cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATE LIQUID ASSETS

A REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICE indicates that the liquid assets of corporations have generally been undermanaged as compared with other forms of assets. In this area, tradition, emotion, and conservatism for its own sake play large roles. A series of case studies and a review of the literature indicate that corporations have become highly efficient in the mechanical handling of cash but are still very haphazard in the area of policy determination procedures. It is suggested that corporations could approach an optimum liquid-asset policy much more closely by developing a method of management that logically considers the objectives of the corporation and the alternative cost of various policies in terms of these objectives. The areas of liquid-asset policy where there are the most opportunities for improvement are (1) the determination of an appropriate liquid-asset balance and (2) the efficient investment of this balance both in bank balances to obtain bank services and in external instruments to obtain an investment return. An inventory model approach is suggested as a means of determining the optimum liquid-asset balance. The problem is one of minimizing out-of-stock and carrying costs. A step function is discussed for measuring out-of-stock cost, while the carrying cost applicable to liquid assets is considered to be the firm's average cost of capital adjusted for the effects of inflation (deflation). Once an optimum inventory policy has been approached, the problem of the form in which to keep these assets must be solved. The basic alternatives are bank balances and external instruments. It is suggested that bank balances must be viewed as an investment in bank services with a payoff that can compete with alternative external investment opportunities. In determining payoff, however, the present methods of evaluation based upon clerical services are inadequate. The most important bank services are generally in the areas classified as insurance, professional, and goodwill. A method for evaluating these services explicitly is discussed.
Decisions to direct market: Geographic influences on conventions in organic production

Abstract Substantial academic interest over the last two decades has focused on the notion of bifurcation within organic agriculture; however, recent examinations of the organic industry have revealed the inability of this dualistic assumption to fully account for the spectrum of variation in production schemes. Using data from a 2007 survey of certified organic producers, this paper seeks to empirically demonstrate the effects of producers’ ‘worlds of justification’ on willingness to participate in direct-to-consumer markets. Nearly sixty percent of respondents participated in at least one form of direct-to-consumer marketing. This paper tests whether justifications are influenced by the existing spatial relationships that define the producers’ structural connections with agriculture as well as their proximity to viable direct markets. We assess not only the impacts of producers’ justifications on market delivery mechanisms, but also the variation of impacts across space. Employing a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model, this paper moves beyond the constraints of global regression models that hold relationships constant throughout the study area. GWR thus allows for the accounting of spatial non-stationarity of producer characteristics that would be expected in an agriculturally diverse region.
Memory for previously viewed radiographs and the effect of prior knowledge of memory task.

Rationale and Objectives To investigate the effect of being forewarned that they would be asked to identify repeated images on radiologists' recognition of previously interpreted versus new chest radiographs. Materials and Methods Thirteen radiologists viewed 60 posterior-anterior chest radiographs, 31 with and 29 without nodules, in two sets of 40 images each. Eight radiologists were forewarned and five radiologists were not forewarned of the memory task. Twenty images in each of the two sets were unique to each set and 20 images occurred in both sets. The readers indicated the presence or absence of any nodules during both readings, and in the second reading session they also indicated whether they thought each image had also occurred in the first reading. Results There was no significant difference in recognition memory performance between forewarned and not-forewarned readers. Overall accuracy in distinguishing previously-viewed from new images was 60.7%. Conclusions Being forewarned of the memory task did not improve recognition memory.
The Distribution and Composition of Intergalactic Clouds at Large Red-Shifts [and Discussion]

Most of the sharp absorption lines in the spectra of quasars of high red-shift are single Lyman-ɑ lines. The stronger ones have associated Lyman- β or Lyman-y lines but not lines of heavy elements. Recent statistical studies have shown that the density of Lyman-ɑ absorption lines is statistically the same in all quasars and that the lines are randomly distributed, with no tendency to cluster. It is now thought that the single Lyman-ɑ absorption lines are produced by primordial, intergalactic clouds. Studies now in progress are aimed at giving limits on the heavy-element composition of the clouds, as well as a value for the deuterium abundance of primordial gas.
Politically feasible and equitable adjustment: Some alternatives for ecuador

Abstract How can a government beholden to agroexporting interests survive while carrying out a stabilization program inimical to other powerful interests? How can it reduce the social costs of the program? The authors review the Ecuadorian experience with these dilemmas and build a real-financial CGE model to explore alternative approaches to stabilization made necessary by both a reduction in public foreign borrowing and a fall in world oil prices. The approaches considered include exchange rate devaluation, fiscal austerity directed at current or investment spending, and reduced growth of money supply. Each approach is assessed for its effects on GDP growth, on rural and urban poverty, and for its political sustainability assessed by changes in utility for politically dominant rural and urban interests. The results show that cutting current spending is best for restoring growth and protecting the rural poor, but is politically untenable. Making this approach politically feasible requires: complementary economic reforms to increase the flexibility of the economy and raise the share of public investment going to agriculture; social programs allowing some leakages in antipoverty transfers toward politically essential nonpoor; and political campaigns to increase the relative autonomy of the state, lower the social rate of discount whereby the public assesses the outcome of policy, and induce the public to compare policy outcomes against the counterfactual scenario of no intervention instead of pre-crisis living standards.
Determination of 4-connected framework crystal structures by simulated annealing

