cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The aftermarket performance of small firm initial public offerings

Abstract The dream of many entrepreneurs is to some day take his or her growing small firm public and, to thereby become the CEO of a publicly-traded corporation. Currently, entrepreneurs are continuing to utilize initial public offerings (IPOs), as a viable source of venture financing. IPOs also represent a viable mechanism for harvesting venture capital and entrepreneurial investments. The touted entrepreneurial benefits of taking a company public include the abilities to borrow additional funds; return to the public equity market; negotiate mergers without depleting cash; the potential for enhanced personal wealth and so forth. Investors in small firm public equity issues are often motivated by the potential for discovering another Apple Computer, or perhaps an IBM at the “ground floor.” This study empirically examines the aftermarket returns of small publicly-held firms that have issued initial public offerings. Aftermarket returns refers to stock returns immediately after a stock begins trading. The study specifically examines two questions. First, “Is there a positive risk-return relationship for small firm aftermarket returns, where higher firm risk will generate higher aftermarket return?” Second, “Will aftermarket returns show on industry effect, where certain industries will automatically generate higher returns?” Answers to these questions will affect the strategic financial alternatives available to entrepreneurs both before and after going public and, will also affect the decisions of investors interested in financing small public corporations. The research findings indicate that entrepreneurs planning to take younger firms public will probably not have available to them numerous subsequent financial alternatives, utilizing corporate stock, if the true aftermarket performance of their stock is taken into consideration. Likewise, investors in small firm public issues may also be disappointed in the aftermarket performance of younger firms. A positive risk-return relationship, where age was a proxy measure of risk, did not exist. This was true even though the initially quoted returns of these same younger firms may have been substantial. On the other hand, the aftermarket performance of older firms is typically favorable. Finally, the study suggests that neither entrepreneurs nor investors should bet solely on a particular industry categorization to “carry” their aftermarket stock performance. While certain industries indicated significant positive initial returns, aftermarket returns based on industry classification were generally not statistically significant. Investors should therefore always exercise firmspecific due diligence and research before investing in small firm public equity issues, since the variance of their aftermarket market returns tends to be large.
Effect of Vitamins on Acetylcholine Synthesis. The Apparently Specific Action of Vitamin E.

Summary1. The effect of vitamins on the synthesis of acetylcholine was investigated. 2. Vitamin A and K decreased the synthesis of acetylcholine in low and increasing concentrations. Vitamin D did not modify the synthesis in low concentrations and decreased it in higher ones. Vitamin B1 slightly increased the synthesis of acetylcholine in low concentrations and decreased it in higher ones. 3. Riboflavin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, calcium pantothenate, p-amino benzoic acid, pyridoxine, and vitamin C did not modify the synthesis in low concentrations and increased it in higher ones. 4. Vitamin E increased the synthesis in low and increasing concentrations.
Using Extremeness Aversion to Fight Obesity: Policy Implications of Context Dependent Demand

This article illustrates how the compromise effect alters consumers' selection of soft drinks. Using three within-subject studies, we show that extremeness aversion and price insensitivity cause consumers to increase their consumption when the smallest drink size is dropped or when a larger drink size is added to a set. As a result rational firms find it best to drop the smaller sizes and add a larger size, thus increasing overall consumption. After estimating each individual's demand as a function of price and drink size availability, policy experiments demonstrate how it is possible to reduce soft drink consumption without additional taxation.
CORRELATION EFFECTS IN THE NEUTRAL AND IONIZED GROUND STATES OF ACETYLENE

Correlation energies were calculated by “Effective Pair Correlation Energy” (EPCE) and minimal basis set configuration interaction (CI) methods for pairs of electrons in the occupied molecular orbitals for the (π4u) neutral ground state, (π3u) ground state of the positive ion, and (π4uπg) ground state of the hypothetical negative ion of acetylene.
Myoglobinemia as Index to Myocardial Infarction

Excerpt The care of patients with chest pain typical or atypical of myocardial ischemia in intensive care units has a high per-diem cost. But the fraction of patients in such units who do develop i...
Distribution and Growth of Bacteria in Butter

