cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Similarity Analysis of Cognitive Scripts

Cognitive scientists have proposed the construct of abstract knowledge structures broadly termed as schemata. Cognitive scripts are one form of memory structure that evolve over multiple exposure to the same set of stimuli and/or repeated enactment of a particular behavior. Consumer researchers have been quick to borrow this construct in their research and there is a growing body of literature pertaining to scripts. However, problem related to measuring the construct and subsequently analyzing one type of script data, i.e. nominal categories, for one specific purpose, i.e., computing indices of similarity between scripts. A model of proximity between scripts and a dynamic optimization procedure for evaluating this proximity are presented and the procedure is demonstrated through an illustrative example.
Concerning normality, metrizability and the Souslin property in subspaces of Moore spaces

Abstract In this paper, the author generalizes the known results concerning the existence of dense metrizable subspaces in normal Moore spaces and characterizes those Moore spaces which have certain types of dense metrizable subspaces. An example is given of a Moore space which has a dense metrizable subspace but for which there exists no development satisfying Axiom C at each point of a dense subset. The concepts developed are also used to investigate various problems related to the normal Moore space conjecture of F.B. Jones and to characterize the Souslin property in Moore spaces.
Simplified model of a continuous wave diffusion-type chemical laser - An extension

The simplified two-vibrational-level model of a cw diffusion-type chemical laser presented by Mirels, Holfland, and King is extended to include multiple vibrational levels. Both laminar and turbulent diffusion are considered. Expressions for axial gain distribution and net output power from a Fabry-Perot optical resonator are deduced. For a given lasing species, the resulting cw chemical laser scaling laws are the same as those previously deduced by Mirels, Hofland, and King, except for the dependence of certain coefficients on rotational quantum number J and temperature T. Broadwell previously presented a multiple-vibrational-level model for a cw chemical laser that was limited, however, to turbulent diffusion. The flame-sheet-mixing model used in the present study is shown to give results that are identical with those from the scheduled-mixing model of Broadwell when mean chemical rates are used.
Investigations of the induction of the goat βC globin gene by erythropoietin: Studies in transgenic mice

Abstract The genes of the beta globin locus of sheep and goats undergo three developmental switches, from embryonic e to fetal γ to juvenile β C and from β C to adult β A . The juvenile β C gene of adult goats and sheep are strikingly induced by erythropoietin (Epo). To obtain insights on the mechanism of β C induction by Epo, we produced transgenic mice carrying various β C gene constructs and examined the inducibility of the β C gene following administration of high doses of erythropoietin. None of the treatments resulted in reproducible induction of the β C gene by erythropoietin. We conclude that the Epo inducibility elements are not contained in the 4.7 kb (which included 0.88 kb of the β C promoter and 2.3 kb downstream sequence) β C gene we used or that a trans -acting environment specific to the goat and sheep erythroid cell lineage is required for induction of the β C globin gene by erythropoietin.
Elder-care in north american ismā'ĪlĪ families: A preliminary inquiry

The KhŌja Ismā'ĪlĪs, socially and geographically mobile NĪzarĪ ShĪ'Ītes who are followers of the Aga Khan, have migrated in recent years to many urban areas of North America from South and Central Asia and Africa. Numerous cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic factors are shaping the ways in which over 4,500 Ismā'ĪlĪ households come to grips with providing informal long-term care to aging parents. Case descriptions illustrate some immigrant KhŌja Ismā'ĪlĪ elder-care strategies, as well as the particular limiting and enabling considerations with which Ismā'ĪlĪ families must cope in coordinating, planning and delivering care to their elders. Finally, I describe a questionnaire survey designed to determine the extent and nature of Ismā'ĪlĪ elder-care and caregiving contingency plans.
Diquaternary ammonium compounds in zeolite synthesis: cyclic and polycyclic N-heterocycles connected by methylene chains.

An additional dimension has been added to our long-standing studies in high silica zeolite synthesis via a guest/host synergism. We have created and studied the impact of making symmetric diquaternary ammonium compounds, by varying the chain length between nitrogen charge centers, and the heterocycle size and geometry containing the nitrogen. This allows the introduction of a second spatial parameter in the use of the charged organo-cation guest in the zeolite synthesis. The series of 15 diquaternary ammonium compounds (5 heterocycles synthesized onto chain lengths of C4−C6) were tested in a total of 135 zeolite syntheses reactions. Nine screening reactions were employed for each guest molecule, and the conditions built upon past successes in finding novel high silica zeolites via introduction of boron, aluminum, or germanium as substituting tetrahedral framework atoms for silicon. Eighteen different zeolite structures emerged from the studies. The use of specific chain lengths for derivatives of the pyrrolidine ring system produced novel zeolite materials SSZ-74 and 75.
Effects of trade diversion and trade creation of MERCOSUR on US and world apple markets

