cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do REITs use cash reserves efficiently? Evidence from corporate acquisitions

Abstract We examine the combined impact of corporate governance and excess cash holdings on the propensity of firms to become bidders and engage in value destroying acquisitions. We focus on the REIT market, due to its unique characteristics caused by regulation and the nature of the industry. The lack of active real estate takeover market should lead to entrenchment and exacerbate agency costs. However, given the mandatory high cash payout for REITs, the absence of takeover market should not cause concerns to shareholders. Our analyses reveal that unlike conventional firms, cash-rich REITs are not more likely to become acquirers and acquisitions by cash-rich REITs are not value decreasing. However, similarly to industrial firms, REITs with higher excess cash and lower insider ownership are more likely to become bidders. We interpret our results to be consistent with the hypothesis that agency problems are less severe in real estate and investors are not averse to use of excess cash by REIT managers on intra-industry acquisitions.
Abdominal circumference vs. estimated weight to predict large for gestational age birth weight in diabetic pregnancy

Early third trimester fetal abdominal circumference and sonographic fetal weight estimates were compared to predict large for gestational age birth weight in diabetic pregnancy. Both parameters have similar sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. However, the optimal percentile cutoff values differ. Choice of birth weight standard significantly influences test characteristics. Negative prediction of large birth weight is more accurate than positive prediction. At third trimester sonography with maternal diabetes, the abdominal circumference percentile is potentially useful and should be routinely reported.
Infeld-Hull factorization and the simplified solution of the Dirac-Coulomb equation.

It is pointed out that the approach used by Su to obtain the simplified solution to the Dirac-Coulomb equation can be interpreted in the light of the Infeld-Hull factorization method. According to this method the first-order Dirac-Coulomb equation, after the transformation S-italic, necessarily implies two second-order ''Schroedinger-type'' equations, whose solutions are the upper and lower simplified solutions of the Dirac-Coulomb equation. It is also interesting to note that the ''recurrence relation'' between the upper and lower solutions, first obtained by Biedenharn, is exactly the Dirac-Coulomb equation itself, after the transformation S-italic.
Individual Response, Information, and Intergenerational Common Pool Problems

Abstract Many inter- and intra-generational environmental issues can be modeled as common pool resource (CPR) problems. While economic theory predicts overuse of the CPR, in real life we find examples of individual overuse as well as individual conservation. Employing a multi-period, depletable resource experiment, we test for heterogeneity in withdrawals from a CPR. Heterogeneity suggests differences in underlying preferences. While we cannot directly observe preferences, we do identify statistically significant individual characteristics such as age, gender, and political and religious affiliation associated with withdrawal levels. In these experiments groups and individuals, on average, under-utilized the resource, but approximately 16% of the time groups depleted the resource prior to the terminal period. We also find informational effects. These results suggest that effective environmental policy should accommodate heterogeneous preferences. A “one-size-fits-all” policy will be efficient only if the population composition is such that over-consumption choices of some individuals are offset by the conservation choices of others.
A Computational Mechanics Model for the Brim Forming Process in Paperboard Container Manufacturing

The manufacturing process of brim forming in paperboard containers consists of taking a thin paperboard shell and forming a brim to provide additional stiffness to the structure. A paper cup is an example of such a structure manufactured at rates exceeding 300 units per minute. A realistic model for the manufacturing process is not available and the effects of process and material parameters are not well understood. In this study, a finite element model of this highly nonlinear problem is presented. The model takes into account the material orthotropy and nonlinear elastic-plastic behavior, die paperboard contact interaction during loading and unloading, and friction between the metal die and paperboard, die geometry, and environmental conditions. Model predictions of the force-displacement curve agree well with the experimentally observed results.
Wind power assessment

A wind energy study of the East and Gulf coastal regions of the United States is being carried out at the University of Virginia under the direction of Michael Garstang and Roger A. Pielke. The Chesapeake Bay area, because of its complex coastline configuration, is one of three East and Gulf coastal areas which have been chosen for intensive study. A three-dimensional computer model and a field observational program have been executed for the Chesapeake Bay area. Baroclinic factors, the result of land-sea temperature differences and changes in aerodynamic roughness between land and sea, are known to generate local wind circulations over and near coastlines. The complexities of coastline configuration of the Chesapeake Bay and offshore islands result in an interaction between the large-scale wind fields and the locally induced circulations. These interactions produce regions of persistently high and low wind speeds near the surface, and these wind speeds can be reproduced numerically (see cover, EOS, December 11, 1979). A conspicuous and persistent feature of wintertime model predictions of the wind power distribution in the Chesapeake Bay area is the landward minimum-seaward maximum shown in Figure 1.
Maintenance of 3T3-L1 cells in culture media containing saturated fatty acids decreases insulin binding and insulin action☆

