cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Model for Valuing Multiple Employee Stock Options Issued by the Same Company

Current techniques employed in valuing multiple employee stock options issued by the same company treat each option as being independent of the others and do not reflect that the option values should be determined simultaneously. In this paper we develop a model to simultaneously value all employee options issued by the same firm and study the valuation impact associated with ignoring this simultaneity when more conventional approaches to employee option valuation are used. Using a set of valuation examples, we demonstrate that if each employee stock option is issued on a small to moderate fraction of a firm's outstanding shares, the standard Black-Scholes/binomial and multiple employee option-pricing models give values that are not materially different from each other. However, if employee options are issued on a larger portion of outstanding shares, using the Black-Scholes/binomial approach can result in mis-valuation on the order of 25 percent. Therefore, in cases for which there is the potential for significant equity dilution resulting from the exercise of employee options, there can be a material difference between option values computed via the multiple employee option-pricing model and those computed using more standard option valuation methods.
Some considerations for the design of auditory displays

Two experiments evaluate the effect of noise on the accuracy of sound localization judgments, with an eye toward the environments where 3-dimensional auditory displays are likely to be implemented. The ability to determine whether a sound came from the front or from the back and whether a sound came from above or from below is disrupted at much higher signal-to-noise ratios than the ability to determine whether a sound came from the left or from the right. Changes in the location of the masker can have complex effects on the pattern of localization errors. A third experiment examined the ability to localize speech signals, as might often be required in auditory displays. The results also indicate that the ability to distinguish front from back and up from down is easily disrupted (i.e., it is worse for speech than for nonspeech signals), but that the ability to determine left from right is robust (i.e., it is similar for speech and for nonspeech).
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an emerging threat to obese and diabetic individuals

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world and its incidence is increasing rapidly. NAFLD is a spectrum ranging from simple steatosis, which is relatively benign hepatically, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to cirrhosis. Obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia are the most important risk factors for NAFLD. Due to heavy enrichment with metabolic risk factors, individuals with NAFLD are at significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Individuals with NAFLD have higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis of NAFLD requires imaging evidence of hepatic steatosis in the absence of competing etiologies including significant alcohol consumption. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing NASH and for determining prognosis. Weight loss remains a cornerstone of treatment. Weight loss of ∼5% is believed to improve steatosis, whereas ∼10% weight loss is necessary to improve steatohepatitis. A number of pharmacologic therapies have been investigated to treat NASH, and agents such as vitamin E and thiazolidinediones have shown promise in select patient subgroups.
Trellis precoding for the broadcast channel

This paper considers the vector Gaussian broadcast channel where a single transmitter with multiple antennas sends independent information to multiple receivers. An achievable rate region is derived by decomposing the broadcast channel into a series of single-user channels with non-causal side information. The side information may be completely pre-subtracted using precoding techniques. A practical trellis precoding method is presented. Trellis precoding can be viewed as a generalization of the Tomlinson-Harashima(1971, 1969) precoder. By taking into account the entire non-causal side-information sequence, a trellis precoder gives an additional shaping gain up to 1.53 dB compared to a Tomlinson precoder.
Rosiglitazone inhibits vascular KATP channels and coronary vasodilation produced by isoprenaline

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Rosiglitazone is an anti-diabetic drug improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. However, several recent clinical trials suggest that rosiglitazone can increase the risk of cardiovascular ischaemia, although other studies failed to show such risks. Therefore, the effects of rosiglitazone on the coronary circulation and any potential vascular targets need to be elucidated. Here, we show that the vascular isoform of the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel is inhibited by rosiglitazone, impairing physiological regulation of the coronary circulation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The KIR6.1/SUR2B channel was expressed in HEK293 cells and studied in whole-cell and inside-out patch configurations. The Langendorff heart preparation was used to evaluate rosiglitazone in the coronary circulation of wild-type (WT) and KIR6.1-null (Kcnj8−/−) mice. KEY RESULTS KIR6.1/SUR2B channels in HEK cells were inhibited by rosiglitazone in a membrane-delimited manner. This effect was markedly enhanced by sub-micromolar concentrations of glibenclamide and the IC50 for rosiglitazone fell to 2µM, a therapeutically achievable concentration. In the Langendorff heart preparation rosiglitazone inhibited, concentration-dependently, the coronary vasodilation induced by isoprenaline, without affecting basal coronary tone. Effects of rosiglitazone on coronary perfusion were attenuated by more than 50% in the Kcnj8−/− mice, supporting the involvement of KATP channels in this effect of rosiglitazone on the coronary circulation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results indicate that the vascular KATP channel is one of the targets of rosiglitazone action, through which this drug may compromise coronary responses to circulating vasodilators and perhaps also to metabolic stress.
Including the divorced father in family therapy