Apples are the third most valuable fruit in the United States and account for 18% of US fruit exports. Chile is a major competitor to the United States in the MERCOSUR market, since it is one of the leading apple producing countries and enjoys the tariff reductions as a member of MERCOSUR. Consequently, Chilean exports displace US exports in MERCOSUR. In addition, other MERCOSUR members import more from lower-cost Chile, leading to a reduction in production and an increase in consumption in these countries. This study develops a theoretical and an empirical model of world apple market to quantify the trade diversion and trade creation effects of the MERCOSUR free trade agreement and to estimate the welfare impacts.
Intense, broadband, pulsed I-R source at the national synchrotron light source

We describe a broadband (1 μm−1 mm) synchrotron radiation infrared source, pulsed each 20–180 nseconds and delivering about 1015 photons/sec/1% bandpass into f10 optics. The source size is diffraction limited. This source is thus 100–1000 times brighter than a 2000°K black body, very stable and capable of being used for calibration.
On-chip dome-shape spiral micro-inductor for high-frequency applications

This work reports a new approach to fabricate spiral on-chip inductors with suspended dome-shape metal tracks. The new fabrication techniques are aimed at reduction of substrate losses by fabrication of spiral metal tracks on top of a sacrificial polymeric dome so that the inductor is suspended in the air when the dome is finally removed. In addition, the reduction of fringing capacitance between the spiral metal tracks is expected since the tracks sidewalls are not fully overlap to each other. Dome-shape spiral inductors made of copper were demonstrated. Currently, high-frequency characterizations of these inductors are under way.
Exploring the potential of microarray technology for bio/nano sensing

Microarray is one of the most powerful DNA detection systems with multiplexing and high throughput capability. However, the current application of microarray is limited to the preliminary genomic screening of biological samples despite of its excellent potentials for other applications, such as biosensing. This paper addresses microarray's possibilities as sensing device by investigating its limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), which are defined as the minimum fluorophore concentration for the liable signal detection. The LOD and LOQ, i.e., detection sensitivity, are key indexes to determine the microarray's applicability as bio/nano sensing device.
Review of interferogram analysis methods

Various aspects of interferogram analysis are reviewed. Fixed interferogram evaluation, fringe measurements, the global interpolation of interferograms, the application of Zernike polynomials, Fourier analysis of interferograms, and phase-shifting interferometry are described. Under the latter heading, the methods of zero crossing, phase lock, phase stepping, integrating phase shifting, and sub-Niquist and two-wavelength interferometry are considered.
Numerical deconvolution of cDNA microarray signal: simulation study.

: A computational model for simulation of the cDNA microarray experiments has been created. The simulation allows one to foresee the statistical properties of replicated experiments without actually performing them. We introduce a new concept, the so-called bio-weight, which allows for reconciliation between conflicting meanings of biological and statistical significance in microarray experiments. It is shown that, for a small sample size, the bio-weight is a more powerful criterion of the presence of a signal in microarray data as compared to the standard approach based on t test. Joint simulation of microarray and quantitative PCR data shows that the genes recovered by using the bio-weight have better chances to be confirmed by PCR than those obtained by the t test technique. We also employ extreme value considerations to derive plausible cutoff levels for hypothesis testing.
Chapter 12 Regulation of multiple peptides in CRF parvocellular neurosecretory neurons: implications for the stress response

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines current views about the organization of neural circuitry underlying the integration of stress responses, with special emphasis on the hypothalamic regulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release from the anterior pituitary. The adrenal gland plays a major role in such responses. The release of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal cortex is influenced by ACTH, while the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla is mediated primarily by the sympathetic nervous system. The most influential unifying hypothesis in this field was advanced by Hans Selye, who proposed that most stressors induce two classes of response. One, which is called the “stress response,” is common to all stressors and involves the release of ACTH and adrenal catecholamines, which may have different time courses and lead to different functional consequences. The other consists of responses that are appropriate for individual stressors. The brain is involved in processing all the classes of stimuli that can be regarded as stressors and is responsible for coordinating the groups of appropriate autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses. Recent anatomical and physiological evidence is beginning to clarify the organization of specific neural circuits mediating adrenal steroid and catecholamine release during the stress response, as well as the other endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses specific to hypovolemia. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) in this circuitry regulates ACTH release from the anterior pituitary; it also plays an important role in the secretion of vasopressin from the posterior pituitary, and modulates baroreceptor reflexes.
An anomalous coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery.

