cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting a More Efficient Corporate Governance Model in Emerging Markets through Corporate Law

If we group together corporate governance models in countries with emerging markets, it is worthwhile to consider if reform suggestions could be offered to these counties collectively to address their shared weak points from a legal perspective. This article attempts to find common characteristics in corporate governance models from countries with emerging markets, who suffer from similar problems and challenges. The paper traces many dimensions through which corporate governance functions in emerging markets can be characterised, with an emphasis on the legal foundations and responses to problems especially within corporate law, in order to promote the soundness of corporate governance systems measured according to criteria such as accountability, transparency, responsibility and fairness. Focusing on corporate governance problems arising from state ownership, state control, board independency, and poor stakeholder and minority shareholder protection, several proposals are made at different levels. Hybrid regulatory sources from government legislation and soft law are suggested as appropriate for emerging markets. A series of elements are suggested, although some may have already been enforced individually in certain jurisdictions, including independent directors, employee representatives, more clearly defined directors’ duties, especially their duties toward stakeholders, mandatory information disclosure of CSR issues, legitimacy of cross-listing, effective auditing and the appointment of independent external auditors in order to promote corporate governance and respond to inefficiencies in emerging markets.
RF MEMS for low power wireless communications

RF MEMS (radio frequency micro-electro-mechanical systems) is a relatively new technology which has allowed the development of very low loss and highly linear switches and varactors, tunable circuits, and very high-Q (> 5000) silicon resonators. The applications are many, from switching different antenna modules or different filters for a quad-band telephone, to very low phase noise 19 MHz reference oscillators built entirely in silicon and with no external crystals, to tunable impedance circuits placed between the power amplifier and the antenna for maximum efficiency. Currently, there are several technologies which have achieved > 100 billion cycles of operation (for switches), and very low phase noise oscillators (for oscillators). The talk will summarize the latest development in the field, show possible field of use in multi-band tele-phones, and discuss the practical aspects of this technology (packaging, cost, reliability).
The Relationships of Phonemic Awareness and Rapid Naming to Reading Development

This article describes and summarizes research studies that analyze the shared and unique contributions of phonemic awareness and rapid naming to reading development. Three questions were addressed. Does phonemic awareness account for a proportion of the variance in reading development that is not accounted for by rapid naming? Conversely, does rapid naming account for a proportion of the variance not accounted for by phonemic awareness? Finally, do phonemic awareness and rapid naming contribute differentially to various subskills of reading development? Findings of the studies and implications for future research are discussed.
Magnetic susceptibility of Ce and Pr in SrB6 and YB6

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility data suggest that the crystal field splittings of the 4f levels of Ce and Pr impurities are larger in metallic YB6 than in isostructural and semiconducting SrB6, contrary to what might be expected.
1984–1985 President's Message Council for Learning Disabilities: The Year in Review

This year has been a memorable one for the Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD). Several important innovations are worth highlighting. First, many of the organization's operational procedures have been streamlined. Second, plans are under way to maximize the return on monies in the treasury. Third, an Executive Secretary has been hired to facilitate operations and to provide easy and consistent access to the organization and its leadership. Fourth, several changes have been instituted with respect to the formation of state/province and local chapters. Fifth, improvements have been made in both the financial and editorial policies governing CLD's publications. Finally, a concerted effort to provide leadership on substantive issues facing the field has led to the approval of two new position papers generated by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) and the development of several CLD-initiated projects.
Lipoic acid (thioctic acid) analogs, tryptophan analogs, and urea do not interfere with the assay of biotin and biotin metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography/avidin-binding assay☆

Abstract Lipoic acid, urea, and tryptophan show structural similarities to the vitamin biotin. If these compounds can successfully compete with biotin or a biotinylated protein for binding to avidin, their presence in serum and urine would cause artifacts in avidin-binding assays for biotin. We assessed the ability of lipoic acid and certain analogs, urea, and l -tryptophan and tryptophan derivatives to interfere with the measurement of 16 biotin analogs by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/avidin-binding assay. In this assay, compounds are separated by reversed-phase HPLC, followed by assay of each fraction based on binding to avidin-horseradish peroxidase. At physiologic concentrations, neither lipoic acid analogs (d-lipoate, l-lipoate, d,l-lipoamide, bisnorlipoate, β-hydroxybisnorlipoate, and tetranorlipoate) nor tryptophan derivatives exhibited detectable avidin-binding. Minor avidin-binding was seen for urea and l -tryptophan; binding ratios relative to biotin were 1 × 10−9 and 3 × 10−6, respectively. Urea did not co-elute on HPLC with any of the 16 biotin analogs, but l -tryptophan did co-elute with bisnorbiotin methyl ketone. However, because the relative avidin affinity of l -tryptophan is five orders of magnitude smaller than that of bisnorbiotin methyl ketone, we conclude that none of the tested compounds are likely to interfere with the measurement of biotin or its metabolites by an HPLC/avidin-binding assay.
Objecting to objectives