THE initial derivation of atomic-scale models of the 4-connected framework crystal structures of zeolites and related materials is generally difficult. Interpretation of powder X-ray diffraction data to yield a unit cell and some symmetry information is often straightforward. Chemical analyses and sorption experiments indicate the number of framework tetrahedra, nT, present in the unit cell (T represents the framework tetrahedral species, such as Si or Al) and the approximate pore dimensions. However, because synthetic zeolites are almost invariably microcrystalline, the possibilities for structure solution by conventional diffraction methods are limited, and framework structure determinations have traditionally relied heavily on the building of physical models. We describe here an alternative approach, in which approximate T-atom coordinates are derived from the unit-cell size and symmetry, and the value of nT from computer modelling. An initially arbitrary T-atom configuration is optimized with respect to a 'cost function' based on the T–T distances, T–T–T angles and number of first-neighbour T-atoms, by simulated annealing using Monte Carlo methods. The potential of the method for structural determinations in both two dimensions (for structural projections) and three dimensions are illustrated by results obtained for a hexagonal cell of space group P6/mmm and dimensions a = 18.4 A and c = 7.5 A, and by determination of the previously unknown structure of lithium gallosilicate.
House prices and the provision of local public services: capitalization under school choice programs

Abstract While the theoretical public finance literature argues that house prices should be influenced by the demand for local public services, there is little direct evidence concerning changes in house prices when these services are altered. Previous empirical studies have relied on cross-sectional identification of the relationship between house prices and variables that may proxy for the perceived quality of local public services. This paper instead examines a policy change, the adoption of a public school choice program, to identify the capitalization effects associated with the diminished importance of school district boundaries. Using data from inter-district choice in Minnesota, I find that residential properties appreciate significantly in school districts where students are able to transfer to preferred school districts, whereas residential property values decline in districts that accept transfer students. These general equilibrium effects also influence school districts' local property tax revenues, mitigating the incentive for schools to improve in order to attract or retain students.
In situ detection of the temporal and initial phase of the second harmonic of a microwave field via incoherent fluorescence

Measuring the amplitude and absolute (i.e., temporal and initial) phase of a monochromatic microwave field at a specific point of space and time has many potential applications, including precise qubit rotations and wavelength quantum teleportation. Here we show how such a measurement can indeed be made using resonant atomic probes via detection of incoherent fluorescence induced by a laser beam. This measurement is possible due to self-interference effects between the positive- and negative-frequency components of the field. In effect, the small cluster of atoms here act as a highly localized pickup coil, and the fluorescence channel acts as a transmission line.
The course of binge eating from adolescence to young adulthood.

Binge eating (overeating while feeling a sense of loss of control; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) is prevalent among youth, and is associated with obesity and psychosocial impairment (Stice, Presnell, & Spangler, 2002; Tanofsky-Kraff et al., 2011). The course of binge eating from childhood to young adulthood is unclear (Neumark-Sztainer, Wall, Larson, Eisenberg, & Loth, 2011; Stice, Marti, Shaw, & Jaconis, 2009; Tanofsky-Kraff et al., 2011), and although research has identified several predictors of binge eating onset (e.g., Stice & Agras, 1998; Stice et al., 2002), little is known about factors predicting its maintenance or cessation. Understanding the course of binge eating and factors associated with its maintenance could assist with treatment planning and intervention development. Two primary theories have been proposed to explain binge eating onset and maintenance: cognitive-behavioral models posit that appearance concerns contribute to dietary restraint, which then promotes binge eating, while affect regulation theories suggest that binge eating is a method of coping with negative affect (Haedt-Matt & Keel, 2011). Overweight youth exhibit both higher shape and weight concerns and greater negative affect (Mond, van den Berg, Boutelle, Hannan, & Neumark-Sztainer, 2011), which could explain their elevated rates of binge eating. In terms of maintenance, youth with persistent binge eating tend to report greater initial eating-related psychopathology (Stice & Agras, 1998; Tanofsky-Kraff et al., 2011) and depressive symptoms (Tanofsky-Kraff et al., 2011) relative to youth whose binge eating resolves, although studies using different measurement techniques have not supported this latter finding (Stice & Agras, 1998). To date, however, no research has examined how psychosocial changes relate to the onset or maintenance of adolescent binge eating. Some data suggest that body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, and depression symptoms mediate binge eating treatment outcome in adults (Dingemans, Spinhoven, & van Furth, 2007; Hilbert et al., 2007), but it is unclear if these factors maintain binge eating in non-clinical adolescent samples. The overall aim of this study was to characterize the course of binge eating from adolescence to young adulthood. First, we examined rates of binge eating maintenance and cessation at two follow-up time points over a 10-year time-span. Next, we sought to identify predictors of maintenance/cessation of binge eating, as well as new onset binge eating, at follow-up. We expected that improved depression symptoms, self-esteem and body satisfaction would be associated with cessation of binge eating at follow-up, and that worsening of these symptoms would predict new onset binge eating, consistent with existing theories of binge eating (Haedt-Matt & Keel, 2011). This study was designed to inform prevention and early intervention programs by identifying markers of binge eating outcomes over time. The examination of psychosocial changes from adolescence to young adulthood represents a significant improvement over existing studies.
Binding of ethidium derivatives to natural DNA: a 300 MHz 1H NMR study