Abstract The third case is reported in which the right coronary artery arose from the pulmonary artery. Each of these individuals reached adult life, and our patient died at 90 years of age. The embryology of this type of malformation is illustrated from 12 and 20 millimeter human embryos.
Applying behavioral models to dietary education of elderly diabetic patients

This study investigated the impact of psychosocial variables on diabetes-related behavior using a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TOPB). Forty-eight elderly male diabetic patients were surveyed to determine the influence of attitudes and beliefs on dietary adherence. Mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) (171 mg/dl) demonstrated a lack of metabolic control and suggested a need for improved education. Subjects taking insulin perceived significantly greater barriers to control than did those on oral agents or diet alone (p < .05). Subjects with FBS fluctuations of 50 mg/dl or more perceived significantly fewer (p < .05) barriers than those with more stable FBS. These results indicate that interventions for older men should identify barriers to control and include practical ways to overcome them. Intention to eat foods such as pie, cake, or doughnuts was strongly related to subjective norm, attitude towards dietary adherence, and perceived control (R2 = 0.69, F = 31.60, p < .001). In addition, regression analysis to predict adherence behavior from TOPB accounted for a significant proportion of the variance (R2 = 0.37, F = 4.44, p < .01). This regression model suggests that educators who effect a change in attitudes may also change behavioral intentions and dietary adherence behavior.
Cystalysin, a 46-kilodalton cysteine desulfhydrase from Treponema denticola, with hemolytic and hemoxidative activities.

A 46-kDa hemolytic protein, referred to as cystalysin, from Treponema denticola ATCC 35404 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli LC-67. Both the native and recombinant 46-kDa proteins were purified to homogeneity. Both proteins expressed identical biological and functional characteristics. In addition to its biological function of lysing erythrocytes and hemoxidizing the hemoglobin to methemoglobin, cystalysin was also capable of removing the sulfhydryl and amino groups from selected S-containing compounds (e.g., cysteine) producing H2S, NH3, and pyruvate. This cysteine desulfhydrase resulted in the following Michaelis-Menten kinetics: Km = 3.6 mM and k(cat) = 12 s(-1). Cystathionine and S-aminoethyl-L-cysteine were also substrates for the protein. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the end products revealed NH3, pyruvate, homocysteine (from cystathionine), and cysteamine (from S-aminoethyl-L-cysteine). The enzyme was active over a broad pH range, with highest activity at pH 7.8 to 8.0. The enzymatic activity was increased by beta-mercaptoethanol. It was not inhibited by the proteinase inhibitor TLCK (N alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone), pronase, or proteinase K, suggesting that the functional site was physically protected or located in a small fragment of the polypeptide. We hypothesize that cystalysin is a pyridoxal-5-phosphate-containing enzyme, with activity of an alphaC-N and betaC-S lyase (cystathionase) type. Since large amounts of H2S have been reported in deep periodontal pockets, cystalysin may also function in vivo as an important virulence molecule.
Measuring and understanding user comfort with resource borrowing

Resource borrowing is a common underlying approach in grid computing and thin-client computing. In both cases, external processes borrow resources that would otherwise be delivered to the interactive processes of end-users, creating contention that slows these processes and decreases the comfort of the end-users. How resource borrowing and user comfort are related is not well understood and thus resource borrowing tends to be extremely conservative. To address this lack of understanding, we have developed a sophisticated distributed application for directly measuring user comfort with the borrowing of CPU time, memory space, and disk bandwidth. Using this tool, we have conducted a controlled user study with qualitative and quantitative results that are of direct interest to the designers of grid and thin-client systems. We have found that resource borrowing can be quite aggressive without creating user discomfort, particularly in the case of memory and disk. We also describe an on-going Internet-wide study using our tool.
Re-bordering the neighbourhood: Europe’s emerging geographies of non-accession integration:

This paper highlights the ways in which the emerging models of migration management are producing new geographies of the European Union’s borders that complicate notions of a tightly bounded and easily delineated ‘Schengen space’ or ‘Fortress Europe’. Under policy frameworks such as the European Neighbourhood Policy and the EU’s Global Approach to Migration, a process of economic and political regional integration is under way that is beginning to transform the ways in which non-accession neighbours and neighbours of neighbours in North Africa and beyond are articulated with the EU. Central to these changes are programmes, institutions and practices of both regional economic development and border routes management. This changing geopolitical and geo-economic approach to regional integration and the nature of European borderlands has at its heart a series of new spatial imaginaries, institutional actors and cartographic experiments that point to a project in process in which the relationships between terr...
An AC-coupled direct-conversion receiver for Global Positioning System

An AC-coupled direct-conversion receiver (DCR) has been designed for GPS. To overcome the effects of dc-offset noise, the receiver employs a first-order high pass filter (HPF) with a corner frequency of 60kHz. The distortion caused by the HPF can be effectively compensated by appropriately processing in the digital back-end. The digital compensation approach has been verified with experimental data. The mixer and the baseband stages of the GPS receiver have been fabricated in a 0.35/spl mu/m CMOS process. The power consumption is 10mW drawing from a 2.5V power supply.
Keck Interferometer science: present and future

