cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Industrial gums from plants: Guar and chia

Water soluble gums of plant origin represent an enormous quantity of industrial material supplied by plant growing areas in most parts of the world (Whistler, 1973). Gums come from a variety of plants and are separated by a variety of methods. Their use began before recorded history, starting in all probability as thickeners for foods in gruels, long before their next major use as sizing for paper and textiles. Today, usage of natural water-soluble gums is growing at the rate of 10%/yr. But the hard hand of economics is changing the types of gums that are used. Slowly, but irresistibly, labor cost escalation even in remote areas and the quality control needed for relatively pure and constant quality raw material cause some plant sources to be eliminated and others, perhaps more amenable to cultivation, to appear as new sources. Water-soluble gums are seldom used alone in applications but, almost always, are mixed with other materials. Their principal role is to control physical properties. They are excellent suspending agents, dispersants, stabilizing agents, emulsifiers and gel-forming agents. On occasion, they are used as coagulants, binders, lubricants or film formers. They are all carbohydrate polymers composed of sugar units glycosidically condensed to form large molecules. As a consequence they are, for the most part, of high molecular weight, some linear and some branched, even extensively branched or bush shaped. As might be expected, a more or less extended linear polymer will sweep out a larger space as it gyrates than will a highly branched, bush-shaped polymer of the same molecular weight. Hence, linear soluble polysaccharides will have very high viscosities at low concentrations. Branched polysaccharides may have high viscosities also if their molecular weight, degree of polymerization, is high. In this short discussion, I wish to describe a few plant gums and present some information on several that are important or may become important in the United States.
Maturation of function in the developing rabbit retina.

Retinas isolated from rabbits aged less than eight hours to adult were maintained in a flowing physiological medium. The electroretinogram or activity of single ganglion cells were recorded, and receptive fields were studied using stimulation of the retina with focused light. Retinal activity was stable for at least eight hours of incubation. Retinal ganglion cells are electrophysiologically active on the first day of life. They generate spontaneous bursts of action potentials at rates of 10 to 30 spikes/ sec, separated by silent intervals of one to six minutes. Maintained trains of action potentials follow elevation of the concentration of K+ in the incubating medium to 10 mM. Ganglion cells are also stimulated by acetylcholine, with apparent threshols equal to or lower than those of ganglion cells in adult retinas. The first response of the retina to light is a small cornea-negative transretinal potential at day 6, presumably PIII of the electroretinogram. Responses of the ganglion cells are seen at eight days, but the responses are weak and adapt quickly to repeated stimulation. Many unresponsive cells are present. By ten days 60% of ganglion cells respond to light, and examples of mature receptive fields are present. Immature receptive fields at ten days fall into two rough classes, one characterized by a large responsive area with no antagonistic surround, and a second in which the surround can suppress the response to illumination of the center but can not itself cause a discharge. Immature fields are progressively replaced by mature ones, and by 20 days the qualitative organization of receptive fields is indistinguishable from adult.
Exchange Rates and Prices under Processing Trade: A Macroeconomic Analysis

In an economy dominated by labor-intensive processing trade, such as China, real exchange rate appreciation can possibly increase rather than decrease net exports. As the import content of processed exports (a proxy for dependence on processing trade) increases in its continuum, the stable equilibrium for the exchange rate and price level eventually yields to a saddle-point equilibrium. Unless the initial inflation (or deflation) rate is uniquely moderate at a given exchange rate, either the depreciation-inflation spiral or the appreciation-deflation spiral can dominate. Monetary and fiscal policies can help a processing-trade dependent country in structural transition from excessive engagement in processing trade (the saddle-point equilibrium) to a more sustainable and balanced trade structure.
Biomechanical Assessment of Brain Dynamic Responses Due to Blast Pressure Waves

A mechanized and integrated computational scheme is introduced to determine the human brain responses in an environment where the human head is exposed to explosions from trinitrotoluene (TNT), or other high-yield explosives, in military applications. The procedure is based on a three-dimensional (3-D) non-linear finite element method (FEM) that implements a simultaneous conduction of explosive detonation, shock wave propagation, blast–head interactions, and the confronting human head. The processes of blast propagation in the air and blast interaction with the head are modeled by an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) multi-material FEM formulation, together with a penalty-based fluid/structure interaction (FSI) algorithm. Such a model has already been successfully validated against experimental data regarding air-free blast and plate–blast interactions. The human head model is a 3-D geometrically realistic configuration that has been previously validated against the brain intracranial pressure (ICP), as well as shear and principal strains under different impact loadings of cadaveric experimental tests of Hardy et al. [Hardy W. N., C. Foster, M. Mason, S. Chirag, J. Bishop, M. Bey, W. Anderst, and S. Tashman. A study of the response of the human cadaver head to impact. Proc. 51stStapp. Car Crash J. 17–80, 2007]. Different scenarios have been assumed to capture an appropriate picture of the brain response at a constant stand-off distance of nearly 80 cm from the core of the explosion, but exposed to different amounts of a highly explosive (HE) material such as TNT. The overpressures at the vicinity of the head are in the range of about 2.4–8.7 atmosphere (atm), considering the reflected pressure from the head. The methodology provides brain ICP, maximum shear stresses and maximum principal strain within the milli-scale time frame of this highly dynamic phenomenon. While focusing on the two mechanical parameters of pressure, and also on the maximum shear stress and maximum principal strain to predict the brain injury, the research provides an assessment of the brain responses to different amounts of overpressure. The research also demonstrates the ability to predict the ICP, as well as the stress and strain within the brain, due to such an event. The research cannot identify, however, the specific levels of ICP, stress and strain that necessarily lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI) because there is no access to experimental data regarding head–blast interactions.
Heterotopic Heart Transplantation: The United States Experience

