cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Yield Financing and Efficiency-Enhancing Takeovers

This study analyzes the determinants of the risk of takeover from 1981 to 1997 based on a sample of 896 Fortune 500 firms using sophisticated methodology. The measure of firm efficiency includes both production costs and overhead expenses. If relatively inefficient firms are chosen as the targets in takeovers and the new owners reduce the costs of these inefficiencies, then the potential for gains from takeovers for the US economy exists. Because firm-level costs are adjusted for the industry median, the study is able to capture the inefficiency implications of firms where it is clear that other firms in the same general product line are better controlling their costs. Indeed, high total cost per unit of revenue is a powerful determinant of the risk of takeover throughout the period under study. The impact of size on the risk of takeover, however, changed across time. When financing was readily available, in particular during the period of the early 1980s, larger firms actually faced a higher risk of takeover. Since both costs and size are measured in terms of revenue, one can easily see that the cost savings associated with the takeover of a larger firm might result in larger dollar savings. Unfortunately, our analysis shows that regulatory actions against takeover financing changed this. Distinct from other active takeover periods, that of the 1980s was characterized by the use of high yield financing. Beginning in 1983, almost coincidental to the announcement of the first large takeover attempt financed completely with high yield debt, a bill was introduced in the US Congress to eliminate the tax deduction for all debt used in takeovers. By the time of its passage in 1989, the bill was directed at only high yield financing. After that, size began to have a strong negative effect on the risk of takeover. By 1990, once a firm reached a certain size threshold, being inefficient relative to other firms in its industry was no longer sufficient to put it at risk for takeover. This policy brief demonstrates how these and other regulatory changes established a size-efficiency tradeoff by which the risk of takeover decreased with size for larger, relatively inefficient firms in the late 1980s. This finding has serious implications for the efficiency enhancement gains available from takeovers after regulations were enforced against the use of high yield securities for financing corporate control activity.
Diagnostics of solar and astrophysical plasmas - Dependent on autoionization phenomena

This chapter shows atomic physicists how calculations involving autoionization effects are useful to astrophysicists. The calculations are important when incorporated into spectroscopic diagnostic tools used to determine physical conditions in astrophysical plasmas. The discussion here is limited to the interpretation of spectral line intensities at ultraviolet and shorter wavelengths, and, therefore, the corresponding emphasis is on calculations involving highly ionized atoms.
Characterization of bacteria by particle beam mass spectrometry

A technique is described for detecting and characterizing bacteria on a single-particle basis by mass spectrometry. The method involves generation of a particle beam of single whole cells which are rapidly volatilized and ionized in vacuum in the ion source of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The particle beam can be generated, with minimal sample handling, from a naturally occurring aerosol or from a solution of bacteria that can be dispersed as an aerosol. The mass spectrum is generated by successively measuring the average intensities of different mass peaks. The average intensity is obtained by measuring the ion intensity distribution at the particular mass (m/e) for ion pulses from more than 1,000 bacteria particles. Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida samples were analyzed to test the capability of the instrument for differentiating among species of bacteria. Significant ion-intensity information was produced over the m/e range of 50 to 300, an improvement over previous pyrolysis-mass spectrometry results. The complex mass spectra contained a few unique peaks which could be used for the differentiation of the bacteria. A statistical analysis of the variations in peak intensities among the three bacteria provided a quantitative measure of the reproducibility of the instrument and its ability to differentiate among bacteria. The technique could lead to a new rapid method for the analysis of microorganisms and could be used for the detection of airborne pathogens on a continuous, real-time basis.
Risk factors, outcomes, and stroke subtypes for ischemic stroke.

Stroke continues to have an enormous impact on the public health of almost every nation. Ranking among the leading causes of death, stroke is far more often disabling than fatal, and results in enormous costs measured in both health-care dollars and lost productivity. In the United States, almost 150,000 deaths are attributed to stroke, and each year 550,000 Americans experience a stroke (table 1).1 Stroke is the leading cause of serious disability in the United States, with one-quarter to one-half of stroke survivors having complete or partial functional dependence on activity of daily living scales. Annual direct and indirect costs for health care expenditures and lost productivity have been estimated at a staggering $20 to $40 billion.1 Over the next decade, the aging of our population and the changing racial and ethnic composition are likely to increase the public health impact of stroke. View this table: Table 1 Public health impact of stroke in the United States Emerging therapies are helping us to reduce the morbidity and mortality after stroke. However, these advances need to be coupled with a greater emphasis on stroke prevention measures. Considerable research has led to a better delineation of stroke risk factors and outcomes, as well as an expanded understanding of pathophysiologic stroke subtypes. Identification of risk factors for initial ischemic stroke, characterizing the determinants of outcome after ischemic stroke, and recognition of the heterogeneity of ischemic stroke subtypes provide the basis for our primary, secondary, and tertiary stroke prevention strategies. Identification and control of stroke risk factors. The cornerstone of all stroke prevention strategies is to identify subjects who are at increased risk for stroke and to modify the risk if possible(figure). Although some factors are not readily modifiable, others are easily amenable to medical or surgical modification(table 2). Age, gender, family …
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a woman with ovarian cancer.

