application of the humannanimal bond to share and produce knowledge with each other to achieve their respective goals. Challenges posed by interdisciplinary and intercultural communication inhibit knowledge exchange and joint knowledge production efforts among these groups. Knowledge management systems, such as HABRI Central, can facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge exchange by...
On the Poly/tics of Postmodern Psychology

Deliberation on the political implications of postmodern psychology is essential, and Kendall and Michael (1997) raise a variety of interesting and important issues. Attempting to avoid the culs-de-sac created by their fast and loose characterizations of both positions and politics, I focus chiefly on the forms of theory favored by postmodern psychology. I contrast the political implications of actor-network theory, favored by Kendall and Michael, with efforts of theorists to replace essentialist views of the self with conceptions of socially constituted being. All theory will necessarily bring privileges; reflexivity is no exit from ideology.
Human Papillomavirus and Vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Modeling estimates suggest that more than 80% of sexually active women will have acquired genital HPV by age 50 years. Although most infections are transient and asymptomatic, persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV can lead to precancerous lesions and progress to cancer. In June 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration licensed the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancers and other diseases in women. This quadrivalent vaccine protects against HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Several studies have been published examining the vaccine's efficacy, duration, immunogenicity, and safety. Questions and controversy remain regarding mandatory vaccination, need for booster doses, and cost-effectiveness.
Gauging electronic dissymmetry in bis-chelates of titanium(IV) using sterically and electronically variable 2,2′-biphenoxides

3,3′,5,5′-Tetrasubstituted-2,2′-biphenolate complexes of titanium(IV) with bis(diketonate) (Bob), bis(hydroxamate) (Hox) and mixed diketonate–hydroxamate (Hob) ligands have been prepared from the corresponding diisopropoxide complexes. Four of the twelve compounds have been characterized crystallographically, and in the solid state all show the (Δ,R)/(Λ,S) relative stereochemistry at titanium and the biaryloxide, respectively, as previously observed in (acac)2Ti(1,1′-bi-2-naphtholate) complexes. In solution the compounds epimerize by atropisomerization of the biphenolate moiety with ΔG‡ ≈ 14 kcal mol−1. The bis(diketonate) complexes show high diastereoselectivity except for the most electron-poor tetranitrobiphenolate. In contrast, the bis(hydroxamate) shows low to moderate selectivity which correlates with the steric but not electronic properties of the biphenolates (Br < CH3 < NO2 < tBu). The mixed diketonate–hydroxamate complexes show intermediate behaviour. These observations are rationalized on the basis of MO arguments regarding ligand-metal π bonding. Symmetrical chelates such as diketonates foster mixing of two dπ orbitals and create a dissymmetric electronic environment. This mixing does not take place with unsymmetrical ligands such as hydroxamates, which therefore do not create an environment where electronic effects contribute significantly to binding stereoselectivity.
Cellular models and therapies for age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex neurodegenerative visual disorder that causes profound physical and psychosocial effects. Visual impairment in AMD is caused by the loss of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells and the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells that they support. There is currently no effective treatment for the most common form of this disease (dry AMD). A new approach to treating AMD involves the transplantation of RPE cells derived from either human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells. Multiple clinical trials are being initiated using a variety of cell therapies. Although many animal models are available for AMD research, most do not recapitulate all aspects of the disease, hampering progress. However, the use of cultured RPE cells in AMD research is well established and, indeed, some of the more recently described RPE-based models show promise for investigating the molecular mechanisms of AMD and for screening drug candidates. Here, we discuss innovative cell-culture models of AMD and emerging stem-cell-based therapies for the treatment of this vision-robbing disease.
Games spiders play. III: Cues underlying context-associated changes in agonistic behaviour

Abstract In this paper I consider the proximate cues underlying context-associated variation in the agonistic behaviour of the spider Agelenopsis aperta (Gertsch). At the initiation of a contest, individual opponents are shown to assess their relative weights; the subsequent behaviour of each is adjusted according to the result of the assessment. Escalation to potentially injurious behaviour early in the contest, for instance, is a threshold effect of weight bias. Several lines of evidence indicate, that only the territory Owner (resident) has information about the quality of a site at the initiation of a territorial dispute. (1) Owners of poor-quality sites that received food supplements exhibited significantly greater persistence and estimated energy expenditure in contests over these sites than unsupplemented individuals did over theirs. (2) A significant correlation was observed between web area and the behaviour of Owners, but not between web area and the behaviour of Intruders (individuals that encroach on occupied webs). (3) No correspondence was observed between spider body temperature and agonistic behaviour. (4) The presence or absence of prey on the web during the dispute did not affect the agonistic behaviour of either opponent. I conclude that the Intruder's behaviour is in some way adjusted to that of the Owner rather than directly to some aspect of the disputed site. Partial correlation analysis show site quality to have a greater influence on agonistic behaviour than weight bias, although both are important determinants of spider behaviour in territorial disputes.
Post-Materialism in an Environment of Insecurity