The Keck Interferometer is a NASA funded project developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the William M. Keck Observatory and the Michelson Science Center at the California Institute of Technology. A technical description of the interferometer is given elsewhere in this volume. This paper will discuss the science topics and goals of the Keck Interferometer project, including a brief description of the Key Science projects, the science projects executed to date and the current availability of the interferometer for new projects. The Keck Interferometer Project consists of the Keck-Keck Interferometer, which combines the two Keck lo-meter telescopes on an 85-meter baseline, and the Outrigger Telescopes Project, a proposal to add four to six 1.8-meter telescopes that would work in conjunction with the two Kecks.
α-adrenergic activation of myocardial NFκB during hemorrhage

Hemorrhage and resuscitation has been recognized as an exclusively destructive process which results in multiple organ dysfunction. Although it is well established that endogenous adaptation (preconditioning) mechanisms exist, it is unknown whether hemorrhage and resuscitation induces endogenous adaptive/protective mechanisms in the heart. Furthermore, α 1 -adrenoceptors and nuclear factor κ B (NFKB) have each been implicated in stress-induced signal transduction; however, whether they might be involved in hemorrhage-induced adaptive signal transduction remains unknown. This study tests the hypothesis that H/R activates myocardial NFKB and results in myocardial adaptation via α 1 -adrenoceptors. Rats were briefly (10 min) hemorrhaged to 35 mmHg and resuscitated, sham operated, or neither, with and without prior α 1 -adrenoceptor inhibition (prazosin). Hearts were then isolated and either probed for NFKB activation or subjected to a second insult consisting of global normothermic I/R (20 min/40 min). Antecedent hemorrhage and resuscitation activated myocardial NFKB and improved left ventricular developed pressure, coronary flow, and end diastolic pressure following ischemia-reperfusion (P < 0.05, ANOVA with Bonferroni-Dunn). Hemorrhage-induced adaptation was abolished by prior α 1 -adrenoceptor blockade. This study constitutes the initial demonstration that H/R activates myocardial NFKB and induces adaptive signal transduction against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Specific medical intervention for diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes is a global epidemic and the major complication of diabetes in the eye, diabetic retinopathy, is a leading cause of blindness in several countries. Medical and surgical interventions have been formally investigated for over half a century, but currently only surgical interventions are the standard of care and these treatments are not without significant side effects. Several clinical trials have investigated a protein kinase C (PKC) β inhibitor as a possible medical intervention for diabetic retinopathy. Though successful in animal studies and smaller clinical studies, the drug showed only marginal success in clinical trials. It is likely that the clinical trials failed for two reasons: (1) enrolling patients with too severe a disease state at baseline and (2) utilizing conventional outcome measures that essentially require severe disease states at baseline for evaluation after a standard follow-up time. Additional clinical trials that enroll patients with earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy and/or utilizing more sensitive surrogate outcomes over a longer follow-up would likely show clinical success of PKC-β inhibition for the treatment of the diabetic retinopathy.
Experimental investigations of ring-shaped plasma bullets emitted by a pulsed plasma jet

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jets have recently been playing an increasingly important role in plasma processing [1]. These devices are able to provide plasma plumes/jets in ambient air and not confined by electrodes. In this paper we report experimental investigations on the characteristics of the plasma jet emitted by a pulsed plasma source, the "Plasma Pencil". The plasma pencil is driven by high voltage pulses (up to 10 kV) with variable pulse widths (from nanoseconds to milliseconds) and repetition rates (up to 10 kHz). Using ICCD images we show that the plume is a series of plasma packets/bullets traveling at supersonic velocities. The plasma bullet phenomenon was first observed by Teschke and co-workers for an RF jet (2005) and Laroussi and co-workers in the case of a nanoseconds pulsed jet (2006) [1]. The ICCD images revealed that the plasma bullets are hollow and assume a ring (or donut) shape. Based on these observations we propose that surface ionization waves are behind the formation and propagation of the plasma bullets. Along with these results we also show that the applied voltage magnitude, the pulse length, and the gas flow rate are the major parameters affecting the characteristics of the plume/jet.
Application of Second-Derivative UV-Absorption Spectrometry to Polynuclear Aromatic Compound Analysis

The increased awareness of the deleterious effects of polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds emphasizes the need for instruments that are capable of monitoring these compounds and also are suitable for use in health protection programs. Second-derivative UV-absorption spectrometry with least-squares spectral analysis shows promise as a method for analyzing vapor phase PNA's, as well as solutions containing these compounds. Detection limits of a few parts per billion are attainable for many PNA compounds. Examples are given showing the analytical capabilities of this procedure.
Role of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in duodenal mucosal ion transport and bicarbonate secretion.

