cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International NGOs as global institutions: using social capital to impact multinational enterprises and governments

Abstract Due to institutional power and prevalence at the national (or subnational) level, certain global collective good exchanges do not comport well with a national institution model. Examples of such globally relevant exchanges include those concerning the natural environment and those pertaining to key human rights considerations such as health care/disease prevention. These global collective good exchanges entail the involvement of both multinational enterprises (MNEs) and national governments. The allegiance of MNEs to any particular country has been questioned; national governments are arguably driven by their perceptions of their specific nation's interests. These global exchanges encounter formal institutional failure due to the supranational venue of these exchanges, and concerns regarding institutional legitimacy are furthered by incompatibilities between public sector (national governments) and private sector (MNE) actors' interests. In this institutional chasm, the governance and promotion of effective exchange relations between and among these players is hampered. These market imperfections and resulting high transaction costs associated with collective goods [J. Law Econ. 3 (1960) 1.] prevent actors from efficiently engaging in exchange relations. It is in this context of formal institutional failure that “third sector” entities—international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs)—have emerged as informal institutions operating globally to significantly change the context within which governments and MNEs interact. A recent review of the concept of social capital by Adler and Kwon [Acad. Manage. Rev. 27 (2002) 17.] is used to theoretically support an empirically documented surge in activity by INGOs at the global level as a response to heightened transactions costs in this venue. I attempt to respond to the call by Leenders and Gabbay [CSC: an agenda for the future. In R.Th.A.J. Leenders and S.M. Gabbay (Eds.), Corporate social capital and liability, pp. 483–494, Boston: Kluwer, 1999.] to link this emerging global social structure (the rise of third sector institutions—INGOs) to the concept of the social capital that INGOs inherently possess as institutions that bridge and bond public and private sector actors. I provide an illustrative example of an INGO that utilizes social capital in filling an informal institutional role for global goods/services transactions: the Nature Conservancy and its work in a prototype Joint Implementation (JI)/Clean Development Mechanism project in Belize as called for under the Kyoto Protocol.
Cell-to-Cell Communication and the Control of Growth

Growth of transformed cells is inhibited by cell-to-cell communication with normal cells. This communication is regulated by certain oncogenes that alone or in cooperation can block the communication.
Minimizing expected travel time on geometrical patterns by optimal probability rearrangements

The general problem is to find a permutation π assigning the probability masses of a given probability vector to the elements of a given countable subset S of an Euclidian space Ed. The assignment will be called optimal if it minimizes the expected value of a monotonic function f of the Euclidian distance between two elements of S independently drawn according to the assigned probability mass function. Optimal arrangements are found under a wide variety of conditions on S and f. Many of the solutions represent original applications and extensions of Chapter X (Rearrangements) of Hardy, Littlewood and Polya's book on inequalities (1934) .
Information Seeking on Competitors and Perception of Competition by Food Store Managers

The dynamics of competition from the store manager's point of view has been neglected. This study was designed to investigate the perception of competition and competitive information seeking by food store managers. Competition was analyzed in relation to a set of independent variables suggested by concepts of retail competition and organization theory. The data was based on a questionnaire administered to 55 food store managers. It was predicted and found that the perceived competitive interdependency between two stores was related to the degree of perceived similarity between the stores. The results support the concept of competition for differential advantage. The frequency of information seeking on competitors was related to organizational variables, particularly the store managers concept of his job, but not the degree of perceived similarity between competing stores.
MACROERGONOMICS, THE THIRD GENERATION OF HUMAN FACTORS

Human factors is conceptualized as having had two generations of development. The first generation dealt with the ergonomic design of specific jobs and work stations. The focus of person-machine technology research was on human physical and perceptual characteristics. The second generation, driven by the microelectronics technology explosion of the late 60's and 70's, focused on the cognitive nature of work as reflected in system design. Both first and second generation activities remain important and are continuing. Both primarily deal with person-machine systems at the individual and team, or microergonomic level. The emerging third generation is concerned with the interface of technology with the organization at the macroergonomic level, and represents a top down approach to system design. This third generation is being driven primarily by the organizational design constraints of automation and the concomitant changes in technology, and in the demographic characteristics and values of the work forces of industrialized nations. These changes are discussed along with the nature of macroergonomics, and the third generation challanges for the human factors profession.
In vitro model to evaluate reliability and accuracy of a dental shade-matching instrument.