Proposal writing, in the field of education, is a strained and artificial activity, the results of which often inhibit rather than further communication. The language of proposals is characteristically elaborate, evasive, and hollow, not the kind of language ordinarily employed to convey clear meaning. Objectives in particular are stated in terms which are complicated and difficult to understand and intentions are not set forth with convincing directness. This lack of clarity, which is not consciously within the intentions of either the writers' or readers' objectives bears some analysis.
Functional imaging of motor recovery after stroke: remaining challenges.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States and is likely to have an increasing impact on disability worldwide. In order to develop more effective rehabilitation techniques, it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying the mature brain’s capacity to reorganize and restore neurologic function. Over the past decade, functional brain imaging has been a principal investigational tool in elucidating mechanisms of stroke recovery. Functional imaging studies of motor performance in patients with stroke consistently demonstrate areas of brain activation not present in healthy subjects. The role of these additional areas in recovery after stroke remains uncertain. This review discusses methodologic and theoretical issues that impact on interpreting functional imaging studies of motor recovery after stroke.
Exact mapping from a two-band model for Cu oxides to the single-band Hubbard model.

The energy spectrum of a mobile hole in a two-band model for Cu oxides, in the limit where the virtual transitions of two holes on the Cu atoms dominate, is shown by using an exact mapping to be identical to that of an effective Hamiltonian of the strongly correlated single-band Hubbard model.
Identifying correlates of walking for exercise: an epidemiologic prerequisite for physical activity promotion.

Abstract This study was designed to identify correlates of walking for exercise in adults. Over 2,050 (43.4% response rate) responses to a mailed questionnaire were analyzed. Possible correlates of walking were based on learning theory and previous empirical observations. Respondents averaged less than 1 hr of walking for exercise per week. Women and older adults (⩾50 years) reported significantly (P
Exercise therapy for accurate recording of centric relation.

Abstract Recording centric jaw relation in certain groups of edentulous patients is sometimes difficult. A procedure has been recommended to condition patients to close their jaws in centric relation. The procedure requires the use of an acrylic resin splint or a modified mandibular denture to maintain the patient's proper occlusal vertical dimension while he does an exercise three times a day. The exercise therapy will gradually obliterate the unwanted eccentric reflexes and train the patient to close in centric relation.
EXAFS study of iron monomers and dimers isolated in solid argon

Abstract We report a study of local structure of iron monomers and dimers isolated in a rare gas Ar matrix using extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. The results have been compared with Mossbauer measurements on such systems. The interatomic distance found for Fe2 in these measurements is 1.87 ± 0.13 A.
Past, Present and Future of Muscle–Bone Interactions

The interest in muscle–bone interactions has grown in recent years and expanded from the original mechanical theories such as Wolff’s Low and Frost’s Utah Paradigm to theories of mechanosensation, cellular interactions through cytokines and hormones to shared genetic traits to name a few. As such, it is very timely for this journal to publish a special issue on this topic. I feel honored to have been invited by the editorial board of Clinical Reviews in Bone and Mineral Metabolism to serve as a guest editor for this issue and deeply grateful to the authors who accepted my invitation to contribute. In the included five articles the reader will find wellwritten summaries of historical aspects of Wolff’s law and the mechanostat theory. Furthermore authors appraise the current knowledge in important areas pertaining to muscle– bone interactions such as muscle and bone imaging techniques, genetics, and biochemical pathways as well as strength and weakness of exercise interventions and development of osteoporosis and sarcopenia criteria. Lastly these articles offer thought provoking suggestions where this growing field might and should be heading. After reading and reviewing these articles I have noticed two overarching themes:
The interaction of tris(allyl)rhodium with (001) titanium dioxide

Abstract Molecular level electronic information obtained using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) is presented for titanium-dioxide-bound organometallic complexes produced in the ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) environment. These covalently bound organometallic complexes are produced by reacting the hydroxylated TiO 2 (001) low temperature facetted surface with vapor of tris(allyl)rhodium. UPS, AES, and ELS data for this species, as well as for the di(allyl)rhodium oxide-bound species and the product of its hydrogenation are presented. The UPS data indicate that 2p electrons originating from the oxygen of the support have a lower BE peak maximum for the rhodium hydrides than for the di(allyl)rhodium bound species.
Decentralized event-triggered consensus with general linear dynamics