Summary 1.The authors believe to have established the fact that a considerable portion of the moisture of cream becomes sterile in churning by being divided up into very small droplets. Even in sour cream butter there are more than 100 droplets to one bacterium. In this case about 40 per cent of the moisture, mostly the smaller drops, will become sterile; with pasteurized sweet cream butter more than 80 per cent of the moisture remain free from bacteria. 2.The amount of moisture shut off from bacteria depends upon two factors: i.e., the number of bacteria in the cream at the moment of churning and the degree of dispersion of the moisture in butter. In overworked butter more moisture is made sterile. 3.All experiments show uniformly that the formation of acid in the moisture within the butter is much slower than if the same amount of moisture is freed from fat and in the form of a continuous liquid. But it seems that the percentage of acid formed in butter slowly increases above the theoretical value computed from the amount of moisture which remains infected. This can be accounted for only by a diffusion of acid from the infected droplets to those free from bacteria. This diffusion is probable because the distance between the moisture droplets averages not more than five microns and diffusion of salt into unsalted butter has been established. Overworked butter shows less diffusion. 4.To prevent deterioration of butter by bacteria it seems advisable to churn pasteurized sweet cream with as few bacteria as possible and work it as much as possible without making it salty. Experiments by Guthrie of Cornell University (unpublished) demonstrated that of 10 churnings in 1926 and four churnings in 1927 the highly worked butter scored higher after five months of cold storage than the butter which was worked but very little. However, the distinctly overworked butter scored no higher than the butter with very little working. This last effect might be due to air worked into the butter. 5.Washing decreases acid formation much more than would be expected from the fairly large amount of protein and lactose left in washed butter. This result can be accounted for by the assumption that washing does not change the concentration of the smaller droplets but dilutes the larger drops to almost pure water. As the large droplets are infected, while most of the smaller ones contain no bacteria, the separation between bacteria and food is much more complete than the chemical analysis of the butter will show. 6.These deductions and computations probably will not hold true for molds which have the ability to force their way from one droplet to the other.
Experiments on the Kapitza Resistance.

The Kapitza resistances of samples of copper, gold, tungsten, single-crystal lithium fluoride, and single-crystal silicon have been measured in the temperature range from 1.25 to 2.10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. We find that a clean copper surface prepared by machining under liquid helium exhibits a Kapitza resistance whose magnitude and temperature dependence are considerably greater than that which a dirty copper surface exhibits. The Kapitza resistances which these samples exhibited can be represented by a power law as follows: Au, $8{T}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$; LiF, $23{T}^{\ensuremath{-}3.75}$; Cu (clean), $19{T}^{\ensuremath{-}3.6}$; Si (unetched, 7 dislocations/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$), $21{T}^{\ensuremath{-}3.2}$; Cu (dirty), $7{T}^{\ensuremath{-}2.6}$; Si (etched, 7 dislocations/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$), $35{T}^{\ensuremath{-}4.15}$; W, $39{T}^{3.5}$; Si (etched, 800 dislocations/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$), $35{T}^{\ensuremath{-}4.15}$ (units are deg ${\mathrm{W}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$). The interfacial surface of the lithium fluoride crystal was a (100) cleavage plane. The interfacial surfaces of the silicon crystals were (111) planes which were ground, polished, and in some cases, etched. We have considered these results in relation to the theories of Khalatnikov, Little, and a modification of the Khalatnikov theory by Challis, Dransfeld, and Wilks. These theories failed to predict both the absolute magnitude and temperature dependence of the Kapitza resistances and the relative magnitude of the resistances for different samples. In addition, we have found no evidence in our experiments on cleaned copper of the mechanism proposed by Bloch involving the conduction electrons.
Two or more copies of Drosophila heat shock consensus sequence serve to activate transcription in yeast

A synthetic oligonucleotide bearing the Drosophila heat shock consensus sequence confers heat inducibility on a CYC1-lacZ gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This sequence CTGGAATTTTCTAGA was inserted in place of the upstream activation sites of the CYC1 promoter adjacent to CYC1 TATA boxes. These constructs were transformed into yeast and found to be heat-inducible when two or more inserts were present. The level of inducibility seemed to increase with the number of inserted sequences: however, the orientations of these sequences relative to each other did not have much effect.
Doppler-shifted self-reflected wave from a semiconductor

We report the first experimental observation of a self- reflected wave inside a very dense saturable absorber. An intense femtosecond pulse saturates the absorption and causes a density front moving into the semiconductor sample. Due to the motion of the boundary between saturated and unsaturated areas of the sample the light reflected at this boundary is red-shifted by the Doppler effect. The spectrally shifted reflection makes it possible to distinguish between surface reflection and self-reflection and is used to proof the concept of the dynamic nonlinear skin effect experimentally. Quite well agreement with model calculations is found.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An Advanced Na–FeCl2 ZEBRA Battery for Stationary Energy Storage Application

Sodium-metal chloride batteries, ZEBRA, are considered one of the most important electrochemical devices for stationary energy storage applications because of its advantages of good cycle life, safety, and reliability. However, sodium–nickel chloride (Na–NiCl2) batteries, the most promising redox chemistry in ZEBRA batteries, still face great challenges for the practical application due to its inevitable feature of using Ni cathode (high materials cost). Here, a novel intermediate-temperature sodium–iron chloride (Na–FeCl2) battery using a molten sodium anode and Fe cathode is proposed and demonstrated. The first use of unique sulfur-based additives in Fe cathode enables Na–FeCl2 batteries can be assembled in the discharged state and operated at intermediate temperature (<200 °C). The results presented demonstrate that intermediate-temperature Na–FeCl2 battery technology could be a propitious solution for ZEBRA battery technologies by replacing the traditional Na–NiCl2 chemistry.
Bayesian Methods for Modeling Recovery Times with an Application to the Loss of Off‐Site Power at Nuclear Power Plants