Introduction: More than 3 decades have passed since the first heterotopic heart transplantation (HHT) was reported. Nowadays, this surgical technique is used rarely, and only in patients who do not qualify for standard orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Current indications mainly comprise refractory pulmonary hypertension and a donor-recipient size mismatch (>20%). The objective of this study was to analyze the United States experience with HHT.Patients and Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database between 1987 and 2007 was analyzed. Patients who underwent heart transplantation were enrolled in this study. Patients with missing transplant dates or history of retransplantation were excluded.Results: A total of 41,379 patients underwent OHT and 178 HHT; 32,361 and 111 patients, respectively, were enrolled. Overall 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival was significantly (P 15 mmHg was 86.6 %, 73.3%, and 57.4% in the OHT and 93.8%, 64.8%, and 48.6% in the HHT group (P = .35). Pretransplant criteria (HHT versus OHT) with statistically significant differences (P < .05) were as follows (mean + SD): recipient weight, 78.9 + 19.9 versus 74.1 + 23.4 kg; recipient height, 174.9 + 13.9 versus 168 + 25.1 cm; and TPG 12.1 + 7.2 versus 9.6 + 6.3 mmHg.Conclusions: The results show that HHT remains a feasible option in a highly selected patient population, with overall good results.
A study of suppository bases using radio-iodine to compare the rate of absorption from rectal suppositories administered to rats†

A method has been described which determines the rectal absorption rate of a small dose of iodide, using radio-iodine. The radioactive tracer technique made possible a number of determinations for statistical treatment of the data, analyzing the significance of the different amounts absorbed from each base tested.
Intrapleural administration of a serotype 5 adeno-associated virus coding for α1-antitrypsin mediates persistent, high lung and serum levels of α1-antitrypsin

alpha1-Antitrypsin (alpha1AT) is a serine proteinase inhibitor that protects the lung from degradation by neutrophil proteases. In alpha1AT deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the alpha1AT (approved symbol SERPINA1) gene, serum alpha1AT levels of < 570 microg/ml are associated with development of emphysema. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 2 (AAV2) vectors expressing alpha1AT administered intramuscularly or intravenously mediate sustained serum levels of alpha1AT in experimental animals. Since the lung is only 2% of the body weight, AAV vector delivery to the muscle or liver is inefficient, as most of the alpha1AT does not reach the lung. The present study evaluates AAV2- and AAV5-mediated delivery of human alpha1AT (halpha1AT) to C57BL/6 mice using the intrapleural space as a platform for local production of alpha1AT. Intrapleural administration of either an AAV5-halpha1AT or an AAV2-halpha1AT vector achieves higher lung and serum levels of alpha1AT than intramuscular delivery. AAV5-mediated serum and lung alpha1AT levels were 10-fold higher than those achieved by AAV2 delivery via either route. The diaphragm, lung, and heart are the major sites of transgene expression following intrapleural administration of an AAV5 reporter vector. At 40 weeks postadministration, intrapleural administration of the AAV5-halpha1AT vector mediated serum alpha1AT levels of 900 +/- 50 microg/ml, 1.6-fold higher than the accepted therapeutic level of 570 microg/ml. In the context that the pleura is a safe site for administration, intrapleural administration using AAV5 vectors may represent an attractive gene therapy strategy for alpha1AT deficiency in humans.
Higher rate of stillbirth at the extremes of reproductive age: a large nationwide sample of deliveries in the United States.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of maternal age on the rate of stillbirth in a large, nationwide sample of deliveries in the United States. Study design Data were derived from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 1995 through 2002. With the use of ICD-9 codes, the rate of stillbirth was determined as a function of maternal age. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the effect of maternal age on the odds of stillbirth, with adjustment for multiple known risk factors for stillbirth. Results There were 5,874,203 deliveries that were identified for analysis. The unadjusted rate of stillbirth was elevated for teenagers and for women aged ≥35 years. In the multivariate analysis, compared with women 20 to 34 years old, women who were ≤19 years old were more likely to have a pregnancy outcome of stillbirth (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08-1.14), as were women who were 35 to 39 years old (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.24-1.32) and women who were ≥40 years old (odds ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.63-1.81). Conclusion The extremes of maternal age are associated with an increased risk for stillbirth, even after adjustment for a large number of known predisposing conditions.
Effects of aspirin and prostaglandin E2 on interdigestive motility complex and duodenogastric reflux in man.