This article tests the hypothesis that postwar affluence led to an intergenerational shift from Materialist to Post-Materialist values among Western publics, and analyzes the consequences of the economic uncertainty prevailing since 1973. The young emphasize Post-Materialist values more than the old. Time-series data indicate that this reflects generational change far more than aging effects, but that the recession of the mid-1970s also produced significant period effects. As Post-Materialists aged, they moved out of the student ghetto and became a predominant influence among young technocrats, contributing to the rise of a “New Class.” They furnish the ideologues and core support for the environmental, zero-growth and antinuclear movements; and their opposition to those who give top priority to reindustrialization and rearmament constitutes a distinctive and persisting dimension of political cleavage.
Pyroelectric detector application to baseband pulse measurements

A square-law detector for picosecond baseband pulse comparison techniques has been realised using the pyroelectric effect. By using thin-film techniques, a broadband signal transfer to the detector was obtained. The theoretical principles of the detector and some applications are briefly discussed. Attention is given to measurements of pulse-energy content, pulse autocorrelation function and pulse crosscorrelation function.
Does adherence-related support from physicians and partners predict medication adherence for vasculitis patients?

Few studies have explored mediators between medication-related support and medication adherence for individuals with rare, systemic autoimmune conditions. Using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, we tested whether depressive symptomatology and medication adherence self-efficacy mediated the relationship between adherence support and changes in medication adherence among vasculitis patients, and whether support from physicians and partners differentially affected medication adherence. Vasculitis patients (n = 172) completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires about their medication adherence and perceived adherence support. Bootstrapped mediation analyses tested the effects of physician and partner support on changes in medication adherence. Adherence self-efficacy mediated the relationship between physician support and changes in medication adherence (B = 0.05, SE = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01, 0.13). Neither self-efficacy nor depressive symptomatology mediated the effects of partner support. Although physicians spend little time with patients, they can increase patients’ confidence about taking medications correctly and potentially improve health outcomes by bolstering medication adherence.
Rough film wafer sensitivity improvement using light scattering inspection system

Improvements in the sensitivity of commercially available laser based surface scanning inspection systems can be achieved by adding an aperture to the optical path so that the rough film haze effect is spatially filtered. The current approach to optimizing the shape and dimensions of the aperture is time consuming and requires measurement equipment other than the laser based surface scanning inspection system for which the aperture is being optimized. The authors' approach determines the optimal optical aperture using only haze and defect data collected directly on the inspection system. Two test wafers deposited with aluminum blanket films are used to demonstrate sensitivity improvements with designed optimal optical aperture. Aluminum blanket films are known to be rough films that generate significant background scatter, i.e. haze, that limits sensitivity by adversely impacting SNR. These wafers were taken from the deposition process for a key interconnect layer used in the back end of line (BEOL) fabrication of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and logic devices. The proposed approach to optimizing optical apertures resulted in a 49% sensitivity improvement when detecting polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres deposited on one test wafer and a 32% increase in natural defect count on a second test wafer. In addition to the improvement in sensitivity, the optimized optical aperture enabled the differentiation of two more defect types: small particles and flakes.
A small universal graph for bounded-degree planar graphs

For all positive integers N and k, let denote the family of planar graphs on N or fewer vertices, and with maximum degree k. For all positive integers N and k, we construct a -universal graph of size . This construction answers with an explicit construction the previously open question of the existence of such a graph.
Effect of Computational Method on Discrete Roughness Correlations for Shuttle Orbiter

A reanalysis of discrete roughness boundary-layer transition data using a consistent computational method for comparison to other published results has been completed. The primary objective of this effort was to investigate the influence of the computational approach on the resulting transition correlation. The experimental results were previously obtained on Space Shuttle Orbiter models in the NASA Langley Research Center 20-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel. The phosphor thermography system was used to monitor the status of the boundary layer via global heat- transfer images of the orbiter windward surface. The existing roughness transition database included a variation in the size and location of discrete roughness trips along the centerline of 0.0075-scale models at an angle of attack of 40 deg. Various correlative approaches were attempted, with the roughness transition correlations based on edge properties providing the most reliable results. When a consistent computational method is used to compute edge conditions, transition data sets for different moderately blunt configurations at several angles of attack are shown to collapse to a well-behaved correlation. The shuttle experimental dataset presented herein, therefore, can be used to calibrate the preferred computational method of the end user for use in the future designs of the next-generation space access vehicles.
The Urban South: A Bibliography