Bayesian methods can be very useful in modeling applications used in risk assessments. For example, a Bayesian analysis can be used to provide a probabilistic comparison of different probability models relative to a set of data, as well as to provide uncertainty bounds on the predictions from the various models. For more complex models or composite models, the Bayesian methods easily adapt to include the uncertainty on the weights associated with each of the models that comprise the composite model. Industry data representing the time to recovery of loss of off-site power at nuclear power plants are used within this paper to demonstrate these aspects of Bayesian analysis. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS The Bayesian based method presented in Section 3 for the calculation of posterior odds provides the analyst with a way of quantifying the adequacy of different probability models for a set of data, and thus replaces the subjectivity with an objective criterion. The methods presented in Sections 4 and 5 provide a basis for constructing uncertainty bounds for recovery/probability curves. These uncertainty bounds are useful in risk assessments. The bounds capture parametric uncertainties and uncertainties about relative frequencies of various initiators of events. The methods presented in Section 6 demonstrate how to modify a model to incorporate specific information about the site under study.
Local entropy map: a nonparametric approach to detecting spatially varying multivariate relationships

The relationship between two or more variables may change over the geographic space. The change can be in parameter values (e.g., regression coefficients) or even in relation forms (e.g., linear, quadratic, or exponential). Existing local spatial analysis methods often assume a relationship form (e.g., a linear regression model) for all regions and focus only on the change in parameter values. Therefore, they may not be able to discover local relationships of different forms simultaneously. This research proposes a nonparametric approach, a local entropy map, which does not assume a prior relationship form and can detect the existence of multivariate relationships regardless of their forms. The local entropy map calculates an approximation of the Renyi entropy for the multivariate data in each local region (in the geographic space). Each local entropy value is then converted to a p-value by comparing to a distribution of permutation entropy values for the same region. All p-values (one for each local region) are processed by several statistical tests to control the multiple-testing problem. Finally, the testing results are mapped and allow analysts to locate and interactively examine significant local relationships. The method is evaluated with a series of synthetic data sets and a real data set.
Damage detection of laminated composite beams with progressive wavelet transforms

ABSTRACT In this study, a newly-developed technique, so-called integrated wavelet transform (IWT), is applied to damage detection of laminated composite beams. The novel IWT technique combines advantages of stationary wavelet transform (SWT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to improve the robustness of wavelet-based modal analysis in damage detection. Two progressive wavelet analysis steps are considered, in which the SWT-based multi-resolution analysis (MRA) is first employed to refine the retrieved mode shapes, followed by the CWT-based multiscale analysis (MSA) to magnify the effect of slight abnormality. The SWT-MRA is utilized to eliminate random noise and regular interferences, separate multiple component signal, and thus extract purer damage information; while the CWT-MSA is employed to smoothen, differentiate or suppress polynomial of mode shapes to magnify the effect of abnormality. The effectiveness of IWT in damage detection is illustrated using the vibration mode shape data acquired from the experimental testing of a cantilever laminated composite beam with a through-width crack. As demonstrated in the successful detection of a crack in composite beams, the progressive wavelet transform analysis using IWT provides a robust and viable technique to identify minor damage in a relatively lower signal-to-noise ratio environment. Keywords: Vibration mode shape, wavelet analysis, integrated wavelet transform (IWT), smart piezoelectric sensors and actuators, crack, beams
Transcription and Processing of Human microRNA Precursors

MicroRNAs have recently emerged as key posttranscriptional regulators of eukaryotic gene expression, yet our understanding of how microRNA expression is itself controlled has remained rudimentary. This review describes recent insights into the mechanisms governing microRNA transcription and processing in vertebrates and their implications for understanding the regulation of microRNA biogenesis.
Social action and social impacts: Subjective interpretation of environmental change

Abstract Individuals subjectively interpret the relationship between the social and physical environments and between themselves on the basis of values and beliefs regarding the proper relationship between these environments. It is on the basis of these interpretations that individuals act when confronted with a proposed environmental change. In this manner, social impacts are frequently created. A case study of a small, agriculturally based community that experienced a sizeable transfer of water from agriculture to energy production is discussed within the context of this perspective. It was evident that competing and conflicting interpretations of the proper relationship between the social and physical environments produced social action, which resulted in social impact. We recommend that social impact assessment investigate the different values and belief systems within a community as these relate specifically to the physical environment and to the subjective interpretations of environmental change tha...
Lessons learned from the northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group