Statement of problem There are several electronic shade-matching instruments available for clinical use; unfortunately, there are limited acceptable in vitro models to evaluate their reliability and accuracy. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of a dental clinical shade-matching instrument. Material and methods Using the shade-matching instrument (ShadeScan), color measurements were made of 3 commercial shade guides (VITA Classical, VITA 3D-Master, and Chromascop). Shade tabs were selected and placed in the middle of a gingival matrix (Shofu Gummy), with tabs of the same nominal shade from additional shade guides placed on both sides. Measurements were made of the central region of the shade tab inside a black box. For the reliability assessment, each shade tab from each of the 3 shade guide types was measured 10 times. For the accuracy assessment, each shade tab from 10 guides of each of the 3 types evaluated was measured once. Reliability, accuracy, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each shade tab. Differences were determined by 1-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni multiple comparison procedure. Results Reliability of ShadeScan was as follows: VITA Classical = 95.0%, VITA 3D-Master = 91.2%, and Chromascop = 76.5%. Accuracy of ShadeScan was as follows: VITA Classical = 65.0%, VITA 3D-Master = 54.2%, Chromascop = 84.5%. Conclusions This in vitro study showed a varying degree of reliability and accuracy for ShadeScan, depending on the type of shade guide system used.
Delayed rectifier and A-type potassium channels associated with Kv 2.1 and Kv 4.3 expression in embryonic rat neural progenitor cells.

BackgroundBecause of the importance of voltage-activated K+ channels during embryonic development and in cell proliferation, we present here the first description of these channels in E15 rat embryonic neural progenitor cells derived from the subventricular zone (SVZ). Activation, inactivation, and single-channel conductance properties of recorded progenitor cells were compared with those obtained by others when these Kv gene products were expressed in oocytes.Methodology/Principal FindingsNeural progenitor cells derived from the subventricular zone of E15 embryonic rats were cultured under conditions that did not promote differentiation. Immunocytochemical and Western blot assays for nestin expression indicated that almost all of the cells available for recording expressed this intermediate filament protein, which is generally accepted as a marker for uncommitted embryonic neural progenitor cells. However, a very small numbers of the cells expressed GFAP, a marker for astrocytes, O4, a marker for immature oligodendrocytes, and βIII-tubulin, a marker for neurons. Using immunocytochemistry and Western blots, we detected consistently the expression of Kv2.1, and 4.3. In whole-cell mode, we recorded two outward currents, a delayed rectifier and an A-type current.Conclusions/SignificanceWe conclude that Kv2.1, and 4.3 are expressed in E15 SVZ neural progenitor cells, and we propose that they may be associated with the delayed-rectifier and the A-type currents, respectively, that we recorded. These results demonstrate the early expression of delayed rectifier and A-type K+ currents and channels in embryonic neural progenitor cells prior to the differentiation of these cells.
Sea-level rise and sub-county population projections in coastal Georgia

It is increasingly apparent that stressors associated with anthropocentric climate change are likely to have dramatic effects on future human settlement patterns. Although sea-level rise is one of the best understood implications of climate change, geographically precise estimation of potential population displacement due to tidewater inundation has proven remarkably problematic. At least within the USA, these problems partially stem from methodological limitations of population projection methodology at sub-county scales. Using a case study of coastal Georgia, USA, this paper develops and demonstrates a new housing unit-based population projection method that is applied at the sub-county scale of Census Block Groups. These projections are then overlaid with spatiotemporally explicit assessments of future sea-level rise inundation provided through the Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model (SLAMM). We find that between 62,000 and 159,000 people are at risk of between 1 and 2 m of sea-level rise by 2100 in coastal Georgia.
Performance in mixed verbal-incentive pairings with and without feedback.

150 normal and 150 retarded children performed a marble-dropping task in three experimental arrangements: (1) individually without feedback, (2) in pairs without feedback, and (3) in pairs with feedback. Performance rates and persistence of Ss performing individually or in mixed-incentive pairs under three incentives (reproof, praise, and competition) were compared. A partner's presence increased both rate and persistence by normals; inclusion of feedback further increased their rate but not their persistence. Retardates' rates increased and persistence decreased with a partner's presence; inclusion of feedback decreased their rates and produced varied persistence effects. Comparable incentive effects obtained for individuals and pairs: normals performed faster but with less persistence under reproof than under praise or competition; retardates' rates and persistence were both lower under reproof than under praise or competition.
Preparation of lot samples of nut meats for mycotoxin assay

A procedure has been devised for preparing lot samples of mycotoxin-contaminated nut meats so that a representative analytical sample may be removed. The sample is rapidly reduced to coarse size. A relatively large portion (about 1/10 of total sample) of subsample is then split out and further comminuted to a fine particle size with the aid of a fat solvent (meat-solvent, w/v, 3:2). The analytical sample is removed from this mixture. The procedure was tested with shelled almonds and shelled walnuts using radioactive nuts to simulate the mycotoxin contamination and provide a simple, precise measure of the contaminated nut meat distribution. The pooled coefficient of variation was 18% for the subsamples and 4.4% for the analytical samples. Considering the dilution factors used (1.50 and 2.14 contaminated nuts/104 nuts) and the low degree of reliability of the lot sample, the sample preparation methods tested appear to be practical and reliable.
Considerations of Project Scale and Sustainability of Modern Bioenergy Systems in Uganda