Stimulation of muscarinic receptors in the duodenal mucosa raises cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt), thereby regulating duodenal epithelial ion transport. However, little is known about...
Fractional Conversion for Determining Texture Degradation Kinetics of Vegetables

Fractional conversion (f) takes into account the nonzero texture property upon prolonged heating. This was applied as an alternate technique for reanalyzing texture degradation kinetics based on published data which indicated that the softening of vegetables followed a dual mechanism first order kinetic model. The plot of the logarithm of 1-f vs heating time was linear through log cycles indicating the reaction was first order with a single rate constant and the substrate b was better characterized by the equilibrium (or maximum retainable) texture property. A possible explanation was developed for negative activation energies which had been reported for the second mechanism with some vegetables.
Lead-free 0201 assembly and reliability

The many challenges with 0201 assembly can be attributed to the solder paste volume, pad design, aperture design, board finish, type of solder paste, pick and place and reflow profile. A design of experiment study was carried out to investigate the effects of these parameters on assembly defects and reliability. The test vehicles for the study consist of pad layouts for 2000-0201 components. Five different test vehicles were used, with the same pad layout and non-solder mask defined pads, with HASL, Ni/Au, pure tin (Sn), immersion silver (ImAg) and OSP finish. Four different pad shapes are designed on each of the test vehicles (rectangular, oval, modified home plate and double trapezoid). The pad areas for all four shapes are maintained the same. The pads are oriented both in the horizontal and vertical directions. Electroformed 3 mil and 4.65 mil thick stencils were used for printing the solder paste. The stencil was designed to obtain two distinct aperture-pad combinations (matched and unmatched). Three solder paste types (lead-based, lead-free and anti-tomstoning) were used in the study. Two test vehicles assembled for each experimental run, one with resistors and the other with capacitors, provided an understanding of the difference in the process for these two common passive devices. This paper discusses in detail the influence of a few key parameters and defects associated with them using both leaded and lead free solder alloys. The most recent data on shear test results after isothermal aging at 150/spl deg/C are presented.
Inverse scope as metalinguistic quotation in operational semantics

We model semantic interpretation operationally: constituents interact as their combination in discourse evolves from state to state. The states are recursive data structures and evolve from step to step by context-sensitive rewriting. These notions of context and order let us explain inverse-scope quantifiers and their polarity sensitivity as metalinguistic quotation of the wider scope.
Axillary Node Dissection

This operation is performed when there is clinical evidence of involvement of the axillary nodes or microscopically positive sentinel node(s) due to regional metastasis from the primary malignant tumor when the systemic workup shows absence of distant disease. This operation also may be performed for palpable axillary nodes when the axilla is not the regional basin, within the context of complete metastasectomy for a tumor amenable to this approach (e.g., melanoma). Elective node dissection is no longer performed because of the accurate, sensitive and predictive method developed by Donald Morton, intraoperative lymphatic mapping or sentinel node biopsy, which is 98 % accurate in predicting that the other nodes are negative when the sentinel node is negative [1, 2]. If a positive sentinel node is detected with the use of routine staining methods (hematoxylin-eosin) or immunohistochemistry indicating a significant amount of microscopic involvement, the current standard is to perform an axillary node dissection, because in these cases the possibility of microscopic disease in any of the remaining lymph nodes is 15–30 % [3]. For lesser amounts of microscopic involvement of the sentinel node (particularly when microscopic involvement is detected only with the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] molecular method), it is not known whether observation or completion lymphadenectomy is the best option. The issue of complete lymphadenectomy in patients with microscopic involvement of the sentinel node is currently the subject of a prospective randomized trial in malignant melanoma.
Ionic and pH Effects on the Osmotic Properties and Structure of Polyelectrolyte Gels

We investigate the effects of salt concentration and pH on neutralized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) gels in near physiological salt solutions. Either adding calcium ions or decreasing the pH are found to induce reversible volume transitions but the nature of these transitions seems to be different. For example, the osmotic pressure exhibits a simple power law dependence on the concentration as the transition is approached in both systems, but the power law exponent n is substantially different in the two cases. On decreasing the pH the value of n gradually increases from 2.1 (at pH = 7) to 3.2 (at pH = 1). By contrast, n decreases with increasing calcium ion concentration from 2.1 (in 100 mM NaCl solution) to 1.6 (0.8 mM CaCl(2) in 100 mM NaCl solution). In both systems, a strong increase of the small-angle neutron scattering intensity (SANS) is observed near the volume transition. The SANS results reveal that calcium ions favor the formation of linearly aligned regions in PAA gels.
Does Disruption of Circadian Rhythms Contribute to Beta-Cell Failure in Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease characterized by the loss of beta-cell secretory function and mass. The pathophysiology of beta-cell failure in T2DM involves a complex interaction between genetic susceptibilities and environmental risk factors. One environmental condition that is gaining greater appreciation as a risk factor for T2DM is the disruption of circadian rhythms (eg, shift-work and sleep loss). In recent years, circadian disruption has become increasingly prevalent in modern societies and consistently shown to augment T2DM susceptibility (partly mediated through its effects on pancreatic beta-cells). Since beta-cell failure is essential for development of T2DM, we will review current work from epidemiologic, clinical, and animal studies designed to gain insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the predisposition to beta-cell failure associated with circadian disruption. Elucidating the role of circadian clocks in regulating beta-cell health will add to our understanding of T2DM pathophysiology and may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic and preventative approaches.
Laser radar beam steering mirrors