Abstract To modify cellular and membrane lipid composition, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipose cells were maintained in media containing dialyzedfetal calf serum supplemented with a variety of fatty acids. Cells exposed to saturated fatty acids exhibited up to an 80% decrease in insulin binding and insulin stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake, whereas cells exposed to monounsaturated fatty acids of the same chain length showed less change. The decrease in insulin binding appeared to be due to changes in both receptor number and affinity. Maximal insulin stimulation of deoxyglucose was decreased with little change in sensitivity to insulin. There was an excellent correlation between the inhibition of both insulin binding and insulin action by the fatty acids tested. These results suggest that modification of cellular lipids can produce profound effects on both insulin binding and insulin action.
The endgame of globalization

1. Geographies of Globalization 2. Globalism Before Globalization 3. A Global Monroe Doctrine: The first moment of US ambition 4. Globalism Redux: Bretton Woods, the UN and the second moment of US ambition 5. The Endgame of Globalization 6. After Iraq
Clustering and mechanics in dense depletion and thermal gels.

We report on the microstructure and mechanical properties (elastic modulus) of concentrated depletion and thermal gels of octadecyl-coated silica particles for different values of the strength of interactionpolymer concentration for depletion gels and temperature for thermal gels. The depletion gels are composed of dense clusters and voids, while the thermal gels are devoid of clusters. Shear breaks up clusters in depletion gels while it induces clustering in the thermal gels. In both of these gels, the microstructure recovers to the presheared state upon cessation of shear. The recovery of the elastic modulus mimics the microstructure in the sense that the elastic modulus recovers to the presheared sheared state after shearing is stopped. Calculations of the gel boundary by modeling the interactions with an effective one-component square-well model reveals that suspensions with similar ranges of attraction gel at the same volume fraction at a fixed strength of attraction. Calculations of the elastic modu...
Interactions of the Escherichia coli DnaB–DnaC Protein Complex with Nucleotide Cofactors. 1. Allosteric Conformational Transitions of the Complex

Interactions of nucleotide cofactors with both protein components of the Escherichia coli DnaB helicase complex with the replication factor, the DnaC protein, have been examined using MANT-nucleotide analogues. At saturation, in all examined stationary complexes, including the binary, DnaB-DnaC, and tertiary, DnaB-DnaC-ssDNA, complexes, the helicase binds six cofactor molecules. Thus, protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions do not affect the maximum stoichiometry of the helicase-nucleotide interactions. The single-stranded DNA dramatically increases the ATP analogue affinity, while it has little effect on the affinity of the NDP analogues, indicating that stationary complexes reflect allosteric interactions between the DNA- and NTP-binding site prior to the cofactor hydrolysis step and subsequent to product release. In the binary complex, the DnaC protein diminishes the intrinsic affinity and increases the negative cooperativity in the cofactor binding to the helicase; an opposite effect of the protein on the cofactor-helicase interactions occurs in the tertiary complex. The DnaC protein retains its nucleotide binding capability in the binary and tertiary complexes with the helicase. Surprisingly, the DnaC protein-nucleotide interactions, in the binary and tertiary complexes, are characterized by positive cooperativity. The DnaC assembles on the helicase as a hexamer, which exists in two conformational states and undergoes an allosteric transition, induced by the cofactor. Cooperativity of the allosteric transition depends on the structure of the phosphate group of the nucleotide. The significance of the results for the DnaB-DnaC complex activities is discussed.
Digital micromirror device for projection display

The digital micromirror device is the product of a technological development program that began at Texas Instruments over 15 years ago. It is a microelectromechanical system device that includes an array of mirrors fabricated above CMOS static random-access memory elements. Rapid switching of the diagonally hinged mirrors allows incident light to be modulated to form the highest quality video images for projection displays systems. Recent developments, discussed here, improve the optical and electronic performance as well as reduce the required number of active elements.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Risks Associated with Great Lakes Contaminants

Are the fish we catch safe to eat? That question has been asked many times, but the large and usually unquantified uncertainty inherent in current estimates of risk make it a difficult question to answer. Without more data on the uncertainty, about the best that can be done at this time is to understand the risk assessment process. For example, in almost all risk assessments of toxic substances, conservative (upper bound) estimates are made rather than the "average" risks an individual faces. Risk estimates of environmental toxic compounds made in this way are really "proxy" values, and are most useful for comparing risks that were estimated in the same way.
Cystic ameloblastoma--behavior and treatment of 21 cases.