Energy supply and accessibility has a major impact on the development of societies. Modern bioenergy production in the form of heat, electricity, and liquid transportation fuels is increasingly cost competitive as prices of fossil fuels continue to increase. However, the large potential benefits associated with bioenergy come with a price tag and risks that may be disproportionately carried by tropical and non-industrialized countries. This analysis focuses on the influence of project scale on economic, social, and environmental impacts of bioenergy production in the tropics using the framework of two wood fueled bioenergy projects in Uganda—a large (50 MW) and a small-scale (200 kW). There are indications that less sustainable practices often come with increasing project-scale. This study found that a distributed, small-scale infrastructure indeed can be more desirable in terms of resource efficiency, impacts on ecosystems and local societies, and financial risks and benefits compared with those associated with one large-scale. To support the implementation of small-scale projects, there is a need for policies fostering distributed energy infrastructure and participatory tools beyond traditional cost-benefit analysis to assess sustainability of bioenergy systems.
Electron cytochemical studies of Cryptococcus neoformans grown on uric acid and related sources of nitrogen

Cells of Cryptococcus neoformans grown on xanthine or urate as the sole sources of nitrogen produced numerous, single membrane-bound organelles, deemed to be microbodies. Electron images of these structures showed positive cytochemical staining for catalase and α-hydroxy acid oxidase, known marker enzyme activities for microbodies. Microbodies in xanthine and urate-grown cells were cytochemically reactive for the presence of the hydrogen peroxide-producing xanthine and urate oxidases. Molybdenum and phosphorus (elements associated with the cofactor common to nitrogen scavenging enzymes) were detected in the substrate-induced microbodies by X-ray dispersive microanalysis. The single limiting membrane of the substrate-induced microbody was stained by a modified Gomori reaction for the presence of alkaline phosphatase, thereby suggesting the participation of this enzymic activity in the events associated with microbody chemistry.
Oral contraceptive side effects : where's the beef ?

The initial report is reviewed, as well as the results of subsequent investigations, and the current status of the following side effects attributed to the use of oral contraceptives: subjective symptoms such as mood and libido changes, also headache; melanoma; gallbladder disease; liver tumors, sickle cell disease exacerbation; teratogenesis; "post-Pill" amenorrhea; atherogenesis; and diminished carbohydrate tolerance. In many instances a cause-and-effect relationship appears to be incorrect or highly improbable. In other instances the side effects are clinically insignificant or so rare as to be of minimal importance. Yet they continue to be listed by various authorities as validated side effects or relative contraindications to oral contraceptive use. This, in turn, limits the access of many women to a highly effective form of contraception. This re-examination of past history is intended to modernize our concepts of the safety of this modality.
Sequential beamspace DOA estimation

We have developed a sequential beamspace method for high resolution direction of arrival (DOA) estimation. Beamspace MUSIC and element space MUSIC DOA estimation algorithms have been implemented to utilize an 8 element uniform circular array operating at 5.8 GHz. The simulation and initial lab results show that the proposed method can achieve good accuracy once it is properly sychronized. In addition, a significant decrease in hardware is realized when operating in beamspace versus element space.
Three-Dimensional Control of Self-Assembled Quantum Dot Configurations

We demonstrate techniques for growing three-dimensional quantum dot configurations using molecular beam epitaxy on faceted template islands. Molecular beam shadowing leads to new geometries through selective nucleation of the dots on the template edges. Strain-induced stacking converts the planar configurations into three-dimensional structures. The resulting dot morphologies and their configurational uniformity are studied using cross sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Combining photoluminescence measurements with structural characterization allows interpretation of the ensemble photoluminescence spectrum. Bright spectra for the three-dimensional structures suggest an improved method for combining lithographic nucleation sites with self-assembled dot growth. These techniques can be applied to lithographic templates to fabricate complex quantum dot networks.
Responses to predators differ between native and invasive freshwater turtles: environmental context and its implications for competition.

Optimal escape theory predicts that animals facing a predation threat should react in a manner that balances perceived threats with the costs of escape. Flight distance, the distance at which animals flee in response to an approaching predator, is often used as a quantitative measure of animal risk assessment and is thus useful to examine predictions of optimal escape theory. However, applying this theory to a broader diversity of animals under more complex environmental conditions has been hampered by a paucity of data. In this study, I measure the flight distances of two freshwater turtles, the invasive Trachemys scripta elegans, and the native Emys marmorata, in an urban California water body to examine how flight distance is affected by time of day, initial visibility to the approaching predator, and the presence of conspecifics. I found that E. marmorata was more sensitive to predation risk than T. scripta and would flee earlier (at a greater distance). Time of day and the presence of conspecifics had no effect on E. marmorata's flight distance although visibility and the interaction between time and visibility did. Emys marmorata would flee earlier when visible, and in the afternoon visible turtles would flee earlier than non-visible turtles, but in the morning, visibility did not affect turtle flight distance. In contrast, T. scripta's flight distance was not affected by any measured variables, although this may be due to a lack of statistical power given the low sample size. This study demonstrates that multiple environmental characteristics influence risk assessment in turtles, and implies that interspecific differences in responses to predation threats may lead to increased competition for thermal resources between native and invasive ectotherms. This is a likely mechanism contributing to the negative impacts of T. scripta on native turtle populations, especially in urban environments.
Informed consent to genetic research: Student participation and perception of risk