Abstract The Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group (NNECDSG) has since 1987 leveraged prospective data collection seated within the setting of a regional collaborative to drive quality improvement in cardiac surgery across 8 medical centers in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. While our efforts have been focused in the setting of adult heart surgery, similar methods have been extended outside of northern New England and in other clinical areas, including vascular surgery, cystic fibrosis, and perinatal care. In this article, we described the history and methodology by which the NNECDSG has attained its success, and end this article with suggestions for how such a collaborative effort might be extended to the field of pediatric and congenital heart surgery.
Low Stress Mechanical Behavior of Cotton / Polyester Yarns and Fabrics in Relation to Fiber Distribution Within the Yarn

Low stress mechanical properties of cotton /polyester yams representing random fiber disposition and core-sheath construction are compared to determine the influence of fiber distribution on yam properties. The yams are converted into plain weave fabrics under identical conditions, and fabric properties are compared to understand how yam properties translate into fabric properties. The core-sheath yarn (polyester core/cotton-covered yam) shows lower values for bending rigidity, bending hysteresis, compressive resilience, and tensile elongation. The same yarn also shows higher values for compressive softness and tensile modulus. The lower tensile elongation and higher tensile modulus of the core-sheath yam is reflected in the lower elongation and higher modulus of the corresponding fabric. However, bending and compression properties of the core-sheath yarn are inversely related to bending and compression properties of the corresponding fabric. Results show that yarn bulk and compression properties exert a ...
Photoelectron spectroscopy of biologically active molecules. 14. Some analgesic‐antipyretic and anti‐inflammatory agents

The HeI photoelectron (PE) spectra of the drugs antipyrine (phenazone, 1), aminopyrine (amidopyrine, 2), phenylbutazone (3), and indomethacin (4) are reported. These drugs possess analgesic-antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity, and have been in clinical use for many years. Their electronic structure, which is important to their biological activity, is determined by the application of composite molecule methods to an analysis of the PE spectra.
Serum anti-mullerian hormone concentrations are not altered by acute administration of follicle stimulating hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome and normal women.

Context: In the human ovary, expression of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is detected primarily in granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles. This finding is consistent with the tight correlation between circulating AMH levels and the number of small antral follicles (2–5 mm) in normal and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. In addition, the greater follicle count in PCOS is mirrored by significantly higher serum AMH levels compared with those of normal women. Despite the utility of AMH measurements in evaluating ovarian physiology and function, the regulation of AMH remains poorly understood. Objective: The objective was to determine whether gonadotropins acutely regulate serum AMH in women with PCOS and normal women. Design: We conducted a prospective study to compare ovarian responses to FSH in two groups of women. Setting: The study was conducted in a General Clinical Research Center in a tertiary academic medical center. Patients: Women with PCOS (age, 18–35 yr; n = 16) and normal ovu...
Implications for the design of computer-based instruction screens

Abstract The continued growth of the microcomputer as an interactive medium has created a vast market for instructional software which includes applications from simple drill and practice programs to complex simulations. A survey of these programs finds both effective and ineffective applications of instructional design. More importantly though, is the recognition that the design of screen displays may be the most neglected aspect of the instructional design process. The computer screen is often compared to the printed page and critiqued in terms of the attributes of the printed page. In addition, current guidelines for screen design are often based on principles derived from research on printed instruction even though the two are recognized as different forms of presentation and have different strengths and limitations. It appears important then, that researchers and CBI designers pursue different alternatives to screen design than simply those generated from research on text-based materials to fully utilize the potential of the microcomputer.
Mental Retardation and Learning Disabilities: Conceptual and Applied Issues

The relationship between mental retardation and learning disabilities is clouded by conceptual issues and current practices in applied (i.e., educational and noneducational) settings. In this article, we initially discuss whether mental retardation can be considered a concomitant disability associated with learning disabilities or whether these two disabilities are mutually exclusive categories. Conceptual issues related to this question are then reviewed to provide a perspective for viewing these two traditional areas of exceptionality. Emerging areas of concern in terms of definition, classification, etiology, and lifelong issues are addressed. Attention is then given to applied issues that have a direct effect on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Specific topics include educational curricula, instruction, inclusion, and adult services and supports.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Coordination Complex Cu(ppca′)2(H2O)2 (ppca′ = 3,4′-Bipyridine-6-Carboxylic Acid)