In dealing with divorced parents, family therapists often conduct sessions without the parent who lives away from the children. This is usually the father. The author urges practitioners to involve the father in family therapy, both to acknowledge the bond that will always remain between father and child and to deal with practical problems such as visitation rights. Family therapy sessions have his
SU-D-BRB-05: A Framework for 4D and Adaptive Planning Workflow Incorporating Monte Carlo-Based Optimization and Dose Calculation

Purpose: Development of tools for 4D and/or adaptive planning workflow in the clinical setting, incorporating advanced dose algorithms for inverse planning, has been evolving slowly. The purpose of this work was to develop a framework for 4D and/or adaptive treatment planning in the clinical setting, incorporating Monte Carlo‐based dose calculation for optimization and dose calculation. Methods: The framework incorporates several modules for 4D and/or adaptive planning, including, (a) planning and optimization on individual, respiratory‐correlated CT datasets using a Monte‐Carlo‐based dose engine (EGSnrc/BEAMnrc for the head model and modified DOSXYZnrc for the patient calculation); (b) deformable image registration based on a finite element method(FEM); (c) dose accumulation involving mapping of energy and mass to the reference phase; (d) plan evaluation. For MC‐based optimization, beamlet 3D doses are computed and the inverse problem is solved using quadratic objective functions. Beamlet intensities are optimized using a gradient‐based search method. The framework was applied to a simulated lung phantom using FEM to simulate lung deformation. Beamlet‐doses were substituted into the re‐optimization objective function, minimized on the initial CT dataset. With the resultant beam configuration, the dose was calculated on the deformed image, and accumulated/mapped to the reference image to compute the “warped” dose. The treatment plan was then re‐optimized. Results: The MC‐based optimization procedure was verified using square field depth doses and found to be within 2% of measurements. The optimization was also applied to a clinical lung patient plan and was found produced a significantly more homogeneous distribution than the conventional pencil‐beam algorithm. For the example case, results indicate that the 90% iso‐dose coverage to the PTV was 97%, 78% and 96% for the initially planned, delivered, and re‐optimized doses, respectively. Conclusion: Initial results suggest that the framework may help facilitate use of 4D and adaptive planning in the clinical setting.
An overview of physical treatments of lucerne performed at Madison, Wisconsin, for improving properties

Macerated (shredded) forage has been shown to have two important properties: drying rates several times those of conventional forage and dry matter digestibilities 10–15% higher than conventional forage. A field-drying process was developed which consists of mowing, macerating, pressing the forage into thin cohesive mats, and placing these on the stubble. A small prototype machine was constructed to carry out these processes concurrently. Equipment was also developed to harvest the forage mats either for dry hay or for silage. Ensiled macerated lucerne fermented twice as fast as conventional lucerne. Feeding trials with sheep, goats, and dairy cattle verified the higher digestibility of macerated as compared with unmacerated lucerne. Heat treatment of hay increased the “escape” or “bypass” protein of lucerne, which is expected to improve efficiency of protein utilization by ruminants. The increase in escape protein due to heat treatment was approximately 50% greater for macerated lucerne than for conventional lucerne.
The interstitial location of selenium and arsenic in rocks associated with coal mining using ultrasound extractions and principal component analysis (PCA).

The release of selenium and arsenic from coal mine wastes into main waterways is an environmental cause for concern in the mining industry due to a myriad of subsequent ecotoxicological problems associated with the two metalloids. In a 2002 USEPA study undertaken in a mountaintop removal/valley fill (MTR/VF) mining area in southern West Virginia, measured Se concentrations were higher than the stipulated 5 ng/mL in 66 out of the 213 water samples collected. We studied the chemical composition of forty seven randomly selected pulverized core rock samples collected from depths of 25 ft to 881 ft from MTR/VF sites to determine the amounts of bioaccessible (ultrasound leachable) As and Se concentrations and their tentative locations within the rock matrix. The application of principal component analysis (PCA) to the chemical data, suggested that ultrasound leachable selenium concentrations were associated with 14 A d-spacing phyllosilicate clays (chlorite, montmorillonite and vermiculite all 2:1 layered clays) whilst ultrasound leachable arsenic concentrations were closely related to the concentration of illite, another 2:1 phyllosilicate clay. Negative correlations between leachable arsenic and selenium with kaolinite a 1:1 layered clay, were also observed. We used the observed negative correlations to rule out the presence of selenium or arsenic in 1:1 kaolinite. Hence mining waste from MTR/VF sites containing substantial amounts of illite and 14 A d-spacing clays may require to be placed in priority landfills or valley fills.
Comparing batch column configurations: Parametric study involving multiple objectives