Background A 52-year-old white female presented with sudden onset of light-headedness followed by diplopia, horizontal vertigo and severe nystagmus with oscillopsia. She had previously been in good health. MRI of the brain was normal. Lumbar puncture revealed monocytic pleocytosis. During her initial admission, the patient improved to some degree and was discharged with a possible diagnosis of viral meningitis. After a few weeks, the patient's condition worsened and further evaluation was initiated. Examination revealed an unsteady widespread gait, severe nystagmus and mild dysarthria. A general and gynecological examination was otherwise unremarkable. Investigations General physical and gynecological examinations, MRI of the brain, lumbar punctures, electroencephalogram, transvaginal ultrasound, mammogram, tumor markers, anti-neuronal antibodies, colonoscopy, whole-body positron emission tomography scan, laparoscopy and biopsies. Diagnosis Stage IIIC endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. Management Tumor cytoreduction, plasmapheresis, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymph-node dissection, total omentectomy, carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and speech therapy.
Viewing the past: Ethnoarchaeology at al‐Hiba

An ethnoarchaeological project at al‐Hiba on the edge of the marshes in southern Iraq examines some of the ways that ethnoarchaeological evidence enriches conventional ideas of the relation between behavior and material remains, of the interpretation of materials in the archaeological record and of both the process and nature of change. The author stresses the importance of the visual in recording and understanding ethnographic detail and believes that only long‐term, intensive observation can protect us from pur own preconceptions, the pitfalls of relying on biased, ignorant, or culture‐protective informants or the danger of questionnaires which are too easily manipulated by intention or accident.
Iron, radiation, and cancer.

Abstract Increased iron content of cells and tissue may increase the risk of cancer. In particular, high available iron status may increase the risk of a radiation-induced cancer. There are two possible mechanisms for this effect: iron can catalyze the production of oxygen radicals, and it may be a limiting nutrient to the growth and development of a transformed cell in vivo. Given the high available iron content of the western diet and the fact that the world is changing to the western model, it is important to determine if high iron increases the risk of cancer.
Dysregulated molecular networks in head and neck carcinogenesis

Multiple genetic and epigenetic events, including the aberrant expression and function of molecules regulating cell signaling, growth, survival, motility, angiogenesis, and cell cycle control, underlie the progressive acquisition of a malignant phenotype in squamous carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC). In this regard, there has been a recent explosion in our understanding on how extracellular components, cell surface molecules, and a myriad of intracellular proteins and second messenger systems interact with each other, and are organized in pathways and networks to control cellular and tissue functions and cell fate decisions. This emerging ability to understand the basic mechanism controlling inter- and intra-cellular communication has provided an unprecedented opportunity to understand how their dysregulation contributes to the growth and dissemination of human cancers. Here, we will discuss the emerging information on how the use of modern technologies, including gene array and proteomic studies, combined with the molecular dissection of aberrant signaling networks, including the EGFR, ras, NFκB, Stat, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways, can help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying HNSCC progression. Ultimately, we can envision that this knowledge may provide tremendous opportunities for the diagnosis of premalignant squamous lesions, and for the development of novel molecular-targeted strategies for the prevention and treatment of HNSCC.
Impact of Prasugrel Reload Dosing Regimens on High On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity Rates in Patients on Maintenance Prasugrel Therapy

In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), prasugrel is associated with a greater reduction in atherothrombotic events, albeit at the expense of increased bleeding, compared with clopidogrel ([1][1]). However, despite its greater antiplatelet
Navigating the city: gender and positionality in cultural geography research

How is qualitative research in geography performed? What are some considerations relevant to qualitative research in the field? Answering these questions requires reflections on the role of positionality and gender in cultural geography research. This paper explores the various ways that insider/outsider status and gender impact urban fieldwork. In doing so, it demonstrates that the issues confronting researchers are universal regardless of field site or national, personal, or professional position. By outlining challenges and successes from fieldwork in very different contexts and settings—the work of a graduate student in London, England and that of a faculty member in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania—this paper shows how a qualitative research methodology is directly impacted by the positions of the researchers and explores universal challenges related to positionality. In particular, we focus on interviews as a method that is central to answering research questions and especially impacted by the personal situa...
Treatment of unstable pulmonary embolism in the elderly and those with comorbid conditions.