Abstract The binding of three ethidium derivatives, ethidium (1), des-3-amino ethidium (2) and des-8-amino ethidium (3), to short (approximately 35 base pairs), random sequence DNA has been investigated using 300 MHz proton NMR. At 35 degrees C all three drugs cause upfield shifts of the resonances from the exchangeable imino protons, as expected for intercalative binding to DNA. However, the lineshapes vary significantly with the nature of the drug. The temperature dependence of the spectra of the DNA shows that differences between spectra observed at 35 degrees C with ethidium and with des-3-amino ethidium are primarily due to differences in the drug binding kinetics rather than to differences in mode of binding. Removal of the amino group at position 3, but not at position 8, on the parent ethidium shortens the lifetime of the intercalative state; this implies that the 3-NH2 group is involved in stabilization of the drug-DNA complex. Analysis of the drug-DNA spectra indicates that there is a preference for binding of the drugs adjacent to G.C base pairs.
Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract A scanning tunneling microscope operating at cryogenic temperatures is described. Results from topographic and spectroscopic measurements are presented for surfaces of NbN and graphite at a temperature of 6.5 K. A unique feature of this system is the very low spatial drift and the resulting high positional stability. The topographic data on NbN display a grainy structure. No indications for a superconductive energy gap are found from the tunnel spectroscopy. In the ordered graphite structure, domains are found separated by dislocations.
Stochastic modeling approach to region-based image segmentation

The problem of region-based segmentation is examined and a new algorithm for MAP segmentation is introduced. The observed image is modeled as a composite of two processes: a high-level process that describes the various regions in the images and a low-level process that describes each particular region. A Gibbs-Markov random field model is used to describe the high-level process and a simultaneous autoregressive random field model is used to describe the low-level process. The MAP segmentation algorithms is formulated from the two models and a recursive implementation for the algorithm is presented. Results of the algorithm on various synthetic and natural textures clearly indicate the effectiveness of the approach to texture segmentation.
Robert Dingley, F.R.S. (1710-1781), Merchant, Architect and Pioneering Philanthropist

Born in 1710, Robert Dingley was the eldest surviving son of Susanna and Robert Dingley, a prosperous jeweller and goldsmith of Bishopsgate Street, London. He and his brother Charles were made free of the Russia Company on 3 August 1731; Charles established himself at St Petersburg and Robert traded from Bishopsgate. In 1741, by then a court assistant, Robert helped secure an Act of Parliament enabling the Russia Company to import Persian silk, via Russia, on better terms. Robert Dingley’s early interest in the arts is shown by his active membership of the Society of Dilettanti from its inception in the 1730s and the Society of Antiquaries from December 1734. He was first introduced at the Royal Society in November 1738 by Peter Filenius (F.R.S.), Professor of Oriental Languages at Abo (Turku) and an honorary Fellow of the Antiquaries. In 1744 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Thompson of Kirby Hall, Yorkshire, at Somerset House Chapel. Martin Folkes, the President, communicated to the Royal Society in May 1747 an impressive paper by Dingley on the classical art of engraving gems. Resigning from the Society of Antiquaries on 13 June 1748, Dingley was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on 3 November and admitted on 10 November. Five signatories of his certificate were influential members of the Antiquaries.
Kinematic Analysis and Experimental Verification on the Steering Characteristics of a Two Actuated Spoke Wheel Robot With a Tail

