cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of age and ontogeny on photosynthetic responses of a determinate annual plant to elevated CO2 concentrations

Plant responses to elevated CO 2 concentrations ([CO 2 ]) may be regulated by both accelerated ontogeny and allocational changes as plants grow. However, isolating ontogenyrelated effects from age-related effects are difficult because these factors are often confounded. In this study, the roles of age and ontogeny in photosynthetic responses to elevated [CO 2 ] were examined on Xanthium strumarium L. grown at ambient (365 µ mol mol − − − 1 ) and elevated (730 µ mol mol − − − 1 ) [CO 2 ]. To examine age-related effects, six cohorts were planted at 5-day intervals. To examine ontogenyrelated effects, all plants were induced to flower at the same time; ontogeny in Xanthium is relatively unaffected by growth in elevated [CO 2 ]. Growth in elevated [CO 2 ] increased net photosynthetic rates by approximately 30% throughout vegetative growth (i.e. active carbohydrate sinks), approximately 10% during flowering (i.e. minimal sink activity), and approximately 20% during fruit production (i.e. active sinks). At the harvest, the ratio of source to sink tissue significantly decreased with increasing plant age and was correlated with leaf soluble sugar concentration. Leaf soluble sugar concentration was negatively correlated with the relative photosynthetic response to elevated [CO 2 ]. These results suggest that age and ontogeny independently affect photosynthetic responses to elevated [CO 2 ] and the effects are mediated by reversible changes in source : sink balance.
Electroretinographic determination of the spectral sensitivity of the baboon (Papio Anubis)

Abstract As a preliminary investigation of the baboon ( Papio Anubis ) visual system, ERG's were recorded using monochromatic light. The computer-averaging technique was used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. Scotopic responses were recorded using discrete flashes 100–200 msec in duration under dark-adapted conditions. B-wave amplitude and implicit time analysis disclosed scotopic sensitivity essentially the same as that of man. Photopic responses were recorded using three procedures: (1) 4 Hz flicker and analysis of the first wave; (2) 20 Hz flicker; and (3) discrete flashes superimposed on continuous white-light adaptation. All three procedures disclosed spectral sensitivity functions similar to that of the peripheral cones of man.
Diffusional reactions in the combustion synthesis of MoSi2

Abstract An attempt has been made to understand the nature of the reactions occurring in the combustion wave during the combustion synthesis of MoSi 2 from powders of molybdenum and silicon. The study is also extended to determine the effect of heating rate on the product formation by heating the compacts of molybdenum and silicon at various heating rates. In combustion synthesis, MoSi 2 is formed in a single step suggesting the occurrence of liquid silicon-solid molybdenum diffusional reactions during the propagation of the combustion wave. In contrast, at low heating rates, Mo 5 Si 3 is formed first, which is then enriched with liquid silicon by the diffusional reaction of liquid silicon through the product layer of Mo 5 Si 3 , forming MoSi 2 . Evidence for these reactions has been obtained by correlating the exothermic effects observed from the differential thermal analysis curves with the X-ray identification of the products of the reaction.
Tissue viability assessment via laser-based fluorescence monitor

A preliminary study of the degree to which recently introduced inhalation anesthetics influence the intracellular energetic metabolism of isolated perfused rat livers is undertaken via NADH fluorometry. During liver transplantation, anesthesiologists desire to maintain a high level of metabolic energy status in newly transplanted liver tissue. Ischemic storage of donor liver tissue prior to transplantation is known to inhibit mitochondrial electron transfer, which results in decreased levels of ATP and increased levels of NADH in the stored tissue. The ability of transplanted liver tissue to regenerate ATP at normal levels is desirable for early post- operative recovery of liver function. Previous studies have examined the differential effects inhalation anesthetics have on the energetic metabolism of tissue at the cellular level; the trend of such agents is to induce a dose-dependent increase in NADH fluorescence in accordance with their strengths as general anesthetics. The present study evaluates the differential effects exhibited by new inhalation anesthetics on the return of function of energetic metabolism in liver tissue. The third-harmonic (355 nm) output of a Nd:YAG laser is spatially filtered and used as the excitation source for surface fluorometric measurements of isolated buffer-perfused rat livers. Lastly, maximum fluorescence emission versus spot-size are measured.
Characterization of Glomerella acutata, the teleomorph of Colletotrichum acutatum.