Abstract Background Although the in-hospital case fatality rate is lower in unstable patients with pulmonary embolism who receive thrombolytic therapy, less than one third receive it. The purpose of this investigation is to try to assess why most unstable patients fail to receive thrombolytic therapy and whether evidence might support a more aggressive approach. Methods Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 1999-2008. Results Fewer unstable patients with pulmonary embolism accompanied by comorbid conditions received thrombolytic therapy than patients with no comorbid conditions, 11,670 of 60,100 (19.4%) vs 9710 of 12,130 (80.0%) ( P 0001). Fewer patients aged>60 years received thrombolytic therapy than patients aged≤60 years, both among those with comorbid conditions, 6330 of 37,320 (17.0%) vs 5340 of 22,780 (23.4%) ( P 0001), and among those without comorbid conditions, 3560 of 5060 (70.4%) vs 6150 of 7070 (87.0%) ( P 0001). However, even among elderly patients and those with comorbid conditions, the case fatality rate was lower with thrombolytic therapy. The odds ratio of in-hospital death (0.11-0.62) favored thrombolytic therapy irrespective of age or comorbidity. Conclusion Unstable patients with pulmonary embolism were less likely to receive thrombolytic therapy if they were elderly or had comorbid conditions, but those who received thrombolytic therapy had a lower in-hospital case fatality rate irrespective of age or comorbid conditions. The cautious approach of withholding thrombolytic therapy in those who might have major bleeding might not be the safest approach in terms of mortality and needs to be prospectively evaluated.
Pneumonia, pneumothorax, and emphysema following ingestion of kerosene

Summary Pulmonary manifestations following the accidental ingestion of kerosene are rather common in young children, but this is believed to be the first case reported complicated by pneumonia, pneumothorax, and emphysema.
Current status of aggressive blood glucose and blood pressure control in diabetic hypertensive subjects.

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The coexistence of hypertension and DM multiplies the diabetic complications manifold. Earlier studies have shown that lowering blood glucose, blood pressure (BP), or both decreases the diabetic complications. On the basis of these results, national and international guidelines have recommended aggressive blood glucose and BP control in patients with DM to glycosylated hemoglobin
Clinical, endocrine, and metabolic effects of acarbose, a α-glucosidase inhibitor, in overweight and nonoverweight patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective To determine the clinical, endocrine, and metabolic effects of acarbose use in overweight and nonoverweight patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Design Prospective analysis. Setting Gynecology and infertility clinic of a tertiary care medical center. Patient(s) Seventy-four patients with PCOS and 30 healthy women. Intervention(s) Acarbose use. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical findings of hyperandrogenism, body mass indices, LH, FSH, DHEAS, total T, PRL, basal insulin, fasting glucose/insulin levels, and lipid profiles. Result(s) Acarbose treatment improved LH/FSH levels, decreased total T, DHEAS, basal insulin, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels, and increased high-density lipoprotein levels in patients with PCOS. Basal insulin and fasting glucose/insulin levels reacted more significantly in overweight patients undergoing acarbose treatment. Conclusion(s) Acarbose has been found to improve insulin levels and thus glucose/insulin ratios more effectively in overweight patients compared with nonoverweight patients with PCOS. This drug seems to be an effective drug to be used in overweight as well as nonoverweight patients with PCOS.
Equatorial Acceleration and Continental Paths: ABSTRACT

A mantle weak enough for convection is also weak enough to End_Page 1902------------------------------ show zonal effects due to the earth's rotation. Zonal rotation--or equatorial acceleration--in a plastic mantle, underneath "rigid" crustal blocks, should have certain specific results. For instance, major continental blocks in the Northern Hemisphere should, over the long term, describe counterclockwise loops. North America has had such a path, as has Europe. Present motions along the rim of the Pacific Ocean suggest that the North Pacific plate also has been following a counterclockwise loop. Major continental blocks in the Southern Hemisphere should describe clockwise loops. This has been the pattern for Antarctica, Australia, and South America. Africa, located primarily in the Southern Hemisphere during Paleozoic time, traced a clockwise loop during that era; in Cenozoic time, largely in the Northern Hemisphere, it has been moving with counterclockwise curvature. Further, major blocks close to the equator should have a greater west-to-east acceleration than major blocks located far from the equator. Hence, South America should be moving eastward relative to North America, and Africa should be moving eastward relative to Europe, North America, and South America. The northward paths of Europe and North America, relative to Africa and South America, also indicate major tensional effects in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico-Caribbean areas. The Northern Pacific block should be moving eastward faster than the North American block as it is closer to the equator, and should be turning in a counterclockwise sense. This movement provides a north-south zone of east-west compression along the western edge of North America and down the East Pacific Rise. Reconstruction of block paths indicates that Gondwanaland, a hypothetical Paleozoic supercontinent, was more likely a convergence of individual blocks which had separate previous histories. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1903------------
Improved Process for the Preparation of 6-Chloro-5-(2-chloroethyl)oxindole