This experimental deception study explored how undergraduate online research participants from a large Midwestern university (n = 182) perceived, comprehended, and acted upon consent documents involving potential loss of genetic privacy. Risk perception, willingness to participate, and consent behavior were measured across manipulations of four randomly assigned experimental consent documents composed of two levels of privacy risk (identifiable or anonymous genetic storage) and two monetary compensation values ($10 or $100). Poor comprehension of the consent information was observed. When risk level was comprehended, identifiable genetic storage was associated with lower participation. Monetary compensation of $100 did not alter willingness to participate or consent behavior, but it significantly decreased risk perceptions, suggesting participants may be susceptible to undue influence.
An exact algorithm for coupling-free routing

In this wrok, we develop methods to reduce interconnect delay and noise caused by coupling. First, we explain the Coupling-Free Routing (CFR) problem. CFR takes a set of nets and tries to find a one-bend couple-free routing for a subset of nets. A routed net must not couple with any other routed net. We define coupling as a boolean variable which is true when the coupling of two nets is greater than some threshold. Any pair-wise coupling definition can be used. We argue that this problem is useful in both global and detailed routingWe develop an exact algorithm for the CFR decision problem via a transformation to 2-satisfiability. This algorithm runs in linear time. The decision problem determines whether the given set of nets is coupling-free routable. Next, we present the implication graph which models the dependencies associated with CFR. Also, we look at some of the properties associated with the graph.Finally, we develop a new algorithm for the Maximum Coupling-Free Layout (MAX-CFL) problem. Given a set of nets, the MAX-CFL is defined as finding a subset of nets that are coupling-free routable. The subset should have maximum size and/or critically. The new algorithm, called implication algorithm, uses properties assoicated with the implication graph and experiments show that it consistently finds the best solution in terms of number of nets routed as compared to previous algorithms
A hierarchical multi-agent control scheme for a black start-capable microgrid

This paper presents a hierarchical control scheme using a multi-agent system for black start operation of a microgrid with power electronic interfaces. Five types of agents are proposed in this architecture, namely Grid Agent, Central Agent, Generation Agent, Load Agent and Breaker Agent. With this architecture, the multi-agent system is able to coordinate distributed generators (DG) and loads to maintain steady state operation of the microgrid either in grid-connected mode or islanded mode; it can also perform a black start if a seamless transition to the islanded mode fails or if a black start becomes necessary for any other reason. A system with four DG units is demonstrated using MATLAB/SIMULINK to demonstrate the operation of the proposed system.
Physiological and behavioral response to intra-abdominal transmitter implantation in Steller sea lions

The absence of a direct, long-term measure of individual Steller sea lion survival led to the development of implanted, delayed transmission satellite tags specifically for this species (Life History Transmitter, LHX). To assess possible effects of implant procedures and LHX tags, we undertook a two-stage approach to monitor: 1) immediate physiological response under controlled conditions in temporary captivity, and 2) post-release movement and dive behavior via externally mounted satellite data recorders (SDR). Six juvenile sea lions were monitored up to 8 weeks post-implant for physiological indications of post-surgical effects. Overall, mass, body condition and blood parameters did not change during the study period. There was limited white blood cell elevation and acute-phase reaction in the first 2 weeks post-implant. During the 3 months of post-release tracking, all sea lions returned to their respective capture haul-outs. Shorter and shallower dives during the first week post-release suggested a possible recovery period similar to other non-LHX individuals released from temporary captivity. For all subsequent weeks, dive depth, duration, frequency and dispersal distances of LHX animals were comparable to free-ranging individuals. All physiological and behavioral responses noted were temporary in nature, supporting LHX implantation as a viable alternative for long-term survival monitoring of free-ranging sea lions.
Location of a Mutator Gene in Salmonella typhimurium by Cotransduction