The association between the anamorph Colletotrichum acutatum and a new teleomorph, Glom- erella acutata, was documented. Fertile perithecia were produced in a series of crosses between self-ster- ile monoconidial strains of C. acutatum, demonstrat- ing a previously undescribed teleomorph directly as- sociated with the anamorph originally described byJ. H. Simmonds in 1965. Strains capable of crossing in- cluded the C. acutatum type specimen, originally iso- lated from papaya (Carica papaya) in Australia by Simmonds, and other archived and contemporary strains from several hosts from the United States, Aus- tralia and New Zealand. The resulting teleomorph, Glomerella acutata, was described and illustrated as a new species which can be distinguished from other taxa by a combination of features of the anamorph, the teleomorph, and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Perithecia of G. acutata were black-brown, pre- dominantly ampulliform, 125 x 312 ILm (mean 183 ILm) diam, ostiolate and periphysate. Asci were nar- rowly clavate and bore up to eight oblong to ellip- soidal ascospores which measured 8.5-(15.7)-25.1 X 3.1-(5.8)-8.1 ,um.
Synthesis of the 2-fluoro-11-hydroxy analog of porphobilinogen, a new suicide inhibitor of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase

Abstract The 2-fluoro-11-hydroxy analog of porphobilinogen (PBG) 15 was designed and synthesized by the direct fluorination of the pyrrole ring with the flu
Heavy baryon chiral perturbation theory and the weak nonleptonic p-wave decays of the baryon octet

Abstract Considerable confusion in the literature about heavy baryon chiral perturbation theory, its convergence properties, and appropriate calculational techniques, make it timely to discuss the nonleptonic p-wave decays of the octet of baryons. We present model independent results.
Theory of molten zone shape and stability

Abstract The Laplace-Young capillary equation for the shape of an axisymmetric liquid-vapor interface has been solved numerically for boundary conditions relevant to a model of the floating zone process. The stability of these solutions with respect to axisymmetric and asymmetric perturbations which conserve volume has been determined via the conjugate point criterion of the calculus of variations. The liquid zone shape is governed by five dimensionless parameters: R m R f , L Rf , V φR 2 f L , ϵ = ρg R 2 f γ , and ϵ R = ρΩ 2 R 3 f γ , where Rm and Rf are the radii of the melting and freezing solids, respectively, L is zone length , V is the zone volume, ρ is the density difference between liquid vapor, g is the gravitational acceleration, γ is the liquid-vapor surface tension, and Ω is the constant angular velocity of the uniformly rotating zone. For growth of constant diameter crystals, the angle of, measured between the meniscus and the growth axis at the freezing interface, is constant. For Rm = Rf, ϵR = 0, and of = 0, the maxi mum value of ϵ for which a stable liquid zone exists has been calculated for various values of L/Rf. For some values of ϵ, two different stable liquid zones with different volumes (but all other parameters identical) give the same value of of.
Conceptual test of frequency diversity lidar.

The present consideration of the estimation accuracy of lidar-backscattered signals in atmospheric remote sensing proposes a method that can furnish additional uncorrelated data within the atmospheric decorrelation time, with enhanced energy efficiency. This frequency-diversity method recognizes that additional uncorrelated data from a given illuminated region is obtainable by changing the frequency of the incoming radiation. The mathematical analysis of the frequency-diversity concept by Wallace (1953) confirms the physical scenario employed. A simple version of a coherent lidar system incorporating the frequency-diversity concept is included to illustrate the design principles involved.
Concrete as a new strain/stress sensor

Abstract A new strain/stress sensor technology was developed, based on the concept of short electrically conducting fiber pull-out that accompanies slight and reversible crack opening. The fiber pull-out reversibly increases the composite's electrical resistance, which is the signal provided by the sensor under static or cyclic loading. The new technology was manifested in concrete and mortar containing electrically conducting short fibers (e.g. carbon fibers and steel fibers), but not in those containing no fibers or those containing non-conducting (polyethylene) fibers. Carbon fibers worked best. They served to greatly decrease the crack height, so that reversible pull-out of the crack bridging fibers occurred. Even in the elastic regime, a part of the resistance change was irreversible, such that it provided memory of the first deformation; this is due to permanent damage, probably associated with the increase in fiber/matrix contact electrical resistivity due to the interface bond weakening. The stress at which this damage began was much lower under tension than compression. The ratio of the contribution to the fractional resistance increase by the reversible part to that by the reversible part was much higher under tension than compression. The irreversible part increased with increasing irreversible strain, which increased with increasing stress amplitude. The fractional increase in resistance at fracture was much larger under compression than under tension, was much larger for mortars than concretes at similar volume fractions, and was quite independent of the loading rate.
Development of hypoxia in well-mixed subtropical estuaries in the Southeastern USA

Esturies throughout much of the South Atlantic Bight (southeastern U.S.) have been considered to be relatively pristine, but are now experiencing elevated concentrations of both organic and inorganic nutrients. As is true in many parts of the world, this eutrophication is correlated with coastal population growth. These estuaries have been assumed to be immune from extended hypoxia, in large part because they are well mixed and do not generally exhibit the water column stratification that is traditionally associated with low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. data presented here show long-term (19 yr) decreases in dissolved oxygen in surface waters of the Skidaway estuary, a pattern that is occurring throughout coastal Georgia. More limited data from bottom waters exhibit the same trend. The decreases in dissolved oxygen occurred at the same time as observed increases in inorganic and organic nutrients and in bacteria concentrations, implying an increase in heterotrophic activity. These observations suggest that traditional paradigms long applied to stratified estuaries, wherein the cycle that leads to hypoxia is initiated by the uptake of inorganic nutrients by autotrophs that are then decomposed below the pycnocline, may need revision for well-mixed estuaries. Heterotrophic community metabolism, stimulated by anthropogenic loading of organic and inorganic nutrients, can overwhelm even vigorous vertical mixing and horizontal exchange to gradually cause declining oxygen concentrations and eventually hypoxia.
Mitotic mechanisms: an alternative view