Purpose: This article presents a series of cystic ameloblastomas in which an unexpected capacity for bony destruction and recurrence was shown. Proliferation rates were evaluated to see if there is a correlation to the biologic behavior of these lesions. Materials and Methods: Clinical and histologic material on 21 consecutive cystic ameloblastomas was retrieved and reviewed. Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferation-associated Ki-67 protein was carried out to determine mitotic indices for 10 cystic ameloblastomas, and these were compared to 10 solid ameloblastomas and 10. dentigerous cysts. Results: Lesions from 10 males and 11 females (age range, 12 to 72 years; mean age, 35 years) were included. All lesions were in the mandible; 18 in posterior sites. Lesion size ranged from 2 to 8 cm in greatest dimension. Cortical perforation was evident in 7 lesions, and multilocularity (more often in older patients) was evident in 6 lesions. Recurrences were seen in 9 cases (43%), and the time between initial treatment and recurrence was as long as 10 years. The characteristic histopathologic feature was a thin, stratified squamous cystic lining with spongiosis and basal palisades. Ten cases also showed mural invasion, and 4 had plexiform luminal proliferation. The proliferation rate of the cystic ameloblastomas (represented as a percentage of cells in cell cycle) was 4.3%, compared with solid tumors at 2.8% and dentigerous cysts at 6.6%. Conclusions: Cystic ameloblastomas occur within a wide age range, but at slightly lower mean age than solid lesions. There is a very strong predilection for the mandible, and there appears to be no gender difference. Lesions frequently become large, destructive, and/or multilocular. There is a significant recurrence potential, and extended follow-up is advisable. The deceptively innocent histology of cystic ameloblastomas belies the biologic potential of these lesions. The mechanism(s) by which cystic ameloblastomas gain their destructive behavior seems less likely associated with acceleration of the cell cycle than with other factors. Simple enucleation or currettage of these lesions may be inappropriate treatment. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Role of non-governmental organisations in operations research in low-resource countries

Abstract Background Research partnerships among practitioners, researchers, and affected communities are increasingly seen as important vehicles for translating findings to operational strategies. However, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are often overlooked as originators and users of research. I aimed to show that NGOs have experience in several countries, and established structures, networks, and relationships with communities that place them in a unique position to link research and practice. Methods I explored the experiences of 19 NGOs undertaking operations research studies within child survival programmes supported by the US Agency for International Development across 23 countries. These NGOs are implementing a wide range of health services in underserved communities for improved and equitable outcomes. The studies include diverse interventions and study designs. I used data from the entire population of 30 projects funded for 3–5 years in 2008–12 to undertake operations research. I assessed partnerships, relevance, and acceptance for each project. Findings So far, the NGOs have formalised 151 partnerships including 64 community-based partnerships, 55 national partnerships, 17 global partnerships, and 16 partnerships with northern researchers and nine with southern researchers. I found that all 30 projects are addressing issues of local relevance as shown in national strategic priorities, whereas 21 are linked to global priorities. High acceptance of the operations research projects as shown by broadly favourable opinions, support, and participation of local stakeholders. Interpretation NGOs are well positioned to identify programme challenges, and propose and test solutions to generate findings of immediate use. Future research projects should consider partnerships with NGOs. Funding US Agency for International Development.
Simultaneous Determination of Nitrate and Nitrite in Biological Samples by Multichannel Flow Injection Analysis

An automated method for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate in biological samples by using a multichannel flow injection analyzer has been developed. The method was based on the reaction of nitrite with Greiss reagent. The sample solution was injected and equally divided into two channels; channel one (1) represented total nitrite obtained by cadmium reduction of nitrate to nitrite while channel two (2) represented only nitrite. The absorbance of the color product was measured by photometric detectors with 540-nm filters. This method combines high reproducibility of sample introduction via flow injection and sensitivity of spectrophotometric detection. The detection limit is 25 nM for both nitrite and nitrate. The chemistry manifolds are constructed of Teflon tubing which, along with a low-pressure Flowfit connector system, provides for low maintenance, ease of use, and high sample throughput. We demonstrated that the system can be used for the determination of both nitrate and nitrite in a variety of biological samples as well as a comparison of the results from this system and the HPLC system.
Micromechanics and effective transverse elastic moduli of composites with randomly located aligned circular fibers

Abstract Based on the two-dimensional (plane-strain) micromechanical fiber interaction framework, effective transverse elastic moduli of two-phase brittle matrix composites containing many randomly located yet unidirectionally aligned circular fibers are investigated in this paper. The fibers are characterized as infinitely long and equal-sized inclusions. By employing the local pairwise fiber interaction formulation coupled with the ensemble-area averaged field equations, the proposed approximate analysis leads to a novel, higher-order (in fiber volume fraction), and accurate method for the prediction of effective transverse elastic moduli of two-phase fiber reinforced composites. In addition, the proposed micromechanical approach is extended to predict the effective transverse shear velocities of fiber suspensions with randomly located aligned rigid fibers. Comparisons with experimental data, Hashin's variational bounds, and improved three-point bounds are also presented to illustrate the predictive capability of the proposed method for fiber-reinforced composites.
Terahertz Emission, Detection and Military Applications

Dong Ho Wu and Jerry R. Meyer Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375 ABSTRACT We review the current status of terahertz tec hnologies, especially terahertz beam generators and detectors, which include those being developed in our laboratory. Of the many promising terahertz technologies, only a few may currently be suitable for military applications in the field, which require a high-power terahertz output and a high sensitivity in detection. In addition to these requirements, terahertz imaging for military applications demands focal-plane-arrayed detectors. Presently we are developing a terahertz source based on a modified difference-frequency technique, in which we employ an optical parametric method. We used a Nd:YAG Q-switched laser as a pump source, and LiNbO
Character Tables of 2-Generator p-Groups of Class Two

In this article, we classify up to isomorphism the character tables of 2-generator p-groups of class two.
Ultra-sensitive immunoassay biosensors using hybrid plasmonic-biosilica nanostructured materials.

