cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agency costs in the banking industry: An examination of ownership behavior, leverage and dividend policies

This paper examines agency theory arguments in the banking industry by analyzing the effect of four variables that proxy for agency costs—earnings volatility, managers' portfolio diversification losses, bank size, and standard deviation of bank equity returns—on the three financial policy variables of managerial stock ownership, leverage, and dividend yield. It is one of the first studies that examines the determination of financial policy variables, in light of agency concerns, in the banking industry. The study examines the largest 104 U.S. banks during the period 1985–1989. Evidence suggests that bank size and a measure of the managers' portfolio diversification opportunity set affect the bank's level of managerial stock ownership, leverage and dividends.
Human milk and the rate of small intestinal mucosal recovery in protracted diarrhea

Abstract Study objective: To determine whether human milk accelerates the recovery rate of injured small intestinal mucosa. Design: Randomized, controlled trial. Setting: County and nonprofit, private urban hospitals. Patients: Moderately to severely mainourished infants less than 6 months of age who required parenteral nutrition for treatment of protracted diarrhea. Interventions: Either a human milk preparation (n=7) or sterile water (n=9) was administered by continuous nasogastric feeding (14 mL/kg/d) over a 2-week study period while the infants received parenteral nutrition. Measurements and main results: Small intestine perfusion studies and biopsies were performed at the beginning and end of the study. Age, duration of prior illness, severity of mainutrition, glucose and water absorption, disaccharidase activities, atrophy of vill, and nutritional intake were comparable in both groups of infants. At the end of the 2-week study, improvement toward normal sucrase activity and intraepithellal lymphocytes was found in significantly fewer infants in the milk group than in the water group. No differences were noted in glucose and water absorption or in lactase and maltase activities as a function of the milk versus water treatment. Conclusions: Human milk did not accelerate functional recovery of the small intestinal mucosa.
Phonon Heat Conduction in Micro- and Nano-Cylindrical and Spherical Media

Phonon heat conduction in thin films and superlattices of dielectric materials has attracted extensive attentions in the past decade. Nonetheless, a wide range of micro- and nanoscale thermal problems is associated with non-planar geometries such as spherical and cylindrical media. With the rapid growth of research and development in nano-materials and nanostructures, understanding of heat transfer in micro- and nano-cylindrical and spherical media becomes important. Examples include cladding and coating for optic fibers and nanowires.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Effects of fatigue on depolarization- and caffeine-induced contractures of skinned fibres.

Aims: Fatigue has been shown to cause intrinsic alterations in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release. Methods: In this investigation, frog semitendinosus muscles were stimulated to fatigue, in vitro (80 Hz, 100 ms, 1 train s−1, 5 min). Immediately after stimulation, single fibres were removed and skinned using either chemically or mechanically skinning. Contralateral muscle were treated similarly but were not stimulated. Results: In fatigued, saponin skinned fibres, contracture responses to low [caffeine] (4–8 mm) were depressed compared with control. However, responses to high concentrations (10–15 mm) were not different between conditions. In the fatigued, mechanically skinned fibres, responses to chloride depolarization were depressed at all [chloride] (20–100 mm) compared with control. Conclusions: These results suggest that fatigue causes intrinsic alterations in both the SR Ca2+ release channel as well as communication between the transverse-tubule and the SR.
Interactions of corticotropin-releasing factor with antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs: Behavioral studies with pigeons

Abstract A number of studies have shown significant interactions between neuronal systems involved with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and either the clinical manifestation of depression and anxiety of the effects of antidepressant or anxiolytic drugs. In the present study, effects of CRF were studied alone and in combination with imipramine and with the sedative-hypnotic/anxiolytic drugs pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide. Interactions of CRF with the novel, atypical anxiolytic buspirone were also examined. Interactions were evaluated through the use of schedule-controlled responding, responding suppressed by punishment, and drug discrimination procedures using the conditioned key-pecking response of pigeons. Effects of CRF were significantly enhanced when given in combination with imipramine with low noneffective imipramine doses potentiating the rate-reducing effects of CRF. Similarly, in pigeons trained to discriminate imipramine from saline, noneffective doses of CRF shifted the imipramine dose-response curve more than twofold to the left. Low doses of imipramine that produced saline key responding, produced imipramine-key responding when coadministered with CRF. The CRF antagonist α-helical CRF9–41 did not alter the rate-decreasing effects of imipramine. Effects of CRF on schedule-controlled responding were, however, antagonized by the administration of chlordiazepoxide and pentobarbital but not by buspirone, suggesting that CRF interacts with the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor mechanism complex but not with those systems involved in mediating the effects of buspirone. These results suggest that CRF interacts in significant ways with specific neurotransmitter systems subserving depression and anxiety.
A Novel Data-Driven Prognostic Model for Staging of Colorectal Cancer