Abstract The mechanisms that control spindle structure and move chromosomes remain as mysterious as ever. Using the diatom as a model spindle type, several interesting and counter-intuitive possibilities have emerged. For example, there may not be an anaphase motor and a primary energy-requiring (force-producing) mechanism may actually move chromosomes away from the pole. Force may be a primary factor controlling microtubule assembly disassembly.
Circadian phase relationships of thymidine-3H uptake, labeled nuclei, grain counts, and cell division rate in rat corneal epithelium.

Significant differences in the uptake of thymidine-3H, percentage of labeled cells, numbers of grains per labeled nucleus, and mitotic rate were noted in rat corneal epithelium along a 24-hr time scale. These were demonstrated by injecting subgroups of five animals every hour during a 24-hr period with thymidine-3H, sacrificing them 2 hr later, and analyzing the corneal epithelium by scintillation counter and radioautographic techniques. The increase in uptake during specific periods of the 24-hr time scale is attributed to an acceleration in the rate of DNA synthesis by individual cells and to an increase in the percentage of cells in the population actively synthesizing DNA.
Time-dependent fluctuations and particle production in cosmological de Sitter and anti-de Sitter spaces

We study the evolution of time-dependent fluctuations and particle production in an expanding dS and contracting AdS universe. Using the functional Schrodinger formalism we are able to probe the time-dependent regime which is out of the reach of the standard approximations like the Bogolyubov method. In both cases, the evolution of fluctuations is governed by the harmonic oscillator equation with time-dependent frequency. In the case of an expanding dS universe we explicitly show that the frequency of fluctuations produced at a certain moment diminish in time, while the distribution of the created particles quickly approaches the thermal radiation of the dS space. In the case of a contracting AdS universe we show that the frequency of fluctuations produced at a certain moment grow in time. Nominally, the temperature of radiation diverges as the Big Crunch is approaching, however, increasing oscillations of the spectrum make the temperature poorly defined, which is in agreement with the fact that AdS space does not have an event horizon which would cause thermal radiation. Unlimited growth of fluctuations indicates that an eventual tunneling into AdS vacuum would have catastrophic consequences for our universe.
Order-disorder transitions in polytetrafluoroethylene

Abstract The phase diagram of polytetrafluoroethylene is enlarged by differential scanning calorimetry to include the concentration of hexafluoropropylene comonomer units. The two transitions near 292 and 303 K in the homopolymer move to lower temperatures and apparently become one at small concentrations. Analysis of the data yields 295 K for the temperature and 13.2 J/g for the heat of transition of an infinitely large homopolymer crystal. The heat of transition associated with the formation of a crystal defect is 0.021 eV. The qualitative features of the transition can be accounted for by a mean-field model which involves two order parameters corresponding to planar units and helix reversals. This model yields two transitions which move closer together and to lower temperatures with increasing comonomer concentration. Decreasing lamella thickness will have a qualitatively similar effect.
Analytic, group-theoretic wave functions for confined, correlated N-body systems with general two-body interactions

In this paper, we develop an analytic N-body wave function for identical particles under quantum confinement with a general two-body interaction. A systematic approach to correlation is developed by combining three theoretical methods: dimensional perturbation theory, the FG method of Wilson et. al., and the group theory of the symmetric group. Analytic results are achieved for a completely general interaction potential. Unlike conventional perturbation methods which are applicable only for weakly interacting systems, this analytic approach is applicable to both weakly and strongly interacting systems. This method directly accounts for each two-body interaction, rather than an average interaction so even lowest-order results include beyond-mean-field effects. One major advantage is that N appears as a parameter in the analytical expressions for the energy so results for different N are easy to obtain.
Electron microscopy study of the iron meteorite Santa Catharina

A characterization of the microstructural features of Santa Catharina (SC) from the millimeter to submicron scale is presented. The same specimen was examined using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, an electron probe microanalyzer, and an analytical electron microscope. Findings include the fact that SC metal nodules may have different bulk Ni values, leading to different microstructures upon cooling; that SC USNM 6293 is the less corroded sample, as tetrataenite exists as less than 10 nm ordered domains throughout the entire fcc matrix (it is noted that this structure is the same as that of the Twin City meteorite and identical to clear taenite II in the retained taenite regions of the octahedrites); that SC USNM 3043 has a more complicated microstructure due to corrosion; and that the low Ni phase of the cloudy zone was selectively corroded in some areas and formed the dark regions, indicating that the SC meteorite corrosion process was electrochemical in nature and may involve Cl-containing akaganeite.
A genetic analysis of the att-int-xis region of coliphage lambda.