The principal objective of this study is to advance the state of the art in batch distillation synthesis by providing insights into the behavior of various column configurations, including emerging column designs, using systematic parametric performance indices. Three competing column configurations—the rectifier, the stripper, and the middle vessel column—were compared in terms of various performance indices. Performance indices used include product purity and yield, design feasibility and flexibility, and thermodynamic efficiency. Product purity is related to profitability when yield is constant. Feasibility indices based on the number of plates and the reflux ratio show whether or not such a high-purity configuration is flexible for changing design and operating conditions. Thermodynamic efficiency provides a measure of effectiveness of heat exchange around the specific column configuration. Trade-offs between these performance indices are presented.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate preserves fertility in irradiated female mice without propagating genomic damage in offspring.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate preserves fertility in irradiated female mice without propagating genomic damage in offspring
Lithotrophic and Heterotrophic Bacteria in Deep Subsurface Sediments and Their Relation to Sediment Properties

Abstract Subsurface sediments obtained from three cores drilled to depths of 260 m below the surface in South Carolina were analyzed for heterotrophic bacteria; N2‐fixing microaerophiles; and nitrifying, sulfur‐oxidizing, and H2‐oxidizing lithotrophic bacteria. In addition, pore waters were extracted for chemical analysis of inorganic nitrogen species, sulfate, dissolved organic carbon, pH, and Eh. Autotroph populations were generally less than 103 most probable number (MPN) g‐1 dry sediment with sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria, detected in 60% of the sediment samples, being the most frequently encountered group. Nitrifying bacteria were detected mainly in sediments from one borehole (P28), and their populations in those sediments were correlated with pore‐water ammonium concentrations. Populations of heterotrophic bacteria in 60% of the sediments were greater than 106 colony forming units (CFU) g‐1 dry sediment and were typically lower in sediments of high clay content and low pH. Microaerophilic N2‐fixing bac...
Internal enzyme fiber-optic biosensors for hydrogen peroxide and glucose

Abstract The response characteristics and ideal operating conditions are described for a novel fiber-optic internal enzyme biosensor for hydrogen peroxide. The sensing mechanism involves hydrogen peroxide entering an enzyme containing internal solution by crossing a gas-permeable membrane. Once in the internal solution, the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzes the chemiluminescent reaction between hydrogen peroxide and luminol. The resulting light intensity is monitored and related to the analyte concentration. Sensor response properties strongly depend on the composition of the internal enzyme solution. Specifically, the magnitude, rate, and stability of the sensor response depend on the pH, buffer salts, and the concentrations of luminol and horseradish peroxidase. Under optimal conditions, the steady-state signal is linearly related to the square of the hydrogen peroxide concentration according to the kinetics of the HRP catalyzed reaction. The resulting hydrogen peroxide biosensor is used as the internal sensing element of a glucose biosensor by immobilizing glucose oxidase on the outer surface of the gas-permeable membrane. This glucose biosensor possesses a linear dynamic range from 2 to 18 mM with response times shorter than 60 s. Accurate measurements of glucose in blood are demonstrated.
ECOLOGICAL STOICHIOMETRY IN RUNNING WATERS: PERIPHYTON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND SNAIL GROWTH

Mismatches between the elemental composition of primary consumers and their food suggest that the production of primary consumers may be limited by food mineral content. Although the consequences of these mismatches for consumers have been studied extensively for zooplankton and terrestrial herbivores, the relationship between periphyton elemental composition and primary consumer performance has been rarely explored. We manipulated periphyton elemental composition by growing stream periphyton under all combinations (2 × 2 factorial) of low and high inorganic N and P and offered low and high quantities to Elimia livescens snails. Periphyton quantity, as measured by ash-free dry mass and total carbon, was kept the same among nutrient treatments within a level of food quantity. We measured Elimia growth as change in blotted wet mass and shell-free ash-free dry mass. Periphyton chemical composition was described by measurements of percentages of C, N, P, ash and chlorophyll a. At low periphyton quantity, Elim...
For the special issue: aging studies in Drosophila melanogaster.

Following the success of the Special issue of Experimental Gerontology on “The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in aging research”, this issue is dedicated to aging studies in Drosophila melanogaster. This issue comes at an auspicious time since 2010 marks 100 years of Drosophila research. In 1910 Thomas Hunt Morgan published a paper identifying the white gene entitled “Sex limited inheritance in Drosophila” (Morgan, 1910). Since then Drosophila has had a remarkable history of breakthroughs relevant to higher organisms and biology in general. Morgan’s paper marks the beginning of an era of groundbreaking research centered in his “Fly room” at Columbia, ultimately yielding the chromosome theory of inheritance and a Nobel Prize for Morgan in 1933. One of Morgans’ students, Hermann J. Muller, was awarded the Nobel price in 1946 for his work on X-ray mutagenesis and the discovery of the connection between radiation and lethal mutation in Drosophila. In 1995 Edward B. Lewis, Eric F. Wieshaus and Christiane Nuesslein-Volhard shared the Nobel Prize for discovering key developmental processes in the fly and the genes that control these processes (Lewis, 1978, Jurgens, et al., 1984). Analogous genes were found to play significant roles in the early development of mammals, illustrating unsuspected parallels between Drosophila and mammals. For instance, similar phenotypic characteristics mark developmental stages in Drosophila and mammals. The era of genomic scale biology has revealed many pathway conserved between Drosophila and mammals. It is likely there will be conservation of the aging process across these species, an argument more fully discussed throughout this issue.
Effect of dynamic loading on the integrity of the interface between root canal and obturation materials.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of occlusal load on the integrity of root canal obturation. Maxillary anterior teeth were cleaned, shaped, and obturated with either gutta-percha (GP)/AH Plus or Resilon/Epiphany. Afterwards, teeth were placed under 100 N force at 2 Hz for 22 hours in a 37°C water bath. Teeth were sectioned and examined for disruption in the integrity of the obturation by using optical microscopy. The length of the separation between the obturation and the root canal walls was measured and compared statistically. GP and Resilon obturated canals subjected to occlusal load displayed significantly greater interface disruption compared with unloaded controls (p
Restriction endonuclease sites and aromatic metabolic plasmid structure.