Kirchner, Carl E. J. (Suffolk County Community College, Selden, N.Y.), and Matthew J. Rudden. Location of a mutator gene in Salmonella typhimurium by cotransduction. J. Bacteriol. 92:1453–1456. 1966.—The LT7 strain of Salmonella typhimurium has been shown to possess a mutator gene which is responsible for an increase in mutation frequency for most loci tested. Preliminary results suggested the gene might be responsible for the production of an abnormal purine or pyrimidine base. Phage prepared on the mutator strain were used to transduce selected purine and pyrimidine LT2 mutants that do not possess this gene. A high frequency (60%) of cotransduction was observed with mutants from only one locus, purA. Transduction of additional mutants from this region gave similar results, except for one mutant (purA1) which showed no transduction of the mutator gene or the purA1 region. The results show that the mutator gene is very closely linked to the purA locus and suggest that it might be part of it.
A DC-102GHz broadband amplifier in 0.12µm SiGe BiCMOS

An ultra-wideband amplifier scheme is realized with two cascaded stages that are equalized for high-bandwidth and low gain ripple. The amplifier is implemented in a 0.12µm SiGe BiCMOS process and achieves a 3dB bandwidth of 102GHz. The gain is 10dB with less than 1.5dB gain-ripple and group-delay variation under +/− 6ps over the entire 3dB bandwidth. The chip occupies an area of 0.29mm2 including the pads and consumes 73mW from a 2V supply.
Distributed simulation: No special tools required

A toolkit of C language functions that can be linked with SIMSCRIPT programs to provide the data communication primitives necessary for distributed simulation is presented. This toolkit can be used to develop distributed simulation applications without having to invest in new environments or training. The toolkit is composed of 650 lines of C code and requires about 50 lines of additional SIMSCRIPT code per server/receiver pair to be added to the simulation model. The user need only be concerned with three C function calls and two SIMSCRIPT routines; thus the complexity of the simulation program is no significantly affected. The use of these tools is most likely to be beneficial in models that can be decomposed into components in which information flow among processors is not cyclic. >
A Convenient Synthesis of Chloronitrobenzonitrile Isomers and Homologs

A new, direct method for the synthesis of 10 position isomers of chloronitro-benzonitrile and some homologs from the corresponding benzoic acids and methane-sulfonamide in the presence of phosphorus pentachloride has been developed and exploited. This modification has proved to be more generally applicable than the previously available procedure using p-toluenesulfonamide, and the products were obtained in amounts approaching the theoretical yields. A cyclic mechanism for a transformation leading to the formation of these aromatic nitriles is postulated.
Erratum to: Metal artifact suppression at the hip: diagnostic performance at 3.0 T versus 1.5 Tesla

Skeletal Radiol (2015) 44:1617 DOI 10.1007/s00256-015-2243-0 ERRATUM Erratum to: Metal artifact suppression at the hip: diagnostic performance at 3.0 T versus 1.5 Tesla Lorenzo Nardo 1 & Misung Han 1 & Martin Kretzschmar 1 & Michele Guindani 2 & Kevin Koch 3,4 & Thomas Vail 5 & Roland Krug 1 & Thomas M. Link 1 Published online: 23 August 2015 # ISS 2015 Erratum to: Skeletal Radiol DOI 10.1007/s00256-015-2214-5 The original version of this paper unfortunately contained error. The name of Martin Kretzschmar was incorrectly cap- tured and is now corrected in the authorgroup of this article. The online version of the original article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1007/s00256-015-2214-5. * Lorenzo Nardo Lorenzo.Nardo@ucsf.edu Misung Han Han.Misung@ucsf.edu Martin Kretzschmar Martin.Kretzschmar@ucsf.edu Thomas M. Link thomas.link@ucsf.edu Musculoskeletal and Quantitative Imaging Research, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 185 Berry street, suite 350, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA Department of Biostatistics – Unit 1411, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Avenue, MU320, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Michele Guindani mguindani@mdanderson.org Kevin Koch kmkoch@mcw.edu Thomas Vail vailt@orthosurg.ucsf.edu Roland Krug Roland.Krug@ucsf.edu
Effects of Equivalence Ratio on Temperature and OH Radical Concentration in Laminar Premixed Biofuel and Diesel Vapor Flames

3School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Uni versity of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73069 The effects of equivalence ratio on the mechanism o f formation of NO x in laminar flames of diesel and neat canola methyl ester (CME) biodie sel were investigated in this study. Equivalence ratios, ranging from 1.2 to 7, were sel ected to simulate the partially-premixed to near non-premixed flame combustion that exists in some combustors. Key parameters measured included flame length (residence time), OH concentration field, and flame temperature. These measurements were documented and correlated to the in-flame pollutant concentrations of NO x. It was found that at the lowest equivalence ratio , NO x production was a function of the flame length, temp erature, and OH concentration, therefore attributable to the thermal (Zeldovich) mechanism. At more fuel-rich equivalence ratios, a large amount of NO x was produced along or near the flame centerline in the nearburner region. At these conditions, no correlation between NO x formation and flame length, temperature, or radical concentrations was observed, thus was not attributable to the thermal mechanism. It was also observed that biofuel produced higher peak concentrations of NO x than diesel at all conditions, from 7% at φ = 1.2 to 90% at φ = 7.0.
Acute and chronic-intermittent isovaleric acidemia: diagnosis and glycine therapy.