We have isolated and characterized several hundred mutants of bacteriophage λ that are defective in prophage excision. Almost all resemble classical int and xis mutants in complementation pattern and ability to integrate. One int mutant is exceptional in that it is defective in excision but proficient in integration. The mutant sites are located in a region that begins within 50 base-pairs to the right of the attachment site and extends about 1350 base-pairs rightward, int is approximately 1240 base-pairs and xis 110 base-pairs long.
Generalist-Subspecialist Communication About Children With Chronic Conditions: An Analysis of Physician Focus Groups

Objective.—To describe barriers and facilitators to effective generalist-subspecialist communication in the care of children with chronic conditions. Methods.—We conducted 5 focus groups with 14 general pediatricians and 10 pediatric specialty providers to discuss factors that facilitate or obstruct effective communication. The specialty groups included 2 nurse practitioners; the rest were pediatricians from an academic medical center and the surrounding community. We performed a content analysis to generate groups of themes and classify them as barriers or facilitators, and we returned to the participants to solicit their feedback. Results.—We identified 201 themes in 6 domains: the method, content, and timing of communication; system factors; provider education; and interpersonal issues. Barriers to communication mostly involved the method of communication and system factors. Most facilitating themes promoted timely communication, understanding of the reasons for referral and the nature of the child's condition, or appropriate definition of generalist and specialist roles. Participants described numerous examples where communication had direct effects on patient outcomes. Generalists and specialists agreed on many issues, although specialists discussed the pros and cons of curbside consults at length whereas generalists emphasized the importance of their own education in the referral-consultation process. Conclusions.—Efforts to improve communication between pediatric generalists and specialists in the care of children with chronic conditions should emphasize the importance of timely information transfer. The content of messages is important, but lack of receipt when needed is more of a problem. Improving generalist-subspecialist communication has great potential to improve the quality of care.
Conspicuity of diffuse axonal injury lesions on diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

Abstract Objective: (1) To detect diffuse axonal injury (DAI) lesions by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), as compared with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging and (2) to evaluate hemorrhagic DAI lesions by b0 images obtained from DWI, as compared with gradient-echo (GRE) imaging. Methods: We reviewed MR images of 36 patients with a diagnosis of DAI. MR imaging was performed 20 h to 14 days (mean, 3.7 days) after traumatic brain injury. We evaluated: (1) conspicuity of lesions on DWI and FLAIR and (2) conspicuity of hemorrhage in DAI lesions on b0 images and GRE imaging. Results: DWI clearly depicted high-signal DAI lesions. The sensitivity of DWI to lesional conspicuity in DAI lesions was almost equal to that of FLAIR. The sensitivity of b0 images to identification of hemorrhagic DAI lesions was inferior to that of GRE. Conclusion: DWI is as useful as FLAIR in detecting DAI lesions. GRE imaging is still the superior tool for the evaluation of hemorrhagic DAI.
Effects of EGTA and slow freezing of bovine oocytes on post-thaw development in vitro

Experiments were conducted to assess the morphological viability and in vitro developmental potential of bovine oocytes after exposure to Ethylene Glycol-bis(-aminoethyl Ether) N,N,N,N-Tetra-acetic Acid (EGTA) prior to slow freezing. Different concentrations of EGTA (0, 1, 5 and 10 mM) and exposure intervals (5, 10 and 15 min) were tested on immature (GV) and in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes equilibrated in 1.5 mM propylene glycol (PG) without (experiment 1) or with slow freezing (experiment 2). In addition, PG and ethylene glycol (EG) were compared for cryoprotective efficacy. In vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture (IVC) were performed in defined conditions. Pretreatment of both types of oocytes with 1 mM EGTA for 5 min without freezing yielded morphological and functional results comparable to those obtained for controls while results from higher concentrations of EGTA were lower (P < 0.05). Higher rates of freeze-thaw survival and embryonic development were obtained after pretreating GV oocytes with 1 or 5 mM EGTA for 5 min. Similarly, better results were obtained when IVM oocytes were pretreated with 1 mM EGTA for either 5 or 10 min. When pretreated with 1 mM EGTA for 5 min and frozen with PG IVM oocytes exhibited higher survival rates (P < 0.05) than those frozen with EG. However, no significant differences were observed in the in vitro development of surviving GV or IVM oocytes frozen with either PG or EG. Results suggest that a prefreeze treatment with 1 mM EGTA for 5 min can enhance oocyte viability. Conditions described enabled blastocyst development of 2.9% of GV oocytes and 8.0% of IVM oocytes after cryopreservation and IVF. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 52:86–98, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of coal syngas and H2S on the performance of solid oxide fuel cells: Single-cell tests

Abstract The performance of single-cell planar solid oxide fuel cells using coal syngas, with and without hydrogen sulfide (H2S), was studied. A state-of-the-art gas delivery system, data acquisition system, and test stand were designed and assembled for experimentation. All cells were tested at 850 °C with a constant current load of 14.3 A (current density of 0.20 A cm−2). The results from using syngas with no H2S indicated no degradation after 290 h of operation. After immediately injecting CO (and water) in the H2–N2 mixture, there was a slight tendency of improving performance (power) and then the behavior remained steady. On the other hand, results for the test with syngas in the presence of H2S (200–240 ppm) indicated good performance over 570 h (650 h total operation time) with 10–12.5% degradation. The results suggest these cells can be used for extended periods of time for syngas applications, and in the presence of H2S the cells show no major degradation.
Transportation fuel from cellulosic biomass : a comparative assessment of ethanol and methanol options