Preface Dissertations and Theses Periodical Literature Monographs Geographic Index Subject Index List of Journals Surveyed
Quality of life in geriatric generalized anxiety disorder:a preliminary investigation

Objective: To examine the impact of late-life generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) on health-related quality of life. Method: We compared quality of life in 75 treatment-seeking older adults with GAD, 39 of whom had psychiatric comorbidity, with 32 older adults without psychiatric illness. We examined predictors of quality of life in these samples. We also compared data from the GAD patients to published norms from a large national sample of older adults with chronic medical conditions or major depression. Results: Older GAD patients reported worse health-related quality of life across most domains than asymptomatic older individuals. There were no differences in quality of life between GAD patients with and without psychiatric comorbidity, and comorbidity did not predict quality of life in multivariate regression analyses. Presence of GAD or symptoms of anxiety or depression were significantly related to impairment in every domain of quality of life. Comparisons with national norms suggest that older GAD patients report overall worse quality of life than individuals with recent acute myocardial infarction or type II diabetes, and are comparable in quality of life to individuals with major depression. Conclusion: Results suggest that late-life GAD is associated with substantial impairment in quality of life, and these findings cannot be explained by psychiatric comorbidity.
Post-fire survival and flushing in three Sierra Nevada conifers with high initial crown scorch

With growing debate over the impacts of post-fire salvage logging in conifer forests of the western USA, managers need accurate assessments of tree survival when significant proportions of the crown have been scorched. The accuracy of fire severity measurements will be affected if trees that initially appear to be fire-killed prove to be viable after longer observation. Our goal was to quantify the extent to which three common Sierra Nevada conifer species may 'flush' (produce new foliage in the year following a fire from scorched portions of the crown) and survive after fire, and to identify tree or burn characteristics associated with survival. We found that, among ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws) and Jeffrey pines (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf) with 100% initial crown scorch (no green foliage following the fire), the majority of mature trees flushed, and survived. Red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murr.) with high crown scorch (mean = 90%) also flushed, and most large trees survived. Our results indicate that, if flushing is not taken into account, fire severity assessments will tend to overestimate mortality and post-fire salvage could remove many large trees that appear dead but are not.
Is the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin a risk factor for alcoholic liver disease

Despite heavy consumption over a long period of time, only a small number of alcoholics develop alcoholic liver disease. This alludes to the possibility that other factors, besides alcohol, may be involved in the progression of the disease. Over the years, many such factors have indeed been identified, including iron. Despite being crucial for various important biological processes, iron can also be harmful due to its ability to catalyze Fenton chemistry. Alcohol and iron have been shown to interact synergistically to cause liver injury. Iron-mediated cell signaling has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of experimental alcoholic liver disease. Hepcidin is an iron-regulatory hormone synthesized by the liver, which plays a pivotal role in iron homeostasis. Both acute and chronic alcohol exposure suppress hepcidin expression in the liver. The sera of patients with alcoholic liver disease, particularly those exhibiting higher serum iron indices, have also been reported to display reduced prohepcidin levels. Alcohol-mediated oxidative stress is involved in the inhibition of hepcidin promoter activity and transcription in the liver. This in turn leads to an increase in intestinal iron transport and liver iron storage. Hepcidin is expressed primarily in hepatocytes. It is noteworthy that both hepatocytes and Kupffer cells are involved in the progression of alcoholic liver disease. However, the activation of Kupffer cells and TNF-α signaling has been reported not to be involved in the down-regulation of hepcidin expression by alcohol in the liver. Alcohol acts within the parenchymal cells of the liver to suppress the synthesis of hepcidin. Due to its crucial role in the regulation of body iron stores, hepcidin may act as a secondary risk factor in the progression of alcoholic liver disease. The clarification of the mechanisms by which alcohol disrupts iron homeostasis will allow for further understanding of the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease.
DISAGREEMENT COSTS, CONTROL AND CORPORATE FINANCE