We experimentally demonstrate an ultra-sensitive immunoassay biosensor using diatom biosilica with self-assembled plasmonic nanoparticles. As the nature-created photonic crystal structures, diatoms have been adopted to enhance surface plasmon resonances of metal nanoparticles on the surfaces of diatom frustules and to increase the sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In this study, a sandwich SERS immunoassay is developed based on the hybrid plasmonic-biosilica nano-structured materials that are functionalized with goat anti-mouse IgG. Our experimental results show that diatom frustules improve the detection limit of mouse IgG to 10 pg/mL, which is ~100× better than conventional colloidal SERS sensors on flat glass.
Hermeneutic algebra: Solving for love, time/space, and value in Putin-era personal ads

This article explores claims about how to understand others. It does so through ethnography of ways cultural producers and their apprentices struggled and colluded over what constitutes a true reading or empathic performance of another's words. The linguistic forms up for interpretation were those in Russian personal ads. Like many other forms in the region, personal ad texts are vulnerable to shallow readings as mere market imports, and so the article first unpacks Transition and Cold War ideologies in order then to discuss interactions that lay out alternate formulae for reading the ads. These latter hermeneutics are no less ideological—their makers also separate, condense, and combine “variables” to ratify the reality of categories (e.g., generation, nation, sentiment). Still, to examine how they do so does undermine Cold War paradigms and moreover suggests how people ground meta-discourse about misunderstanding itself. The article draws from fieldwork at the Russian Academy for the Theatrical Arts in Moscow in 2002–3 and 2005, as well as from other field, archival, and media work in Russia since 1988. [hermeneutics, intertextuality, performance, sentiment, Russia]
Expanding the Boundaries of Scholarship in Psychology through Teaching, Research, Service, and Administration

The Society for the Teaching of Psychology formed a task force in 2000 on Uniting Scholarship and Teaching to develop suggestions for how the Society might facilitate Boyer's (1990) and Halpern et al.'s (1998) expanded views of traditional scholarship with respect to the teaching of psychology. This article represents a partial fulfillment of that charge. Specifically, we explore the scholarly dimensions of teaching, research, service, and administration and consider models for undertaking and documenting scholarship in each of these realms of academic life.
Integrins, Adhesion, and Cardiac Remodeling

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors that mediate a cell's ability to perceive its environment, respond to changed in its environment, and alter its environment. When activated, these receptors form focal adhesions, which are areas of close attachment of the cells to extracellular matrix proteins in which colocalization of cytoskeletal proteins, intracellular signaling molecules, and growth factor receptors occurs. In cardiac fibroblasts, integrins mediate cell growth and adhesion. Growth factors such as angiotensin II regulate DNA synthesis, protooncogene expression, extracellular matrix production, adhesion, and other actions of cardiac fibroblasts, many of which require integrin activation. In addition to controlling growth factor and hemodynamic effects, regulation ofintegrin activity may be useful to affect cardiac fibrosis and the remodeling process.
Regulation by follicle-stimulating hormone of the synthesis of aromatase cytochrome p-450 in human granulosa cells

The effects of FSH to increase the activity of aromatase, as well as the synthesis of the components of the aromatase enzyme complex, have been studied in human ovarian granulosa cells obtained from women undergoing oocyte retrieval. FSH increased aromatase activity, as well as the synthesis of aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P-450AROM) in a time-dependent fashion, whereas in the absence of FSH, both activity and synthesis declined with duration of culture. The effect of FSH was mimicked by forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase. FSH also increased the synthesis of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, butto a relatively modest extent. The levels of hybridizable mRNA species encoding cytochrome P-450AROM of lengths 3.0, 2.4, and 1.6 kilobases were also increased with FSH treatment. It is concluded that the regulation of aromatase activity by FSH in human granulosa cells is mediated primarily by changes in the synthesis of cytochrome P-450AROM, that this action of FSH is mediated by cAMP, and that the change...
RECENT RECORDS OF HYBRIDIZATION BETWEEN BARRED OWLS (STRIX VARIA) AND NORTHERN SPOTTED OWLS (S. OCCIDENTALIS CAURINA)