Plasmid DNA isolated from Pseudomonas putida strains which metabolize naphthalene (Nah+), salicylate (Sal+), or toluate (Tol+) contain multiple restriction endonuclease sites. Eco R1, Bam H1, and Hind III produce 10, 11 and 12 fragments respectively from plasmids NAH (∼48 Md)§ and SAL (∼49 Md). The restriction fragments from NAH and SAL are identical in molecular weight for each enzyme except for 1 fragment which is ∼2 Md larger in SAL than its corresponding fragment in NAH. When the ∼80 Md TOL plasmid was treated with the same endonucleases, the yield was 17, 18 and 14 fragments, respectively; correspondence of the latter to the NAH-SAL fragments is suggested.
Investigating Self-Assembly with Macaroni

In this activity students learn the concept of self-assembly, a powerful tool for creating ordered structures in chemistry and biology. A macroscale example—self-organized macaroni noodles—is described in analogy to the self-assembly of lipid molecules that make up the membranes of cells, or to self-assembled materials, such as self-assembled monolayers. This activity can be incorporated in discussions of noncovalent interactions in general chemistry or in discussions of cell membrane structure in biochemistry. The final product of this activity is a nonhazardous macroscale example of self-assembly that students can poke, prod, and investigate.
Nonpoint Source Pollution and Spatial Aspects of Risk Assessment

Abstract Nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution is one of a number of environmental issues posing complex spatial problems. The management context requires “targeting,” to achieve the greatest water quality improvements per unit effort, and problem prioritizing on the basis of a risk assessment. These are inherently spatial problems, since non-point sources are by definition spatially diffuse. Water quality management must typically rely on at-a-point monitoring, so evaluation of NPS risks and allocation of control efforts requires a determination of the relative influence of dispersed upstream contributing areas on water quality at a single point. Any model for solving this complex hydrological and biogeochemical problem can be generalized to a simple spatial model based on magnitude of discrete runoff-contributing areas, a hydraulic distance function, and a drainage area scaling factor. The general spatial model has a probabilistic interpretation and can produce a quantitative assessment of risk. It was ...
PERMEABILITY OF DERMAL CONNECTIVE TISSUE IN ADRENALECTOMIZED AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS.

Permeability was measured as the rate of intradermal diffusion of Evans blue solution injected alone or with substances under test. No difference in spreading area was found between intact, hypophysectomized and adrenalectomized rats when tested with dye alone. Ascorbic acid enhanced the spreading in normal and adrenalectomized rats but was less active in hypophysectomized rats. Thiourea, rutin and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, when injected along with ascorbic acid, inhibited its spreading effect for normal rats. This inhibitory effect was less marked for hypophysectomized rats and hardly noticeable for adrenalectomized rats. (Endocrinology 76: 408, 1965)
Multiwire proportional chamber focal-plane detector

Abstract Multiwire proportional chambers with precise position resolution were developed utilizing external-tapped delay-line readout from a cathode and simultaneous d E d x information from the anode for identification of particles ranging from protons to heavy ions in the focal plane of a high-resolution magnetic spectrometer (QDDD). A resolution of less than 0.2 mm fwhm was achieved for 48 MeV 16 O ions.
Irradiation effects on the electrochemistry and corrosion resistance of stainless steel

Abstract Nickel (Ni) ion radiation at 500°C was shown to have a strong effect on the surface electrochemistry and intergranular corrosion (IGC) of stainless steel (SS). Measured current densities i...
Conformational Changes in the ApcT Amino Acid Transporter: Monte Carlo Normal Mode Following

Amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC) transporters belong to a large family (∼250) of secondary transport proteins that catalyze bilayer translocation of a broad range of substrates. Monte Carlo Normal Mode Following [Miloshevsky & Jordan, Structure14, 1241 (2006); 15, 1654 (2007)] is used to explore possible conformational change mechanisms in a proton-dependent APC transporter, ApcT, a bacterial homologue from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii [Shaffer et al., Science325, 1010 (2009)]. ApcT was captured in an inward-facing apo state. Gating is initiated by global counter-torsions of the intracellular and extracellular domains of ApcT around the pore axis, with the extracellular half rotating clockwise and the intracellular half anticlockwise, and vice versa. The domain motions are highly concerted and cooperative. The stationary plane relative to which counter-torsion occurs passes through the center of ApcT parallel to the membrane. Intracellularly, overall rotation of the peripheral helices (TM7, TM5, TM8, TM3, TM4, TM9, TM10, TM11 and TM12) reconfigures TM6a significantly and TM1b slightly. These helices alternately approach and separate from the opposed peripheral TM10 and TM11, affecting the intracellular mouth. TM6a and TM1b move toward the protein's perimeter and become buried inside the protein. Loops and small helices on the intracellular surface of ApcT undergo large-scale rotations. Extracellular motion is similar. Overall peripheral helix rotation affects TM1a significantly and TM6b slightly, displacing them from and collapsing them onto TM8 and TM5. TM8 and TM5 alternately undergo large-scale bending near their midpoints. Normal mode following along the lowest-frequency eigenvector(s) reveals details of the gating transition in the ApcT transporter.
Comparing predicted and observed spatial boundaries of geologic phenomena: Automated Proximity and Conformity Analysis applied to ice sheet reconstructions

Comparing predicted with observed geologic data is a central element of many aspects of research in the geosciences, e.g., comparing numerical ice sheet models with geomorphic data to test ice sheet model parameters and accuracy. However, the ability to verify predictions using empirical data has been limited by the lack of objective techniques that provide systematic comparison and statistical assessment of the goodness of correspondence between predictions of spatial and temporal patterns of geologic phenomena and the field evidence. Much of this problem arises from the inability to quantify the level of agreement between straight or curvilinear features, such as between the modeled extent of some geologic phenomenon and the field evidence for the extent of the phenomenon. Automated Proximity and Conformity Analysis (APCA) addresses this challenge using a system of Geographic Information System-based buffering that determines the general proximity and parallel conformity between linear features. APCA results indicate which modeled output fits empirical data, based on the distance and angle between features. As a result, various model outputs can be sorted according to overall level of agreement by comparison with one or multiple features from field evidence, based on proximity and conformity values. In an example application drawn from glacial geomorphology, APCA is integrated into an overall model verification process that includes matching modeled ice sheets to known marginal positions and ice flow directions, among other parameters. APCA is not limited to ice sheet or glacier models, but can be applied to many geoscience areas where the extent or geometry of modeled results need to be compared against field observations, such as debris flows, tsunami run-out, lava flows, or flood extents.
An adaptive positional control scheme for robotic systems

A model reference adaptive controll scheme based on positional controller is considered. The stability of a point to point motion is guaranteed by the positional controller. The desired trajectory between two end points, however, is assured by the adaptive scheme. Popov's hyperstability theory is used to derive the adaptive scheme. The method is applied to a two-link planar locomotion system. Digital computer simulation results are presented to demonstrate the wide dynamic range, fast response and parameter adaptivity of the system.
Regulation of new depleted uranium uses.

This report evaluates how the existing U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatory structure and pending modifications would affect full deployment into radiologically uncontrolled areas of certain new depleted uranium (DU) uses being studied as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's DU uses research and development program. Such new DU uses include as catalysts (for destroying volatile organic compounds in off-gases from industrial processes and for hydrodesulfurization [HDS] of petroleum fuels), semiconductors (for fabricating integrated circuits, solar cells, or thermoelectric devices, especially if such articles are expected to have service in hostile environments), and electrodes (for service in solid oxide fuel cells, in photoelectrochemical cells used to produce hydrogen, and in batteries). The report describes each new DU use and provides a detailed analysis of whether any existing NRC licensing exemption or general license would be available to users of products and devices manufactured to deploy the new use. Although one existing licensing exemption was found to be possibly available for catalysts used for HDS of petroleum fuels and one general license was found to be possibly available for catalysts, semiconductors, and electrodes used in hydrogen production or batteries, existing regulations would require most users of products and devices deployingmore » new DU uses to obtain specific source material licenses from the NRC or an Agreement State. This situation would not be improved by pending regulatory modifications. Thus, deployment of new DU uses may be limited because persons having no previous experience with NRC or Agreement State regulations may be hesitant to incur the costs and inconvenience of regulatory compliance, unless using a DU-containing product or device offers a substantial economic benefit over nonradioactive alternatives. Accordingly, estimating the risk of deploying new DU-containing products and devices in certain radiologically uncontrolled areas is recommended. If the estimated risks of such deployment are found to be acceptable, then it may be possible to justify adding new exemptions or general licenses to the NRC regulations.« less
Do patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures have positive covert attitudes toward sickness