The current process for ziprasidone involves preparation and isolation of the key intermediate 6-chloro-5-(2-chloroethyl)oxindole. An improved process for the synthesis of this intermediate is reported here. The new process involves use of a novel Lewis acid-mediated selective deoxygenation of the precursor ketone with tetramethyldisiloxane. The new method affords the desired compound in a one-pot process obviating the need for isolation of the potentially hazardous precursor ketone. This process was successfully scaled up to multikilo scale.
651 THE EFFECT OF SERUM AND BLAST CELLS FROM CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA ON IN VITRO GRANULOPOIESIS

651 THE EFFECT OF SERUM AND BLAST CELLS FROM CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA ON IN VITRO GRANULOPOIESIS
Metastable Immiscibility in the B2O3–SiO2 System

Using the phase diagram and a simple solution model, a subliquidus miscibility gap was estimated for the B2O3-SiO2 system. The predicted coexistence boundary, showing a consolute temperature of 520°C, was flat and symmetrical and extended across the complete binary. Gradient furnace heat treatments of selected compositions in this system resulted in phase separation which corresponded closely to the coexistence boundary initially predicted. Calculations and preliminary experimental results indicate that temperatures and compositions exist wherein metastable three-liquid immiscibility occurs in R20–B203-SiO2systems.
Jet formation in low current x-pinch devices

Summary form only given. We report on the investigation of the jet formation mechanism in a 80 kA, 40 ns X pinch. Jets in various wire materials (aluminum, copper, molybdenum, nickel, stainless steel and tungsten) were probed with air-wedge interferometric and shadowgraphic techniques with a 3 ns pulse duration laser, and soft X-ray gated imaging (gate duration ~5 ns) with a wavelength <15 Aring. A qualitative difference in properties of the jets was observed as a function of wire material. The jets in tungsten X-pinches were well collimated similar to the observations made with conical wire arrays. Molybdenum and copper X-pinches show merging of the coronal plasma from the wires to the mid-axis of an X-pinch forming a Z-pinch column
The rural-urban population balance again.

This paper explores further the economics of the rural-urban population balance, using the method of comparative statics. It confirms the results obtained by Artle and his colleagues, using the method of excess demand analysis, thus demonstrating that the two methods of analysis are equivalent in this context. In analysing the effects of non-neutral technological change upon urbanization, it is essential to distinguish between the total elasticity of demand for manufactured products, and the income and (compensated) price elasticities, respectively. The empirical plausibility is questioned of assuming that total demand for the aggregate of manufactured goods is elastic.
The effects of acute alcohol administration on the human brain: insights from neuroimaging.

Over the last quarter century, researchers have peered into the living human brain to develop and refine mechanistic accounts of alcohol-induced behavior, as well as neurobiological mechanisms for development and maintenance of addiction. These in vivo neuroimaging studies generally show that acute alcohol administration affects brain structures implicated in motivation and behavior control, and that chronic intoxication is correlated with structural and functional abnormalities in these same structures, where some elements of these decrements normalize with extended sobriety. In this review, we will summarize recent findings about acute human brain responses to alcohol using neuroimaging techniques, and how they might explain behavioral effects of alcohol intoxication. We then briefly address how chronic alcohol intoxication (as inferred from cross-sectional differences between various drinking populations and controls) may yield individual brain differences between drinking subjects that may confound interpretation of acute alcohol administration effects. Language: en
An LC-ESI/MS method for determining theanine in green tea dietary supplements

Theanine is the major amino acid present in Camellia sinensis or green tea. A method for determining theanine in its native state using liquid chromatography with positive-mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection was developed. Quantitation of theanine was achieved using theanine-[2H5] as an internal standard. This approach was utilized on different green tea matrix materials that are commonly used as dietary supplements including powdered plant leaves, a powdered plant leaf extract, and an oral dosage form that contains green tea. The theanine response was linear over several orders of magnitude, and excellent measurement precision was obtained for all three materials using the developed method.
YAMAUBA: REPRESENTATION OF THE JAPANESE MOUNTAIN WITCH IN THE MUROMACHI AND EDO PERIODS

This paper discusses the nature of the yamauba and the transformation of its image over time through an examination of its appearance in literature, folktales and art, focusing on, but not limited to, the early modern period. Literally, “yamauba” means an old woman who lives in the mountains, an appellation indicating a creature living on the periphery of society. Medieval Japanese literature equates the yamauba to a female oni (ogre/demon), sometimes devouring human beings who unwittingly cross her path. She is, however, not entirely negative or harmful. She is also credited with nurturing aspects, though these attributes are not always at the forefront of her character. Indeed, the emphasis on attributes imparted to that character changes significantly over time. A portrayal of the yamauba in the medieval period is predominantly of a witch-like white-haired hag, but by the end of the seventeenth century, the yamauba had come to be considered the mother of Kintarō, a legendary child with Herculean strength. By the eighteenth century, with a help of favorable depictions of the yamauba in puppet and Kabuki plays, she is portrayed by ukiyo-e artists as an alluring, beautiful woman who dotes on her son. The paper concludes that the yamauba remains a familiar figure in present-day Japanese society, and is still identified as a character of the disenfranchised “other.”
On defense as opposed to theodicy