Both increased duodenogastric reflux and chronic aspirin ingestion are associated with the development of gastric ulcers in man. Animal studies suggest aspirin increases duodenogastric reflux. Prostaglandin E2 protects gastric mucosa from the effects of many injurious agents and inhibits gastric motility, but its effect on duodenogastric reflux is unknown. We have studied the effects of aspirin and a synthetic derivative of prostaglandin E2 on duodenogastric reflux during fasting in six normal subjects, while concomitantly monitoring gastrointestinal motility by means of a perfused catheter system. We found that duodenogastric reflux (as measured by bile salt output in gastric aspirates) increased significantly (P<0.05) following both the prostaglandin E2 derivative and aspirin. This increase occurred in phases II and III of the interdigestive motility complex. Both drugs were associated with a significant reduction (P<0.05) in frequency and amplitude of antral contraction during phase II. Both drugs also induced a significant disruption (P<0.01) of phase III, increasing the number of complexes without an antral and duodenal component. These effects of aspirin may be one of the factors predisposing to the gastric mucosal damage associated with aspirin. The prostaglandin E2 derivative protects gastric mucosa by mechanisms other than reducing duodenogastric reflux and ameliorating the motility disturbances caused by aspirin.
syn,syn-15,17-Di-2-naphthyl­hexa­cyclo­[10.2.1.13,10.15,8.02,11.04,9]hepta­decane deuterochloro­form monosolvate

The main molecule of the title compound, C37H36·CDCl3, is a hydro­carbon with two naphthalene segments attached to opposite ends of a rigid norbornylogous spacer with an overall structure that is approximately C-shaped. The dihedral angle between the naphthalene ring planes is 9.27 (7)°. The cleft that exists between the naphthalene rings is large enough that the compound crystallizes with a solvent mol­ecule (CDCl3) in the cleft. The CDCl3 solvent mol­ecule is present in two disordered orientations in a 3:2 ratio, each involving C—D⋯π to C6 ring centers.
Disruption of chickens’ color aversions when training and test mediums are different

In the present experiments, the conditions under which chickens would avoid colored and flavored substances that they had associated with toxicosis were examined. It was found that changing the substance from a fluid to a solid weakened color aversions more than flavor aversions. This was true despite the fact that color and flavor aversions appeared to be of equal strength and despite the fact that the birds could recognize the colors in the changed substance. Color aversions were weakened only by changes in substances at the time of test. They were not disrupted by changes in flavor or by substitution of a different container at the time of test. These data are inconsistent with conventional theories of conditioning, which would predict equal disruption of color and flavor aversions. It is suggested that birds treat color as a signal that a particular substance is dangerous and treat flavor as an aversive stimulus independent of the medium (cf. Garcia, Rusiniak, & Brett, 1977).
A hybrid vector generalized finite-element method for transient electromagnetic simulations

AbstractIn this article, a hybrid vector generalized finite-element method is developed for time-domain electromagnetic analysis. Average and jump operators of the discontinuous Galerkin method are used to establish a domain decomposition framework for the vector generalized finite-element method such that they enable application of vector generalized finite-element methods to inhomogeneous problems without using additional basis functions at material interfaces. Moreover, they enable hybridization of the classical finite-element method and vector generalized finite-element method such that advantages of each method can be exploited for more accurate computation of electromagnetic fields. In this article, the interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method is used to enable communication among partitioned domains. Convergence characteristics of these hybrid methods are studied, and their applications to wave scattering problems are presented.
Expression of adhesion molecules on CD34(+) cells in peripheral blood of non-hodgkin's lymphoma patients mobilized with different growth factors.