Abstract We summarized records of hybridization between Barred Owls (Strix varia) and Northern Spotted Owls (S. occidentalis caurina) in Washington and Oregon through 1999. A total of 47 hybrids were observed, including 17 F1s that were first detected as adults, 4 F1s that were banded as juveniles and subsequently recaptured as adults, 10 F1 juveniles, and 16 F2 juveniles. All confirmed cases of hybridization between Barred and Spotted owls involved male Spotted Owls paired with female Barred Owls. Ten F1 hybrids that backcrossed with Barred Owls produced a total of 15 young; 6 F1 hybrids that backcrossed with Spotted Owls produced only 1 young. Those differences may indicate that some combinations of sex and species are more compatible or more fertile than others, but more documentation is needed. Because F2 hybrids and subsequent generations are difficult to distinguish in the field from Barred or Spotted owls, genetic comparisons of blood or tissue samples may be needed to identify hybrids beyond the f...
Design of minimum time maneuvers for multispacecraft interferometric imaging systems

In this paper, we consider the design of minimum time maneuvers for multi-spacecraft interferometric imaging systems. We show that the process of image formation in a multi-spacecraft interferometric imaging system is analogous to painting a "large disk" with smaller "paintbrushes", while maintaining a minimum thickness of paint. We show that spiral maneuvers form the dominant set for the painting problem. Further, we frame the minimum time problem in the space of spiral maneuvers and obtain the Double Pantograph Problem. We show that the solution of the Double Pantograph Problem is given by the solution to two associated linear programming problems. We illustrate our results through an imaging example where the image of a fictitious exo-solar planet is formed using the maneuver prescribed by the Double Pantograph Problem.
Structure and mode of action of glycoproteins from an antarctic fish.

Abstract The determination of the structures of a series of serum glycoproteins from the Antarctic fish Trematomus borchgrevinki has been completed. These glycoproteins are present in a range of molecular weights and they consist entirely of repeating units of -Ala-Thr-Ala- in which threonine bears a disaccharide moiety that we now show to be a β- d - galactopyranosyl -(1→4)-2- acetamido -2- deoxy -α- d - galactopyranosyl moiety. To our knowledge this represents the first determination of the complete structure of a glycoprotein. These glycoproteins have been shown to be partly responsible for the unusually low temperatures at which the blood serums of Antarctic fishes freeze. We have prepared a series of derivatives of the glycoproteins in which hydroxyl groups of the carbohydrate moiety have been chemically modified by acetonation, acetylation or oxidation. The freezing point depressing activity of the derivatives has been evaluated and the results suggest that the activity results from an interaction with water or ice that involves many structural features of the glycoprotein molecules.
Potential damage to flight hardware from MIL-STD-462 CS02 setup

The MIL-STD-462 CS02 conducted susceptibility test setup includes an audio transformer, with the secondary used as an inductor, and a large capacitor. Together, these two components from an L-type low-pass filter to minimize the injected test signal input into the power source. Some flight hardware power input configurations are not compatible with this setup and break into oscillation when powered up. This, in turn, can damage flight hardware. Such as oscillation resulted in the catastrophic failure of an item tested in the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) large electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test facility.
Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of Cr-doped ZnS crystalline thin films

It is demonstrated that pulsed laser deposition is a promising “alternative route” for synthesis of middle infrared laser media based on chromium doped ZnS crystalline thin films with a precisely controllable concentration of dopant. The deposition rate and thickness of the thin films synthesized in our experiments varied from 0.017 to 0.109 nm per pulse and 200 nm up to 12 µm, respectively, depending on the laser energy density, number of pulses, and target-substrate distance. Cr concentration in the target mate rial and grown thin film measured by different techniques were very close to each other for a dynamic range of Cr concentration from ~ 10 19 to 3.5 × 10 20 cm -3 . Thin film features luminescence band which is similar to the band in bulk crystal (slightly blue-shifted). The emission lifetime of Cr 2+ : ZnS films with Cr 2+ concentration of ~2 × 10 19 cm -3 was measured to be ~3 µs. The emission lifetime was shortened to 1 µs for 1.8 × 10 20 cm -3 and to 0.67 µs for 3.5 × 10 20 cm -3 concentration of chromium due to the concentration quenching. Spectroscopic study shows that Cr 2+ :ZnS thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition are promising
α1A- and α1B-adrenergic receptors differentially modulate antidepressant-like behavior in the mouse