The coordination polymer [Cu(ppca′)2(H2O)(HgI2)](H2O) (1) was synthesized hydrothermally using the ligand 3,4′-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid (ppca′). Structure 1 consists of square pyramidal copper (II) units linked by mercury (II) iodide into one-dimensional zigzag chains, which hydrogen bond into double chains. These ladders are further hydrogen bonded into a three-dimensional network that crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group. In structure 1, a = 16.9058(10) A, b = 11.2645(6) A, c = 27.2707(15) A, and β = 92.754(1)°. The coordination polymer [Cu(ppca′)2(H2O)(HgI2)](H2O) (1) was synthesized hydrothermally using the ligand 3,4′-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid (ppca′). The coordination sphere about the copper (II) and mercury (II) ions in the coordination polymer [Cu(ppca′)2(H2O)(HgI2)](H2O) (1). Displacement ellipsoids are drawn at the 50% probability level. = mercury (II), = copper (II), = iodide, = oxygen, = nitrogen, = carbon, and = hydrogen (where not hidden). .
A semantic annotation tool for hydrologic sciences

Semantic annotations are playing an increasingly important role in the world of metadata, more specifically when dealing with semantic heterogeneities between information systems. The need to bring together disparate data sources (in terms of syntax and semantics) so they can be searched simultaneously from a single search environment has become one of the most challenging tasks in developing information systems that span multiple communities as is common in the geosciences. The key problem lies in the legacy information systems, in which, at the time of development, each system used (and continues to use) its own semantic framework to identify variable codes and names, as well as annotating the collected data with metadata. This lack of a common metadata framework as well the uncoordinated use of descriptors and controlled vocabularies has led to a situation in which synonyms and hyponyms abound. Experience has shown that a centralized system with just one vocabulary for all is not feasible. Rather, in order to overcome these discrepancies it is important to realize that heterogeneity is an inevitable aspect of the scientific data world that needs to be accommodated. This paper describes the development and end use of an application that is designed to connect arbitrary variable names to specific concepts in layered search ontology. We will demonstrate the utility of this application through its deployment for the Consortium for the Advancement of Hydrologic Sciences Inc. (CUAHSI) network of testbeds and report on the issues that emerged carrying out variable and concept tagging. These issues concern specificity of a concept, ancillary information needed when identifying proper ontology locations, and multiple appearances of variables at different locations.
Comparative analyses of venoms from American and African Sicarius spiders that differ in sphingomyelinase D activity

Abstract Spider venoms are cocktails of toxic proteins and peptides, whose composition varies at many levels. Understanding patterns of variation in chemistry and bioactivity is fundamental for understanding factors influencing variation. The venom toxin sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) in sicariid spider venom ( Loxosceles and Sicarius ) causes dermonecrotic lesions in mammals. Multiple forms of venom-expressed genes with homology to SMase D are expressed in venoms of both genera. SMase D activity levels differ among major clades with American Sicarius vastly reduced relative to all Loxosceles and African Sicarius despite expression of SMase D homologs in venoms of American Sicarius . Here we report comparative analyses of protein composition and insecticidal activity of crude venoms from three Sicarius species, two from South Africa and one from Central America. Comparative 2-dimensional electrophoresis shows dense regions of proteins in the size range of SMase D in all three species, but there are differences in sizes and isoelectric points (pIs). Few proteins strictly co-migrate and there are clusters of proteins with similar pIs and molecular weights whose patterns of similarity do not necessarily reflect phylogenetic relatedness. In addition, PD 50 estimates on crickets indicate a small though significant decrease in potency of South American Sicarius venoms relative to African species.
A modification of the Luke multiresidue procedure for low moisture, nonfatty products

The analysis of dry products (<10% water) for pesticide residues has always been more difficult than in high moisture products. Removal of pesticides from this sample matrix is harder due to the concentration of plant material and/or lack of moisture. Low assay values for incurred residues were obtained when the Mills procedure (MILLS et al. 1963) was employed. Additionally, MUMMA et ai.(1966) reported efficient extractions only with a chlorform/methanol Soxhlet extraction. On the other hand, BERTUZZI et ai.(1967) investigated several solvent mixtures and found similar extraction efficiencies with a single blending of a 35% water/acetonitrile solvent. This procedure became the recommended procedure for dry products (PESTICIDE ANALYTICAL MANUAL VOL.I 1982).
EMBEDDED INSULATED ANTENNAS FOR COMMUNICATION AND HEATING

The properties of insulated antennas that make them useful for subsurface communication or heating are discussed. Several antennas and associated feed lines suitable for use in bore holes or for in...
Timing and dose of amino acids injected into prepyriform cortex influence food intake