The structural aspects of developing a flat laser radar beam steering mirror for optical discrimination of an array of spaceborne targets at 10.6 p.m are discussed. Results of trade studies to determine feasible design concepts capable of meeting the system performance goals during steering are included. Aperture diameters between 0.5 and 2 m were studied for three principal structures: (1) a thin glass sandwich coupled to adeep backup structure, (2) a full-depth beryllium sandwich, and (3) a full depth graphite epoxy sandwich. The results of computer simulations of the structural performance of each of these concepts are presented, and fabrication efforts in support of these concepts are described. These studies demonstrate that lightweight, dimensionally stable flat mirrors can be fabricated with present technology. Aluminum-clad graphite/epoxy mirrors were successfully manufactured within 0.5 pm rms of a flat surface, and initial test results indicate dimensional stability after several thermal cycles. A low cost, uncomplicated method to manufacture low thermal expansion aluminum-clad graphite/epoxy tubes as backup structural members for large space-based optics was also developed. Further investigations are warranted to determine the dynamic tensile strength of glass, to develop thermal distortion compensation methods for metal mirrors, and to improve the dimensional and temporal stability of clad graphite/ epoxy mirrors.
Introduction: The Ambiguities of Risk in the Early Republic

In the half-century following the American Revolution, journalists and promoters of economic activities wrote paeans to the independence movement, celebrating its release of economic energies and anticipating that it would enable citizens to improve, produce, and consume more and thus sustain their virtuous republican character as a people. Writers predicted that imminent prosperity would result in the construction of mills, forges, and retail networks throughout the hinterlands; they envisioned boldly experimental internal improvements and expanding commerce under the independent auspices of the newly formed states and locales. Liberated Americans could look forward to blending certain kinds of regulatory protections and government encouragements, such as they had experienced under the rule of the empire, and to the aggressive pursuit of economic opportunities: creating new kinds of taxation and currency systems, expanding commerce to foreign ports, extending agriculture to the limits of available technologies and capital, and testing modest manufactures. For two generations following the Revolution, until at least the panic of 1819, many optimists were confirmed in their expectations of a bright future for the new nation's economy, and they embraced the risks involved in mobilizing tremendous amounts of human energy and capital because they believed that economic development would resolve foreign nations' doubts about the new republic and obliterate the crushing debts and dislocations of the revolutionary war.
Integration Due Diligence: Setting the Stage for Value Creation

Successful acquirers plan PMI prior to closing, conducting due diligence on the many elements that must be combined, adopted, changed or eliminated as part of the post-merger value-capture activities. Integration due diligence includes strategy, architecture, plumbing-and-wiring, and culture. Post merger integration action items fall into one or more of these categories. In strategy, the acquirer must decide on a target based on corporate strategy, capabilities, financial valuation, and cultural fit. The basic questions are, 'Why are we doing this?' and, 'What is our vision for the combined entity?' Architecture is the actions taken to design the new company, to staff the new positions, and to communicate the changes to staff. In the optimum case, the architectural decisions are derived using detailed knowledge of the overall strategy, and these blueprints are transmitted to the teams responsible for the plumbing and wiring (next paragraph). The basic questions here are, 'What is the new organization structure?' 'Who is in charge of what?' 'How much of the new organization should be absorbed versus held intact?' and, 'What messages do we communicate to which stakeholders, how, and when?' Plumbing & Wiring consist of the physical changes needed to connect two companies into a new single entity. This includes combining IT systems, HR benefits, real estate, and supply chains. The questions here are, 'How do we connect the pipes and wires?' 'How do we manage the details of this project?' and, 'How fast do we move?' The final element, central to the other three, is culture, values, traditions, security, and identity. Cultural issues can add enormous significance to issues that might otherwise seem insignificant. To the extent that values, identity, or personal security are threatened, it is natural that potentially destructive political behavior raises its head and can jeopardize the successful integration of any acquisition.
Rapid Evolution of Bright Monochromatism in the Domestic Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria)