AbstractFuture sources of renewable fuel energy will be needed to supplement or displace petroleum. Biomass can be converted to ethanol or methanol, both having good properties as a motor fuel, but...
The Shrinking Middle in the US Congress

The virtual disappearance of moderate and cross-pressured members from the US Congress is analysed in this article. There were substantial numbers of these partisan non-conformists in both parties and in both chambers until the early 1980s when the middle began to shrink. This trend continued and accelerated in the 1990s. Partisan non-conformists disappeared through replacement and conversion. When moderate and cross-pressured members left Congress, their replacements were much more likely to be mainstream partisans in the 1980s and 1990s than they had been in earlier decades. The occurrence of some type of conversion (a shift towards the party's ideological mainstream or a party switch) is also much more common in recent decades. We present evidence that the shrinking middle in Congress resulted from electoral changes.
Cardiac manifestations of Marfan syndrome in infancy and childhood.

The clinical profile and course of 36 infants and children with Marfan syndrome is reviewed. Cardiac abnormalities were present in 61% of the patients and were the major cause of death. Mitral regurgitation, the most frequently encountered cardiac lesion (47%), occurred in both males and females, while aortic regurgitation was present only in males. Arrhythmias were observed in four patients, and congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect) was observed in one. A distinguishing auscultatory feature was an apical mid or late systolic murmur preceded by single or multiple clicks. A characteristic electrocardiographic pattern of S-T segment and T-wave changes in leads II, III, aVF, and left precordial leads was noted in 11 patients. The prognosis of children with Marfan syndrome and isolated mitral regurgitation was usually good, whereas patients with combined mitral and aortic regurgitation had a rapidly deteriorating clinical course. The overall mortality in the group was 14%.
What do mothers want to know about teens' activities? Levels, trajectories, and correlates

Abstract Middle class mothers (n = 169) of middle adolescents (M = 15.69 years old) in the U.S. rated how much they want to know and responded qualitatively about what they “always” and “never” want to know about adolescents' risky prudential (e.g., drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs), personal (e.g., teens' private conversations), and multifaceted (involving overlapping prudential and personal concerns) activities. Latent growth curve modeling over one year showed that mothers wanted to know most about prudential, less about multifaceted, and least about personal activities; wanting to know declined over time for each type of activity, but less for prudential than for other activities. With teen problem behavior controlled, psychologically controlling parenting, supportive and negative interactions with teens, knowledge of adolescents' activities, and teens' age were associated with individual differences in mothers' initial ratings and trajectories of wanting to know, although results varied by domain and were moderated by teen gender.
Triphenylphosphine reduction of saturated endoperoxides.

Triphenylphosphine reduction of saturated endoperoxides derived from 6,6-dimethylfulvene and spiro[2.4]hepta-4,6-diene in the presence of nucleophiles results in the formation of products that mainly stem from deoxygenation followed by carbocation formation. Nucleophilic attack by solvent proceeds by an SN1 like mechanism; allyl shifts and cyclopropylcarbinyl-cyclobutyl rearrangements also occur. With the systems lacking carbocation-stabilizing groups, the deoxygenation step is preceded by attack of H2O at the phosphorus.
SUPER PREMIUM SECURITY PRICES AND OPTIMAL CORPORATE FINANCING DECISIONS

DETERMINATION OF the appropriate capital structure for the wealth maximizing firm is a central topic in the study of business finance and has spawned numerous articles and studies by academicians and practitioners alike. An important segment of this body of literature has received notable acclaim from theoreticians and has served to focus all thinking in this area. It consists, at the risk of oversimplification, of derivations of J. B. Williams' [25, 1938] "Law of the Conservation of Investment Value"-stating that the firm's market value is independent of its financial structure-under ever more general conditions. In their landmark article, Modigliani and Miller [16, 1958] used the now familiar arbitrage argument to prove the Williams' entity theory of value under assumptions which included that firms may be grouped into equivalent risk classes, that corporate debt is riskless, and that perfect capital markets exist. Hamada [8, 1969], in an application of the capital asset pricing model to the problems of business finance, proved the capital structure irrelevance propostion in the absence of the MM risk class assumption. And Stiglitz [23, 1969], also in the context of a market equilibrium model, further generalized the irrelevance thesis to encompass the issuance of risky corporate debt. The systematic investigation of specific types of capital market imperfections has also yielded meaningful results, clarifying both the manner in which markets function and the complex nature of the capital structure problem.' This paper extends the analysis of capital market imperfections by developing positive implications concerning the existence of specific institutional portfolio restrictions for firms' financing decisions. In a companion paper2 a single period, two parameter capital asset pricing model was utilized to demonstrate that statutory investment restrictions imposed on the portfolio choices of major financial institutions and certain practices accompanying the shorting of securities combine to create a market situation wherein some securities sell at unwarranted price premiums from the viewpoint of firms' shareholders. The present paper introduces wealth maximizing firms into this equilibrium model as active decision agents seeking to optimize financial structure by issuing both debt and equity securities. The analysis indicates that some, but not
Endovascular Brachytherapy for Peripheral Vascular Disease