Intelligent Mobility Platform with Active Spoke System (IMPASS) is a novel wheel-leg hybrid robot that can walk in unstructured environments by stretching in or out three independently actuated spokes of each wheel. This paper firstly introduces the latest prototype of the robot that has two actuated spoke wheels and one tail. Due to its metamorphic configurations, this robot can be considered as a mechanism with variable topologies (MVTs). The mobility analysis in previous work is briefly summarized and then the transformation relationships between different configurations are addressed. Thus, the motions of the robot on the ground, such as steering, straight-line walking and other combinations can be uniformly interpreted as series of configuration transformations. In order to maintain the coherence between the coordinate setups in different configurations, previous rigid body kinematic models are modified. Two types of turning, steady state turning and turning gait transition, are revisited with the characteristics being refined. Finally, the hardware design of the prototype is demonstrated, followed by the experimental verifications of the characteristic motions. The work presented in this paper lays the kinematics foundation for the future research on the motion planning algorithms of IMPASS.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Identity Labels and Self-Reported Language Use: Implications for Spanish Language Programs

Demographic changes in the U.S. population are reflected in the students entering Spanish language instruction programs. These programs face a student body with a wide range of language skills; from those with no knowledge of Spanish to those who are natively fluent in the language. In response to the increasing number of students who enter Spanish classes with some degree of heritage language skills, many programs across the nation have instituted what are commonly called Spanish for Native Speakers (SNS) courses. However, participation in such classes is generally not mandatory, and not all students who possess heritage language skills enroll in SNS programs, opting instead for classes designed for non-native speakers. This article, then, examines the relationship between self-identification labels and self-reported language use, among other factors, of students who have self-selected into SNS courses. A principal goal of this study is to work toward a better understanding of certain identity features of students with heritage language skills, in order to inform future curriculum development in student-centered SNS programs.
Endoscopic laser resection of atherosclerotic plaque in a live animal model: A preliminary report on some technical difficulties

Abstract This study was designed to determine whether laser energy could be used effectively to resect atherosclerotic plaque through an endoscope in alive animal model. Twelve adult Yorkshire swine with infrarenal aortic atherosclerosis had a 2.5 mm and/or 3.2 mm diameter fiberscope passed into the aorta from the femoral artery after proximal aortic balloon occlusion. Endoscopic argon laser resection of the atherosclerotic plaque was then attempted in eight pigs with an argon laser fiber (60 to 400 μm). We were able to visualize the raised atherosclerotic plaque in all 12 pigs with the larger 3.2 mm diameter fiberscope, which was easily passed into the aortoiliac system from the 4 mm diameter femoral vessel. The articulating end feature enhanced maneuverability within the lumen and allowed laser fiber direction. The 2.5 mm endoscope did not allow adequate visualization in any pig since the vessel could not be cleared of blood. The 2.5 mm endoscope was also passed from the femoral artery distally into the hind limb and still did not allow adequate visualization of the vessel wall because of persistent luminal blood. The 3.2 mm endoscope enabled vessel wall visualization distal to the femoral artery when the proximal artery was occluded. No aortas were grossly perforated by the laser energy. In all pigs undergoing endoscopic laser resection, raised plaques were removed both grossly and histologically, although the plaque edges were carbonized and frayed as well as vaporized. With the small spot size of the argon fiber, channels were drilled through plaque, frequently with incomplete recanalization of the lumen. Aortic and distal vessel angioscopy can successfully visualize atherosclerotic plaque when the vessel is occluded and saline irrigation clears the lumen. Argon laser resection of raised, noncalcified plaques is feasible through the endoscope, although the remaining vessel has an irregular surface. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:470-5.)
Settleable and Non-Settleable Suspended Sediments in the Ogeechee River Estuary, Georgia, U.S.A.

Suspended particle dynamics were investigated in the Ogeechee River Estuary during neap tide in July 1996. Samples were operationally separated into ‘ truly suspended ’ (settling velocity 0·006 cm s−1) fractions over the course of a tidal cycle to determine whether these two fractions were comprised of particles with differing biological and chemical characteristics. Total suspended sediment, organic carbon and nitrogen, chlorophyll a and phaeopigment concentrations were measured in each fraction, as well as rates of bacterial hydrolytic enzyme activity [β-1,4-glucosidase (βGase) and β-xylosidase (βXase)]. The majority of the suspended sediment (by weight) was in the truly suspended fraction; all measured parameters were largely associated with this fraction as well. When compared to the settleable material, the truly suspended material was significantly higher in % POC (5·7±0·6 vs. 3·9±1·8), % chlorophyll (0·07±0·02 vs. 0·03±0·01), % phaeopigment (0·030±0·006 vs. 0·018±0·012), and weight-specific maximal uptake rates (Vmaxper mg suspended sediment) of both enzymes (1·8±0·4 vs. 0·7± 0·2 nmol mg−1 h−1βGase and 1·1±0·3vs . 0·3±0·2 nmol mg−1 h−1βXase), providing clear evidence for a qualitative distinction between the two fractions. These results are interpreted to mean that the more organic-rich, biologically active material associated with the suspended fraction is likely to have a different fate in this Estuary, as ‘ truly suspended ’ sediments will be readily transported whereas ‘ settleable ’ sediments will settle and be resuspended with each tide. These types of qualitative differences should be incorporated into models of particle dynamics in estuaries.
Distributed data mining in the National Virtual Observatory