Some individuals with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are seen as having adopted a "sick role" that relinquishes them of responsibility for meeting stressful life demands. Thus, patients with PNES may have positive, albeit unrecognized, attitudes toward seizures, or perhaps illness in general. Because such covert attitudes may not be amendable to self-report, the current study used the Implicit Association Test (IAT), a methodology by which attitudes toward illness and disability can be inferred from performance on an ostensibly neutral task. Individuals with PNES did not have a reduced interference effect when responding to sickness-related and pleasant words on the same response key. Exploratory analyses revealed that a pronounced somatic focus and higher extraversion were associated with more neutral attitudes toward illness among patients with PNES. This IAT methodology found little support for the notion that patients with PNES harbor positive attitudes toward illness. Limitations of the IAT methodology are reviewed and recommendations are provided.
Visual diagnosis: 12-year-old girl with constipation and rectal bleeding.

1. Arvind Srinath, MD* 2. Danielle Wendel, MD† 3. Geoffrey Bond, MD‡ 4. Mark Lowe, MD§ 1. *Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellow, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. 2. †Pediatric Resident, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. 3. ‡Assistant Professor in Transplant Surgery, Transplant Director, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. 4. §Chief, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. A 12-year-old girl with a history of well-controlled constipation presents to the emergency department after having an uncomfortable, large, nonbloody bowel movement at home followed by sacral numbness and bright red blood seeping out of her rectum. Her review of systems is remarkable for 1 to 2 soft bowel movements per day with occasional cramping, painful defecation (dyschezia), and sensation of incomplete evacuation (tenesmus). She is premenarchal and denies any history of easy bleeding or bruising or trauma. She additionally denies constitutional symptoms, oral ulcers, heartburn, or a history of anemia. Her family history is remarkable for food allergies and developing glioblastoma multiforme on both sides of the family. There is no family history of inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, coagulopathy, or rheumatologic conditions. Vital signs are as follows: heart rate, 124 beats per minute; respiratory rate, 20 breaths per minute; blood pressure, 117/72 mm Hg; temperature, 98.8°F (37.1°C); and oxygen saturation, 100% on room air. Her weight is 36.4 kg (15th percentile), height is 153 cm (40th percentile), and body mass index is 15.1 (10th percentile). Physical examination reveals a soft, benign abdomen without any masses or organomegaly. Perianal examination is notable for gross external blood on the perianal skin without external fissures, hemorrhoids, lesions, fluctuance, or palpable masses. There is no palpable stool in the rectal vault. The sacrum does not have any overlying skin changes or palpable masses. There is no other evidence of bleeding, bruising, or petechiae. The rest of the physical examination findings are normal. Laboratory examination reveals a hemoglobin level of 10.5 g/dL (105 g/L) (mean corpuscular volume, 90.0 μm3; red blood cell distribution …
Functional single ventricle: Cardiorespiratory response to exercise

The cardiorespiratory response to exercise was measured in 27 children with functional single ventricle. All 27 patients had a significant reduction in exercise time, work performed, maximal exercise heart rate, maximal oxygen uptake and systemic arterial blood oxygen saturation. The reduction in exercise performance increased with increasing age of the patients. All patients ventilated excessively at rest and during exercise. This study documented the precise level of exercise intolerance in patients with functional single ventricle. The progressive deterioration in exercise performance with increasing patient age may lend credence to the concept that operation for physiologic correction of functional single ventricle should be considered during or before adolescence.
Temporal Variations of Satellite-Observed Outgoing Longwave Radiation over the Winter Monsoon Region. Part I: Long-Period (15–30 Day) Oscillations

Abstract Empirical orthogonal function analysis was applied to outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data obtained from NOAA polar orbiting satellites during the winter months in 1974–77, over the monsoon region extending from 50°E to the date-line and from 30°N to 20°S. Spectral analyses of the amplitude functions for the ten largest eigenvectors exhibit marked peaks in a period range of about 15 to 30 days. Standard deviations of 15°30 day filtered OLR data am extremely large over the Arafura-Indonesian Seas region with a maximum at 10°S and 130°E. A compositing technique was applied to 15–30 day filtered OLR data to investigate the relationships between long-period changes at a reference point (10°S, 130°E) and those over other regions. Composite maps, which were constructed by considering only the first ten eigenvectors, indicate distinct southward propagation of OLR perturbations along 100–115°E from about 25°N to 20°S. These longitudes appear to correspond to a region of maximum penetration of Northern ...
Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: The path to diagnostic validity and final obstacles

After decades of researchers calling for the creation of a self-injury syndrome, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders listed Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) disorder as a condition for further study. The purpose of this review is to provide information about the current status of research on NSSI disorder, current arguments for and against the disorder's creation, and areas that require further research. Specifically, we address the five biggest obstacles to validation: the need for clear delimitation from other psychiatric disorders as well as suicidal behavior, the need to fully explore the developmental course of the disorder, empirically establishing the most appropriate diagnostic criteria, and the potential clinical utility of creating a new disorder. With further research in these key areas, we expect that there will soon be enough evidence for the validity of NSSI disorder to warrant its inclusion in a future edition of the DSM.
Nonlinear boundary value problems in quantum field theory