Background The aim of this study was to develop a novel prognostic model that captures complex interplay among clinical and histologic factors to predict survival of patients with colorectal cancer after a radical potentially curative resection. Study Design Survival data of 2,505 colon cancer and 2,430 rectal cancer patients undergoing radical colorectal resection between 1969 and 2007 were analyzed by random forest technology. The effect of TNM and non-TNM factors such as histologic grade, lymph node ratio (number positive/number resected), type of operation, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and age in staging and prognosis were evaluated. A forest of 1,000 random survival trees was grown using log-rank splitting. Competing risk-adjusted random survival forest methods were used to maximize survival prediction and produce importance measures of the predictor variables. Results Competing risk-adjusted 5-year survival after resection of colon and rectal cancer was dominated by pT stage (ie, tumor infiltration depth) and lymph node ratio. Increased lymph node ratio was associated with worse survival within the same pT stage for both colon and rectal cancer patients. Whereas survival for colon cancer was affected by ASA grade, the type of resection and neoadjuvant therapy had a strong effect on rectal cancer survival. A similar pattern in predicted survival rates was observed for patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined. Our model suggests that lymph node ratio remains a significant predictor of survival in this group. Conclusions A novel data-driven methodology predicts the survival times of patients with colorectal cancer and identifies patterns of cancer characteristics. The methods lead to stage groupings that could redefine the composition of TNM in a simple and orderly way. The higher predictive power of lymph node ratio as compared with traditional pN lymph node stage has specific implications and may address the important question of accuracy of staging in patients when fewer than 12 nodes are identified in the resection specimen.
Oral amrinone in refractory congestive heart failure.

Abstract The acute effects of an oral preparation of amrinone, a recently synthesized cardiotonic agent, were assessed noninvasively in nine patients who had advanced heart failure that persisted despite treatment with digitalis, diuretic drugs and afterload-reducing agents. All patients demonstrated an improvement In left ventricular ejection fraction determined by radionuclide ventriculography (20.3 ± 2.8 to 30.8 ± 4.8 percent [mean ± Standard error of the mean], p
DNA-binding properties of the yeast Rgt1 repressor.

Abstract The yeast HXT (glucose transporter gene) repressor Rgt1 lacks a dimerization domain and thus appears to bind as a monomer to its consensus binding site sequence (5′-CGGANNA-3′). The HXT1 promoter contains 8 Rgt1-binding sites, but its expression is not effectively repressed by Rgt1. In the present study, the Rgt1-binding sites in the HXT1 promoter were analyzed to examine how Rgt1 mediates transcriptional repression. It is seen that Rgt1 binds the HXT1 promoter, but does not significantly mediate repression. When engineered to be multimerized without the intervening sequences between the Rgt1-binding sites, however, 4 or more Rgt1-binding sites were required to provide sufficient Rgt1-dependent repression. These findings suggest that the intervening sequences between the Rgt1-binding sites are important for the regulation of Rgt1 function and that Rgt1 functions efficiently only through multiple binding sites.
Organizational structure and strength and transnational campaign outcomes: a comparison of two transnational advocacy networks

In this article I address the question of why some transnational advocacy networks (TANs) are better able to influence policy outcomes than others. How do we explain the variation in the political impact of TAN campaigns? Drawing on some of the theoretical formulations developed by social movement and international relations scholars, I argue that organizational structure and organizational strength can help us understand this variation. A comparison of a highly influential and successful TAN, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, with a less successful TAN, the International Action Network on Small Arms, demonstrates that such networks can mobilize a large number of diverse civil society groups. However, a coherent and well-coordinated campaign with a clear political message provides the major explanation as to why some TANs are more likely to shape the global policy process than others.
On the use of quadratic approximants to model diatomic potential energy curves

Quadratic approximants are shown to have an appropriate functional form for modelling the mathematical structure of the full configuration interaction energy as a function of internuclear distance. The problem of spurious singularities is discussed. Quadratic approximants with additional constraints are constructed so as to avoid spurious singularities and to have the correct dissociation limits. It is shown that these approximants are appropriate for interpolating between computed ab initio energies. The method is tested with a set of full configuration interaction energies for the hydrogen fluoride molecule. The approximants are shown to give an accurate interpolation through the region of moderate bond stretching where direct approximate ab initio computations are difficult. A procedure for parameterizing the approximants to empirical data is developed.
Upper bound analysis of the upsetting of pressure-sensitive polymeric rings

Abstract An analysis of the upset forging of polymeric rings, which obey the pressure-modified von Mises yield criterion and associated flow rule, is presented using the upper bound method. A simple velocity field, consisting of an incompressible and a compressible part, is assumed. The effects of pressure-dependency of the materials on forging pressure, bulging, location of neutral radius and calibration curves for various frictions and geometries are assessed.
Determining the optimum number of receiving bays for a solid waste facility