The astronomy research community is about to become the beneficiary of huge multiterabyte databases from a host of sky surveys. The rich and diverse information content within this "virtual sky" and the array of results to be derived therefrom will far exceed the current capacity of data search and research tools. The new digital surveys have the potential of facilitating a wide range of scientific discoveries about the Universe! To enable this to happen, the astronomical community is embarking on an ambitious endeavor, the creation of a National Virtual Observatory (NVO). This will in fact develop into a Global Virtual Observatory. To facilitate the new type of science enabled by the NVO, new techniques in data mining and knowledge discovery in large databases must be developed and deployed, and the next generation of astronomers must be trained in these techniques. This activity will benefit greatly from developments in the fields of information technology, computer science, and statistics. Aspects of the NVO initiative, including sample science user scenarios and user requirements will be presented. The value of scientific data mining and some early test case results will be discussed in the context of the speaker's research interests in colliding and merging galaxies.
Cytotoxicity of Linoleic Acid Diols to Renal Proximal Tubular Cells

Monoepoxides of linoleic acid (leukotoxin and isoleukotoxin) have been associated with a variety of pathophysiological diseases in humans including multiple organ failure. They also have been shown to be toxic when injected into experimental animals. Because leukotoxin and isoleukotoxin are excellent substrates for epoxide hydrolases, we tested the hypothesis that the diol metabolites are less toxic than the parent monoepoxides using the rabbit renal proximal tubule (RPT) suspension model. An equimolar mixture of the positional isomers of the methyl esters of leukotoxin and isoleukotoxin did not cause cell death to RPT cells at concentrations up to 1 mmusing lactate dehydrogenase release as the endpoint. The corresponding diols, however, caused cell death in a time- and concentration-dependent manner beginning at 4 hr and reaching 42% cell death in 6 hr at 1 mm. Cell death was not due to oxidative stress since malondialdehyde content did not increase and the iron chelator deferoxamine and the antioxidantN,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine were not cytoprotective. In contrast, cell death was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction with respiration decreasing 54% prior to the onset of cell death. Secondary to the mitochondrial dysfunction, the diols completely inhibited active Na+transport within 30 min of addition. These results suggest that thein vivotoxicity and pathophysiology previously attributed to the monoepoxides of linoleic acid may be due to the diol metabolites.
A Perspective on Software Consumability

Summary form only given. Reliability questions are often directed at the core values of a software product that is at the features and functions. After all, the client imagines a to-be state where the software is running and the client achieves their business goals. So reliability concerns appropriately have mapped to the question: can the client reasonably achieve those goals through this software? This line of investigation is not, however, the only critical path constraint on client success. The client has to travel a path from their as-is state in order to get to the values promised by product features and functions; this path requires successful execution of a set of meta-tasks. These meta-tasks can interfere with value attainment or even prevent it. We call the impact of these meta-tasks on a product "consumability". We will discuss this and the measurement models we have built around consumability to formally address this topic in our development activities
The Influence of Administrative Cost Ratios on State Government Grant Allocations to Nonprofits

Government has come to rely on nonprofit organizations to deliver publicly funded human and cultural services, and it has become a significant donor to the nonprofit sector. When government agencies make grants to nonprofit organizations, administrative cost ratios are often requested, but it is not clear whether or how these ratios influence allocation decisions. Theoretical perspectives alternatively frame the administrative cost ratio as an indicator of price, with negative effects on allocations, or as an indicator of quality, with positive effects on allocations. The authors test these hypotheses using original state-level grants data from the state of Georgia. The results offer inconclusive evidence about whether the price or quality hypothesis explains government's use of administrative cost ratios in decisions regarding the amount of grant allocations. What drives government grant-making decisions remains an open and more complex question that involves a range of other variables that are independent of price and quality. The authors address this question in terms of policy and management implications and a future research agenda.
Scanning tunneling microscopy study of the reaction of Br2 with Cu(100)