This paper examines capital budgeting and dividend policy in an environment in which firms need to raise equity financing from new investors to fund projects, and different generations of shareholders may openly disagree over what maximizes value. The standard value maximization objective is incomplete in this setting. I show that the manager’s objective should be to maximize his expectation of the net present value accruing to the current shareholders, thereby attending to the dilution of these shareholders’ claims when equity is sold to new investors. This framework, which isolates the effect of disagreement by abstracting from both agency and asymmetric information problems, generates numerous implications. First, the hurdle rates firms use for project acceptance/rejection decisions will always be higher than the expected rate of return shareholders demand based on asset pricing models. These hurdle rates will vary across firms so that one firm may accept a project that another firm rejects even though shareholders in both firms demand the same expected return. Second, despite the absence of agency or asymmetric information problems, the manager faces “disagreement costs,” represented by the difference between the firm’s hurdle rate and shareholders’ expected return. The disagreement costs are increasing and convex in the likelihood of disagreement between existing and new shareholders, and affect the firm’s investment policy. Third, the firm’s dividend policy can be used to optimize the allocation of control over investment policy between the manager/existing shareholders on the one hand and the new shareholders on the other, thereby lowering disagreement costs and the capital budgeting hurdle rate, and allowing the manager to achieve a Pareto superior outcome. That is, dividend and investment policies are inseparable.
Slip classification for dynamic tactile array sensors

The manipulation of objects held in a robotic hand or gripper is accompanied by events such as making and breaking contact and slippage, between the fingertips and the grasped object and between the grasped object and external surfaces. Humans can distinguish among such events, in part, because they excite the various mechanoreceptors in the hands differently. As part of an effort to provide robots with a similar capability, we propose two features that can be extracted from dynamic tactile array data and used to discriminate between hand/object and object/world slips. Both features rely on examining how slippage affects an array of dynamic tactile sensors compared with the way it affects individual elements of the array. In comparison with approaches that require extensive training with particular combinations of objects and skin, the features work for a wide range of frequencies and grasp conditions. The performance and generalizability of the features are verified with testing on three different kinds of sensors and for a range of object textures, grasp forces and slip conditions. Both features demonstrate greater than 85% accuracy in identifying the location of slip.
Effect of Catecholamines and Adrenergic Blocking Agents on Oxidative Phosphorylation in Rat Heart Mitochondria

Polarographic methods were used to examine oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from hearts of rats treated with 5 mg/kg epinephrine, norepinephrine, or isoproterenol in oil given subcutaneously. Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation occurred (P/O ratio 2.1 ± .04 compared to P/O ratio of controls, 2.9 ± .03). Other indices of mitochondrial function, including oxygen consumption, respiratory control, adenosinetriphosphatase activity, and swelling were normal. The time course of depression of P/O ratio was parallel to that of myocardial catecholamine uptake, yet normal mitochondria were not affected by catecholamines in vitro (10-3M). Adrenergic blocking agents in vitro did not improve the function of mitochondria from catecholamine-treated animals. No free fatty acids were detectable in extracts of mitochondria from either group by gas liquid chromatography, and the lipid profiles of extracts from each were similar by thin layer chromatography. The data indicate a means by which large quantities of exogenous or endogenous catecholamines could lead to increased oxygen consumption in vivo, or contribute to impairment of myocardial function.
Enhanced nitric oxide production associated with airway hyporesponsiveness in the absence of IL-10

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the regulation of airway inflammation in asthma. Among other activities, IL-10 suppresses production of nitric oxide (NO); consequently, its absence may permit increased NO production, which can affect airway smooth muscle contractility. Therefore, we investigated airway reactivity (AR) in response to methacholine (MCh) in IL-10 knockout (−/−) mice compared with wild-type C57BL/6 (C57) mice, in which airway NO production was measured as exhaled NO (ENO), and NO production was altered with administration of either NO synthase (NOS)-specific inhibitors or recombinant murine (rm)IL-10. AR, measured as enhanced pause in vivo, and tracheal ring tension in vitro were lower in IL-10−/− mice by 25–50%, which was associated with elevated ENO levels (13 vs. 7 ppb). Administration of NOS inhibitors NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (8 mg/kg ip) or l-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (3 mg/kg ip) to IL-10−/− mice decreased ENO by an average of 50%, which was as...
Developmental research of twin's temperament.