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) drugs are used for the treatment of chronic depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety-related disorders. Chronic use of TCA drugs increases the expression of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(1)-ARs). Yet, it is unclear whether increased alpha(1)-AR expression contributes to the antidepressant effects of these drugs or if this effect is unrelated to their therapeutic benefit. In this study, mice expressing constitutively active mutant alpha(1A)-ARs (CAM alpha(1A)-AR) or CAM alpha(1B)-ARs were used to examine the effects of alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-AR signaling on rodent behavioral models of depression, OCD, and anxiety. CAM alpha(1A)-AR mice, but not CAM alpha(1B)-AR mice, exhibited antidepressant-like behavior in the tail suspension test and forced swim test. This behavior was reversed by prazosin, a selective alpha(1)-AR inverse agonist, and mimicked by chronically treating wild type mice with cirazoline, an alpha(1A)-AR agonist. Marble burying behavior, commonly used to model OCD in rodents, was significantly decreased in CAM alpha(1A)-AR mice but not in CAM alpha(1B)-AR mice. In contrast, no significant differences in anxiety-related behavior were observed between wild type, CAM alpha(1A)-AR, and CAM alpha(1B)-AR animals in the elevated plus maze and light/dark box. This is the first study to demonstrate that alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-ARs differentially modulate antidepressant-like behavior in the mouse. These data suggest that alpha(1A)-ARs may be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of depression.
A Brief History of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely accepted as effective therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This paper presents a brief (and somewhat subjective) history of pulmonary rehabilitation, and stresses the development of the exercise component. Until the middle of the 20th century, patients with COPD were advised to avoid the dyspnea that activity brings. Barach can be credited with positing that patients with COPD should strive to be more active. In the 1960s Petty created the multi-disciplinary team that was found to be effective in delivering pulmonary rehabilitation. In the 1980s doubts surfaced as to the ability of rehabilitative exercise to improve muscle function in COPD, but in the 1990s studies showed that well-designed exercise programs caused beneficial physiologic adaptations. The current decade has yielded studies that exploited those insights to design interventions that boost the effectiveness of rehabilitative exercise.
Reversible potentials for steps in methanol and formic acid oxidation to CO2; adsorption energies of intermediates on the ideal electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation and CO2 reduction

Quantum chemical theory is used to identify the reasons for platinum's limitations as an electrocatalyst for oxidizing methanol at fuel cell anodes. The linear Gibbs energy relation (LGER) method is employed to predict reversible potentials for reaction steps for intermediates on the electrode surface. In this procedure, standard reversible potentials are calculated for the reactions in bulk solution phase and then they are perturbed using calculated adsorption bond strengths to the electrode surface, yielding the equilibrium potentials for each electron transfer step for adsorbed intermediates. Adsorption properties of ideal electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation are found by imposing the condition that the reversible potential of each electron transfer step equals that for the overall reaction. The adsorption bond strengths that provide the ideal properties also apply to formic acid oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction. It is instructive to think of the ideal electrocatalyst as a lens that focusses the reversible potentials for the n individual electron transfer steps to the reversible potential for the n-electron process. It is found that the ideal catalyst will adsorb many intermediates, including HOOC, CO, OCH, HOC, HOCH, HOCH2, and OCH3 more weakly than platinum, and OOCH and OH more strongly. For example, for one possible pathway it is necessary to weaken adsorption bond strengths for HOCH2, HOCH, OCH, HOOC by about 0.5 eV, weaken adsorption CO by about 1.1 eV and strengthen OH adsorption by about 0.6 eV. These results imply a need for developing new multi-component catalysts.
Strategy of oxidative metabolism in bull spermatozoa

Hypotonically treated bull epididymal spermatozoa (HTBES) were prepared by the same technique used for hypotonically treated rabbit epididymal spermatozoa (HTRES) in order to compare the mitochondrial activities of the bull gamete to those of the rabbit gamete. Bull sperm mitochondria oxidize pyruvate plus malate, lactate plus malate, and acetyl-L-carnitine plus malate with energy coupling. The rate of O2 uptake by HTBES with pyruvate plus malate is more rapid than lactate plus malate. Bull sperm mitochondria also oxidize glutamate plus malate, L-3-glycerolphosphate, and palmitoyl CoA plus carnitine as well as palmitoyl-L-carnitine. The first mitochondrial activity enables bull sperm to utilize the malate/aspartate shuttle as well as the lactate/pyruvate shuttle to transfer reducing equivalents from NADH produced by glycolysis in the cytosol to the mitochondria for complete oxidation by O2. The latter two activities enable bovine sperm to utilize endogenous lipids and phospholipids for energy metabolism. Rabbit sperm mitochondria lack these three mitochondrial oxidative activities but have maximal oxidative activity with lactate as substrate (Storey and Kayne ('77). Bull spermatozoa are equipped metabolically for survival in the bovine oviduct lumen, which has a low content of oxidizable substrate, while rabbit spermatozoa are equipped for survival in the rabbit oviduct lumen, which has a high lactate content. The hypothesis was proposed that mitochondrial activities of sperm of a given species are adapted to the substrate content of the oviduct lumen of that species and so have predictive value concerning oviduct lumen content.
Double-hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

A 72-year-old previously healthy woman presented with acute abdominal pain and a 10-Ib weight loss. Positron emission tomography demonstrated [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose-avid mesenteric lymphadenopathy, with evidence of bowel compression near a 3 × 3 cm lymph node. Biopsy of this node revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), CD10+, with Ki-67 staining 80% of malignant cells (Figs 1A to 1D). BCL2 immunostaining was positive; MYC immunostaining was not performed. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed evidence of a t(14;18) BCL2 translocation and evidence of an MYC gene rearrangement that was not t(8;14) (Figs 2A and 2B). Bone marrow biopsy was negative, and serum lactate dehydrogenase was minimally elevated. The patient is now referred to you to discuss the prognosis and management of stage IIa DLBCL, International Prognostic Index score of 2, with double-hit genetic features.
Canopy disturbance history of old-growth Quercus alba sites in the eastern United States: Examination of long-term trends and broad-scale patterns