The consensus problem with general linear dynamics and undirected graphs is studied in this paper by means of event-triggered control strategies. A novel consensus protocol is proposed, where each agent implements a model of the decoupled dynamics of its neighbors. Under this control strategy, transmission of information does not occur continuously but only at discrete points in time. The approach presented in this paper provides both a decentralized control law and a decentralized communication policy. We are able to design thresholds that only depend on local information and guarantee asymptotic consensus. Positive inter-event times are guaranteed for particular cases of the linear dynamics. In an extension, a positive constant is added to the thresholds in order to exclude Zeno behavior for general linear dynamics. The difference between agents trajectories can be bounded in this case and bounds on the state disagreement are derived.
What Factors Affect the Entry and Exit of Nonprofit Human Service Organizations in Metropolitan Areas

The goal of this article is to advance the literature on nonprofit organizational adaptation by assessing the factors that significantly contribute to the entry and exit of human service organizations in metropolitan areas. More specifically, this study uses nonprofit, economic and demographic data and information on welfare reform implementation patterns to examine the causes of the formation and deaths of groups in the nonprofit human service sector from 1992 to 1996. This time frame marked the widespread implementation of welfare reform under the federal Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) waiver program. This study found that organizational size, age, and service activities are the key determinants in the failure of human service nonprofits, whereas environmental factors such as AFDC waiver implementation relate to the widespread formation of nonprofit providers.
Resource-aware High Performance Scheduling for Embedded MPSoCs With the Application of MPEG Decoding

In this paper, we propose a scheduling algorithm to minimize the resource contentions and the processing latency for applications running on a multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC) platform. The scheduling algorithm is applied on an MPSoC MPEG decoder to improve the system performance. Application specific task partition and mapping techniques are further investigated. The experimental results show an average improvement of 17% in total latency when comparing to the ad-hoc scheduled method.
Prevalence of Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adult Emergency Medical Services Patients

AbstractObjectives. To characterize the proportion of older adult emergency department (ED) patients with depression or cognitive impairment. To compare the prevalences of depression or cognitive impairment among ED patients arriving via emergency medical services (EMS) and those arriving via other modes. Methods. Community-dwelling older adults (age ≥60 years) presenting to an academic medical center ED were interviewed. Participants provided demographic and clinical information, and were evaluated for depression and cognitive impairment. Subjects arriving via EMS were compared with those arriving via other modes using the chi-square test, t-test, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test, where appropriate. Results. Consent was obtained from 1,342 eligible older adults; 695 (52%%) arrived via EMS. The median age for those arriving via EMS was 74 years (interquartile range 65, 82), 52%% were female, and 81%% were white. Fifteen percent of EMS patients had moderate or greater depression, as compared with 14%% of pat...
The Existence of Good Markov Strategies for Decision Processes with General Payoffs

Abstract For countable-state decision processes (dynamic programming problems), a general class of objective functions is identified for which it is shown that good Markov strategies always exist. This class includes product and lim inf rewards, as well as practically all the classical dynamic programming expected payoff functions.
Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression by Changes in Sleeping Patterns and Appetites for Outpatients with a Major Depressive Disorder

To determine whether self-reported symptoms of depression are differentiated by changes in sleeping patterns or appetite, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck et al. 1996) was administered to 1,250 outpatients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. A series of focused contrasts supported the hypothesis that the mean BDI-II total scores and the majority of the symptom ratings of the outpatients who described increases or decreases in their sleeping patterns or appetites were comparable and higher than the mean BDI-II total scores and symptom ratings of the patients who reported no changes in their sleeping patterns or appetites. However, the patients who were sleeping less described themselves as being more agitated than those who were sleeping more. Decreases and increases in sleep or appetite were both discussed as indicating comparable levels of depressive symptomatology.
Cholecystokinin-immunoreactive neurons in rat and monkey cerebral cortex make symmetric synapses and have intimate associations with blood vessels

Abstract Neurons displaying cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity (CCK neurons) in rat and monkey cerebral cortex were examined by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. CCK neurons were found to be mainly bipolar cells present in all layers and in all areas of the rat cerebral cortex. CCK neurons were also found in all regions examined in monkey cortex (pre- and post-central gyri and superior parietal lobule). The somata and the dendritic processes of CCK neurons receive relatively few synapses but both symmetric and asymmetric axosomatic and axodendritic synapses were found. The majority of axon terminals displaying CCK-like immunoreactivity formed symmetric synapses, most frequently with the somata and proximal dendrites of pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons. The somata and processes of CCK neurons were also found to establish very close nonsynaptic associations with blood vessels and with other neurons, suggesting possible roles for the peptide in the maintenance of neuronal excitability and cerebral blood flow.
Immediate rehabilitation after total glossectomy: A clinical report

Rehabilitation has psychological and physical components. Planning and discussion with the surgeon and patient before surgery can often ease the impact of treatment and help to establish reasonable postoperative goals. When prior planning is not possible, the physical and psychological impact can be severe. In addition, consideration must be given to the needs of the primary postsurgical provider, in this case the spouse of 50 years. By allowing the wife to observe the procedures and keeping her fully informed of the desired outcome and goals, her psychological concerns were also addressed. Use of light-cured resin material can aid in providing definitive and rapid maxillofacial prosthetic treatment.
The plastic buckling of a steel liner encased in a concrete cylinder