The effects of time before feeding and dose of dietary-limiting amino acids (DLAA) injected into the prepyriform cortex (PPC) on intake of amino acid-imbalanced diets were evaluated. Intake of imbalanced diet was increased from approximately 50% to approximately 75% of baseline when an optimal amount of DLAA (1 nmol L-isoleucine or 2 nmol L-threonine) was injected immediately prior to feeding. Injections made several hours prior to feeding were more effective, increasing intake of imbalanced diets to approximately 85% of baseline. Delivering two half-optimal doses of DLAA, several hours apart, increased intake of imbalanced diet only to the same level as a single injection of the optimal dose immediately prior to feeding. The increase in intake of a threonine-imbalanced diet after injecting 2 nmol threonine 6 h prior to feeding was abolished if an additional 2 nmol threonine was injected immediately prior to feeding. It appears that it is the sum of the changes in tissue DLAA concentrations in the PPC that are recognized and influence food intake when amino acid imbalanced diets are fed.
Small GTP-binding proteins in vesicular transport

Recent recognition of the abundance of small GTP-binding proteins in eukaryotic cells has sparked off a search for the possible function of these proteins. Evidence is accumulating that SAR1, ARF, SEC4 and YPT1 in yeast and the rab and arf family in mammalian cells play a central role in the regulation of vesicle transport and organelle function.
Sex, age, geographical location, smoking, and alcohol consumption influence serum selenium concentrations in the USA: third national health and nutrition examination survey, 1988–1994

Selenium has been reported to reduce the risk for heart diseases and cancer. We examined the association of sex, age, geographical location, serum cotinine concentrations, a measure of smoking intensity, and alcohol consumption with serum selenium concentrations in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988–1994. Study sample consisted of 14,619 apparently healthy individuals (male: 7,102; female: 7,517) aged 14 to >90 years. Sex, age, geographical location, serum cotinine concentrations, and alcohol consumption significantly influenced serum selenium concentrations (P < 0.05). The mean (±standard error) serum selenium concentration in men (124.5 ± 0.20 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in women (122.0 ± 0.20 ng/mL) (P < 0.0001). Men in the 31–50 y age group had the highest mean serum selenium concentration. In the same age group, women had the lowest mean serum selenium concentration. In both sexes, participants living in the Midwest and West had significantly higher serum selenium concentrations than those living in South and Northeast geographical locations. Serum cotinine was negatively associated with serum selenium concentrations in both men (β = -0.0108; P < 0.0001 for trend) and women (β = -0.0097; P < 0.0001 for trend). Alcohol consumption is positively associated with serum selenium in women (β = 0.0462; P = 0.0044 for trend) but not in men (β = 0.0015; P = 0.8496 for trend). Although, sex, age, geographical location, smoking, and alcohol intake influenced serum selenium concentrations, clinically low serum selenium concentrations are not common in the USA.
A Hands-On Approach in Teaching Dynamic Systems Modeling and Control

Most engineering products nowadays are multi-part integrated systems that are produced by teams of engineers. These systems are characterized by their complexity and diversity of components that range between being fully mechanical to being fully electrical components. A vital aspect in successfully building and running of these systems is the proper modeling and control of their dynamics. As mechanical engineering students graduate and face this reality, a hands-on preparation to deal with similar systems during college experience becomes very rewarding. The important elements of applying knowledge in dynamic systems modeling and control are practiced during the laboratory session in college. At the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) School of Engineering (SOE) the integration of electrical, mechanical and software systems is instructed and practiced in a required course (EGR 345) entitled "Dynamic systems Modeling and Control." This course includes a theoretical part where principles of system dynamics, system components, and system control are emphasized. The course capitalizes on students' previous knowledge of the simple isolated systems and modifies their strategies and approach to look and treat engineering systems as complete integrated entities. In addition, the course includes a significant lab component and a major project through which the student gains vital hands-on experience. In this paper, the philosophy and major components of the course are discussed. The focus is on presenting a sequence of lab experiments that serve the application of principles of dynamic systems modeling and control, as well as the final project. These experiments are characterized by its comprehensiveness and cost effectiveness. Moreover, an innovative method of making the lab equipment available to the students, and mostly owned by them, will also be summarized. As this approach minimizes the financial burden of the lab equipment, it also gives the students an element of ownership and comfort dealing with equipment they own and use. As a matter of fact, it ultimately leads to the utilization of these pieces of equipment in an innovative way to produce an engineering electromechanical system that will perform the tasks required by their final project description. A discussion on the pros and cons in the outcomes of this approach and some modification plans for the next course offering will be provided at the end of the paper.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Self-consistent inner magnetosphere simulation driven by a global MHD model