Adhesion molecules on CD34+ cells were implicated in the process of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization and homing. We studied the mobilization of CD34+Thy1+ cells, CD34+ very late-acting antigen (VLA)4+ cells, and CD34+L-selectin+ cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients mobilized with cyclophosphamide plus G-CSF, GM-CSF, or GM-CSF followed by G-CSF. The mean percentage of CD34+ cells in the bone marrow (BM) expressing Thy1 was 23.6% ± 11% and 17.8% ± 8% in the PB before mobilization, and was markedly decreased to 4.5% ± 3.3% in the apheresis collections. Similarly, the mean percentage of CD34+ cells expressing L-selectin was 35.8% ± 4.3% in the BM, 21.6% ± 4.1% in the PB before mobilization and was markedly decreased to 9.1% ± 2.5% in the apheresis collections. Patients in the three arms of the study had a similar pattern of CD34+Thy1+ and CD34+L-selectin+ cell mobilization. Also, a similar pattern of coexpression of CD34+Thy1+ and CD34+L-selectin+ cells was observed when the patients were regrouped as “good mobilizers” (≥2 × 106 CD34+CD45dim cells/kg, in four collections) and “poor mobilizers” (<0.4 × 106 CD34+CD45dim cells/kg, in two collections). The mean percentage of CD34+ cells expressing VLA-4 in the BM and PB was relatively high (73.4% ± 12% and 65.4% ± 6.6%, respectively) and dropped considerably in the PBSC collections to 43.5% ± 7.1% with a similar pattern observed for patients in arms A, B, and C. However, when the patients were regrouped as “good mobilizers” and “poor mobilizers,” a higher percentage of CD34+ cells expressing VLA-4 was observed in the PBSC of the pooled “good mobilizers” (50.5% ± 9% versus 36.3% ± 6.4%; p = 0.01). We conclude that release of CD34+ cells to the PB involves a general downregulation of Thy1, L-selectin and VLA-4 on CD34+ cells, irrespective of the growth factor used for mobilization. However, good mobilizers had a relatively higher percentage of CD34+ cells expressing the VLA-4 antigen.
Reversal by Narcotic Antagonist of a Narcotic Action elicited by a Conditional Stimulus

THERE is considerable evidence to indicate that learning is important in narcotic dependence1. However, there has been little animal research into the mechanism of the interaction between environmental stimuli and drug action which maintains dependence. In morphine-dependent rats2 and monkeys3 conditional stimuli previously associated with withdrawal can elicit physiological disturbances characteristic of narcotic withdrawal. Also, during withdrawal the conditional stimuli previously associated with morphine substitution can elicit blockade of morphine withdrawal4. In an experiment by Roffman et al.4, after a number of pairings with morphine injections, a neutral stimulus (bell) elicited a blockade of withdrawal hypothermia, a task normally accomplished by morphine itself. It was then suggested that there is an overlap between the brain mechanisms sensitive to morphine action and those affected by conditional stimuli5. Therefore, repeated pairing of hyperthermic effects of morphine with the stimulus-induced neural activity results in the conditioning of the former to the latter. We reasoned that if the brain activity due to a conditional stimulus evokes activity of the morphine receptors, a morphine antagonist should reverse the effectiveness of that stimulus in mimicking the morphine action. To obtain evidence in favour of this hypothesis we used naloxone, a specific antagonist of morphine action6.
Sex differences in response to discrete estradiol injections.

Developmental effects of perinatal androgens render adult male rats refractory to the activation of feminine sexual behavior by estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). Recent evidence suggested that fluctuating levels of systemic E2, which are thought to approximate the ovarian secretion under physiological conditions, may reverse this insensitivity to E2 and, particularly, to the synergistic effects of P in male rats of the Wistar strain. We examined whether this hormonal regimen would reverse this insensitivity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Gonadectomized animals received two injections of E2 (1 μg per injection) 12 hr apart at 0900 and 2100 hr followed by P (0.5 mg) or oil, at 35 hr, and a mating behavior test, at 38 hr, subsequent to the initial E2 administration. This treatment was repeated four times at 4-day intervals. The inability of Sprague-Dawley male rats to respond to E2 and P was unaffected by this pattern of exposure to exogenous E2. Receptivity scores, lordosis quotients, and proceptivity were negligible in males, and significantly less than that displayed by females. In addition, the levels of sexual receptivity and proceptivity were facilitated by the availability of P following E2 in females, but not in males. The present findings fail to support a general hypothesis that “discontinuous” E2 stimulation, achieved by two spaced injections of this hormone, reverses developmental determinants of sex differences in responsiveness to hormones mediating female sexual behaviors.
Signs and symptoms after chemonucleolysis. A detailed evaluation of 214 worker's compensation and noncompensation patients.

Abstract The effectiveness of chemonucleolysis was examined in a retrospective study of 214 consecutive patients with herniated lumbar discs. All patients were candidates for surgery. All underwent myelography, and most had computed tomography (CT) scans. The clinical status of patients was assessed at 6 weeks and at 6 months, and evaluation was made from responses of the patients to a questionnaire at 1 year. Evaluation at 1 year demonstrated that the results of chemonucleolysis were successful for 181 patients (84.6%). Of the 172 patients who received no worker's compensation, the procedure was successful for 90.7%. Of 42 with worker's compensation, the success rate was 59.5%. After chemonucleolysis, most patients showed neurologic improvement. Data comparing neurologic symptoms and signs between compensation and noncompensation patients are presented. This is the first report of objective data after chemonucleolysis in these two groups. A discussion on the morbidity and mortality of chemonucleolysis is included, along with a comparison of cost between chemonucleolysis and laminectomy.
Reply to Letter to Editor re: usefulness of FDG PET/CT in determining benign from malignant endobronchial obstruction