We discuss the general structure of a quantum field theory which is free in the interior of a bounded set B of R/sup /ital n//. It is shown how to recover the field theory in the interior of B from a certain quantum field theory on the boundary. With an application to string theory in mind, we discuss the example where B equals an interval and the boundary value problem is given in terms of a euclidean functional integral with a /ital P/(/var phi/) interaction restricted to the boundary. /copyright/ 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Host stage selection of the mealybug parasitoid Anagyrus spec. nov near sinope

The mealybug parasitoid Anagyrus spec. nov near sinope (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an undescribed parasitoid of the Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). We investigated the preference of Anagyrus spec. nov near sinope for six developmental stadia (first- and second-instar nymphs, third-instar immature females, third- or fourth-instar immature males, pre-reproductive adult females, and ovipositing adult females) of P. madeirensis and the fitness consequences of the host stage selection behavior. In the no-choice test, Anagyrus spec. nov near sinope parasitized and completed development in all host stadia except third-instar immature males. When all host stadia were offered simultaneously, the parasitoids preferred third-instar immature and pre-reproductive adult females. Dissection of the stung mealybugs revealed that the clutch size (number of eggs per host) was approximately four and three in the third-instar and pre-reproductive females, respectively, and one egg per first-instar nymph. Parasitoids emerged from P. madeirensis parasitized at third-instar or pre-reproductive adult female completed development in the shortest duration, achieved a higher progeny survival rate, larger brood and body size, and the lowest proportion of males. We showed that the continued development of mealybugs had significant influence on the fitness of the parasitoids. Although deposited as eggs in first- or second-instar nymphs, parasitoids emerged from mummies that had attained third-instar or adult development achieved similar progeny survival rate, brood size, body size, and sex ratio as those parasitoids deposited and developed in third-instar or adult mealybugs. By delaying larval development in young mealybugs, Anagyrus spec. nov near sinope achieved higher fitness by allowing the parasitized mealybugs to grow and accumulate body size and resources. We suggest that the fitness consequence of host stage selection of a koinobiont parasitoid should be evaluated on both the time of parasitism and the time of mummification.
Development of Low Concentration Deformation Processed Cu-Nb and Cu-Cr Alloys

Abstract Three copper-chromium (0.5, 3.0 and 5.0 vol.% Cr) and three copper-niobium (0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 vol.% Nb) alloys were characterized with respect to strength and electrical conductivity after various degrees of deformation processing by drawing and after various aging treatments for the copper-chromium alloys. The results showed that in the deformation processed condition both the copper-chromium and the copper-niobium alloys exhibited improved strength/conductivity properties as compared to commercial C18000 copper-chromium alloys. However, after various thermal treatments up to 400°C for times up to 36 hours only the copper-chromium alloys showed improved strength/conductivity properties. The strength of the copper-niobium alloys was considerably decreased after a 250°C treatment for 4 hours. It appears that the best strength/conductivity properties after thermal treatments are attained in the 0.5 and 5.0 vol.% Cr alloys. The 3.0 vol.% Cr alloy shows no improvement over the 0.5 vol.% Cr alloy. The ...
Creation of an artificial lunar atmosphere

It is pointed out that the tenuous nature of the lunar atmosphere is maintained by rapid loss of gases released at the lunar surface. The loss of gases from the lunar atmosphere in the case of a greatly increased atmospheric density is investigated. It is found that in the case of such an increase in the density of the lunar atmosphere, a point can be reached where loss occurs so slowly that it is negligible over human time scales. In the event an artificial lunar atmosphere were to be created, gases can be obtained by heating or vaporization of the lunar soil. This could be done with the aid of nuclear devices.
Operant fixation in visual preference behavior of infants

Fixation behavior in a visual choice situation was analyzed to assess whether fixation functioned tropistically or operantly in 27 infants, with a mean age of 20 weeks. The operant view was supported in analyses of spatial position learning during the first 30-sec presentation and reaction to stimulus position reversal and relearning during the second presentation.
Effects of X-Ray irradiation upon switching in potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

Abstract Ferroelectric polarization reversal in radiation damaged KH2PO4, (KDP) was monitored using the switching current technique first developed by Merz. The experimental results show extinction of the switching curve after an 8hr exposure to x-rays. The switching curve returns after annealing at room temperature. Approximately one hundred switching transients were recorded for seven samples with applied electric fields of 90 V/cm to 850 V/cm. Samples were irradiated, annealed at room temperature, again exposed to radiation, and then again annealed. After each exposure the switching curve vanished and then returned after annealing.
Brownian dynamics simulations of nanosheet solutions under shear