Abstract Two levels of refinement for determining the optimum number of receiving bays within a solid waste processing facility are presented. The first level of refinement involves analysis of truck arrival patterns on a daily basis, while the second level of refinement presents an example of the analysis essentially applied to the arrival pattern within a single day. The methods presented are not statistically rigorous but they can readily be applied to the problems with a minimum of mathematical grounding.
Biological conversion of coal and coal-derived synthesis gas

Abstract Recent research has resulted in a number of promising biological pathways to produce clean fuels from coal. These processes all involve two or more steps: either the biosolubilization of coal, followed by bioconversion to ethanol or methane; or conversion of coal to synthesis gas, followed by bioconversion into alcohols or methane. Sulfur may also be removed from the solubilized coal or synthesis gas in a separate, or concurrent, biological step. This paper presents research results from both the direct and indirect conversion of coal to liquid fuels using biological processes. A review of direct conversion techniques in producing liquid fuels from coal in a serial conversion process is presented. In addition, bioreactor design data for the conversion of CO, CO2 and H2 in synthesis gas by Clostridium ljungdahlii in both batch and continuous culture are reviewed and discussed.
Timing techniques for improving thick HgI2 gamma-ray detector performance

Spectroscopy in thick HgI2 γ-ray detectors is limited by low hole mobility, short hole trapping times, and nonuniform internal electric fields. Estimates of ne, the change deposited by a γ-ray absorption event, thus depend upon the event location d. Determining d then allows a more precise estimate of ne than is possible from collected charge alone. We theoretically examine the concept of timing the duration of the electron current flow to determine d and show how d is employed to produce an accurate ne value. A modeling study shows that 1 to 2 cm thick HgI2 detectors are capable, in principle, of 1% resolution at 662 keV with photopeak efficiencies of 6–12%.
Molecular physiology and modulation of somatodendritic A-type potassium channels.

The somatodendritic subthreshold A-type K+ current (ISA) in nerve cells is a critical component of the ensemble of voltage-gated ionic currents that determine somatodendritic signal integration. The underlying K+ channel belongs to the Shal subfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels. Most Shal channels across the animal kingdom share a high degree of structural conservation, operate in the subthreshold range of membrane potentials, and exhibit relatively fast inactivation and recovery from inactivation. Mammalian Shal K+ channels (Kv4) undergo preferential closed-state inactivation with features that are generally inconsistent with the classical mechanisms of inactivation typical of Shaker K+ channels. Here, we review (1) the physiological and genetic properties of ISA, (2) the molecular mechanisms of Kv4 inactivation and its remodeling by a family of soluble calcium-binding proteins (KChIPs) and a membrane-bound dipeptidase-like protein (DPPX), and (3) the modulation of Kv4 channels by protein phosphorylation.
COMPARISON OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL ITEM RESPONSE MODELS: MULTIVARIATE NORMAL ABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS VERSUS MULTIVARIATE POLYTOMOUS ABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS

Multidimensional item response models can be based on multivariate normal ability distributions or on multivariate polytomous ability distributions. For the case of simple structure in which each item corresponds to a unique dimension of the ability vector, some applications of the two-parameter logistic model to empirical data are employed to illustrate how, at least for the example under study, comparable results can be achieved with either approach. Comparability involves quality of model fit as well as similarity in terms of parameter estimates and computational time required. In both cases, numerical work can be performed quite efficiently. In the case of the multivariate normal ability distribution, multivariate adaptive Gauss-Hermite quadrature can be employed to greatly reduce computational labor. In the case of a polytomous ability distribution, use of log-linear models permits efficient computations.
The degradation of twisted circular lambda DNA by phage lambda mutants

The stability of the twisted circular, covalent form of phage lambda DNA (species I) has been examined after infection of thymine auxotrophs of E. coli with early sus mutants and integration negative mutants of lambda. After infection of the permissive host, E. coli CR34 (thy−), all of the lambda mutants tested lost over 90% of their species I DNA after 60 minutes of incubation in a thymine deficient medium. In the nonpermissive host, E. coli W3350 (thy−), it was found that the sus P lambda mutants were the least efficient in degrading species I phage DNA. It is suggested that the P cistron may be involved in directing the synthesis of a phage specific endonuclease which attacks the twisted, circular, covalent configuration of phage DNA.
Work schedule flexibility and family life

This paper explores the implications of work schedule flexibility for family life. Based on data from the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey, it demonstrates that flexibility of work schedules moderates the effects of nonstandard work schedules on family life. That is, nonstandard work schedules tend to have a less negative association with the quality of family life when accompanied by a high level of schedule flexibility. The paper further demonstrates that this tendency of flexibility to act as a buffer against the negative effects of nonstandard work schedules on family life is more pronounced among working women than working men.
Dose intensity as a therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.