The most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States is vascular disease, which afflicts a wide spectrum of organs such as the heart (cardiovascular system), brain (cerebrovascular system), kidney (renal system), liver (hepatic system), and extremities (peripheral vascular system). The most common pathology of vascular diseases is occlusion. Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) is currently the most common nonsurgical treatment for obstructive arteries. Unfortunately, the long-term effectiveness of PTA is limited by a high restenosis rate. Efforts to reduce post-PTA restenosis, including laser, mechanical atherectomy, intravascular stenting, and pharmacologic agents, have not been successful. With recent advances in the pathogenesis of restenosis, we have learned that the major problem is the intimal hyperplastic reaction in response to vessel injury. Encouraging animal data in the use of various radiotherapeutic approaches to prevent restenosis has led to a large number of multinational, multicenter, randomized trials on coronary vascular systems. Because early results have been in favor of radiation therapy, and because the basic process of restenosis is similar for coronary and noncoronary vascular systems, many investigators extend the application of radiotherapy to the prevention of restenosis in peripheral vascular systems. However, the clinical scenarios are much different for peripheral vascular systems than for the coronary vascular system. This article discusses the current views of the pathophysiology of restenosis, major clinical trials, and perspectives on future studies. Experimental studies on animal models have documented the profound effects of endovascular brachytherapy in reducing restenosis caused by angioplasty and stenting. Early results of clinical trials are encouraging and confirm these positive results. Long-term follow-up data are needed to show that radiation does prevent, not merely delay, restenosis; Several areas of opportunity exist for both basic science research and clinical studies to enhance our knowledge of the pathophysiology. This would optimize the treatment strategy, maximizing the benefits and minimizing late complications
Promising CNS-directed enzyme replacement therapy for lysosomal storage diseases.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders usually resulting from a deficiency in a single acid hydrolase (Neufeld, 1991). The remaining subsets of LSDs are caused by defects in key lysosomal membrane proteins, proteins involved in lysosomal enzyme trafficking, or lysosomal enzyme activator proteins (Neufeld, 1991). Regardless of the gene defect, most LSDs result in an accumulation of undegraded or partially degraded substrates that leads to the hallmark of LSDs, microscopically demonstrable lysosomal distension. These diseases are usually autosomal recessive in nature but several have an X-linked inheritance pattern. Individually, LSDs are rare but as a group they encompass as many as 50 distinct disorders with a frequency of approximately 1 in 5,000 live births (Meikle et al., 1999). This makes the LSDs one of the most common childhood genetic diseases. In many instances, children are asymptomatic at birth. However, LSDs are progressive in nature and invariably fatal. Since lysosomal enzymes are typically ubiquitously expressed, LSDs can present with a broad spectrum of clinical signs including some or all of the following: organomegally, visual and hearing deficits, cardiac insufficiencies, skeletal defects, immunologic abnormalities, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement (Neufeld, 1991, Marodi et al., 1995, Daly et al., 1999, Gadola et al., 2006). Approximately 75% of LSDs have CNS involvement that manifest as mental retardation, seizures, profound neurodegeneration, behavioral abnormalities, and psycho-motor defects. Due to the debilitating nature of the associated clinical signs and the protective nature of blood brain barrier, the CNS disease remains one of the major challenges when developing therapies for this class of inherited disorder.
Cryoablation of accessory pathways in children.

Background: Cryoablation is utilized for septal tachycardia substrates due its safety. Considering the recent studies which reveal coronary artery stenosis related to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in children, cryoablation may offer advantages for nonseptal accessory pathways (APs) as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of cryoablation of APs in children. Methods: A total of 39 patients (median age = 9.3 years, range 4.8 to 17.2 years) underwent cryoablation of APs. A three-dimensional, surface electrode-based navigation system (EnSite NavX™, St.Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) is used to decrease the fluoroscopy exposure. Results: A total of 45 APs were identified. Of these APs, 23 were septal (anteroseptal, midseptal, posteroseptal) and 22 were nonseptal. Acute success rate with cryoablation was 73%. RFA was used when cryoablation failed and overall acute success rate was 84%. To assess for the effect of institutional experience, the initial 23 APs were compared to the recent 22 APs and acute success rate revealed significant improvement (57% vs. 91%). Recurrence rate was 24% during a median follow-up of 282 days. Conclusion: Cryoablation of APs is safe and yields to high acute success rates in children. It can potentially be used as the first ablation option for all APs in children. However, recurrence rate is higher compared to the RFA and there is a need for prospective comparative studies.
Using perturbed handwriting to support writer identification in the presence of severe data constraints