Isovaleric acidemia is caused by an inherited defect in isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.3.99.10). L-leucine restriction and glycine supplementation are used to decrease the toxic accumulation of isovaleric acid (IVA). Supplemental glycine augments conversion of IVA to isovalerylglycine gVG) through the alternate pathway glycine-N-acylase (E.C. 2.3.1.13). Two clinical phenotypes are described, acute and chronic-intermittent, and are differentiated by enzyme activity in cultured fibroblasts. In this study we determined the optimum therapeutic glycine supplement for treating isovaleric acidemia under stable conditions of restricted leucine intake as compared to oral leucine loading. Under stable clinical conditions and on a restricted leucine intake of 55 mg/kg/day a nine year old with chronic intermittent IVA excreted 12.3 ± 5.8 of IVG which rose to 33.6 ± 14.2 mmoles IVG/gm creatinine as glycine supplements were increased from 0 to 50 mg/kg/day at weekly intervals. Excretion of IVC plateaued between glycine intakes of 50–150 mg/kg, but unexpectedly fell to 13.8 ± 0.5 and 16.3 ± 0.9 mmoles/gm creatinine when glycine supplements were further increased to 300 and 600 mglkglday. IVG excretion increased in a two year old with acute IVA while ingesting 45 mg leucine/kg/day from 5.5 ± 2.8 on no glycine supplement to 10.6 ± 0.8 mmoleslgm creatinine on 600 mg/kg glycine supplements. IVG production was compared in the older patient with chronic intermittent IVA. During acute leucine loads, glycine supplements of 190 or 600 mg/kg/day, resulted in urinary IVG of 194 and 419 mmoles/gm creatinine, respectively. These studies demonstrate that: acute and chronic-intermittent isovaleric acidemia are differentiated with [1–14C] and [2–14C]-leucine decarboxylation assays by intact fibroblasts; that glycine supplements of 150 to 250 mg/kg/day are optimum in both forms of the disease when patients are clinically stable but additional supplements will increase IVG production during acute leucine load conditions. However increases in glycine supplementation above 150 mg/kg/day may inhibit IVG production in patients with the chronic intermittent form of isovaleric acidemia, when intracellular IVA accumulation is minimized by diet, or if glycine-N-acylase is less competent.
See No Evil? The Role of the Directed Trustee Under ERISA

This article examines the statutory language, legislative history, and judicial interpretations of a directed trustee under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. It concludes that a directed trustee is subject to a fiduciary standard.
Options in Structured Notes: Fix the Price or Fix the Spread?

We derive consistent contingent-claims models for valuing implicit options embedded in structured notes, and use them to compare the cost of fixing the spread with that of fixing the price in bond tender offers. We analyze 289 bond tender offers and find that the cost difference is economically significant in a substantial majority of cases. The cost difference and choice of method depend especially on whether the offer is for investment-grade or high-yield bonds. Other significant determinants of the choice of method include the percentage of issue sought, the inclusion of a consent solicitation, and a change-of-control.
Prophylactic Surgery in Women With a Hereditary Predisposition to Breast and Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE: To review the published literature on the efficacy and adverse effects of prophylactic mastectomy (PM) and prophylactic oophorectomy (PO) in women with a hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer and to provide management recommendations for these women. METHODS: Using the terms “prophylactic,” “preventive,” “bilateral,” “mastectomy,” “oophorectomy,” and “ovariectomy,” a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature for articles related to PM and PO was performed. The bibliographies of these articles were reviewed to identify additional relevant references. RESULTS: There have been no prospective trials of PM or PO for the reduction of breast cancer or ovarian cancer incidence or mortality. Most of the available retrospective studies are composed of women who had surgery for a variety of indications and in whom genetic risk was not well characterized. However, some reports in women at increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer have shown that PM and PO can reduce cancer incidence...
Validation and Flight Testing of a Wireless Load Distribution Measuring System