The results of systemic treatment for primary and metastatic breast cancer have plateaued in the past decade. The majority of oncologists continue to use the same chemotherapy regimens and endocrine therapies that were available in the mid 1970s. In metastatic breast cancer, still only 60–70% of patients can be expected to achieve a remission, with only 10–20% of these being a complete remission, which is usually of short duration. Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable today. Obviously, new treatment strategies are needed. The development of new active drugs, or the development of innovative ways of giving old drugs, has been disappointing in breast cancer. Similarly, combining hormones with chemotherapy, or the use of various biologic response modifiers, has not resulted in a major advance. One strategy that is currently undergoing active research is increased dose intensity of chemotherapy. This can be achieved by delivering extremely high doses of cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic support. A second approach involves delivering lower doses, but on a more frequent schedule than conventional programs. Preliminary results from phase II evaluation of these programs demonstrate high complete response rates, relatively short response durations, and considerable toxicity. However, 10–20% of patients treated with these regimens remain in complete remission several years after treatment, providing optimism that this approach may be effective in some patients. Advances in hematopoietic support, including autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), peripheral stem cell administration, and the use of hematopoietic growth factors, have reduced toxicity. This strategy is now ready for phase III randomized trials in metastatic breast cancer as well as in the high-risk adjuvant patient to determine if high-dose therapy offers a worthwhile advantage in patients with breast cancer.
A scalable approach for broadcasting data in a wireless network

This paper addresses the problem of providing secure access control in broadcast schemes in a wireless network. We consider an environment where clients subscribe to information objects sent via a broadcast onto a wireless network. In this context, a client should only be able to access its objects of interest for its subscription period, and the security system used must not be easily broken. Existing data broadcasting approaches fail to perform well with increased client loads. In this paper, we propose to use the Drop Groups (DG) protocol, that uses a novel grouping criterion. We present the broadcast organization under DG, and demonstrate that our approach is scalable. We use simulation to compare the DG protocol with existing techniques.
Building the Relationship Between General Practice and Specialty Dentists

How patients, profession benefit from a strong referral relationship. Consultation is the cornerstone on which a strong referral relationship is built. Too often, general dentists and specialists underestimate the expertise of the primary practitioner. The importance of each professional is considered and situations are used to illustrate how the patient can be shortchanged when the two don’t work as a team.
Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node dissection compared to complete lymphadenectomy in the management of early-stage vulvar cancer: A cost-utility analysis.

Abstract Objective Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an acceptable method of evaluating groin lymph nodes in women with vulvar cancer. The purpose of this study is to assess the cost and effectiveness of SLNB compared to universal inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (LND) for vulvar cancer. Methods A modified Markov decision model was generated to compare two surgical approaches for newly diagnosed, early-stage vulvar cancer: (1) radical vulvectomy+LND and (2) radical vulvectomy+SLNB. Published data were used to estimate survival outcomes, probability of positive lymph nodes and lymphedema. Costs of surgery and radiation and lymphedema therapies were estimated from published data. Lymphedema's effect on quality of life (QOL) was extrapolated from other disease sites and assigned a utility score of 0.84. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed. Results SLNB was less costly ($13,449 versus $14,261) and more effective (4.16 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) versus 4.00 QALYs) than LND. The model was sensitive to the impact of lymphedema on QOL. Unless the impact of lymphedema on QOL was minimal (utility score>0.975) SLNB dominated LND. Variations in the rate of positive SLNB and probability of lymphedema over clinically reasonable ranges did not alter the results. Conclusions SLNB is a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of newly diagnosed vulvar cancer, mainly due to the impact of lymphedema on QOL.
Recall and recognition in motor learning.

An attempt was made to manipulate motor recognition but not recall as a test of Adams’ (1971) two-process closed-loop theory of motor learning: Ss (N = 60) wre given 70 KR acquisition trials of a rapid linear timing task prior to performing 40 KR withdrawal trials under a 2(vision) × 2(audition) design where the feedback variables each had two levels of feedback present or absent. Feedback withdrawal produced a decrement in response recognition but not recall during the initial phase of KR withdrawal. Thereafter the recognition and recall processes tended to operate in unison. The discussion focused on the relationship between these processes which, as the present data suggest, may reflect fundamentally different underlying mechanisms.
Changes in the concentration and relative abundance of alkanes and PAHs from the Deepwater Horizon oiling of coastal marshes.