[1] We present results from a one-way coupling between the kinetic Ring Current Atmosphere Interactions Model with Self-Consistent B field (RAM-SCB) and the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF). RAM-SCB obtains plasma distribution and magnetic field at model boundaries from the Block Adaptive Tree Solar Wind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATS-R-US) magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model and convection potentials from the Ridley Ionosphere Model within SWMF. We simulate the large geomagnetic storm of 31 August 2005 (minimum SYM-H of −116 nT). Comparing SWMF output with Los Alamos National Laboratory geostationary satellite data, we find SWMF plasma to be too cold and dense if assumed to consist only of protons; this problem is alleviated if heavier ions are considered. With SWMF inputs, we find that RAM-SCB reproduces well storm time magnetosphere features: ring current morphology, dusk side peak, pitch angle anisotropy, and total energy. The RAM-SCB ring current and Dst are stronger than the SWMF ones and reproduce observations much better. The calculated field-aligned currents (FAC) compare reasonably well with 2 h averaged pictures from Iridium satellite data. As the ring current peak rotates duskward in the storm main phase, the region 2 FACs rotate toward noon, a feature also seen in observations. Finally, the RAM-SCB magnetic field outperforms both the dipole and the BATS-R-US field at Cluster and Polar spacecraft locations. This study shows the importance of a kinetic self-consistent approach and the sensitive dependence of the storm time inner magnetosphere on plasma sheet conditions and the cross polar cap potential. The study showcases the RAM-SCB capability as an inner magnetosphere module coupled with a global MHD model.
Complementation of vaccinia virus deleted of the E3L gene by mutants of E3L.

Abstract Vaccinia virus devoid of its E3L gene is sensitive to treatment of RK-13 cells with interferon-α and fails to replicate or form plaques in HeLa cells. In order to determine function of the E3L gene, vaccinia virus recombinants were constructed by inserting mutant E3L genes or a gene coding for an alternative dsRNA-binding protein into virus deleted of its wild type E3L gene. Those viruses that expressed proteins that retained dsRNA binding activity were resistant to the effects of interferon in RK-13 cells and could replicate in HeLa cells. Recombinant viruses that expressed E3L mutant proteins which were unable to bind to dsRNA were interferon sensitive in RK-13 cells and could not replicate in HeLa cells. In addition, a virus that expressed a mutant E3L protein previously characterized as having a low binding affinity for dsRNA exhibited an intermediate phenotype: it was interferon resistant in RK-13 cells but could not replicate in HeLa cells. This work suggests that the E3L gene of vaccinia virus functions primarily as a dsRNA-binding protein in allowing resistance to interferon and in promoting replication in HeLa cells.
Proposition 227: Tales from the Schoolhouse

Abstract This article explores the impact of Proposition 227 on students and teachers based on interviews with parents, teachers, and administrators of a school in the Bay Area. We discuss four themes that emerge from the data: parent involvement, academic impact on students, the instructional challenges posed by Proposition 227, and the emotional impact on teachers and students. Connecting these themes is an overemphasis on language of instruction, which we found to overshadow other issues critical to the education of language minority students.
Structure and reactivity of (Dibenzo[b,e]fulvalene)Mo2(CO)6

Abstract The title compound 1 was prepared by a one pot double-deprotonation, migration, and oxidation sequence staring with ( μ , η 6 : η 6 -2,2′-biindenyl)Mo 2 (CO) 6 ( 2 ). An X-ray structure was determined, and the relevant structural features are compared with analogous fulvalene and dibenzo[a,d]fulvalene complexes. The reactions of 1 with 4-octyne and P(CH 3 ) 3 are described. Compound 1 is a more effective catalyst in the Kharasch reaction than other bimetallic molybdenum complexes.
Observations of neoprene casts of vascular bed of the kidney.

Summary and Conclusions(1) The injection of neoprene into the renal vessels in vivo causes vasoconstriction which interferes with the complete filling of the vascular system of the kidney. This vasoconstriction can be prevented by the production of ischemic vasodilatation prior to the use of the injection mass. Satisfactory neoprene casts of the renal vascular bed were obtained by the use of this technic, but the casts do not provide reliable information regarding the intrarenal distribution of the circulating blood. (2) The only consistently existing vessels which directly communicate between the renal artery and vein without an intervening glomerulus are situated in the hilum of the kidney. These vessels are not true arteriovenous shunts but probably are part of the vascular bed of the hilar and pelvic tissues of the kidney.
Verifying interoperability and application performance of PMUs and PMU-enabled IEDs at the device and system level

As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding and other unrelated infrastructure investment plans in the utilities it is expected that the number of installed Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and PMU-enabled Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) will dramatically increase in the next 5–10 years. New applications using synchronized data will become an important part of the overall power system operation. The mitigation of the risk of using such elaborate high precision measurement infrastructure requires appropriate testing for interoperability and application performance at both the device and system level. This will assure accuracy consistency across multiple IED types, as well as future scalability and upgradeability, hence avoiding the costly infrastructure becoming a stranded asset. This paper addresses such demand as well as the methodology and tools that are used to verify the interoperability and application performance. The benefits and expected outcome are also outlined.
Missing Data Handling Methods in Medical Device Clinical Trials