The flow-induced conformation dynamics of nanosheets are simulated using a Brownian Dynamics (BD) formulation applied to a bead-rod sheetlike molecular model. This is the first-ever use of BD to simulate flow-induced dynamics of two-dimensional structures. Using this framework, we simulate dilute suspensions of coarse-grained nanosheets and compute conformation dynamics for simple shear flow. The data show power law scaling relationships between nanosheet parameters (such as bending moduli and molecular weight) and the resulting intrinsic viscosity and conformation. For nonzero bending moduli, an effective dimension of 2.77 at equilibrium is calculated from the scaling relationship between radius of gyration and molecular weight. We also find that intrinsic viscosity varies with molecular weight with an exponent of 2.12 ± 0.23; this dependence is significantly larger than those found for linear polymers. Weak shear thinning is observed at high Weissenberg number (Wi). This simulation method provides a computational basis for developing manufacturing processes for nanosheet-derived materials by relating flow forces and nanosheet parameters to the resulting material morphology.
An Analytical Description of Liquid Slug Flow In Small-Diameter Vertical Conduits

A wide range of intermittent gas-lift tests was conducted in a 1,500-ft experimental well through 1-1/4 in. and 1-1/2 in. nominal size tubing. For each tubing size, tests were conducted varying the slug length, gas volume injected and liquid viscosity and surface tension. From these tests, an empirical ''fallback'' or liquid loss correlation has been developed. A conceptual model has been developed which combines the fallback correlation with equations which govern liquid slug flow. A mathematical simulation of the model in the form of a digital computer program is used to calculate total recovery, gas volume used and clearance time for a given test. Tubing pressures at the gas-lift valve and at the gas-slug interface are calculated as a function of time. Tubing pressures at the surface during slug clearance are also calculated. The results compare favorably with the test data and verify the conceptual model. (21 refs.)
Insemination management for a one-injection prostaglandin F2α synchronization regimen. I. One daily insemination period versus use of the a.m./p.m. rule

Abstract Following detection of estrus in a one-injection prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α) synchronization regimen, 261 dairy heifers were randomly inseminated (A.I.) either once between 0800 and 0900 h daily (a.m.) or about 12 h after detection of estrus (a.m./p.m.). During the regimen, 31.8 and 33.3% for the a.m./p.m. and a.m. groups, respectively showed estrus and received A.I. during the pre-PGF 2 α period. The remaining heifers were injected with PGF 2 α with 95.6% from a.m./p.m. and 96.5% from a.m. showing estrus and receiving A.I. within five days after PGF 2 α. Pregnancy rates of 62.9% for a.m./p.m. and 62.0% for a.m. did not differ. Progesterone at the time of injection was similar between groups and was not correlated with either response to PGF 2 α or fertility. Percentages of heifers in estrus 96 after PGF 2 α were 4.7, 30.2, 45.6, 14.3 and 5.3, respectively, with a mean time of 61.0±1.9 h. Satisfactory conception rate was attained with a.m. insemination.
Urban educators’ perceptions of culturally relevant pedagogy and school reform mandates

In this article, we examine urban teachers’ perceptions of school reform models (SRMs) and culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP). In particular, we examined how urban educators altered mandated reform models in the best interests of their culturally and linguistically diverse students. We discuss data from a phenomenological study, which included in-depth interviews and a focus group with seven urban African-American educators. We explore three facets of the intersection of culturally relevant pedagogy and mandated school reforms: (1) Teachers’ use of CRP to empower urban students; (2) Teachers’ beliefs that SRMs hurt African American students more than help them; (3) Teachers’ adaptations of SRMs with culturally relevant practices. Finally, this article explores the implications for practice and policy when culturally relevant teachers struggle to utilize CRP in the implementation of SRMs.
Jean-Baptiste Labat and the buccaneer barbecue in seventeenth-century Martinique.

If, as the sociologist Pierre L. van den Berghe has suggested, cuisine is a significant expression of man's sociability, one might say that the seventeenth-century missionary Jean-Baptiste Labat was the single most social animal in the Caribbean islands in the 1690s. Although his primary responsibility on the island of Martinique was to serve the island's multiethnic population as a spiritual leader, le pere Labat's memoirs chronicle the diverse culinary experiences of the missionary as he literally eats his way around the island, learning to prepare such delicacies as cocoa confit, roasted manatee, lizard en brochette, and parakeet en daube. Positing his unbridled interest in the culinary arts as a mark of his “obedience” to the duties assigned him as missionary, Labat's taxonomy of island delicacies and exotic tastes no doubt titillated the curiosity of his mainland readers while nevertheless grounding itself strongly in the values of order, authenticity, and industry so essential to Labat's apostolic mission. This article focuses on two “buccaneer barbecues” as examples of gastronomical experiences through which Labat was able to construct and negotiate new social, cultural, and symbolic meanings, exploring identity politics through the frame of the culinary arts in seventeenth-century Martinique.