Abstract We determined changes of 28 alkanes and 43 different PAHs in 418 wetland soil samples collected on ten sampling trips to three Louisiana estuaries before and after they were oiled from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. There was a significant decline in 22 of the 28 alkane analytes (0.42% day−1), no change in 6, over 2.5 years. The concentration of five aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons (PAHs) increased (range 0.25–0.70% day−1), whereas the total PAH pool did not change. Of these five, naphthalene and C-1-naphthalenes are suggested to be of higher toxicity than the other three because of their relatively higher volatility or solubility. The relative proportions of alkane analytes, but not PAHs, does not yet resemble that in the pre-oiled marshes after 3 years, The trajectories of nine indicators for degradation/weathering were either inconclusive or misleading (alkanes) or confirmed the relatively meager degradation of PAHs.
Optical absorption in iron pyrite (Fe S 2 )

Optical absorption studies in thin (\ensuremath{\sim}100 \ensuremath{\mu}m) natural single crystals of iron pyrite (Fe${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$) are reported in the energy range of 0.7-1 eV. The measurements were made at several temperatures between 20 and 297 K in two samples of different impurity level. In the low-resistivity sample, there is a pronounced absorption varying nearly as ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}$ ($\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the wavelength) for energies below the absorption edge. This is probably free carrier absorption. In the high-resistivity sample, it is shown that the absorption band results from phonon-assisted indirect transitions between the valence and the conduction band. From this analysis, the energy of the participating phonon and the band-gap energy ${E}_{g}$ are evaluated at different temperatures. It is found that ${E}_{g}=0.835\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}{T}^{2}}{(1395\ensuremath{-}T)}$ with $\ensuremath{\alpha}=6.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ eV/K. At lower temperatures, three sharp peaks are superposed on the absorption curves. These peaks have been tentatively designated as transitions to exciton levels.
Giant Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysms (≥5 cm in size) are rare entities. We document the successful operative management of one of the largest splenic artery pseudoaneurysms (18 cm) ever reported as well as review the world literature on the subject. Our literature review identified 160 cases of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in the last 43 years. These ranged in size from 0.3 to 17 cm, and of these, 18 (11%) were 5 cm or larger. The majority of patients underwent treatment, either endovascularly or with open surgery, and their outcomes were independent of presenting symptoms or size. Giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon, most often caused by pancreatitis, trauma, or iatrogenic etiologies and typically present with vague constitutional symptoms, or occasionally with hemorrhage. Most can be treated endovascularly, though in our case this was not possible due to the presence of celiac artery occlusion with retrograde filling of the pseudoaneurysm from superior mesenteric artery collaterals. Ultimately, we opted for an open technique, with supraceliac aortic control prior to manipulation and resection of the pseudoaneurysm. Our recommendation is that splenic artery pseudoaneurysms should be repaired when encountered, regardless of aneurysm size at presentation.
Barringer medal acceptance address - 1997 July 23, Maui, Hawaii

Officers and Members of the Meteoritical Society, Professor Pepin, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to receive the Barringer Award. My first trip to a meteor crater was to Meteor Crater, or, as it has been historically called, Barringer Crater. Since the crater was surrounded to a radius of more than 10 km by fragments of the iron-nickel meteorite, Canyon Diablo, I never could understand why some geologists insisted that it was volcanic! What volcano emits iron-nickel? The 1 km in diameter Barringer Crater, Arizona is, of course, named after the mining engineer Daniel Barringer and his heirs who run the crater as a high-quality science exhibit. They are a scientifically appreciative family-run company who both support meteorite research, sponsor a wonderful interpretive program at the Meteor Crater Museum as well as support this meeting and this award. Their interest and support is appreciated by their community. My first trip to Barringer Crater was led by Eugene Shoemaker in 1972. Gene mapped the crater in 1960 for his Ph.D. thesis, figured out how planetary cratering worked, and went on to explain it to the rest of the world as he participated in exploring the Moon and then virtually all the solid planets and satellites in the solar system. Although I was an associate professor when Gene Shoemaker and Don Anderson brought me to Caltech, I learned much from Shoemaker and was devastated last Friday when I learned of his accidental death during his annual trek to Australia to map preserved craters on this desert continent.
Motor stimulation following bilateral injection of the group-I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist into the dorsal striatum of rats: evidence against dependence on ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Rationale: Group-I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are densely expressed in the medium-sized spiny projection neurons of the striatum. Activation of the group-I mGluRs in the rat striatum with a selective group-I agonist, 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), produced locomotion and stereotypical behavior. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate dependence of DHPG-stimulated motor behaviors on the ionotropic glutamate receptors [N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and kainate/α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleprionic acid (AMPA)]. Methods: In chronically cannulated rats, effects on motor activity of DHPG injected into the dorsal striatum were examined in the presence or absence of the antagonists selective for NMDA or kainate/AMPA receptors. Results: Bilateral injections of DHPG (80 nmol) into the dorsal striatum induced a delayed locomotion followed by a prolonged stereotypical behavior characterized by the repetitive twitching movement of the head and forepaws. Blockade of NMDA receptors with intrastriatal injection of the NMDA receptor antagonist, (±)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP, 2.5 nmol), did not attenuate the behavioral changes induced by DHPG administration. Conversely, CPP unmasked an early onset of locomotion in response to DHPG injection as opposed to the delayed locomotion induced by DHPG in the absence of CPP. Pretreatment of rats with the kainate/AMPA receptor antagonist, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX, 10 nmol), had no effect on DHPG-stimulated behaviors. CPP administered alone sedated animals, whereas DNQX given alone did not alter spontaneous behavioral activity. Conclusions: Motor stimulation induced by activation of the DHPG-sensitive group-I mGluRs in the striatum is independent upon co-activation of NMDA or kainate/AMPA receptors, since the NMDA or the kainate/AMPA receptor antagonist had no effect on DHPG-stimulated motor activity.
Approximate analysis for resonance of an incompressible shear layer plus edges