The objective of this essay is to expose important defects in the attempt to substitute defense for theodicy in addressing the problem of evil. I offer two criticisms of the defense strategy followed by some qualifying remarks. The first criticism is that a defense is beside the point as a response to contemporary formulations of the problem of evil. The second is that an unsupplemented defense is not rationally persuasive. Both criticisms are based upon the same foundation. I believe that those who offer defenses fail to properly understand the dialectical geography of the problem of evil. The result is that they fail to truly engage skeptics. Before proceeding, I should define what I mean by "defense" and "theodicy." According to theists, God is infinitely perfect. From this perfection arises the apparent incongruence of suffering within God's creation. This is the problem of evil. In the context of the problem of evil, a defense differs from a theodicy in that a defense is only intended to maintain the logical coherence of the central claims of theism. To offer a defense is to offer a logically possible explanation of evil, or a particular evil, within the creation of God. The goal is to avoid the definitive refutation of theism. The aim of a theodicy, on the other hand, is to endorse the truth or bolster the reasonableness of theism. To offer a theodicy is to endeavor a rationally convincing explanation of evil, or a particular evil, within the creation of God. The burden of a theodicy, then, is much greater than the burden of a defense. This makes the strategy of defense attractive.
On the Regularity of Reflector Antennas

where ν is the outer normal to A at the point where the light ray hits A. Suppose that we have a light source located at O, and Ω,Ω∗ are two domains in the sphere Sn−1, f(x) is a positive function for x ∈ Ω (input illumination intensity), and g(x∗) is a positive function for x∗ ∈ Ω∗ (output illumination intensity). If light emanates from O with intensity f(x) for x ∈ Ω, the far field reflector antenna problem is to find a perfectly reflecting surface A parametrized by z = ρ(x)x for x ∈ Ω, such that all reflected rays by A fall in the directions in Ω∗, and the output illumination received in the direction x∗ is g(x∗); that is, T (Ω) = Ω∗, where T is given by (1.1). Assuming there is no loss of energy in the reflection, then by the law of conservation of energy ∫
Transformation methods for solving nonlinear field equations

The collection of extended canonical transformations of first-order contact manifolds is studied. This collection is shown to form a group under target-source composition and to contain the group of all first prolongations of point transformation of the underlying graph space and all isogroups of completely integrable horizontal ideals. Extended canonical transformations are compared and contrasted with Backlund transformations. These results are used to construct an extended Hamilton-Jacobi method for systems of nonlinear PDE. The collection of all extended canonical transformations is also shown to contain infinitely many one-parameter families of transformations, but there is no Lie group structure that contains these one-parameter families, in general. Conditions are obtained under which a one-parameter family of extended canonical transformations will map a solution of the fundamental ideal that characterizes a given system of PDE into a one-parameter family of solutions. These results are applied to the Ω-Gordon equation ∂x∂1 φ = Ω(φ) and to the Navier-Stokes equations.
The Management of Acute Airway Problems in Infancy and Childhood

SUMMARY A patent airway and satisfactory tracheobronchial toilet are fundamental to the successful management of a number of pediatric disorders. More widespread usage of mechanical ventilators has increased the indications for tracheostomy and simultaneously emphasized the necessity for airway patency. Technical competence, adequate nursing care, and careful attention to details permit the surgeon to employ endoscopy and tracheostomy as useful adjuncts in pediatric practice.
Anatomic and biomechanical analysis of the arthroscopic wafer procedure

The ulnar impaction syndrome is a common clinical entity that is most often associated with positive ulnar variance and is characterized by triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), lunate, and/or distal ulnar pathology. Traditional treatment for symptomatic ulnar impaction syndrome has been conservative; however, in cases refractory to nonoperative management, formal ulnar shortening has been successful in long-term clinical series. Recently, arthroscopic ulnar shortening, the "arthroscopic wafer procedure" (AWP) (debridement of the perforated TFCC margins and limited ulnar head resection using a motorized burr) has become an option to treat this clinical syndrome. In an attempt to evaluate the biomechanical efficacy of the AWP, an experimental study was undertaken using nine ulnar positive cadaver forearms. Each specimen was evaluated biomechanically using axial load cells and pressure-sensitive film to evaluate the effect of serial resection of the TFCC and distal ulna on axial load and ulnar carpal pressures. The results of this experimental study revealed a statistically significant unloading of the ulnar aspect of the wrist after excision of the centrum of the TFCC and resection of the radial two-thirds width of the ulnar head, to a depth of subchondral bone resection. Furthermore, additional bony resection tended to correlate favorably with the stage of TFCC pathology noted, i.e., the more advanced the stage, the more resection necessary to unload the ulnar aspect of the wrist. Based on this biomechanical study, a limited clinical series has been initiated with early favorable results. The AWP biomechanically unloads the ulnar carpal complex, and therefore has a theoretical potential of relieving the symptoms of the ulnar impaction syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isothermal Raman depolarization ratios of supracritical carbon monoxide at pressures between 20 and 2400 bar