Since real data is time-consuming and expensive to collect and label, researchers have proposed approaches using synthetic variations for the tasks of signature verification, speaker authentication, handwriting recognition, keyword spotting, etc. However, the limitation of real data is particularly critical in the field of writer identification in that in forensics, adversaries cannot be expected to provide sufficient data to train a classifier. Therefore, it is unrealistic to always assume sufficient real data to train classifiers extensively for writer identification. In addition, this field differs from many others in that we strive to preserve as much inter-writer variations, but model-perturbed handwriting might break such discriminability among writers. Building on work described in another paper where human subjects were involved in calibrating realistic-looking transformation, we then measured the effects of incorporating perturbed handwriting into the training dataset. Experimental results justified our hypothesis that with limited real data, model-perturbed handwriting improved the performance of writer identification. Particularly, if only one single sample for each writer was available, incorporating perturbed data achieved a 36x performance gain.
High-mobility, aligned crystalline domains of TIPS-pentacene with metastable polymorphs through lateral confinement of crystal growth

Patterns composed of solvent wetting and dewetting regions promote lateral confinement of solution-sheared and lattice-strained TIPS-pentacene crystals. This lateral confinement causes aligned crystal growth, and the smallest patterns of 0.5 μm wide solvent wetting regions promotes formation of highly strained, aligned, and single-crystalline TIPS-pentacene regions with mobility as high as 2.7 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) .
Midazolam Attenuates the Metabolic and Cardiopulmonary Responses to an Acute Increase in Oxygen Demand

Critically ill patients are subjected to routine clinical activities that increase oxygen demand. This results in increased heart rate, blood pressure, minute ventilation, and oxygen delivery in patients with often already compromised cardiopulmonary systems. This study examines whether the benzodiazepine, midazolam, could attenuate the increase in metabolism, respiration, and circulation seen during chest physical therapy. Two groups of mechanically ventilated postoperative patients were studied. One group (n=15) received, in random order, 0.015 mg/kg of midazolam and placebo prior to two consecutive chest physical therapy sessions, while the other (n=13) received 0.030 mg/kg and placebo. Both doses of midazolam significantly attenuated the increases in oxygen consumption, heart rate, and systemic blood pressure observed during placebo administration. The cardiac output increase was also attentuated. Although midazolam reduced minute ventilation and respiratory rate, no excess CO 2 retention occurred when the drug was administered likely as the result of reduced CO 2 production. The administration of midazolam (0.015 mg/kg and 0.030 mg/kg) prior to chest physical therapy reduces metabolic, hemodynamic, and ventilatory responses to chest physical therapy.
The direct and indirect effects of housing segregation on employment opportunities for blacks

Housing segregation directly affects the employment opportunities for blacks by reducing access to jobs. In addition, an indirect effect exists if, holding other factors constant, employers tend to hire workers who reflect the racial composition of the surrounding area. This tendency implies that a change in the distribution of black residences (with an offsetting change in the distribution in white residences) will have an impact on the spatial distribution of employment opportunities for blacks who donot move. Empirical evidence is presented for both the direct and indirect effects for the Chicago SMSA in 1970 using the Journey to Work data from the Census.
Inspection of micro-tools at high rotational speeds

Abstract Micro-tools have been widely used in industry, primarily by biomedical and electronic equipment manufacturers. The life of these cutting tools is extremely unrpedictable and much shorter than conventional tools. Also, these miniature tools, with a diameter of less than 1 mm, cannot be inspected by an operator without the aid of magnifying glass. In this paper, evaluation of the intensity variation of a reflected laser light beam from the cutting tool surfaces is proposed as a method of estimating cutting tool surface conditions. Various encoding methods, including wavelet transformations, were proposed to obtain a small and meaningful set of data from the intensity variation readings of one tool rotation. The encoded data are classified using a simple threshold method, Restricted Coulomb Energy (RCE), and Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART2)-type neural networks. The proposed encoding and classification approaches were tested with over one hundred sets of data. The threshold method detects only severe tool damage. The RCE neural networks and graphical presentation of the encoded sets demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed monitoring technique and encoding methods. The ART2-type neural networks were found to be the best candidate for tool condition monitoring because of their self learning capability. Wavelet transformation-based encoding and ART2-type neural networks were found to be sensitive enough to recognize wear at the cutting edge.
Statistical Determination of Vertical Resolution Requirements for Real-Time Wake-Vortex Prediction

2=s, the range of vortex Y-position RMS error is [0.7–134.5] m, and the range of vortex Z-position error is [1.2–10.1] m. The Y-position error had the largest variation with the maximum deviation exceeding 25 m. The second analysis sought to characterize the precision of the real-time wake-vortex model predictions as the resolution of the input meteorological files was reduced from 1 m to 100 m. Normalized RMS values (by 1 m resolution) were calculated for resolutions of 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 100 m averaged over the first 60 s of data available. For predicted circulation, differences were found between medians at input resolutions 5–20 m vs 25–100 m;for Y- andZ-position, differences were found between medians 100 m and all others.
NMR analysis of the structure and metal sequestering properties of metallothioneins.