A method for approximately analyzing the feedback between downstream and upstream edges in incompressible shear flow is described. The shear flow is modeled by a vortex sheet. Equations for resonance eigenvalues are derived. After the reduction of growth rate by finite shear layer thickness is allowed for, agreement is found between calculated resonances and those that have been observed experimentally.
Chemodectoma of an aortic body.

Abstract A brief historical review of chemodectoma of the carotid and aortic bodies is given. The anatomic location, embryologic development, and physiology of aortic bodies are described. A case of a chemodectoma of the aortic body presenting in the neck and successfully removed is reported. The patient is well and without recurrence five years later.
Involvement of hemin, a stimulatory fraction from ribosomes and a protein synthesis inhibitor in the regulation of hemoglobin synthesis

Abstract For maximum globin synthesis in lysate cell-free systems prepared from rabbit reticulocytes, there is a requirement for both hemin and a fraction derived from the ribosome by salt treatment (I fraction). A previously described inhibitor of protein synthesis (Q fraction), which accumulates during incubation of the lysate system, is shown to be without effect on completion and release of nascent chains, suggesting that it is acting at the site of chain initiation. Inhibition of globin synthesis by Q fraction is not reversed by addition of salt-treated ribosomes but is blocked and reversed by the addition of the I fraction, suggesting that an I fraction component is limiting in systems containing Q fraction. Several modes of regulation of protein synthesis involving hemin, I fraction and Q fraction are discussed in the light of kinetic data obtained with these systems, and in the light of the finding that intact cells incubated in the absence of added iron accumulate an inhibitor with properties similar to Q fraction desscribed above.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in young patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies

Nine young patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies successfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy; no complications resulted from the procedure. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.6 days. This technique appears to be a safe and efficacious procedure in children with sickle hemoglobinopathies who require cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.
Masculinity and the persistence of AIDS stigma.

With the expansion of access to HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa, questions have emerged as to whether stigma remains a useful concept for understanding the effects of AIDS. There is, however, a paucity of research on how HIV-positive Africans – especially African men – experience living with AIDS. This paper addresses this gap and draws on findings from ethnographic fieldwork in 2004 and 2009 with a support group for HIV-positive men in Kampala, Uganda. The paper demonstrates that stigma is central to how men in this context coped with HIV and AIDS and it provides a conceptual framework that links men's experiences of AIDS stigma to conceptions of masculinity. In so doing, findings highlight both the possibilities and challenges of involving African men more fully in HIV prevention.
Complex fragment emission at intermediate energies

Abstract Complex fragment emission from the reactions Nb + Be, Al at E A = 8.4 to 30.3 MeV and from La + C at E/A = 50 MeV/u have been detected. The dominant mechanism for the emission of fragment with Z > 10 is shown to be the statistical-binary decay of fusion-like products.
An experimental study of neutrality at the malic dehydrogenase and esterase-5 loci in Drosophila pseudoobscura

A perturbation experiment provides a powerful test of the neutral versus balance hypotheses of population genetics. Upon perturbation of allele frequencies either random or directed changes are expected. To test the rival hypotheses, sixty-seven replicate populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura were set up in each of two size categories, small and large. Frequencies of allele 1.20 of the autosomal malic dehydrogenase (mdh) and of allele 1.12 of the X-linked esterase-5 (e-5) were perturbed from their natural values. Background genotypes were randomised by using large numbers of independently derived lines from nature. In the small populations, as a group, the mean frequencies at both loci failed to shift away from the starting frequency of 50 %. In the large populations, as a group, the mean frequencies at the mdh locus similarly failed to shift. Contrastingly, in the large populations, as a group, the mean frequencies of the e-5 locus shifted systematically to an equilibrium of 40 %. The shift is interpreted to indicate differential reproduction and the failures to shift neutrality. The magnitude of selection was estimated 8 % and 11 %.
Portfolio Optimization with Correlation Matrices: How, Why, and Why Not