Dear Sir, We agree with the author’s comment that delineation of the malignant tumour extent within the collapsed lung is critical in determining the radiation field. However, our research [1] focused on the differentiation between malignancy and benign obstruction at the obstruction site itself. Nevertheless, it is important to delineate the accurate tumour volume within the atelectatic lung to reduce unnecessary radiation. One of the main difficulties in delineating malignant foci within the atelectatic lung would be increased FDG uptake due to inflammatory cells accumulated within the atelectatic lung [2, 3]. However, the investigators point out that there might be a difference of vascularity between the neoplastic areas and adajacent non-neoplastic atelectatic lung. In fact, this result was shown in their recent parametric imaging study using 15O-H2O perfusion technique [4]. We agree that the use of 15O-H2O could be useful in defining tumour within the atelectatic lung, however, routine use of 15O-H2O may be difficult in the clinical setting, due to its very short halflife. A possible alternative to bring this perfusion studies in the clinical setting might be to perform a perfusion computed tomography using contrast media, or initial dynamic study using 18F-FDG as a perfusion tracer immediately after injection, instead of using 15O-H2O [5, 6]. Correlation between the previous dynamic study with 15O-H2O with dynamic 18F-FDG PET in the atelectatic lung could lead to an interesting result.
Comparison of ZrB2-ZrC-SiC Composites Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering and Hot-Pressing

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) exhibit a number of properties (thermal and chemical stability, high strength and hardness, ablation/oxidation and thermal shock resistance) for sustained use in the extreme environments experienced by re-entry space vehicles. The spark plasma sintering (SPS) was considered as a new processible fast approach to develop structural ceramics with improved ultra-high temperature capabilities.
Seebeck effect in steel fiber reinforced cement

Abstract Cement pastes containing short steel fibers, which contribute to electron conduction, exhibit positive values (up to 68 μV/°C) of the absolute thermoelectric power. A steel fiber content of 1.0% by mass of cement gives a higher value of the absolute thermoelectric power than a content of 0.5% by mass cement, in addition to yielding more reversibility and linearity in the variation of the Seebeck voltage with temperature difference (up to 65°C). In contrast, cement pastes containing short carbon fibers, which contribute to hole conduction, exhibit negative or slightly positive values of the absolute thermoelectric power.
Kinetics of the post-column complexation reaction of Cu(II) with N-formylmethionyl chemoattractant and chemotactic peptides

The N-formylmethionyl peptides comprise an important class of peptides that activate neutrophils to attack microbial invaders. The post-column reaction of Cu(II) with peptides following their separation leads to electroactive complexes that are detectable with electrochemical detection. The need to minimize post-column band spreading puts constraints on the time allowed for the complexation reaction to occur. For most peptides, the reaction rate is rapid, however, for peptides without a free terminal amine the reaction rate is slower. In order for this detection scheme to be sensitive to so-called N-blocked peptides, the rate law and the influence of buffers need to be understood. The kinetics of the complexation of Cu(II) with several N-blocked chemoattractant and chemotactic peptides are similar. One N-blocked peptide, N-f-MLF, has been studied in detail. Two parallel paths have been found for the complexation reaction. The reaction at the amide terminus is first order in [peptide] and [OH − ]. The reaction at the carboxylate terminus is first order in [peptide], [Cu(II)], and total carbonate at constant pH. The response of the rate as pH is changed reveals that bicarbonate ion is the active species. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Improved enzyme immunosorbent assay for mouse prolactin using penicillinase as label

Enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) for mouse prolactin was established by modifying a method originally developed for human prolactin by Shrivastav et al. This simple, sensitive, rapid, and reproducible assay utilizes penicillinase as the labeling enzyme, rabbit anti-mouse prolactin antibody (Ab) and goat anti-rabbit Ig Ab as the first and second antibodies. Prolactin reference preparations and enzyme-conjugated prolactin were mixed with the first Ab and incubated for 0.5 h at 4 degrees C (24-48 h for serum samples). Then, the sample mixture was transferred to the wells of microtiter plate coated with the second Ab. After being kept at room temperature for 2 h, the plate was washed and filled with substrate solution (penicillin V). Absorbance at 620 nm was measured with an ELISA reader to quantitate the amount of conjugated prolactin bound to the second Ab. The prolactin levels obtained by this assay exhibited good correlation with those measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) (y = 0.95x + 9.14, r = 0.943), and the sensitivity of EIA was equivalent to that of RIA (1.7 ng/ml). The CVs of intra-assay and inter-assay by EIA for mouse serum samples ranged comparably to those by RIA.
Chemical effects of β-decay from 132Te to TO 132I

Abstract The chemical form of daughter iodine activity produced by β-decay of 132 Te in the presence of iodine carriers has been investigated. Three forms of iodine can be distinguished: periodate, iodate and reduced forms. The distribution among these forms has been found to be partly dependent on the nature of substances present during growth and also on the oxidation state of the tellurium parent.
Extended Deterrence And Nuclear Escalation: Options in Europe