In the Eastern Deciduous Forest Formation, disturbance regimes are dominated by localized events that remove relatively small portions of the forest canopy, increasing growing space and resource availability for residual trees. Numerous local-scale canopy disturbance reconstructions have been developed and have shaped our understanding of natural disturbance frequency, community dynamics, and changes in forest systems through time. We analyzed tree-ring series from 44 Quercus alba old-growth sites located throughout the species’ distributional range with the ultimate goal of identifying long-term, broad-scale changes in canopy disturbance regime characteristics throughout the tree-ring record. We documented large gap-scale disturbances via the identification of release events with a five-year duration. To account for unequal sample sizes and tree ages, we calculated the mean releases tree 1
Fast iterative solution algorithms for the frequency-domain layered finite-element based analysis of large-scale on-chip interconnect structures

An effective preconditioner P is proposed in this work for solving the surface-unknown-based reduced system matrix in the frequency-domain layered finite element method. This preconditioner is effective because it can converge the iterative solution of the reduced system matrix in a few iterations. It is computationally efficient because P-1b with b being an arbitrary vector can be obtained in linear complexity in both CPU time and memory consumption. With this preconditioner, the reduced system matrix in the layered finite element method is solved efficiently. The algorithms are rigorous without making any approximation. They apply to any arbitrarily-shaped multilayer structure. Numerical and experimental results demonstrated the accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency of the proposed fast solution algorithms in analyzing large-scale on-chip interconnects.
Voice Onset Time in Women as a Function of Oral Contraceptive Use

Summary Previous studies of the effect of hormonal changes across phases of the menstrual cycle on voice onset time (VOT) have not considered the variable of oral contraceptive use. The purpose of this study was to examine both the effects of menstrual cycle phase and that of oral contraceptive use on VOT. It was hypothesized that women taking oral contraceptives would exhibit smaller VOT differences across the phases of their menstrual cycles. The study was a prospective matched-group experimental design. Participants were 10 women who were on oral contraceptives and 10 who were not. The participants were recorded over two menstrual cycles, on the 10th and 20th day to evaluate their speech during the preovulation and premenstrual phases of their menstrual cycle. Participants produced 10 repetitions of the phrase “Speak ___ to me” containing the target syllables /bae/ and /pae/. Repeated measure ANOVAs revealed no significant differences in VOT between the two groups. Statistical results showed significant interactions between the menstrual cycle phase and the 2 recording months. It is possible that month-to-month differences in hormonal levels and other factors that can affect speech may have a greater effect on VOT than either the taking of oral contraceptives or the phase differences within a menstrual cycle.
Biochemical characterization of two haloalkane dehalogenases: DccA from Caulobacter crescentus and DsaA from Saccharomonospora azurea.

Two putative haloalkane dehalogenases (HLDs) of the HLD-I subfamily, DccA from Caulobacter crescentus and DsaA from Saccharomonospora azurea, have been identified based on sequence comparisons with functionally characterized HLD enzymes. The two genes were synthesized, functionally expressed in E. coli and shown to have activity toward a panel of haloalkane substrates. DsaA has a moderate activity level and a preference for long (greater than 3 carbons) brominated substrates, but little activity toward chlorinated alkanes. DccA shows high activity with both long brominated and chlorinated alkanes. The structure of DccA was determined by X-ray crystallography and was refined to 1.5 A resolution. The enzyme has a large and open binding pocket with two well-defined access tunnels. A structural alignment of HLD-I subfamily members suggests a possible basis for substrate specificity is due to access tunnel size.
Biologic and molecular markers for staging colon carcinoma

Biomarkers in the field of pathology and oncology may allow for the detection of disease, assessment of prognosis or to predict response to certain therapy. Molecular abnormalities in colorectal cancer genesis may occur due to chromosome instability, microsatellite instability and DNA methylation (CpG island methylator phenotype). These alterations are associated in some cases to sporadic carcinomas whereas in others are seen in syndrome-related tumors and are the basis for the use of different biomarkers in the clinical setting. These may include mismatched repair gene/proteins, RAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, which help to determine tumor prognosis and predict response to certain drugs.
Problem-Solving Consultation

In this chapter, focus is on the intersection of problem solving, consultation, and response to intervention (RTI). After briefly defining each term,consultation and RTI are explored in depth, and a similarities/differences comparison is presented. Although there are some clear similarities that exist within the fields of school consultation and RTI (e.g., importance placed on the problem-solving process, prevention efforts, evidence-based practices, intervention implementation with high fidelity), the differences between the two fields outnumber these similarities (Erchul, J Educ Psychol Consult 21:191–208, 2011). The authors conclude that, although problem-solving consultation methods undergird many RTI practices, the established consultation literature could contribute much more to the science and practice of RTI. The chapter concludes with suggestions for further research and implications for enhancing practice.
Localization of Multiple DNA Sequences on Nanopatterns