ABSTRACT Males exhibit more colorful plumage than females in many bird species. Phylogenetic reconstructions indicate that transitions from dichromatism to monochromatism are not uncommon and that monochromatism can result from the evolution of brighter plumage in females. To better understand the time scale over which such changes in dichromatism can evolve, we used a reflectance spectrophotometer to quantify feather coloration in the Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria), a species that is sexually dichromatic in the wild but that has been under strong artificial selection for color in both sexes for several centuries. We measured the plumage coloration of males and females in the wild progener population of canaries, in captive canaries bred for bright yellow or red plumage coloration, and in Black-hooded Red Siskins (Carduelis cucullata), which were hybridized with yellow canaries to produce red canaries. We show that domestic canaries evolved from dichromatism to monochromatism under strong selection for...
Open Questions Regarding Pledges and Guarantees by Cfcs

This report addresses some important questions that can arise under section 956 (dealing with deemed dividends resulting from some investments in Unites States property by controlled foreign corporations) when lenders to U.S. companies demand pledges or guarantees by foreign subsidiaries and/or pledges by the U.S. borrower of 66 2/3 percent or more of the shares of its foreign subsidiaries.
Gene Transfer to the Heart: Emerging Strategies for the Selection of Vectors, Delivery Techniques, and Therapeutic Targets

Heart diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in contemporary society. Advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of myocardial dysfunction have placed many acquired and congenital cardiovascular diseases within the reach of gene-based therapy. Four prerequisites are required for a successful clinical application of gene therapy: (1) an effective strategy for genetic manipulation, (2) availability of vectors with enhanced myocardial tropism, (3) a clinically translatable delivery technique that will result in global or regional expression, and (4) creation of therapeutic transgenes for selected molecular targets depending on the underlying pathological state of the heart. Despite significant promise, however, several obstacles exist with gene-based therapies. These obstacles are described in detail in this chapter, along with proposed solutions. We anticipate that advances in the field will improve cardiac gene therapy in future clinical approaches.
Association of mental health disorders and Medicaid with ED admissions for ambulatory care-sensitive condition conditions.

Abstract Introduction Adult Medicaid enrollees are more likely to have mental health disorders (MHDs) than privately insured patients and also have high rates of emergency department (ED) visits for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions (ACSCs). We aimed to evaluate the association of MHD and insurance type with ED admissions for ACSC in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of ED visits made by adults aged 18 to 64years using the corrected 2011 National Emergency Department Survey. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we controlled for sociodemographics and clinical variables to determine the association between insurance type, MHD, Medicaid, and MHD (as an interaction variable) and ED admissions for ACSC. Results There were 131 million ED visits in 2011; after exclusions, 1.4 million admissions were included in our study. Of all ED visits, 44.7% had an MHD, of which 49.9% were covered by Medicaid and 38.1% were covered by private insurance. A total of 32.6% (95% confidence interval, 32.5%-32.7%) of ED admissions were for an ACSC. Medicaid-covered ED visits were more likely to result in ACSC hospital admission (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-1.35) compared with visits covered by private insurance. Among patients with MHD, those with Medicaid insurance had 1.6 times the odds of ACSC admission compared with those privately insured. Conclusion Among all ED admissions, patients covered by Medicaid are more likely to be admitted for an ACSC when compared with those covered by private insurance, with a larger association being present among patients with MHD comorbidities.
Compositional and Programming Issues Within Lyra, a Fully Interactive Performance Environment For Violin and Kyma System

Meaningful real-time interaction between human performers and computer processing is an important aesthetic issue for many composers. With the advent of computer systems that are actually fast enough to permit real-time algorithmic sound realizations based on the analysis of live performance data the issue now facing composers is how to utilize these tools in a meaningful and artistic way. Lyra, composed in 2002 for violin and Kyma, is an environment in which the acoustically generated sounds and the computer generated and processed sounds are mutually dependent upon each other for a unified ensemble performance. All of the computer music layers are generated in real time using the violin music as direct audio and as analyzed input data for processing, resynthesis, and other parameter control. The violin music is also affected by the computer music output through performance instructions that invite response and improvisation. The violinist is also able to control macro time and gestural synchronization with the computer sound layers. The aesthetic goal is to create a performance environment that permits maximum flexibility for the human performer with a great deal of linear independence for both violin and computer, while still maintaining a very high degree of unity and ensemble interaction.
A mechanism-based 3D-QSAR approach for classification and prediction of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potency of organophosphate and carbamate analogs