In the Louisville Twin Study, pairs of 3- and 4-year-old twins were provided with standardized competitive or cooperative tasks in a laboratory setting. Some tasks required a pair of twins to share toys; other fostered a more competitive engagement between the twins. Behavioral ratings identified temperament and social components at both ages, and between the two ages, there were transformations in the links between the components. Parental ratings of the twins' temperament at the same ages were moderately correlated with the laboratory observations, but the pattern of the relations changed from one age to the next. The combined sets of measures were subjected to twin analyses for 43 pairs of twins. The results are discussed in terms of the similarity of MZ and DZ pairs for the dimensions of temperament and the transformations of temperament. Language: en
Perforated appendicitis in a child with Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a common childhood vasculitis. Abdominal pain is a common feature of HSP, often leading to surgical consultation for evaluation of possible intussusception. Appendicitis is a rare complication of HSP, and in each of the 3 reported cases, appendectomy preceded the appearance of the purpuric rash. More often, unnecessary laparotomies are performed on patients in whom appendicitis is suspected, but who subsequently develop the characteristic purpura. This is the first reported case of appendicitis developing in a patient with the established HSP rash. This case is also the first report of perforated appendicitis in HSP. Clinical vigilance and serial physical and ultrasonographic examinations are needed to detect conditions necessitating surgery in patients with HSP.
Cellular glutathione peroxidase deficiency and endothelial dysfunction

Cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) is the most abundant intracellular isoform of the GPx antioxidant enzyme family. In this study, we hypothesized that GPx-1 deficiency directly induces an inc...
Deploying tablet PCs in an engineering education environment

Tablet PCs are one of the newest innovations in the computing and communications world and have the potential for significantly improving the way in which faculty members teach and the many different processes and mechanisms involved in student learning. After much discussion and experimentation, the Virginia Tech College of Engineering decided to require that all incoming freshmen own their own tablet PC starting in the fall of 2006. This paper describes the process by which the college arrived at this decision as well as the expected benefits of this initiative. We also discuss the various processes involved in implementing the requirement program including faculty and staff training, development of the necessary support infrastructure, establishment of working relationships with hardware and software vendors needed to support this pioneering venture, and the assessment activities that will take place to measure the effectiveness of the overall process and its demonstrable changes in the way in which faculty teach and students learn. Mechanisms for scaling and adopting the processes used here at Virginia Tech will be suggested to the audience.
Interaction of phentolamine and noradrenaline on myocardial contractility and adenyl cyclase activity

The effects of phentolamine and noradrenaline on force development of isolated papillary muscles and on the adenyl cyclase activity of the ventricular myocardium were studied in cats. Phentolamine alone did not influence either force or adenyl cyclase activity. Phentolamine attenuated the increase of both force and adenyl cyclase activity induced by noradrenaline, but did not alter the effects produced by isoprenaline. The present study demonstrates that phentolamine lacks direct positive inotropic effects, but attenuates the effects of noradrenaline.
Enhanced high-frequency performance in a GaAs, self-aligned, n-JFET using a carbon buried p-implant

C ion implantation has been employed, for the first time, to form the buried p-layer in GaAs, self-aligned, ion implanted JFETs. Comparable DC performance was seen for JFETs with C or Mg implants; however, C-backside JFETs showed superior high-frequency performance. High dose C-backside devices had a f/sub t/ of 28.3 GHz and a f/sub max/ of 43.2 GHz for a 0.5 /spl mu/m gate length that were 28% and 46% higher, respectively, than comparable Mg-implanted JFETs. This enhancement is a result of the lower C/sub gs/ in the C-backside device resulting from he inherently low activation of the implanted C below the channel while the C still effectively compensated the tail of the Si-channel implant. This approach relaxes the trade-off between optimizing the DC and the AC performance for the buried p-implant in GaAs JFETs and MESFET's. >
Multimedia futures for the global Internet

Summary form only given. This talk will explore the future of multimedia on the global Internet. It will examine the convergence of the web and video. Amongst the issues addressed, it will examine how users will access the Internet in the future and the impact of the access media on the services. It will examine how smart messaging, database access and hyperlinking of video can provide a framework for future video service. We will examine converging interests in collaborative computing and entertainment with respect to the shared common problems of time-event synchronization and multi-stream multimedia bandwidth management. The talk will discuss issues of bandwidth conservation and how specialized network protocols and compression schemes for Internet video can improve performance significantly. Long term, we will consider the advantages of bandwidth reservation, standards, and inexpensive java-enabled stations and how they may contribute towards the solution of ubiqituous video.
Death By Domestic Violence: Preventing the Murders and Murder-Suicides by Katherine van Wormer and Albert R. Roberts