The relationship between extended deterrence and nuclear escalation in Europe is a principal component of NATO strategy. This relationship is explained by NATO in at least two very different, and somewhat contradictory, ways. The first way is that extended deterrence is made credible by the ability of one side to dominate the process of escalation or at least to match any move made by the opponent. The second way is that extended deterrence depends upon creating an incalculable and uncontrollable risk of war. Reconciliation of these somewhat consistent and somewhat inconsistent logics may not be required to sustain policy consensus on a day-to-day basis. However, there are other potential costs inherent in this conceptual inconsistency, including a looser grasp by policymakers of the process of escalation control.
Managers with and without Style: Evidence Using Exogenous Variation

In a large panel of Compustat firms, we find that firm policy changes after exogenous CEO departures do not display abnormally high levels of variability, casting doubt on the presence of idiosyncratic-style effects in policy choices. After endogenous CEO departures, we do detect abnormally large policy changes. These changes are larger when the firm is likely to draw from a deeper pool of replacement CEO candidates, suggesting the presence of causal-style effects that are anticipated by the board. Our evidence suggests that managerial styles are not transferred across employers and that standard F-tests are inappropriate for identifying style effects. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com., Oxford University Press.
Modelling the consumption of dissolved contaminants by biofilm periphyton in open-channel flow

Abstract An analytical model of the decrease in dissolved contaminant concentration in an open channel flow through the consumption by a botton biofilm is presented. This idealized model considers the flux of the contaminant by diffusion through the concentration boundary layer into the biofilm, with diffusion and reaction within the biofilm. Solutions for zero-order as well as first-order kinetics are derived which show that the rate of change of the concentration in the main flow is directly related to the kinetics in the biofilm. The thickness of the concentration boundary layer is shown to have a significant influence on the rate of decrease of concentration in the main flow.
Charge Dependence of Surface Plasma Resonance on 2 nm Octanethiol-Protected Au Nanoparticles: Evidence of a Free-Electron System

Charge dependence of surface plasma resonance (SPR) was investigated on 2 nm octanethiol-protected Au nanoparticles. Remarkably, if assuming that each Au-thiol bond localizes one free electron, the observed variations in peak position of the SPR bands as a function of charge can be precisely calculated by simple Mie theory without any adjustable parameters but by using the number of the remaining free electrons in the particle and the experimentally determined dielectric constant for the protecting layer of octanethiol. Additionally, the variations in line-width of the SPR bands can also be quantitatively described by the phenomenological damping law ΔΓ = AvF/R with A = 1.2, a value that suggests a strong chemical-interface damping effect that is consistent with a strong metal−thiol bonding. In the calculations, Perdew's classic spherical jellium model is used to account for the electron spill-out effect. Altogether, these results not only strongly support recent findings by Dickson and co-workers (Phys. ...
Specializations of the human upper respiratory and upper digestive systems as seen through comparative and developmental anatomy

The human upper respiratory, or aerodigestive, tract serves as the crossroads of our breathing, swallowing and vocalizing pathways. Accordingly, developmental or evolutionary change in any of these functions will, of necessity, affect the others. Our studies have shown that the position in the neck of the mammalian larynx is a major factor in determining function in this region. Most mammals, such as our closest relatives the nonhuman primates, exhibit a larynx positioned high in the neck. This permits an intranarial larynx to be present and creates largely separate respiratory and digestive routes. While infant humans retain this basic mammalian pattern, developmental descent of the larynx considerably alters this configuration. Adult humans have, accordingly, lost separation of the respiratory and digestive routes, but have gained an increased supralaryngeal region of the pharynx which allows for the production of the varied sounds of human speech. How this region has changed during human evolution has been difficult to assess due to the absence of preserved soft-tissue structures. Our studies have shown that the relationship between basicranial shape and laryngeal position in living mammals can be a valuable guide to reconstruct the region in ancestral humans. Based on these findings we have examined the basicrania of fossil ancestors--from over two million years ago to near recent times--and have reconstructed the position of the larynx and pharyngeal region in these early forms. This has allowed us insight into how our ancestors may have breathed and swallowed, and when the anatomy necessary for human speech evolved.
Carrier selection: Do shippers and carriers agree, or not?

Abstract Previous carrier selection studies involving both shipper and carrier perspectives have discovered numerous differences between shippers and carriers, at least in terms of mean score comparisons. However, analysis of the relative importance of the selection factors (not reported in previous studies) uniformly shows a high degree of similarity between shippers and carriers. A new shipper-carrier study, investigating a more specific selection (of truckload general freight carriers), discovered a similar dichotomy between the mean score and relative comparisons. The paper concludes by developing several research propositions and by offering suggestions for additional research.
Fragmentary transfer of P32 labeled parental DNA to progeny phage III. Incorporation of a single parental fragment to the progeny molecule