Parachute systems design requires an extensive flight testing regimen, because of the inherent difficulties in modeling the parachute behavior. Traditionally, circular parachutes are assumed to have symmetric loading upon inflation and during terminal descent. Recently, a preliminary study found asymmetric canopy loading of Orion parachute systems with a wired bridle load measuring system. The research presented here expands upon the bridle measuring system to include a wireless load measurement system that can be readily applied to a wide variety of aerodynamic decelerator systems. Custom strain gauge load cells with mounted custom circuitry to calibrate, amplify, and transmit the load data were fixed to canopy suspension lines. Drop testing was performed with a 1.2m (4.0ft) quarterspherical cross based canopy with a payload of 2.0kg (4.4lbs). A 12m (39ft) guide-line based drop rig was implemented to prevent canopy rotational movement that could hinder testing repeatability. Load distribution data was first verified via both static calibration and in-flight total canopy load measurements. Drop testing was then conducted to identify loading asymmetry during both inflation and terminal descent. Maximum asymmetric loading factors exceeded twice the average suspension line load for a 0m static line drop testing, which is much higher than the standard asymmetric loading factor of 1.1 used in current parachute design. Additionally, the average asymmetric loading factor during descent exceeded the standard asymmetric loading factor for every scenario tested. Finally, flight testing was conducted to quantify the effects of the suspension line measurement systems on the overall parachute behavior. Results indicate the custom load cells have a negligible effect on the small-scale parachute used in this study.
Healthy Reintegration: The Effectiveness of Military Teen Adventure Camp Participation on Adolescent Perceptions of Self-Efficacy

OF THESIS HEALTHY REINTEGRATION: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MILITARY TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP PARTICIPATION ON ADOLESCENT PERCEPTIONS OF SELF-EFFICACY Perceived self-efficacy plays a key role in healthy reintegration post-deployment. Reintegration is characterized as the final stage in the deployment cycle, including returning home from combat and reassuming home-front roles and responsibilities. The objective of this study is to describe a program, specifically the Military Teen Adventure Camp (MTAC), and evaluate the program’s effectiveness in increasing perceptions of self-efficacy among adolescents who have experienced the deployment of at least one parent. The findings suggest participating in Military Teen Adventure Camps have a positive effect on adolescent perceptions of self-efficacy, which could decrease family distress during reintegration.
Angiotensin II increases glucose uptake and glucose transporter-1 mRNA levels in astroglia

In this study, we have investigated the effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) on glucose uptake into astroglia cultured from adult rat hypothalamus and brain stem. ANG II (30 min to 4 h; 10(-9) to 10(-6) M) stimulated time- and concentration-dependent increases in the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-[3H]glucose into cultured astroglia. This effect of ANG II (10(-7) M) is via AT1 receptors and protein kinase C (PKC), since it was inhibited by losartan (10(-6) M) and staurosporine (10(-6) M), respectively. Furthermore, this ANG II action was inhibited by both cycloheximide (1 microgram/ml) and actinomycin D (10(-6) M), indicating that synthesis of new glucose transporters is involved. This was confirmed by the finding that ANG II (30 min to 4 h; 10(-9) to 10(-5) M) stimulated time- and concentration-dependent increases in the steady-state levels of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) mRNA in these cultures. In addition, the increase in steady-state levels of GLUT-1 mRNA elicited by ANG II was mediated by AT1 receptors and PKC. These data suggest that ANG II stimulates glucose uptake into cultured astroglia via a pathway that involves AT1 receptors, PKC, and increased steady-state levels of GLUT-1 mRNA.
Decreased fistula formation with modified Denis Browne hypospadias repair.

Abstract Many surgeons have abandoned the Denis Browne technique of hypospadias repair because of the associated high rate of postoperative fistulas. We reviewed retrospectively 40 cases of perineal or penoscrotal hypospadias in which a previously described modification of the Denis Browne technique had been used. The low rate of associated postoperative fistula formation makes this modified technique a valuable procedure in selected cases of hypospadias.
The Starkey Experimental Forest and Range: Long-Term Research to Meet the Needs of Managers

As the current concern over climate change illustrates, there is a need, sometimes unforeseen, for the development and maintenance of long-term data sets. Coupling long-term vegetation data sets with long-term wildlife demographics allows scientists to evaluate potential cause–effect relations between changing landscapes and wildlife populations. Vegetation data sets contain important variables often included in habitat effectiveness models that predict the value of a landscape for a particular wildlife species. In this chapter, we focus on Starkey’s research history and long-term research activities on wildlife and rangeland resources as case examples of applied research that has addressed societal needs for ecosystem services. In 1939, Pickford wrote a letter that initiated discussions on the Starkey Cattle and Horse Allotment in the Whitman National Forest as suitable for a research station to develop information on the management of cattle summer range within the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Loud) type. In 1940, the Starkey Experimental Forest became a reality. The major research problem to be addressed was the overgrazing of mountain ranges. The current research trajectory was initiated in 1989 with the building of a game-proof fence and development of a telemetry system to monitor ungulate movements. The initial studies focused on perceived conflicts between deer and elk, and timber harvest and livestock grazing. Current research focuses on the role of ungulates as chronic ecosystem disturbance agents and their interaction with episodic disturbance to alter successional trajectories. Also included is the confounding role of human disturbance in modifying ungulate distribution across landscapes.
Electronically tunable silicon photonic delay lines

A novel type of electronically tunable optical delay lines is proposed based on silicon photonics. The integrable devices can achieve delays as high as ∼660 ps with a loss of &#60; 2.2 dB.
Review of Phosphate in Soils: Interaction with Micronutrients, Radionuclides, and Heavy Metals

H. Magdi Selim, Editor. CRC Press. Advances in Trace Elements in the Environment series. 2015.381 pp. ISBN: 978-1-48223-679-8 Phosphate-phosphorus present in the vadose zone of soil as native, added, or residual fertilizer influences the retention, transport, and bioavailability of heavy metals,
Early trauma and serious mental illness: what role does spirituality play?