The adsorption of Br2 on Cu(100) and the further reaction of Br2 with Cu(100) to form CuBr was studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Although low energy electron diffraction indicated the formation of a c(2 × 2) layer immediately upon the dissociative adsorption of Br2, thermal fluctuations in the adsorbed layer prevented this structure from being observed until the coverage exceeded roughly 80% of saturation. As the c(2 × 2) layer saturated, the substrate steps were observed to rotate to align parallel to the 〈100〉 close-packed directions of the adlayer. The rotated steps exhibited thermal fluctuations that STM movies showed were due to kink diffusion. Further Br2 exposure greatly decreased the step fluctuations and resulted in the formation of bulk CuBr. The former was due to a decreased kink density that allowed more Br atoms to be accommodated in the c(2 × 2) layer. The 〈100〉 steps were the predominant source of Cu atoms for the reaction to CuBr. As the reaction progressed the steps receded until they reached another step and formed a {110} facet. Defects such as kinks and domain boundaries were not observed to contribute significantly to the reactivity of the steps. The reaction at the steps was not uniform; certain segments of the steps were found to be far more reactive than others. Annealing the c(2 × 2) layer increased the lengths of the reactive segments, consistent with previous temperature programmed desorption data that showed that annealing increases the reactivity of the surface. Comparison of STM images of reactive and unreactive sections of the steps suggested that the variation in reactivity is due to a thermally driven relaxation of the atomic positions around the step. The CuBr formed at the steps was mobile and aggregated into clusters at locations that showed no obvious correlation with the locations of changes in the surface structure associated with consumption of the Cu surface. The implications of these results on oxidation and etching reactions of metal surfaces are discussed.
Directional Propagation of Resistive-Barrier Discharge Above Water

A type of plasma discharge that propagates along the surface of a resistive barrier composed of an electrolyte in water is described. Electric fields parallel to the surface appear to steer the discharge in the direction of a submerged anode to produce a propagating plasma front that travels a distance of 20 cm or more along a trough, at a rate of $\sim 10~\mathrm{ms}^{\mathrm {-1}}$ . The plasma’s optical spectrum shows the presence of excited OH radicals, and the relatively high energy density of the plasma indicates possible usefulness for industrial applications.
Effect of detuning on the fluctuation properties of a laser

Detuning the cavity of an inhomogeneously broadened laser has the effect of changing the fluctuation properties of the light in a way that cannot be expressed simply by making the laser gain or the pump parameter frequency dependent. The relative intensity fluctuations are an explicit function of detuning. This is demonstrated by photoelectric counting measurements of a He–Ne laser. The effect may have to be taken into account in some experiments because it is common practice to vary the working point of such a laser by detuning.
The DH and PH Domains of Trio Coordinately Engage Rho GTPases for their Efficient Activation

Rho-family GTPases are activated by the exchange of bound GDP for GTP, a process that is catalyzed by Dbl-family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). The catalytic unit of Dbl-family GEFs consists of a Dbl homology (DH) domain followed almost invariantly by a pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain. The majority of the catalytic interface forms between the switch regions of the GTPase and the DH domain, but full catalytic activity often requires the associated PH domain. Although PH domains are usually characterized as lipid-binding regions, they also participate in protein-protein interactions. For example, the DH-associated PH domain of Dbs must contact its cognate GTPases for efficient exchange. Similarly, the N-terminal DH/PH fragment of Trio, which catalyzes exchange on both Rac1 and RhoG, is fourfold more active in vitro than the isolated DH domain. Given continued uncertainty regarding functional roles of DH-associated PH domains, we have undertaken structural and functional analyses of the N-terminal DH/PH cassette of Trio. The crystal structure of this fragment of Trio bound to nucleotide-depleted Rac1 highlights the engagement of the PH domain with Rac1 and substitution of residues involved in this interface substantially diminishes activation of Rac1 and RhoG. Also, these mutations significantly reduce the ability of full-length Trio to induce neurite outgrowth dependent on RhoG activation in PC-12 cells. Overall, these studies substantiate a general role for DH-associated PH domains in engaging Rho GTPases directly for efficient guanine nucleotide exchange and support a parsimonious explanation for the essentially invariant linkage between DH and PH domains.
Low QRS voltage and its causes

Electrocardiographic low QRS voltage (LQRSV) has many causes, which can be differentiated into those due to the heart's generated potentials (cardiac) and those due to influences of the passive body volume conductor (extracardiac). Peripheral edema of any conceivable etiology induces reversible LQRSV, reduces the amplitude of the P waves and T waves, decreases the duration of P waves, QRS complexes, and QT intervals, and alters in turn the measurements of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram and T wave alternans, all with enormous clinical implications.
Mass Spectrometry of Selected Components of Biological Interest in Green Tea Extracts

Mass spectrometric methods including EIMS, FABMS, and LC/ESIMS have been surveyed as tools for the detection of catechins in extracts of green tea (Camellia sinensis). EIMS provide both molecular weight and structure information, including epimer differentiation, on compounds 1, 2, and 4 and some structural information with compounds 5 and 6. FABMS gives both molecular weight and structure information, by an retro-Diels-Alder mechanism, on all compounds. LC/ESIMS provides unambiguous molecular weight information on all compounds and some additional structural data are evident in the mass spectra of 5 and 6. LC/ESIMS is, thus, shown to be an appropriate method for the direct analysis of crude extracts of green tea. The information obtained in this work will be of importance in future studies involving identification of the components of green tea and for characterization of synthetic analogues.
Power instrumentation in endoscopic sinus surgery