DNA oligonucleotides of different sequences were patterned at the nanoscale. Areas of positive charge were generated by exposure of insulating substrates, spin-on hydrogen silsesquioxane or vapor-deposited SiO(2) on Si, with ionizing radiation sources used in electron beam and extreme ultraviolet lithography. Au nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 15 nm, carrying covalently bound negatively charged single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides, were site specifically immobilized directly on the exposed regions and presented oligonucleotides for subsequent hybridization. Repeated exposure and deposition of NPs allowed for patterning multiple DNA sequences. Patterns with dimensions as small as 15 nm were fabricated using electron beam lithography. The use of DNA-functionalized NPs rather than just DNA facilitates metrology in scanning electron microscopy and improves the hybridization efficiency of the oligonucleotides on the surface.
Analysis of brucellosis serological monitoring results in Changji

Objective:To understand the infection status,current prevalence and features of brucellosis in Changji area,so as to control the epidemic situation.Methods: The local villagers were selected by cluster sampling for epidemiological investigation of brucellosis,and Rose-bengal plate test and tube agglutination test were carried out for brucellosis antibody detection.In accordance with "Diagnostic standard for brucellosis"(WS269-2007),serum agglutination titer of 1∶ 100(++) and larger were regarded as positive.Results: 1070 cases were detected in Changji in 2011,the positive rate was 1.78%(19/1070),higher in male than female(P0.05),and there was no difference between males and females among different age groups(P0.05).However,significant difference was found among different nationalities(P0.05) and different careers(P0.005).Conclusion: Brucellosis infection occurred easily in Changji,and animals infection was the main channel of human brucellosis infection.
Compartmentalized Regulation of Parkin-Mediated Mitochondrial Quality Control in the Drosophila Nervous System In Vivo.

In neurons, the normal distribution and selective removal of mitochondria are considered essential for maintaining the functions of the large asymmetric cell and its diverse compartments. Parkin, a E3 ubiquitin ligase associated with familial Parkinson9s disease, has been implicated in mitochondrial dynamics and removal in cells including neurons. However, it is not clear how Parkin functions in mitochondrial turnover in vivo, or whether Parkin-dependent events of the mitochondrial life cycle occur in all neuronal compartments. Here, using the live Drosophila nervous system, we investigated the involvement of Parkin in mitochondrial dynamics, distribution, morphology, and removal. Contrary to our expectations, we found that Parkin-deficient animals do not accumulate senescent mitochondria in their motor axons or neuromuscular junctions; instead, they contain far fewer axonal mitochondria, and these displayed normal motility behavior, morphology, and metabolic state. However, the loss of Parkin did produce abnormal tubular and reticular mitochondria restricted to the motor cell bodies. In addition, in contrast to drug-treated, immortalized cells in vitro, mature motor neurons rarely displayed Parkin-dependent mitophagy. These data indicate that the cell body is the focus of Parkin-dependent mitochondrial quality control in neurons, and argue that a selection process allows only healthy mitochondria to pass from cell bodies to axons, perhaps to limit the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Parkin has been proposed to police mitochondrial fidelity by binding to dysfunctional mitochondria via PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and targeting them for autophagic degradation. However, it is unknown whether and how the PINK1/Parkin pathway regulates the mitochondrial life cycle in neurons in vivo. Using Drosophila motor neurons, we show that parkin disruption generates an abnormal mitochondrial network in cell bodies in vivo and reduces the number of axonal mitochondria without producing any defects in their axonal transport, morphology, or metabolic state. Furthermore, while cultured neurons display Parkin-dependent axonal mitophagy, we find this is vanishingly rare in vivo under normal physiological conditions. Thus, both the spatial distribution and mechanism of mitochondrial quality control in vivo differ substantially from those observed in vitro.
Implementation of MP3 Player in LabVIEW

This chapter describes the entire MP3 decoder system for mono MP3 files as implemented in LabVIEW. It also explores the modifications made to obtain a real-time throughput from the decoder. The first step of the MP3 decoding process is to open a MP3 file and read it by the HP3 Read virtual instrument (VI). This VI reads an MP3 file as specified by the file path control via the read characters from file VI. The MP3 file info VI extracts and displays the information about an MP3 file that is present in the file header. It consists of two VIs—frame type and MP3 info display. The frame type finds the header and extracts the decoding information while the MP3 info displays the extracted information in an ordered fashion. Main data of a frame can be obtained from previous frames as well as a current frame depending on the value of the main data begin pointer. The circ buffer VI serves this purpose and extracts the main data section of the current frame and fills a 1024 point buffer. This results in a total of 1024 main data samples from the previous frames and current frame being stored in the buffer.