113Cd-NMR studies have been used to elucidate the structure of the metal-binding sites in mammalian and invertebrate ( Scylla serrata) metallothioneins (MTs). Chemical shift data have shown that al...
Correction of Partial Atrioventricular Canal Defects

trioventricular (AV) canal defects represent a syecA trum of cardiac. defects involving varying degrees of incomplete cleveloyment of the septa1 tissue surrounding the AV valves as well as varying degrees of almormalities of the AV valves themselves. This article focuses on partial AV canal defects (PAVSDs), in which the dominant part of the septal deformity is a crescentshaped atrial septal c1efec.t (RSD) in the inferior portion of the atrial septum just ahove the AV valves known as an ostium primum defect. Anatomy Ostium primum defects generally acwiunt for hetween S% and 10% of all ASDs. They are bounded below hy the inferiorly clisplac*cvl AV valve leaflets and above by t-shaped ridge of atrial septum that fuses with the AV valve ring only at its extremities. The fossa ovalis is normally formed, and there is often an associated patent foramen ovale- or fossa ovalis-type ASD. There may also he an associated small vrntricwlar septal defect (VSD) just below the AV valves, an anatomic. variant commonly called a transitional or intermediate AV canal defect. In contrast to the Rastelli classification uscd to tlescrihe the anatomic variants of the AV valves in cwmplete RV septal defwts, the AV valve apparatus in PAVSDs is generally understood to have two distinct right and left AV valve orifices. Nonetheless, PAVSDs are usually associated with varying clegrees of left-sided AV valve malformation. Specifically, unlike a typical mitral valve, the left-sided AV valve in PAVSDs has three leaflets: left hupwior, left lateral (or left mural), antl left inferior. Thc. left superior and left inferior leaflets fuse with the septum, and the zone of coaptation of these two leaflets is generally referred to as the left'^ in the left AV valve. The final important anatomic consideration is that as in the case of complete AV septal defects, in PAVSDs the AV node is not in the triangle of Koch, but rather is displaced posteroinferiorly. As originally clewrilwd by Lev and reviewed by Anderson, the conduction axis lies in a new nodal triangle hounded by the annulus of the right AV valve, the coronary sinus, and thr lower edge of the interatrial st*ptum.I This altered anatomy must he kept in mind when repairing these defects. Finally, morphologic ahnornialities of the left AV suhvalvar apparatus are more common in patients with PAVSDs than in patients with complete AV canal defects. Such abnormalities, which may be present in up to 2.59" of patients with partial
Recent advances in high-performance antimonide-based superlattice FPAs

Infrared detection technologies entering the third generation demand performances for higher detectivity, higher operating temperature, higher resolution and multi-color detection, all accomplished with better yield and lower manufacturing/operating costs. Type-II antimonide based superlattices (T2SL) are making firm steps toward the new era of focal plane array imaging as witnessed in the unique advantages and significant progress achieved in recent years. In this talk, we will present the four research themes towards third generation imagers based on T2SL at the Center for Quantum Devices. High performance LWIR megapixel focal plane arrays (FPAs) are demonstrated at 80K with an NEDT of 23.6mK using f/2 optics, an integration time of 0.13ms and a 300K background. MWIR and LWIR FPAs on non-native GaAs substrates are demonstrated as a proof of concept for the cost reduction and mass production of this technology. In the MWIR regime, progress has been made to elevate the operating temperature of the device, in order to avoid the burden of liquid nitrogen cooling. We have demonstrated a quantum efficiency above 50%, and a specific detectivity of 1.05x1012 cm.Hz1/2/W at 150K for 4.2μm cut-off single element devices. Progress on LWIR/LWIR dual color FPAs as well as novel approaches for FPA fabrication will also be discussed.
Phytoplankton assemblages in the CoOP-WEST coastal upwelling area

Elevated levels of phytoplankton were observed at the Northern California coastal upwelling ecosystem studied as part of the CoOP-WEST project during monthly summer surveys in 2000, 2001 and 2002. The high concentrations of chlorophyll were made up mostly of larger cells; the phytoplankton communities that resulted were dominated by centric diatoms. The highest chlorophyll a concentrations were observed when large diatoms or small colony-forming species dominated the assemblages. In contrast, when smaller nano-flagellates and picoplankton were dominant, total chlorophyll a concentrations were over four or five-fold lower than when diatoms were prevalent, illustrating the importance of large diatoms to total phytoplankton biomass. Each year, when chlorophyll concentrations were greatest, Chaetoceros species created a Chaetoceros-dominated system. A few other genera contributed to the upwelling diatom community, mostly the centric diatoms Asterionella, Thalassiosira, Rhizosolenia (including Guinardia and Proboscia), and the pennate Nitzschia. These diatoms have been described in other coastal upwelling ecosystems, and at this study site form a functional group that are apparently well adapted to the high-nutrient, turbulent conditions that are typical of these coastal regions.