The Raman depolarization ratios of carbon monoxide were measured via the zeroth spectral moment, Mo (integrated intensities), and simple peak-height determinations under isothermal conditions (323 K) over a pressure range of 20–2400 bar in a mixture of CH4 and CO. These conditions correspond to densities ranging from 0.75 to 24 mol I−1. The measurements were carried out so that the depolarization ratios being measured in other experiments from the ν1 totally symmetric stretching mode of supracritical methane could be corrected for instrumental depolarization effects. The values near a pressure of 1 bar have been calculated and measured for CO by several sets of workers. The cell windows were float glass and as a result they are known to contribute much less than quartz to depolarization. Float glass windows cause only a 0.5% error in scrambling uncertainty of the polarized light exiting the high-pressure cell.
Rhythmic speech training with preschool stuttering children: An experimental study

Abstract This preliminary study intended to assess the applicability and effectiveness of metronome-paced speech training in treating stuttering exhibited by preschool-aged children. Three subjects received intensive rhythmic speech training aided by a desktop metronome during 5 wk. A detailed description of the clinical methodology which was established is included in the report. Speech was evaluated before therapy, after therapy, and after a “rest” (no therapy) period. All three subjects who were trained with metronomic signals were able to speak rhythmically and showed improvement that warrants further experimentation with the method.
Park, Doyle, and Hughes : Neglected antecedents of Goffman's theory of ceremony

Erving Goffman's writings on etiquette and front are read in the context of a tradition of Chicago school studies on such topics. Robert E. Park formed this tradition from two strains of thought: one based on the writings of Herbert Spencer, and the other on that of Georg Simmel. A review of writings by Park, and by his students Bertram W. Doyle and Everett C. Hughes, provides a basis for analyzing Goffman's original contributions to the tradition, a synthesis of the two strains. Goffman both advanced the line of study and shared in its biases. These limitations must be overcome if future research in the tradition is to proceed.
Industrial television and the Vidicon

TO THE AVERAGE person television means but one thing — the home receiver to which he and his family may repair for an evening's entertainment or instruction. And, indeed, the growth of the industry which serves this function has been so phenomenal that it may seem unreasonable to ask more of television than the dissemination of cultural values and relaxation through the medium of broadcasting.
An Evaluation of Functional and User Interface Requirements for Pharmacogenomic Clinical Decision Support

We evaluated the functional support currently existing University of Washington clinical systems provide to execute approximate pharmacogenomic decision support rules. In addition, we evaluated proposed clinical decision support system user interface features with use scenarios to provide contextual information. Based on results from these evaluations, we derived a conceptual model for incorporating pharmacogenomic knowledge into the electronic health record that supports the functional and user interface requirements for pharmacogenomic clinical decision support.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: prevalence, pathogenesis, and natural history.

Background Obesity is a risk factor for developing slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The long-term outcome after SCFE treatment depends on the severity of residual hip deformity and the occurrence of complications, mainly avascular necrosis (AVN). Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is associated with SCFE-related deformity and dysfunction in both short and long term.
Primary tumor of the glomus pulmonale producing pulmonary stenosis in a Boston terrier.

Abstract To our knowledge, this case represents the first instance of a primary tumor of the glomus pulmonale. It is also the first instance of this type of tumor producing acquired pulmonary stenosis. Tumors of the “chemoreceptor system” occur in human beings as well as in the canine species; thus, this entity is a potential source of acquired pulmonary stenosis in human beings which might be surgically curable. We hesitate to call this tumor a chemodectoma since the function of the glomus pulmonale has not been firmly established.
Urea as a passive transport marker for arthritis biomarker studies.

Objective To develop a method to correct for the unknown dilution of synovial fluid that occurs during lavage of a joint, we evaluated the utility of urea, a molecule that is neither synthesized nor metabolized by joint tissues, as a means of correcting for the dilutional effects of lavage procedures and effusions. Methods Joint fluids were obtained from normal canine joints by direct aspiration (n = 41) and lavage (n = 10). Acute joint injury was induced in 4 joints by intraarticular injection of chymopapain. Serum and joint fluid levels of urea and joint fluid concentrations of glucose, lactate, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and keratan sulfate (KS) were measured in these 55 joints. Results Urea concentrations in joint fluid were directly proportional to those in serum throughout a wide range of concentrations in normal joints. From this relationship, the dilution factor introduced by joint lavage was determined. This method was applied to quantify biomarker concentrations in synovial lavage fluid and was found to successfully correct for lavage-induced dilution of glucose, lactate, COMP, and KS to levels equivalent to those in samples aspirated directly. In the context of chymopapain-induced joint effusion, urea concentrations continued to be proportional to serum concentrations, but were much lower, enabling an estimation of the change in the volume of distribution (Vd) of a marker due to a change in joint water content in the setting of inflammation characterized by effusion. Lactate and KS levels rose markedly in response to chymopapain. After adjustment for the Vd, the glucose concentration in the chymopapain-injected joints did not change. Conclusion Urea provides a robust method of quantifying and correcting for the dilution of synovial fluid due to joint lavage or inflammation. This method is potentially applicable to surrogate marker studies in human arthritis.
Biochemical studies of mammalian oogenesis: synthesis and stability of various classes of RNA during growth of the mouse oocyte in vitro.