For many who experience serious mental illness, spirituality and religion can be common vehicles that provide a sense of coherence and meaning to life. However, in the presence of early trauma, spi...
Tunable RF bandpass filter for interference suppression in software defined radios

Tunable filter is highly required in next generation wireless communications. This paper presents a bandpass tunable filter based on digital FIR filter concept. The essential idea of the proposed filter behavior leverages on a delay and combining structure, which exhibits periodical passband and stopband in terms of frequency while the higher order passband is used to achieve a bandpass filter. The filter characteristics are determined by the delay length and combining coefficient and additional phase shifters are introduced to tune the center frequency of the passband. The filter can achieve broad frequency tuning range with keep constant passband bandwidth. This work analyzes the proposed idea in theory and the concept is verified by a fabricated filter at 1 GHz.
The influence of a contaminant in commercial PMMA: A purification method for its removal and its consequences

Abstract An alkane-like contaminant was isolated from as-received commercial PMMA by forming a conventional urea inclusion compound during the preparation of a PMMA-urea complex. The contaminant, likely a surfactant used in the emulsion polymerization of PMMA, acts as a plasticizer in the commercial PMMA sample. After removing the contaminant, the resultant coalesced-PMMA showed an approximately 30 °C higher glass transition temperature than the as-received PMMA. Forming the PMMA-urea complex and then removing urea and the contaminant together with methanol can purify commercial PMMA and “unmask” its true Tg. Considering the large amount of research performed on PMMA blends, thin films, and nanocomposites, often with inconsistent or conflicting results, we believe the purity of some PMMAs used in past and future studies needs to be examined. Because commercial polystyrene is also obtained by emulsion polymerization and its blends, thin films, and nanocomposites have also been extensively studied, a similar contaminant may be affecting its behavior.
Challenges of surgical management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare malignancy arising from biliary tract epithelium within bile ducts proximal to the secondary biliary radicles. The majority of patients are diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease at presentation. Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative option, but poses unique challenges due to the large size and aggressive behavior of these tumors.Areas covered: The goal of surgical management of iCCA is margin negative (R0) hepatic resection with preservation of adequate size liver remnant and function. Data regarding role of staging laparoscopy, margin status, portal lymphadenectomy, and vascular resection for iCCA are reviewed. Perioperative systemic therapy may have value, although prospective data have been lacking. Recurrence rates remain high even after R0 resection; among patients with recurrent disease limited to the liver, re-resection or locoregional therapies may play a role. Liver transplantation may be an ...
Real-Time Hybrid Testing Techniques

Real-time hybrid testing combines the efficiency of numerical simulation with the realism of experimental analysis. This chapter presents an overview of real-time hybrid test methods from a general perspective, and discusses schemes of structural partitioning and issues related to numerical computation, system dynamics, and system performance. Different approaches of hybrid testing are presented under a unified framework. A specific implementation, including the hardware configuration, numerical integration scheme, and delay compensation methods, is discussed in detail. Results of experimental validation and numerical simulation study are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of several delay compensation schemes and the subtleties of real-time testing. The possibility of conducting reliable real-time hybrid tests using an unconditionally stable implicit integration scheme is demonstrated.
Chapter 82 – Development of the Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are responsible for the coordination of physiologic processes required for maintenance of organismal homeostasis ranging from the regulation of vascular tone and airway mechanics to digestion and elimination. The unique capacity of SMCs to modulate their phenotype from a contractile to a synthetic cell is attributable to the dynamic regulation of the SMC lineage-restricted genes, including SM-α-actin, SM-myosin heavy chain, SM22α, calponin, telokin, and smoothelin. The expression of these genes is regulated, and modulated, by the myocardin family of transcriptional coactivators. The lineage relationships that define and distinguish functionally distinct subsets of vascular and visceral SMCs remain poorly understood. The embryologic origins of SMCs are complex and include both mesodermally and ectodermally derived progenitors that hone to specific locations throughout the body where they differentiate and subserve distinct functions. The differentiation and specification of SMCs from stem and progenitor cells involves interplay between extracellular matrix components, integrins and the timed expression of transcription factors and their co-activators. Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the development and differentiation of the SMC lineage provides fundamental insights into smooth muscle cell biology and the unique capacity of this muscle cell lineage to respond to injury and adapt to environmental stress.