Power instrumentation is gaining widespread use in endonasal endoscopic surgery. The exacting nature of soft tissue and bone removal in a confined anatomic area with adjacent, important anatomic structures lends itself for consideration of anatomic contouring with these instruments. The soft tissue-shaving cannulas and new bone-cutting drills embody a potentially less traumatic and more precise method of soft tissue extraction and bone removal. The soft tissue-shaving cannula consists of a blunt cannula with an inner oscillating cutting blade that precisely cuts and extracts tissue as it is gently sucked through the side port of the cannula. The shafts of the bone-cutting burs are protected by a sheath that can also protect the back side of the bur. Suction is applied through the sheath, which provides for a clear surgical field. The increased precision, the ability to keep the endoscopic field clear of blood and debris, and the ability to precisely and safely drill bone endonasally may allow for the more widespread application of minimally invasive approaches to a variety of clinical problems. In this article, we describe the soft tissue shaver in the surgical treatment of severe polyposis, periorbital abscess secondary to sinusitis, and other clinical situations in which increased surgical bleeding is to be expected as well as for routine endoscopic sinus surgery. We discuss applications of the bone-cutting drills, including modified transnasal Lothrop procedure or frontal drillout, endoscopic septoplasty, and choanal atresia repair.
Ancrod in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Thrombosis: Clinical and Fibrinolysis Effects

• A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus had severe hypertension, rapidly worsening renal failure, and multiple successive thrombotic cerebrovascular and retinal lesions develop. In a kidney biopsy specimen luminal thrombi were demonstrated in arteries and arterioles, without vasculitic or inflammatory changes. The patient's plasma was markedly deficient in both prostacyclin stimulating factor (PSF) and vascular plasminogen activator (VPA), and also contained a potent inhibitor of in vitro urokinase-induced fibrinolysis. Treatment with ancrod resulted in striking reversal of the progressive renal damage and clinical recovery from the thrombotic cerebrovascular and retinal lesions. This clinical improvement was associated with improved renal histologic appearance, correction of the PSF and VPA deficiencies, and disappearance of the urokinase inhibitor. Possible mechanisms of action of ancrod are discussed. ( Arch Intern Med 1984;144:37-42)
Neutral protease activity associated with the rat liver peroxisomal fraction.

Abstract An enzyme activity acting at neutral pH's capable of degrading native cytoplasmic protein to peptide and amino acids has been demonstrated in the peroxisome fraction of rat liver. This peroxisomal fraction was characterized by its very low urate oxidase and catalase activity. The neutral activity and urate oxidase appears to be predominantly in the soluble portion of the peroxisomes. The preparation will degrade approx. 0.5% per h of the added cytoplasmic protein.
Transumbilical single-port laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement with liver suture retractor.

Background The evolution of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has no doubt been impacted by the decrease or elimination of incisions seen with natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). SILS upholds the principal advantages of minimal access surgery including shortened hospital stays, the potential for decreased postoperative pain, and cosmetically acceptable scars by reducing large or multiple incisions to a relatively small, single one.
Calculation of surface binding energy for hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon atoms on metallic surfaces

Abstract The model of Polar Covalence developed by Sanderson was used to calculate binding energies at zero coverage for H, O, and C atoms adsorbed on metal surfaces. For 11 single crystal metals, the average absolute difference between the experimental and calculated binding energies of hydrogen atoms was 3–4 kcal mol . The model correctly predicts the weak binding of H on sp metals, e.g., Hg and Cd. Very similar agreement, 3–4 kcal mol , was obtained for O atoms on 8 single crystal metals. In the case of carbon atoms, the binding energy on Ru and Ni was calculated to be less than the atomization energy of graphite, in agreement with experiment. A similar effect on Pd surfaces is predicted. The calculated low binding energy, 40 kcal mol , of H atoms on top of Pd is supported by a combination of thermodynamic, quantum mechanical, spectroscopic and thermal desorption data. These calculations represent the first attempt to apply Sanderson's method to first, second, and third row transition metals and to surface thermodynamics.
Acute normoxia increases fetal pulmonary artery endothelial cell cytosolic Ca2+ via Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release