Abstract The inelastic buckling and postbuckling performances of a steel liner encased in a rigid concrete containment vessel are studied by taking a strip of unit width from a pattern — either rectangular or diamond — along the circumferential direction in such a way that the strip will have the maximum deflection of a buckled panel. The complete load-deflection curves are obtained and the effect of initial imperfections is also included in the curves. From the discussion of failure modes, a design criteria can be obtained for the liner to maintain its integrity under accident conditions. A simplified spring model is used to calculate the maximum shear displacement and the corresponding shear force of studs at buckling. A design analysis procedure is developed from the limit and the ultimate design conditions and can be used to determine the liner thickness, studsizes and stud spacings in both the axial and circumferential directions.
Mechanical debulking versus balloon angioplasty for the treatment of diffuse in-stent restenosis.

Abstract Previous studies have shown a high rate of repeat intervention after treating diffuse in-stent restenosis with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) alone. It is not clear whether debulking with atherectomy is more effective in this condition. Between January 1994 and February 1997, we treated 60 consecutive patients with diffuse in-stent restenosis of a native coronary artery using conventional PTCA (n = 30) or debulking (with rotational or directional atherectomy) plus adjunctive PTCA (n = 30). Paired angiograms were analyzed by quantitative angiography, and clinical follow-up was obtained in all patients at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after revascularization. The mean lesion lengths were 13.5 ± 8.3 and 18.4 ± 13.2 mm in the debulking and PTCA groups, respectively (p = 0.09). Acute procedural success was 100% in both cohorts, with no major complications in either group. Treatment with atherectomy plus adjunctive PTCA resulted in lower postprocedure stenoses (18 ± 10 vs 26 ± 13%, p = 0.01) than treatment with balloon angioplasty alone. At 1-year follow-up, repeat target vessel revascularization was required in 28% of patients in the debulking group compared with 46% in the PTCA group (p = 0.18). Independent predictors of the need for repeat target vessel revascularization were longer lesion lengths, diabetes mellitus, and smaller postprocedure lumen diameter. Thus, the strategy of atherectomy and adjunctive PTCA for diffuse in-stent restenosis is safe, improves acute angiographic results compared with PTCA alone, and may decrease the need for target vessel revascularization.
Locally trivial t -designs and t -designs without repeated blocks

We simplify our construction [12] of non-trivial t-designs without repeated blocks for arbitrary t. We survey known results on partitions of the set of all (t + l)-subsets of a u-set into S(λ; t, t + I, μ) for the smallest λ allowed by the obvious necessary conditions. We also obtain some new results on this problem. In particular, we construct such partitions for t = 4 and k = 60 whenever ν = 60u + 4, u a positive integer with gcd(u, 60) = I or 2. Sixty is the smallest possible λ for such ν.
A COMPRESSED SENSING BASED APPROACH FOR SUBTYPING OF LEUKEMIA FROM GENE EXPRESSION DATA

With the development of genomic techniques, the demand for new methods that can handle high-throughput genome-wide data effectively is becoming stronger than ever before. Compressed sensing (CS) is an emerging approach in statistics and signal processing. With the CS theory, a signal can be uniquely reconstructed or approximated from its sparse representations, which can therefore better distinguish different types of signals. However, the application of CS approach to genome-wide data analysis has been rarely investigated. We propose a novel CS-based approach for genomic data classification and test its performance in the subtyping of leukemia through gene expression analysis. The detection of subtypes of cancers such as leukemia according to different genetic markups is significant, which holds promise for the individualization of therapies and improvement of treatments. In our work, four statistical features were employed to select significant genes for the classification. With our selected genes out of 7,129 ones, the proposed CS method achieved a classification accuracy of 97.4% when evaluated with the cross validation and 94.3% when evaluated with another independent data set. The robustness of the method to noise was also tested, giving good performance. Therefore, this work demonstrates that the CS method can effectively detect subtypes of leukemia, implying improved accuracy of diagnosis of leukemia.
Rapid Determination of Tetracycline in Milk by FT-MIR and FT-NIR Spectroscopy