Correlation is used frequently both in the classroom and in professional environments to illustrate and summarize investment know-how, especially with regard to diversification. Pedagogically, the initial build-up on correlation, which reaches its climax while describing a hypothetical two-variable optimization case, abruptly disappears when the discussion reaches optimizations of several securities, thereby stopping short of running a full-fledged, correlation-based optimization. Why is that so? We offer some explanations. First, correlations initially seem to provide clarification of the workings of the optimization, specifically with respect to how security risk-relations affect optimal weights. However, the variable transformation required changes coordinates, thus making correlation-based optimal weights and the desired information hard to understand. Second, correlation-based optimizations may be counterproductive. Nobody with a minimum of financial sophistication would try to make up covariance estimates; correlations, however, are easy to make up, which may make one overstate their practical value. Third, while mean-variance optimal weights can be easily constructed from correlation-based optimal numbers, not transforming the optimal numbers back to the mean-variance values deforms the information processed. We do not expect correlation-based optimizations to replace mean-variance ones except in specialized cases (e.g., small portfolios where investors may have extra-knowledge of security relationships).
Discriminative Patch Selection using Combinatorial and Statistical Models for Patch-Based Object Recognition

In an object recognition task where an image is represented as a constellation of image patches, often many patches correspond to the cluttered background. If such patches are used for object class recognition, they will adversely affect the recognition rate. In this paper, we present a two stage method for selecting image patches which characterize the target object class and are capable of discriminating between the positive images containing the target objects and the complementary negative images. The first stage selection is done using a novel combinatorial optimization formulation on a weighted multipartite graph representing similarities between images patches across different instances of the target object. The following stage is a statistical method for selecting those images patches from the positive images which, when used individually, have the power of discriminating between the positive and negative images in the evaluation data. The individual methods have a performance competitive with the state of the art methods on a popular benchmark data set and their sequential combination consistently outperforms the individual methods and most of the other known methods while approaching the best known results.
Feelings Not Forgone Underestimating Affective Reactions to What Does Not Happen

In two experiments, we observed that when given the choice of gambling or not gambling, people who chose not to gamble underestimated the intensity of their affective reactions to the forgone gamble's outcome. Those who would have been winners felt more displeasure than anticipated, and those who would have been losers felt more pleasure than anticipated. We suggest that this underestimation stems partly from people's belief that affective experience is relatively uninfluenced by events they chose not to experience. Consistent with this suggestion, participants' affective forecasts were not influenced by whether the participants or a computer made the choice not to gamble-as though participants did not feel personally responsible for the forgone outcome, whether chosen by themselves or by a computer. In contrast to their affective forecasts, however, participants' affective reactions to forgone outcomes were less intense when the computer chose not to gamble than when the participants themselves made the choice not to gamble. Participants therefore proved to be more accurate in predicting their affective reactions to the results of the computer's decision not to gamble than in predicting their affective reactions to the results of their own decision not to gamble. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Nosocomial infections in coronary Care Units in the United States

To describe the epidemiology of nosocomial infections in Coronary Care Units (CCUs) in the United States, we analyzed data collected between 1992 and 1997 using the standard protocols of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) surveillance component. Data on 227,451 patients with 6,698 nosocomial infections were analyzed. Urinary tract infections (35%), pneumonia (24%), and primary bloodstream infections (17%) were almost always associated with use of an invasive device (93% with a urinary catheter, 82% with a ventilator, 82% with a central line, respectively). The distribution of pathogens differed from that reported from other types of ICUs. Staphylococcus aureus (21%) was the most common species reported from pneumonia and Escherichia coli (27%) from urine. Only 10% of reported urine isolates were Candida albicans. S. aureus (24%) was the more common bloodstream isolate than enterococci (10%). The mean overall patient infection rate was 2.7 infections per 100 patients. Device-associated infection rates for bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections did not correlate with length of stay, number of hospital beds, number of CCU beds, or the hospital teaching affiliation, and were the best rates for comparisons between units. Use of invasive devices was lower than in other types of ICUs. Overall patient infection rates were lower than in other types of ICUs, which is largely explained by lower rates of invasive device usage.
Delayed oligodendrocyte degeneration induced by brief exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