One of the major problems in the analysis of clinical trials is missing data caused by patients dropping out before study completion. The issue of missing data can result in biased treatment comparisons and can impact the interpretation of study results. Since the missing data mechanism is unknown and unverifiable in most situations, regulatory agencies often request various sensitivity analyses for handling missing data to evaluate the robustness of study results. This article discusses methods used to handle missing data in medical device clinical trials, focusing on tipping-point analysis as a general approach for the assessment of missing data impact. Tipping points are outcomes that result in a change of study conclusion. Such outcomes can be conveyed to clinical reviewers to determine if they are implausibly unfavorable. The analysis aids clinical reviewers in making judgment regarding treatment effect in the study. Three examples with a reasonably representative range of missing data rate are included to illustrate the methods referred.
Volume-rendering techniques in the assessment of cerebral activation

Radionuclide imaging of the brain is used to study the effect of activation paradigms on cerebral function. In this study we investigate the neuro-activation due to a flickering visual stimulus as compared to a dark adapted baseline state. Neuroactivation is measured by SPECT brain imaging using the Tc99m brain perfusion imaging agent Tc99m Bicisate. (NeuroliteTM, a kit for the preparation of Tc99m Bicisate, is currently being distributed as an investigational new drug.) SPECT data generally consists of a series of 2D slices collected through the brain volume. Most analysis and interpretation schemes compare the results of imaging a subject injected without the stimulus with an image acquisition performed subsequent to injection in the presence of the activating stimulus. Common image analysis and interpretation schemes are performed using 2D slice data, often comparing data from only a single slice. We present results using a depth cueing volume rendering method for the display and comparison of full visual field activation and baseline (dark adapted) SPECT images. By rotating the rendered views of the volume, the 3D spatial structure of the data can be assessed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Strategic segmentation of industrial markets

Suggests that the strategic segmentation of industrial markets begins with an understanding of customers’ strategies. Reviews the existing literature on industrial marketing segmentation and analyzes a survey of industrial buyers. An empirical study supports the underlying contention that firms following similar product strategies will also practice similar buying strategies. The study asserts that the customers’ customers dictate purchasing behavior and suggests that industrial marketers should select ultimate markets which fit their strategic growth strength.
What is an explosion? A case history of an investigation for the insurance industry

Abstract After a large property loss, the insured and insurers of a hydroelectric power plant in North America became embroiled in subrogation to determine if the event could be characterized as an explosion. The subject insurance policy provided coverage for explosions, but excluded mechanical breakdowns. Analysis by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates indicated that a consistent, cross-disciplinary definition for explosions can be extracted from published scientific literature, and that this incident was not an explosion because certain key requirements were missing during the accident. However, this investigation has highlighted the necessity for insurance companies and their insureds to better understand this term and thereby minimize future coverage disputes. This paper presents an analysis of this incident and describes the necessary characteristics of an explosion.
Concepts and practices in surgery for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Abstract In the last ten years there have been extensive refinements in the surgical approach to total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). This communication reviews determinants of hospital mortality and controversies in surgical management. As examples of current experience with repair of TAPVC, recent results at the University of Alabama and a combined analysis of hospital mortality for Alabama, Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, and Green Lane Hospital are reported. From July, 1974, to July, 1977, the Alabama hospital mortality among the 17 infants with supracardiac, cardiac, and infracardiac TAPVC was 12% (2 infants).
Incidence of nonviable leiomyomas on contrast material-enhanced pelvic MR imaging in patients referred for uterine artery embolization.

PURPOSE To assess the incidence of nonviable leiomyomas in patients referred for uterine artery embolization (UAE) with use of contrast material–enhanced pelvic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to determine the effect of this information on interventional radiologists' decision to perform UAE or consider other treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred consecutive women referred for UAE for treatment of symptomatic leiomyomas were studied. Of these, 94 patients underwent MR imaging examinations, which were retrospectively reviewed. Leiomyoma locations (ie, submucosal, intramural, subserosal), volume (length, width, height), and percent nonenhancement were recorded and the measurements were divided into four categories (0–25%, 25%–50%, 50%–75%, 75%–100%). RESULTS In 94 patients, 381 leiomyomas exceeding 3 cm in each dimension were recorded. Twenty-one patients (22%) did not receive embolization based on the findings of preprocedural MR imaging. In six patients (6%), there were nine nonviable dominant tumors with an average size of 7.8 cm 3 . These cases were not treated with UAE. Another 15 patients (16%) did not undergo UAE based on other MR imaging findings (including uterine size, presence of isolated adenomyosis, and endometrial lesions). CONCLUSIONS Contrast material–enhanced MR imaging before UAE is highly useful in the evaluation of patients referred for UAE. MR imaging can be used to determine the viability of tumors and detect other findings that preclude UAE.