To test the hypothesis that an acute increase in O(2) tension increases cytosolic calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in fetal pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) via entry of extracellular calcium and subsequent calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) and nitric oxide release, low-passage PAECs (<10 passages) were isolated from the intralobar pulmonary artery (PA) of fetal sheep and maintained under hypoxic conditions (Po(2), 25 Torr). Using the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2, we demonstrated that acute normoxia (Po(2) = 120 Torr) increased PAECs [Ca(2+)](i) by increasing the rate of entry of extracellular calcium. In the presence of either ryanodine or 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2APB), normoxia did not lead to a sustained increase in PAECs [Ca(2+)](i) Whole-cell patch clamp studies demonstrated that acute normoxia causes PAEC membrane depolarization. When loaded with the nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive dye, DAF - FM, acute normoxia increased PAEC fluorescence. In PAECs derived from fetal lambs with pulmonary hypertension, an acute increase in O(2) tension had no effect on either [Ca(2+)](i) or NO production. Hypoxia increases loading of acetylcholine-sensitive calcium stores, as hypoxia potentiated the response to acetylcholine We conclude that acute normoxia increases [Ca(2+)](i) and NO production in normotensive but not hypertensive fetal PAECs via extracellular calcium entry and calcium release from calcium-sensitive intracellular stores.
Some Practical Thoughts on Producing Calderón's Court Plays

Calderon's comedias de tramoyas present special problems to a modern producer attempting an authentic stage presentation. This article discusses possible answers to questions relating to staging (the theater itself, sets, the length of the performance, funding, etc.), direction, special effects, costumes, hairstyles, and text (cuts, versions, the use of loas and entremeses , etc.). In addition, court plays also require decisions about the music—tessitura, pitch, instrumentation, and orchestration—most of which must rely on conjecture rather than on concrete knowledge of the original. For each problem, it quickly becomes apparent that absolute authenticity is quite impossible. Stated generally, one must simply decide how much and in which ways one is willing to compromise. (MDS)
Revisiting technological pedagogical content knowledge: Exploring the TPACK framework

This study examines the nature of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) through the use of a factor analysis. Using a survey with 24 items designed to measure each of the areas described by the TPACK framework, and measuring the responses of 596 online teachers from across the United States, data suggest that while the framework is helpful from an organizational standpoint, it is difficult to separate out each of the domains, calling into question their existence in practice. Three major factors become evident, but rather than being comprised of pedagogy, content, and technology, the only clear domain that distinguishes itself is that of technology. This research examines the validity of the TPACK model and suggests that measuring each of these domains is complicated and convoluted, potentially due to the notion that they are not separate.
Evidence for the construct validity and heritability of the Wilson-Patterson Conservatism Scale: A reared-apart twins study of social attitudes.

Abstract A 28 item version of the Wilson–Patterson Attitude Inventory was administered to 345 participants (twins, spouses, friends, and others) in the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart. An overall conservatism measure demonstrated impressive construct validity. It had strong convergent validity, demonstrated by correlations of 0.72 and 0.58 with the Altemeyer Right Wing Authoritarianism scale and the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) Traditionalism Scale, respectively. It also had strong discriminant validity, being largely uncorrelated with the other 10 MPQ Scales and WAIS Full Scale IQ. Heritabilities were calculated from fitting models to the variance–covariance matricies based on 54 pairs of monozygotic (MZ) and 46 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins reared apart. Conservatism demonstrated significant and sizeable genetic influence ( h 2 =0.56), replicating the results reported in the Virginia 30,000 study of ordinary twins and family members and those of a large Australian twin study.
An Overview of Potential Government Impacts on Technology Transfer and Commercialization

ABSTRACT Government technology transfer is movement of technology across political boundaries, across social sectors, or from one society to another. Technology commercialization involves applying technology in usable products for economic gain. In “free-market” societies one thinks of technology as developed by the private sector, but governments influence development, transfer and commercialization via sponsorship of, and direct involvement in, research activities, and via programs that affect market demand and transfers across political and social boundaries. This paper seeks to stimulate research into the macromarketing implications of government technology programs by developing taxonomies of objectives and actions and by reviewing these types to suggest macromar-keting implications and empirical research needs.
Existence of Q gamma in frog cut twitch fibers with little Q beta

Charge movements were measured in frog cut twitch fibers with the double Vaseline-gap voltage-clamp technique. In most fibers, when a depolarizing pulse to -60 to -40 mV was applied at 13–14 degrees C, the ON segment of a charge movement trace showed an early I beta component and a late I gamma hump component. An ongoing controversy is whether the I gamma hump component triggers calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum or arises as a consequence of the release. Interestingly, a number of cut fibers showed normal I gamma components but greatly diminished, or unresolvable, I beta components. When the amount of charge associated with the current transient was plotted against the membrane potential, the steeply voltage-dependent Q gamma component appeared normal whereas the less steeply voltage-dependent Q beta component was also greatly diminished or unresolvable. These results suggest that I gamma can flow in the absence of I beta, thereby ruling out the possibility that Q beta triggers calcium release which, in turn, causes Q gamma to move. The results, however, do not rule out the positive feedback of calcium release to activate Q gamma, if calcium release is not triggered by Q beta but by Q gamma itself or by some other signal.
Assessment as Meta-Listening at the Communication Center

(2006). Assessment as Meta-Listening at the Communication Center. International Journal of Listening: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 66-68.