The feasibility of measuring tetracycline at the ppb levels in milk was investigated by Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) and Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopic techniques. Milk samples spiked with different concentrations of tetracycline were scanned using FT-MIR and FT-NIR spectroscopy. Suitable spectral wave number regions were selected for principal least square (PLS) regression models development. Prediction errors were high when the calibration model was developed using the wide range of tetracycline concentrations (4 to 2000 ppb) in milk. Maximum correlation coefficient (R2) value of about 0.89 was obtained for the validation models developed using different concentration ranges. Prediction errors were high for FT-NIR method. Results indicated that FT-MIR spectroscopy could be used for rapid detection of tetracycline hydrochloride residues in milk.
Emerging questions regarding eosinophil's role in the esophago-gastrointestinal tract.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Eosinophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is either increasing in frequency or being better recognized. Whichever is the case, clinical needs to meet this new challenge include establishing diagnostic criteria, identifying the natural history and determining effective, tolerable treatments. RECENT FINDINGS During the last 5 years, the emergence of eosinophilic esophagitis stimulated many case series; the new frontiers relate to understanding disease pathogenesis and maintenance treatments. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases involving the rest of the gastrointestinal tract pose new challenges in understanding the role of eosinophils in intestinal dysmotility and protein loss. SUMMARY This review will focus on new clinical developments in the field of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases and the contribution of basic studies in understanding eosinophils impact on gastrointestinal inflammation.
The Kapustin-Li formula revisited

Abstract We provide a new perspective on the Kapustin–Li formula for the duality pairing on the morphism complexes in the matrix factorization category of an isolated hypersurface singularity. In our context, the formula arises as an explicit description of a local duality isomorphism, obtained by using the basic perturbation lemma and Grothendieck residues. The non-degeneracy of the pairing becomes apparent in this setting. Further, we show that the pairing lifts to a Calabi–Yau structure on the matrix factorization category. This allows us to define topological quantum field theories with matrix factorizations as boundary conditions.
Computed tomographic findings in carotid-cavernous fistula.

Abstract Three cases of carotid-cavernous fistula showed characteristic CT findings with evidence of an enlarged superior ophthalmic vein and an abnormal soft-tissue density in the parasellar region. These findings appear to be quite specific for carotid-cavernous fistula.
An under-appreciated component of biodiversity in plankton communities: the role of protozoa in Lake Michigan (a case study)

Recent technological advances have led to the discovery that free-living, planktonic protozoa are ubiquitous in nature and appear to be important components of pelagic food webs (e.g., fluorescent straining, flow cytometry). Despite this, limited information exists tying their seasonality to rate processes that drive succession patterns. The abundance, and seasonal growth and grazing loss of an entire protozoan assemblage were evaluated in Lake Michigan. The protozoan assemblage was species-rich (100 taxa) and abundant throughout the year in Lake Michigan. Nano-sized protozoa (Hnano and Pnano, 20 and <200 μm in size) ranged in abundance from 4 to 17 cells ml−1. The biomass of Hnano and Hmicro by itself represented more than 70–80% of crustacean zooplankton biomass, while Pnano and Pmicro constituted nearly 50% of phytoplankton biomass. Protozoa exhibited growth rates comparable to other components of the plankton in Lake Michigan, and some populations grew at rates similar to maximum rates determined in the laboratory (rates of 1–2 day−1). Overall, it appears that macro-zooplankton predation is a major loss factor counter-balancing growth with only small differences between the two rate processes (<0.1 day−1). Discrepancies between growth and grazing loss in the spring were likely attributed to sedimentation losses for larger species of tintinnids and dinoflagellates (Codonella, Tintinnidium, and Gymnodinium) that can account for their occurrence in the deep chlorophyll layer. In the summer, carnivory among similar sized species (Chromulina and small ciliates) may be additional loss factors impinging on the protozoan assemblage.
Mössbäuer study of decomposition of pyrite in hydrogen

Abstract A well-characterized Illinois No. 6 coal and mineral pyrite of different particle sizes have been studied by 57 Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy at various temperatures between 25 and 400 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere. Particle sizes of the pyrites were measured by SEM. The transformation of pyrite to pyrrhotites commences at 300 °C in all the samples and is almost complete at ≈400 °C for the Illinois No. 6 coal. The decomposition of coal and mineral pyrite in a hydrogen atmosphere is dependent on particle size. Breakage of larger particles occurs during the decomposition. A significant reduction in the activation energy as a function of the particle size was also observed.
Graphical Dimension for Line Segments

: The authors give a new definition of dimension for a graph. It turns out that the graph obtained from a line segment in Euclidean n-space by means of a construction involving n-cubes is always 1-dimensional.
CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE PUTATIVE RIBOSOMAL RNA PROMOTER IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract The putative promoter region of the 16S ribosomal RNA-encoding gene (rRNA) of Mycobacterium leprae was cloned and characterized in Escherichia coli. A 932-bp HaeIII restriction fragment, containing the 5' end of the 16S rRNA gene and flanking upstream region, was cloned in front of a promoterless reporter gene in the shuttle vector, pMH109, to generate the plasmid, pYA1101. This clone exhibits promoter activity both in Gram− (E. coli) and Gram+ (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Sequence analysis and primer extension experiments with mRNA derived from the M. leprae clone were used to determine the structure and the location of the promoter, as well as the transcription start point in E. coli. The promoter region contains sequences that resemble the −35 and −10 consensus sequences found in many bacteria. A region located 34 bp distal to the promoter is a putative rRNA processing signal, based on sequence homology with processing signals involved in the maturation of the rRNA precursor in B. subtilis and several Mycoplasma species.
Solid 3He - 4He mixtures

Abstract The model in which each atom at a lattice site has a complete set of harmonic oscillator states available to it is employed to compute the properties of solid helium mixtures.
Zen meditation and ABC relaxation theory: an exploration of relaxation states, beliefs, dispositions, and motivations.