An in vitro model system of cultured oligodendrocytes was used to determine the susceptibility of these cells to oxidative stress induced by 15 min exposure to millimolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Following the exposure, the cells were incubated in normal growth medium, and analyzed at different time points. Although no cell loss was observed during the exposure period, there was a progressive depletion of adherent cells during the postexposure period as seen from either the number of recoverable nuclei, or from total RNA content of the cultures. Both the rate and the extent of cell deletion was directly dependent on H2O2 concentration. Cell death was preceded by structural alterations in the nuclear envelope resulting in “fragile” nuclei which disintegrated during isolation. Northern blot analysis showed that the expression of myelin-specific genes was rapidly downregulated in H2O2-treated cells. On the other hand, the expression of antiapoptotic gene, bcl-2 featured massive but transient upregulation. Oligodendrocyte degeneration also featured genomic DNA degradation into high molecular weight fragments, which are likely to represent cleaved chromosomal loops. The results demonstrate vulnerability of oligodendrocytes to oxidative stress that induces rapid degeneration and ultimately leads to delayed cell death. This feature is highly relevant to oligodendrocyte damage and depletion following ischemic, traumatic, or inflammatory insults to the central nervous system (CNS). J. Neurosci. Res. 55:303–310, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Habitat-Suitability Models for Cavity-Nesting Birds in a Postfire Landscape

Abstract Models of habitat suitability in postfire landscapes are needed by land managers to make timely decisions regarding postfire timber harvest and other management activities. Many species of cavity-nesting birds are dependent on postfire landscapes for breeding and other aspects of their life history and are responsive to postfire management activities (e.g., timber harvest). In addition, several cavity nesters are designated as species at risk. We compare the ability of 2 types of models to distinguish between nest and non-nest locations of 6 cavity-nesting bird species (Lewis's woodpecker [Melanerpes lewis], black-backed woodpecker [Picoides arcticus], hairy woodpecker [P. villosus], northern flicker [Colaptes auratus], western bluebird [Sialia mexicana], and mountain bluebird [S. currucoides]) in the early postfire years for a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest in Idaho, USA. The 2 model sets consisted of 1) models based on readily available remotely sensed data and 2) models containing fie...
Some observations on limited feedback for multiaccess channels

Most information-theoretic analyses of communication systems with feedback assume perfect output feedback. For multiaccess channels, this feedback can enable cooperation between users. However, as shown by a simple example, the rate required by the feedback link may exceed the capacity gains in the forward link. It is therefore of interest to look at systems where the feedback is rate-limited. For the compound multiaccess channel zero-rate feedback can tune the communication system to the realized channel, but for discrete memoryless channel the capacity region under zero-rate feedback is the same as that without feedback.
A HOUSSE Built on Quicksand? Exploring the Teacher Quality Conundrum for Secondary Special Education Teachers

In this study, the authors focus on one highly contested provision of the No Child Left Behind Act, which allows states flexibility in how the quality of teachers is defined and evaluated: the high, objective, uniform state standard of evaluation (HOUSSE) option. They conducted a national survey of representatives from each state to explore how HOUSSE is being interpreted for secondary special education teachers. Findings indicate that significant variability in the interpretation and implementation of the HOUSSE provision exists across states and that numerous challenges with the implementation of federal teacher quality requirements persist, including funding for support teachers, a lack of clear federal guidance, and difficulties with holding districts accountable for teacher quality provisions. In addition, the results reveal a decided preference for course-based evidence of teachers’ content knowledge over other types of evidence. In closing, the authors discuss implications of federal policy for sta...
Polyamides from 1,4-cyclohexanebis(ethylamine) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids

A homologous polyamide series of 1,4-cyclohexanebis(ethylamine) (CBEA) was prepared with C6 to C12 linear, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Polymer and fiber properties were found to be quite dependent upon the cis and trans structure of the cycloaliphatic ring. Polyamides based on trans-1,4-CBEA had higher melting and higher glass transition temperatures than their cis analogs. In addition, trans polyamides were quite crystalline, whereas the cis polymers were almost completely amorphous. The boiling water shrinkage, tenacity, and moisture regain of the fibers reflected the differences in molecular fit between the cis and trans polyamides.
Message passing in distributed wireless networks

In distributed wireless networks, nodes often do not know the topology (network size, connectivity and the channel gains) of the network. Thus, they cannot compute their own maximum transmission rate and appropriate transmission scheme. In this paper, we address the inter-related problems of learning the network and the associated best achievable rates. To make progress, we will focus on K-user deterministic interference networks. First, we propose a message passing algorithm which allows nodes to incrementally learn the network topology. In each round of message passing, nodes forward what they believe is the new information to their neighbors and thus the network topology information trickles via broadcasts. Next, we consider two special examples of Z-channel and double-Z interference network and determine the sum-rate points with incomplete network information at different nodes. We show that the sum-rate point can in fact be achieved with less than full information at all the nodes but in general, less network information implies reduced set of achievable rates. In order to analyze the performance of a double-Z interference network with limited information, we find the capacity region of a deterministic double-Z interference network with full information, which is of independent interest.