Abstract Two experiments have been performed to determine that the parental DNA contribution to progeny T4 phages resides in one subunit. In one, DNA from heavy (5-bromodeoxyuridine substituted) progeny derived from light (normal density) parental phages was sheared into half and quarter molecules; analysis in CsCl revealed these fragments to have two and four times the relative parental contribution of the unsheared progeny DNA. In the other experiment, light parental phages labeled with large amounts of 32 P were used to infect heavy bacteria. The size of the parental density moiety of denatured progeny DNA as a function of accumulated 32 P scissions agrees with the calculation that assumes the parental contribution to be in one piece. This conclusion argues against a mode of recombination involving multiple exchanges between partners.
Physical model evaluation of topical prodrug delivery—simultaneous transport and bioconversion of vidarabine-5′-valerate IV: Distribution of esterase and deaminase enzymes in hairless mouse skin

A semiquantitative assessment of esterase and deaminase distributions in hairless mouse skin was performed in vitro. The enzyme activities were quantified using 3H-vidarabine and its 5′-valerate as the substrates. Full-thickness skin of the hairless mouse was cut into two halves, and each half was homogenized in pH 7.4 buffer. Both the supernate and the residue of the homogenate were assayed for esterase and deaminase activities. Results show that the outer half-thickness of the skin contained more esterase but slightly less deaminase than the other half. The characteristics of the esterase and the deaminase reactions also were studied employing the crude enzyme extract; these reactions were essentially irreversible. The deaminase reaction was in the linear region of Michaelis–Menten kinetics for substrate concentrations up to 4.5 × 10−5 M.
A technical survey on Terramechanics models for tire–terrain interaction used in modeling and simulation of wheeled vehicles

Abstract Accurate and efficient tire models for deformable terrain operations are essential for performing vehicle simulations. A direct application of an on-road tire model to simulate tire behavior on a deformable terrain such as soft soil is not possible. The methods for modeling and evaluation of performance of the wheeled vehicles on deformable terrains are influenced by different terrain properties in addition to design and operational parameters. These methods are ranged from very simple empirical methods to highly complex finite element methods. This survey covers the most used models that have been developed for wheeled vehicles in off-road applications. The emphasize is on the models that have made a significant contribution in advancement of techniques for characterizing soil, tire, soil–tire interaction, experimental analysis, model parameterization and model validation. A description is given for selected studies to familiarize the reader with the general terminologies, formulations and modeling approaches. More importantly, two summary tables are given for three groups of models in which the overall features of each model are reviewed and compared to other models. These tables can be used to understand the general picture of the available techniques, and facilitate selecting the appropriate model for future applications.
A new twist in US health care data standards development: adoption of electronic health care transactions standards for administrative simplification

To reduce the costs of common administrative transactions, health plans, payers and providers encouraged the US Congress to legislate administrative simplification of specific electronic health data transactions. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 created incentives for a public-private partnership to develop and implement standards for the uniformity of health care data used in electronic administrative health transactions and standards for the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information. The standards' requirements of HIPAA and how they have been met by the US government hold promise for accelerating the uniform adoption of standards developed by accredited standards developing organizations. The transactions designated by Congress, the process of choosing the standards in the Department of Health and Human Services, the principles that guided these choices, and the actual choices, are presented here. A successful partnership for administrative health data standards can pave the way for success in clinical health data standards and their application in computer-based patient record systems.
Synteny of Prunus and other model plant species

Fragmentary conservation of synteny has been reported between map-anchored Prunus sequences and Arabidopsis. With the availability of genome sequence for fellow rosid I members Populus and Medicago, we analyzed the synteny between Prunus and the three model genomes. Eight Prunus BAC sequences and map-anchored Prunus sequences were used in the comparison. We found a well conserved synteny across the Prunus species – peach, plum, and apricot – and Populus using a set of homologous Prunus BACs. Conversely, we could not detect any synteny with Arabidopsis in this region. Other peach BACs also showed extensive synteny with Populus. The syntenic regions detected were up to 477 kb in Populus. Two syntenic regions between Arabidopsis and these BACs were much shorter, around 10 kb. We also found syntenic regions that are conserved between the Prunus BACs and Medicago. The array of synteny corresponded with the proposed whole genome duplication events in Populus and Medicago. Using map-anchored Prunus sequences, we detected many syntenic blocks with several gene pairs between Prunus and Populus or Arabidopsis. We observed a more complex network of synteny between Prunus-Arabidopsis, indicative of multiple genome duplication and subsequence gene loss in Arabidopsis. Our result shows the striking microsynteny between the Prunus BACs and the genome of Populus and Medicago. In macrosynteny analysis, more distinct Prunus regions were syntenic to Populus than to Arabidopsis.
Note on the effects of a gross-motor approach to training attention control on discrimination learning in mentally retarded SS.