This study is an attempt to rigorously map the psychological effects of Zen meditation among experienced practitioners. Fifty-nine Zen meditators with at least six years of experience practiced an hour of traditional Zazen seated meditation. A control group of 24 college students spent 60 min silently reading popular magazines. Before relaxation, all participants took the Smith Relaxation States Inventory (SRSI), the Smith Relaxation Dispositions/Motivations Inventory (SRD/MI), and the Smith Relaxation Beliefs Inventory (SRBI). After practice, participants again took the SRSI. Analyses revealed that meditators are less likely to believe in God, more likely to believe in Inner Wisdom, and more likely to display the relaxation dispositions Mental Quiet, Mental Relaxation, and Timeless/Boundless/Infinite. Pre- and postsession analyses revealed that meditators showed greater increments in the relaxation states Mental Quiet, Love and Thankfulness, and Prayerfulness, as well as reduced Worry. Results support Smith's ABC Relaxation Theory. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 839–846, 2001.
Operative Management of Symptomatic MB

The relationships between coronary myocardial bridging (MB) and clinical symptoms have been controversial. Five young male patients underwent testing for symptomatic MB, manifested as angina with evidence of ischemia or sudden death. Preoperative testing included atrial stimulation studies for evidence of lactate extraction and serial cardiac catheterization. Positive lactate production and/or extensive milking (>90%) of the proximal left anerior descending artery (LAD) were documented in 4 patients, who were, therefore, treated surgically by supra-arterial myotomy. Associated intraoperative mapping and endocardial resection were required for significant anterior aneurysm and scars. Postopera tive studies demonstrated resolution of the milking and/or intracoronary gradi ents. The remaining patient had recurrent sudden death, but negative lactate study, and was treated by automatic internal cardiac defibrillator (AICD).Symptomatic young patients can present with pathologic compression of the proximal LAD f...
Food Sorting by Collared Lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) and Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster): A Cautionary Note for Digestibility Studies

Abstract Small herbivores are often confronted with poor quality diets; in response to this situation, they may sort their food to increase diet quality. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels were measured in three pelleted diets fed to collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) and prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and compared to levels in orts collected from the same diets and animals. Lemmings sorted and discarded the fibrous parts of food pellets on all three diets (17.3% to 25.9% higher NDF in orts), whereas voles sorted out fibrous particles on only one diet. Calculations of NDF digestibility were significantly reduced by particle sorting (up to 16.9% decrease in digestibility). In reviewing the literature, we found that in more than half of studies examined, orts may not have been analyzed for these differences. Researchers must carefully consider such effects, especially when conducting digestibility studies with herbivores on pelleted diets.
Lipid Peroxidation and Modification of Lipid Composition in an Endothelial Cell Model of Ischemia and Reperfusion

Among the changes that accompany the development of ischemia are alterations in the composition and turnover of membrane phospholipids. To study these effects, a cell culture model was developed to facilitate accurate measurements of lipids over varying intervals of ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). In order to mimic ischemia, rabbit aortic endothelial cells were grown to confluency on collagen coated beads and the bead cultures allowed to settle to the bottom of a conical test tube or spectrofluorometric cuvette. The cell-coated beads were then resuspended in media to simulate the process of reperfusion. Survival after ischemia/reperfusion, was determined by measurements of cellular replating efficiency, and found to decrease after periods longer than three hours of ischemia (followed by 24 h of reperfusion). Plating efficiencies were reduced to nearly 50% after 5 h of ischemia followed by reperfusion. Release of LDH inversely correlated with cell survival, and lactate production, ATP levels, and extracellular H2O2 concentration were all affected by the duration of ischemia. These changes could be directly related to rates of cellular oxygen consumption which decreased by 50% after 5 h of ischemia, while the percentage of oxygen consumption not be inhibitable by cyanide, increased. Release of esterified fatty acids, which was partly inhibited by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor, mepacrine, was stimulated by increasing periods of ischemia while the incorporation of free fatty acids into phospholipids was inhibited. The incorporation of arachidonic acid was inhibited to a lesser degree than that of oleic or linoleic acids with a resulting change in phospholipid fatty acyl composition favoring greater proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. In some experiments, the effects of vitamin E or ascorbic acid administered prior to ischemia were studied. The degree of fatty acid unsaturation, fatty acid incorporation into phospholipids, and release from phospholipids into the free fatty acid pool during ischemia/reperfusion were not affected by prior administration of vitamin E or ascorbic acid. However, the extent of lipid peroxidation during ischemia was inhibited by 100 mM ascorbic acid when present during the ischemia/reperfusion period, but not by vitamin E administered for 24 h prior to ischemia. Ascorbic acid treatment, but not vitamin E, also enabled cells to recover substantial amounts of the ATP lost following prolonged ischemia. The ATP recovery corresponded to an increased cell survival and decreased lipid peroxidation. Progressive intervals of ischemia followed by reperfusion result in compromised cell respiratory activity and decreased ATP production, and decreased phospholipid acylation leading to net hydrolysis. The associated changes in phospholipid composition, and specifically increased unsaturation appear to favor peroxidation of membrane phospholipids.
Structural Studies of Poly(1H,1H-fluoroalkyl α-fluoroacrylate)s by Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis

IR spectral studies were performed for poly(1H,1H-fluoroalkyl α-fluoroacrylate)s [-{CH 2 -CFC(O)OCH 2 (CF 2 ) n Y} p -, Y = H or F, n = 1-11] in a wide temperature range. The carbonyl absorptions [ν(C=O)] split into two peaks near 1770 ± 4 (ν 1 ) and 1795 ± 4 (ν 2 ) cm -1 . The ratio in absorbances of ν 2 to ν 1 increased with increasing crystalline region formed by the main chains but was independent of that formed by the fluoroalkyl side chains. The present IR results revealed that both the main and fluoroalkyl side chains participate in the formation of crystallites, but in the shorter fluoroalkyl homologoues with n < 7, the main chains including C=O groups in the esters mainly form the crystallites, while in the longer fluoroalkyl homologues the side chains predominate over the main chains to form the crystallites, although an ordering of main chains still exists. Moreover, the C=O bonds were considered to be in cis conformation to αC-F bonds in the main chain crystallites and almost in a perpendicular direction to the main chains.
Parental consumption of nestling feces: good food or sound economics?

Parent birds generally eat their nestlings' feces when the nestlings are young and carry the feces from the nest as the nestlings get older. This change in behavior may be due to the decline in energy content of the feces as the nestlings' digestive system becomes more efficient, or because the cost to the parent from eating nestling feces increases with the volume and number of fecal sacs eaten. In tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), and American robins (Turdus migratorius), parents ate a smaller proportion of fecal sacs as their nestlings got older, even though the energy density of fecal sacs remained constant with nestling age. The increase in size of fecal sacs with nestling age explains the decline in parental consumption much better than does energy content. These results better support the hypothesis that eating fecal sacs is an economic alternative to carrying them from the nest and is not done so that parents use the sacs as a source of energy. The benefits of not carrying a fecal sac from the nest may be that parents can remain at the nest longer for other purposes (e.g., brooding) and that they avoid the transportation costs associated with fecal sac disposal. Understanding the costs and benefits of fecal sac consumption may explain both intersexual and interspecific differences in this behavior. [Behav Ecol 1991;2:69-76] Peter L. Hard Patrick J. Weatherhead Susan B. McRae Department of Biology, Carieton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
The interaction of a shock wave with a laminar boundary layer

Abstract A finite-difference solution to the problem of the interaction between an impinging shock wave and the laminar boundary layer on a flat plate is presented. The boundary-layer equations are used to calculate the flow with the Prandtl-Meyer formula being used to determine the pressure. Two different methods for calculating the region of separated flow are discussed. Comparisons between this theory and experimental results show good agreement. The effects of the viscosity and heat-conduction relationships on the calculated results are determined. Diagrams show the influence of the Mach number and the displacement thickness of the boundary layer at the start of the interaction on the pressure distribution. The insulated plate and the plate with given temperature are considered.
Recursion-closed algebraic theories

Abstract A class of algebraic theories called “recursion-closed,” which generalize the rational theories studied by J. A. Goguen, J. W. Thatcher, E. G. Wagner and J. B. Wright in [in “Proceedings, 17th IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science, Houston, Texas, October 1976,” pp. 147–158; in “Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science, 1978,” Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Vol. 64, Springer-Verlag, New York/Berlin, 1978; “Free Continuous Theories,” Technical Report RC 6906, IBM T. J. Watson Reserch Center, Yorktown Heights, N.Y., December 1977; “Notes on Algebraic Fundamentals for Theoretical Computer Science,” IBM Technical Report, 1979], is investigated. This work is motivated by the problem of providing the semantics of arbitrary polyadic recursion schemes in the framework of algebraic theories. It is suggested by Goguen et al. (“Proceedings, 17th IEEE Symposium”) that the semantics of arbitrary polyadic recursion schemes can be handled using algebraic theories. The results show that this is indeed the case, but that “rational theories” are insufficient and that it is necessary to introduce a new class of “recursion-closed” algebraic theories. This new class of algebraic theories, is defined and studied, and “free recursion-closed algebraic theories” are proved to exist.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of recombinant hydrolase domain of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase.