Abstract The synthesis of various classes of RNA in mouse oocytes at different stages of growth has been examined after incubating follicles in medium containing radiolabeled uridine. After fractionation on poly(U)-Sepharose of radiolabeled oocyte RNA, of which about 83% is associated with the nucleus after a 5-hr labeling period, revealed that about 40–50% of the radiolabeled RNA behaved as poly(A)-containing RNA. This value remained fairly constant during the period of oocyte growth in which oocyte diameter increased from about 35 to about 55 μm. After a 5-hr labeling, the percentage of radiolabeled poly(A)-containing RNA in either the fully grown dictyate oocyte, metaphase II oocyte, or one-cell embryo was about 20%. After a 5-hr labeling, agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of the radiolabeled species of oocyte RNA obtained after fractionation on poly(U)-Sepharose revealed the presence of a putative ribosomal RNA precursor, ribosomal (28 and 18 S) RNA, transfer plus 5 S RNA and heterodisperse poly(A)-containing RNA. A significant fraction of the radiolabeled RNA species was quite large (>40 S). The ratios of the relative proportions of the radiolabeled ribosomal RNAs and transfer plus 5 S RNA remained essentially constant during oocyte growth. The stability of various classes of RNA was examined by incubating follicles with radiolabeled uridine, washing the follicles free of radioactivity and culturing the follicles under conditions which support oocyte growth in vitro ( Eppig, 1977 ). Under these conditions, total oocyte radiolabeled RNA was quite stable as determined by retention of acid-insoluble radioactive material ( t 1 2 = 28 days ). However, under conditions in which oocytes are viable but do not grow, the half-life of total RNA was about 4.5 days. Poly(A)-containing RNA was also very stable; after 8 days in culture, about 50% of the radiolabeled poly(A)-containing RNA present after 5 hr of labeling was still present. Agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of radiolabeled RNA in oocytes after 4 days of culture and after fractionation on poly(U)-Sepharose revealed the presence of ribosomal (28 and 18 S) RNA, transfer plus 5 S RNA, and heterodisperse poly(A)-containing RNA. At this time, these RNAs are located in the oocyte cytoplasm. In addition, the molecular weight distribution of poly(A)-containing RNA was significantly lower than that after 5 hr of labeling. The ratios of the relative proportions of radiolabeled ribosomal RNAs and transfer plus 5 S RNA were quite similar to those after 5 hr of labeling.
Differential Opioid Agonist Regulation of the Mouse μ Opioid Receptor

Abstract μ opioid receptors mediate the analgesia induced by morphine. Prolonged use of morphine causes tolerance development and dependence. To investigate the molecular basis of tolerance and dependence, the cloned mouse μ opioid receptor with an amino-terminal epitope tag was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, and the effects of prolonged opioid agonist treatment on receptor regulation were examined. In HEK 293 cells the expressed μ receptor showed high affinity, specific, saturable binding of radioligands and a pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Pretreatment (1 h, 3 h, or overnight) of cells with 1 μM morphine or [D-Ala2MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAMGO) resulted in no apparent receptor desensitization, as assessed by opioid inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels. In contrast, the morphine and DAMGO pretreatments (3 h) resulted in a 3-4-fold compensatory increase in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The opioid agonists methadone and buprenorphine are used in the treatment of addiction because of a markedly lower abuse potential. Pretreatment of μ receptor-expressing HEK 293 cells with methadone or buprenorphine abolished the ability of opioids to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. No compensatory increase in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was found with methadone or buprenorphine; these opioids blocked the compensatory effects observed with morphine and DAMGO. Taken together, these results indicate that methadone and buprenorphine interact differently with the mouse μ receptor than either morphine or DAMGO. The ability of methadone and buprenorphine to desensitize the μ receptor and block the compensatory rise in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation may be an underlying mechanism by which these agents are effective in the treatment of morphine addiction.
Assessing the value of human resource certification: A call for evidence-based human resource management