Zeaman and House (1963) present a theory which posrulates that the prime difficulty of retardates in discrimination learning is related to limitations in their attending to the relevant stimulus dimension rather than approaching the correct cues of that dimension. They further contend that the effects of low intelligence could be minimized by the selection of relevant stimuli that have high initial attention value. This attitude is supported by a number of studies (see Zearnan & House, 1963) which indicate that varying cercain stimulus properties does indeed lead to increased visual discrimination learning by retarded Ss. Only a few sntdies, however, have directly attempted to vary (train) the attending behavior of the retarded S himself. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of a gross-motor approach to training attention control'and to determine the effects of such training on the acquisition rate of a two-choice discrimination learning problem with severely retarded Ss. It was hypothesized that if attention control or attencion span is increased through gross motor training and if generalization occurs, visual discrimination
Effect of the sensing capacitance in a ‘sawyer-tower’ set-up on hysteresis loops

Abstract It is well known that, for a given ferroelectric capacitor, the tilting of the hysteresis loops and the amount of remanent polarization measured in a ‘Sawyer Tower’ set-up are dependent on the sense capacitance (or load). However, it is less intuitive that a small sense capacitance will cause horizontal loop shifts and that these shifts depend on the state of the ferroelectric capacitor before the measurement. Since typical ferroelectric non-volatile memories operate with small sense-to-bit capacitance ratios, it is important to have models that can predict such effects. Complicated experimentation is necessary to implement the load and initial state effects properly in a load-line model. In contrast, the numerical ferroelectric capacitor model does not require any special experimentation to predict such effects. Experimental results from SrBi2Ta2O9 are compared with both models.
The underpricing of ‘unit’ initial public offerings

Abstract Unit issues consist of a bundle of common stock and warrants sold together as a package. These issues are often associated with initial public offerings (IPOs). While numerous studies have examined the underpricing of non-unit IPOs, relatively little is known about unit IPOs. This study examines the underpricing of unit IPOs and compares it to that of non-unit IPOs. The unit IPOs are smaller in offer size, riskier, and marketed by less prestigious underwriters in comparison to non-unit IPOs. However, the initial returns of unit issues are not significantly different from non-unit IPOs. After controlling for size, risk, and underwriter reputation, unit IPOs have significantly lower initial returns in comparison to non-unit IPOs. Further, unit IPOs display a lower propensity to issue subsequent seasoned offerings in comparison to non-unit IPOs. Several possible motivations for issuers to go public with units are examined.
The Association Between Acculturation and Health Insurance Coverage for Immigrant Children from Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Regions of Origin

Among immigrant children whose parents have historically had lower education, the study explored which immigrant children were most likely to have coverage based on maternal region of origin. The direct and indirect relationship of acculturation on immigrant children’s coverage was also assessed. A subsample of US-born children with foreign-born mothers from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey-Kindergarten Cohort was analyzed using multinomial logistic regressions (n = 1,686). Children whose mothers emigrated from the Caribbean or Indochina had greater odds of being insured compared to children whose mothers emigrated from Mexico. Moreover, Latin American children did not statistically differ from Mexican children in being uninsured. Maternal citizenship was positively associated with children’s coverage; while living in a household with a mother who migrated as a child was negatively associated with private insurance. To increase immigrant children’s coverage, Latin American and Mexican families may benefit from additional financial assistance, rather than cultural assistance.
Patterning chemistry of HafSOx resist

A combination of ICP-OES, titration, and Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the ratio of peroxide to hafnium in the inorganic photoresist HafSOx. By using ICP-OES to determine the hafnium concentration and titration with permanganate to determine peroxide in a solution of dissolved films, the Hf:O22- ratio was found to be approximately 2:1 in the films. From Raman measurements on precursor solutions, it was determined that that Hfbound peroxide saturated at this level. Film insolubility is induced through loss of approximately 75% of bound peroxide following exposure to a 30-keV electron beam.
Intense Terahertz Pulses from SLAC Linac Beams

The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum spans frequencies roughly from 300 GHz to 20 THz, corresponding to wavelengths from 1 mm to 15 μm. Although this range overlaps the vibrational levels of many materials (for example, phonon modes of semiconductors), difficulties in developing adequate sources have slowed its exploitation, despite promising applications in imaging, chemistry, biology, and materials science. Recent progress in sources driven by both lasers and electron beams has started to fill this “terahertz gap.” Accelerator-based sources are now opening a new high-field regime with the potential to control materials with THz radiation by resonantly driving bonds, biasing a material with ultrashort electric or magnetic fields, or using the light as a catalyst. Some new sources can produce pulsed fields of sufficient intensity to drive nonlinear responses in matter.
Can Music Enhance School-Readiness Socioemotional Skills?

This study examines the effects of a school-readiness music program on preschool children's socioemotional readiness to transition to kindergarten. Young children (N = 102) attending a preschool program (four classes) in a children's center run by a state university in the southwestern United States participated in this study. Two of the classes were assigned to the music school-readiness group and two classes were assigned to the control group (no music school-readiness curriculum). Baseline measures of children's development and readiness for school across multiple domains (cognitive, language, socioemotional, motor, self-help) were established before the implementation of the music program and the measures were readministered after the program to examine change over time. The study examined (1) the impact of the school-readiness music program on children's acquisition of social skills as reported by teachers and parents and (2) the impact of the program on teacher reporting of school readiness that inc...