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate esters can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by binding covalently to a serine residue in the enzyme active site, and their inhibitory potency depends largely on affinity for the enzyme and the reactivity of the ester. Despite this understanding, there has been no mechanism-based in silico approach for classification and prediction of the inhibitory potency of ether OPs or carbamates. This prompted us to develop a three dimensional prediction framework for OPs, carbamates, and their analogs. Inhibitory structures of a compound that can form the covalent bond were identified through analysis of docked conformations of the compound and its metabolites. Inhibitory potencies of the selected structures were then predicted using a previously developed three dimensional quantitative structure-active relationship. This approach was validated with a large number of structurally diverse OP and carbamate compounds encompassing widely used insecticides and structural analogs including OP flame retardants and thio- and dithiocarbamate pesticides. The modeling revealed that: (1) in addition to classical OP metabolic activation, the toxicity of carbamate compounds can be dependent on biotransformation, (2) OP and carbamate analogs such as OP flame retardants and thiocarbamate herbicides can act as AChEI, (3) hydrogen bonds at the oxyanion hole is critical for AChE inhibition through the covalent bond, and (4) π-π interaction with Trp86 is necessary for strong inhibition of AChE. Our combined computation approach provided detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of OP and carbamate compounds and may be useful for screening a diversity of chemical structures for AChE inhibitory potency.
The Wing Kinematics Effects on Performance and Wake Structure Produced by Finite-Span Hovering Wings

Throughout the past decades, the mechanisms of aerodynamic force production and lift augmentation in flapping insect wings have been the subject of many thorough computational, experimental, and analytical investigations. Despite the fact that in nature, insect wings tend to be of low or moderate aspect ratio, most experimental and numerical studies in this area have focused on examining large- or infinite-aspect-ratio flapping foils. Systematic efforts are still being expected for detailed investigations of finite aspect ratio flapping foil undergoing hovering motion due to the difficulties in both experimental and numerical methodologies. In the current study, a DNS solver for computing flows with moving immersed boundaries has been used to explore the wake structures and aerodynamic performance of finite aspect-ratio flapping foils undergoing two different hovering motions: optimal fruit fly motion and optimal bumblebee motion. The results of these numerical simulations indicate that the wake topologies of these relatively low aspect-ratio foils are significantly different from that observed for infinite-/largeaspect-ratio foils and vary with the kinematics. Lift augmentation has been studied for “clap-andfling” wing-wing interaction and associated wake structures are investigated, too.
Primary atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the spine in an adult patient.

Background: Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is an aggressive neoplasm of the central nervous system that generally arises intracranially in patients under 2 years of age. Primary spinal AT/RT in an adult is rare.
Characterization of glomerular thromboxane receptor sites in the rat.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize thromboxane (Tx) receptor sites in renal glomeruli. Binding studies were performed on freshly isolated glomeruli using the stable TxA2 receptor antagonist, [3H]SQ 29548. Specific binding was saturable, reversible, and varied with glomerular protein. Scatchard plots revealed a single class of high-affinity receptor sites (Kd = 14.3 +/- 2.4 nM, Bmax = 361 +/- 22 fmol/mg; n = 5). Specific binding was inhibited by Tx agonists (U-46619 and U-44069) and antagonist (SQ 29548) and was highly specific for Tx, since prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGF2 alpha were 1,000-fold less potent in inhibiting binding. In vivo, U-46619 (1.75 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) was without effect on mean arterial pressure, but reduced renal blood flow by 71% (P less than 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate by 67% (P less than 0.01) and increased filtration fraction by 24% (P less than 0.05). SQ 29548 (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) completely blocked the renal effects of U-46619. These studies demonstrate the presence of specific receptor sites for Tx on renal glomeruli that are linked to modulation of renal hemodynamics.
Feeding behavior, growth and tissue amino acids of rats fed diets containing norleucine or homoarginine

Amino acid analogs may interfere with normal metabolism in a variety of ways [1]. Also, analogs such as 2-(methylamino)isobutyrate and 2-aminobicyclo[2,2,l] heptane-2-carboxylate are widely used as specific models for the A and L systems for transport of small and large neutral amino acids (SNAA and LNAA), respectively [2]. Of particular interest is the ability of certain analogs to compete for transport of natural amino acids into various tissues, especially at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) [3–5].
Image reconstruction using a three-plane, dual-particle imager for standoff detection of special nuclear material

An advanced, dual-particle, imaging system is being developed for standoff, passive detection of special nuclear material. This system consists of three planes of detectors and will be capable of imaging photons and fast neutrons simultaneously. The first two planes of the system consist of EJ309 liquid scintillators, while the third plane consists of NaI detectors. The EJ-309 detectors have excellent pulse shape discrimination capabilities, which allows the imaging system to distinguish incident photons from neutrons. Preliminary investigations of the dual-particle imager focused primarily on the use of simple-backprojection methods for image reconstruction. However, efforts have been made toward implementing the use of a maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization algorithm for image reconstruction. MCNPX-PoliMi has been used to simulate system response matrices for the dual-particle imager. Results have been promising for image reconstruction using measurement-specific system response matrices. However, field use requires the ability to detect and locate unknown sources in unknown shielding configurations. This has resulted in the development of an algorithm capable of generating a measurement-specific system response matrix on the fly.