10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is an abundant enzyme in liver cytosol. It is important for the regulation of 10-­formyltetrahydrofolate/tetrahydrofolate pools, for de novo purine biosynthesis and for the removal of formate in the form of CO2. The enzyme is a natural fusion of two unrelated genes and consists of two functional catalytic domains. Here, the crystallization of the N-­terminal domain of FDH is reported. This domain binds folate and functions as a 10-formyltetrahydrofolate hydrolase. The crystals grow as either spear-shaped needles or large plates, with the largest crystals reaching dimensions of 1.2 × 0.2 × 0.05 mm. Diffraction analysis revealed the space group to be P21212, with unit-cell parameters a = 100.00, b = 64.63, c = 64.59 A. Based on the estimated solvent content, there is one 34 kDa molecule in the asymmetric unit. A native data set extending to 2.3 A resolution has been collected with good merging statistics.
Puboprostatic Sling Repair for Treatment of Urethral Incompetence in Adult Neurogenic incontinence

ABSTRACTPurpose: An incompetent urethral sphincter can be a significant factor contributing to urinary incontinence in patients with neurogenic bladders. We review our experience with 12 men who underwent a puboprostatic sling.Materials and Methods: The study included 12 men (mean age 37.1 years) with neurogenic bladder due to spinal cord injury in 9 and spina bifida in 3. All patients were diagnosed with urethral incompetence based on fluorourodynamic evaluation. Medical therapy failed in all 12 patients and all complained of urine leakage with activity. All patients underwent placement of an autologous fascial sling distal to the prostatic urethra via an abdominal approach. Ten patients also underwent simultaneous bladder augmentation to correct high intravesical pressures.Results: Followup ranged from 1 to 39 months (average 14.25). All patients manage the bladder with intermittent catheterization. Of the patients 8 are completely dry between catheterizations and 2 had significant improvement with only...
EMPLOYER SPONSORED MEDICAL BENEFITS: The Influence of Occupational Characteristics and Gender

This research investigates gender differences in employer-sponsored medical fringe benefits: health insurance, dental insurance, sick leave, life insurance, and eye care coverage. Using data from a nationally representative sample of workers in the United States, human capital and structural theoretical approaches are drawn upon to explain the receipt of these benefits. The data suggest (a) men were more likely than women to receive each medical benefits from their employer; (b) occupational conditions largely account for the gender differences in coverage; (c) structural conditions of the occupation were more likely to predict the receipt of employer-sponsored medical benefits than were human capital attributes; (d) hazardous working conditions were not compensated for with medical benefits, with the exception of eye care coverage; and (e) gender did influence the relationship between several occupational conditions and benefit coverage.
The molecular pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are frequently associated with clonally restricted cytogenetic abnormalities, but until recently, the molecular pathobiology underlying this diverse group of neoplastic bone marrow disorders has been largely obscure. During the last 10 years, many investigative groups have applied the formidable power of new molecular biology techniques to hunt for recurrent genetic alterations in MDS primary cells. Several genetic abnormalities, including mutations in RUNX1 (AML1), TET2, ASXL1 and TP53, have been discovered in a substantial fraction of MDS cases; genes rearranged or mutated less commonly in MDS include IER3, ATRX, RAS and FLT3. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency and expression changes in RPS14, miR-145 and miR-146a, CDC25c, PP2A and SPARC in the absence of point mutations have also been implicated in MDS pathobiology. A major challenge will be to determine which of these mutations are causative "drivers" either in the development or progression of MDS, which might be therapeutically important because they predict response to treatment, and which are merely "passengers" along for the ride that alter phenotype but have no effect on the natural history of the disease. While the altered cellular biology of MDS is also increasingly well-understood, many mysteries remain. Abnormalities in iron regulation, microenvironment interactions, regulation of apoptosis and oxidative damage/DNA repair may all play an important pathobiological role. By gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of these complex and heterogeneous diseases, we will hopefully improve our ability to treat our patients with MDS beyond the therapies with limited effectiveness that are available at present.
Case 88: Congenital generalized lipodystrophy.

A 55-year-old woman underwent unenhanced computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to assess arterial calcifications as part of the work-up for acute small vessel ischemia in her foot. The patient had otherwise been in her usual state of health. Contrast material was not administered because of renal insufficiency. Selected images obtained during the examination are provided. Additional clinical data include a history of diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. IMAGING FINDINGS