Abstract We are delighted that our article on the value of human resource (HR) certification (Lengnick-Hall & Aguinis, 2012) has generated so much interest. In this brief response, we identify two key similarities across all of the articles published in this special issue (including our own). First, all commentators care deeply about the field of human resource management (HRM). Second, all commentators believe that additional empirical research is needed to assess the value of HR certification for stakeholders inside and outside of the field of HRM. We offer a concrete course of action. Specifically, we issue the following challenge to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation: Issue a call for proposals for empirical research on the value of HR certification. Such a call would provide funding so that teams including both researchers and practitioners are encouraged to conduct research on this topic. Moreover, such a collaborative approach involving the SHRM Foundation, the HRM scholarly community, and the HRM practitioner community is likely to elevate the field of HRM and produce valuable knowledge about the value of HR certification for stakeholders inside and outside of the field, which in turn will also help narrow the much-lamented science–practice gap.
Purification and properties of a brain enzyme which deiminates proteins

The deimination of guanidyl groups of peptides, proteins and other arginine-containing compounds is catalyzed by enzymes found in mammalian brain and epidermis. In cow, the brain and epidermal enzymes differ kinetically and physically, but both may be quantitated by measuring the production of benzoyl citrulline ethyl ester from benzoyl-arginine ethyl ester. The brain enzyme has been purified to apparent homogeneity, as judged by the presence of only one 85,000 dalton band in purified preparations when examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An antibody raised to this band precipitates pure and partially purified brain enzyme but not partially purified epidermal enzyme, using the Ouchterlony technique. The antibody bound to an insoluble matrix removes brain enzyme activity from solution but not epidermal enzyme activity. The Km of the brain enzyme for benzoyl-arginine ethyl ester is about 0.33 mM.
Insulin-inhibited and stimulated cultured vascular smooth muscle cell migration are related to divergent effects on protein phosphatase-2A and autonomous calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II.

Abstract Insulin, in the permissive presence of nitric oxide (NO), stimulates cGMP production which inhibits autonomous calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) thereby inhibiting cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration. In the presence of angiotensin II (Ang II), insulin stimulates NAD(P)H oxidase activity leading to increased VSMC migration. We wished to see whether insulin-stimulated cGMP stimulates protein phosphatase-2A (PP-2A) thereby inhibiting autonomous CaM kinase II and migration, and whether insulin, in the presence of Ang II, inhibits PP-2A and stimulates autonomous CaM kinase II in a NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent manner. One nanomole per litre of insulin in the presence of NO, or 50μmol/L 8-Br-cGMP stimulated PP-2A activity by 46±6 and 247±23%, respectively (both P P P P
Increasing Gas Hydrate Formation Temperature for Desalination of High Salinity Produced Water with Secondary Guests

We suggest a new gas hydrate-based desalination process using water-immiscible hydrate formers; cyclopentane (CP) and cyclohexane (CH) as secondary hydrate guests to alleviate temperature requirements for hydrate formation. The hydrate formation reactions were carried out in an isobaric condition of 3.1 MPa to find the upper temperature limit of CO2 hydrate formation. Simulated produced water (8.95 wt % salinity) mixed with the hydrate formers shows an increased upper temperature limit from −2 °C for simple CO2 hydrate to 16 and 7 °C for double (CO2 + CP) and (CO2 + CH) hydrates, respectively. The resulting conversion rate to double hydrate turned out to be similar to that with simple CO2 hydrate at the upper temperature limit. Hydrate formation rates (Rf) for the double hydrates with CP and CH are shown to be 22 and 16 times higher, respectively, than that of the simple CO2 hydrate at the upper temperature limit. Such mild hydrate formation temperature and fast formation kinetics indicate increased energ...
Mechanistic Basis of Differential Cellular Responses of Phosphatidylinositol 3,4-Bisphosphate- and Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Trisphosphate-binding Pleckstrin Homology Domains

Phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) are lipid second messengers that regulate various cellular processes by recruiting a wide range of downstream effector proteins to membranes. Several pleckstrin homology (PH) domains have been reported to interact with PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. To understand how these PH domains differentially respond to PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signals, we quantitatively determined the PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 binding properties of several PH domains, including Akt, ARNO, Btk, DAPP1, Grp1, and C-terminal TAPP1 PH domains by surface plasmon resonance and monolayer penetration analyses. The measurements revealed that these PH domains have significant different phosphoinositide specificities and affinities. Btk-PH and TAPP1-PH showed genuine PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and PtdIns(3,4)P2 specificities, respectively, whereas other PH domains exhibited less pronounced specificities. Also, the PH domains showed different degrees of membrane penetration, which greatly affected the kinetics of their membrane dissociation. Mutational studies showed that the presence of two proximal hydrophobic residues on the membrane-binding surface of the PH domain is important for membrane penetration and sustained membrane residence. When NIH 3T3 cells were stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor to generate PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, reversible translocation of Btk-PH, Grp1-PH, ARNO-PH, DAPP1-PH, and its L177A mutant to the plasma membrane was consistent with their in vitro membrane binding properties. Collectively, these studies provide new insight into how various PH domains would differentially respond to cellular PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signals.