Katherine van Wormer and Albert R. Roberts approach the topic of domestic violence, specifically homicide and homicide-suicide, through an interdisciplinary perspective “of psychology, sociology, a...
A Manual Control-Display Theory Applied to Instrument Landings of a Jet Transport

This paper presents an illustrative application of a theory for manual control displays to the instrument landing approach of a large subsonic jet transport. A methodical procedure is disclosed for formulation of compensatory display-control systems. Manual approach height and lateral position control are treated in multiloop dynamic analyses so as to select preferred variables for measurement and display. Closed-loop system performance and pilot scanning and workload measures are also evaluated. The example concludes with the "prediction" of a preferred display arrangement. Comparison with an FAA Category II instrument panel arrangement selected by an air line operating the example aircraft shows the predictions to be remarkably accurate.
Androgen biosynthesis. I. Enzymatic cleavage of the cholesterol side-chain to dehydroepiandrosterone and 2-methylheptan-6-one.

Abstract 1. 1. Evidence is presented indicating a new pathway of androgen biosynthesis, i.e. the direct conversion of cholesterol to dehydroepiandrosterone and 2-methylheptan-6-one by rat adrenal, ovarian and testicular tissue homogenates without intermediary formation of pregnenolone. Under the conditions of the experiments, the new direct pathway of dehydroepiandrosterone formation exists parallel to the well established classical pathway, i.e. cholesterol → pregnenolone → dehydroepiandrosterone. 2. 2. Ovaries, testes and adrenals from Sprague-Dawley rats were homogenized and incubated with [26- 14 C] cholesterol or [7 α - 3 H] cholesterol and NADPH. 3. 3. 3 H-Labelled dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone were purified and identified by paper and thin-layer chromatography, reverse-isotope dilution, derivative formation and crystallization to constant specific activity. 4. 4. A procedure for the analysis of the cholesterol side-chain fragment [ 14 C]2-methylheptan-6-one was developed. The procedure consists of steam distillation, removal of [ 14 C]isocaproic acid by NaHCO 3 partition, and purification to radiochemical homogeneity by formation of three derivatives, (i) [ 14 C]2-methylheptan-6-one semicarbazone, (ii) [ 14 C]2-methylheptan-6-one-NaHSO 3 -addition compound, and (iii) [ 14 C] 5 -methylhexanoic acid (after oxidation of [ 14 C] 2 -methylheptan-6-one with NaOI). 5. 5. All tissue homogenates converted [26- 14 C] cholesterol to [ 14 C]2-methylheptan-6-one and [ 14 C]isocaproic acid. Similarly, [ α - 3 H] dehydroepiandrosterone and [7 α - 3 H]pregnenolone were obtained from [7 α - 3 H] cholesterol in all experiments.
Measurement of Primary Sulfate Emissions from a Hog-Fired Boiler

Abstract Sulfate emission measurements were conducted on a hog-fired boiler. The boiler utilized both hogged bark and No. 6 residual fuel oil in various usage ratios. Sampling was conducted both at the boiler outlet and at the particulate control device outlet using a total sulfate sampling train. The sulfate emissions were proportional to the combustion of the residual fuel and were not influenced by the presence of hogged fuel. The work also indicated that sulfates are partially controlled by the condensation of sulfuric acid prior to the particulate control device.
Distributed mechanical feedback in arthropods and robots simplifies control of rapid running on challenging terrain

Terrestrial arthropods negotiate demanding terrain more effectively than any search-and-rescue robot. Slow, precise stepping using distributed neural feedback is one strategy for dealing with challenging terrain. Alternatively, arthropods could simplify control on demanding surfaces by rapid running that uses kinetic energy to bridge gaps between footholds. We demonstrate that this is achieved using distributed mechanical feedback, resulting from passive contacts along legs positioned by pre-programmed trajectories favorable to their attachment mechanisms. We used wire-mesh experimental surfaces to determine how a decrease in foothold probability affects speed and stability. Spiders and insects attained high running speeds on simulated terrain with 90% of the surface contact area removed. Cockroaches maintained high speeds even with their tarsi ablated, by generating horizontally oriented leg trajectories. Spiders with more vertically directed leg placement used leg spines, which resulted in more effective distributed contact by interlocking with asperities during leg extension, but collapsing during flexion, preventing entanglement. Ghost crabs, which naturally lack leg spines, showed increased mobility on wire mesh after the addition of artificial, collapsible spines. A bioinspired robot, RHex, was redesigned to maximize effective distributed leg contact, by changing leg orientation and adding directional spines. These changes improved RHex's agility on challenging surfaces without adding sensors or changing the control system.