cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Empty Creditor Hypothesis

The empty creditor hypothesis suggests that bondholders and other creditors can use credit derivatives and other financial contracts to unbundle exposure to default from non-economic rights such as voting under debt agreements and in bankruptcy. According to the hypothesis, hedged creditors have weaker incentives to cooperate with distressed corporations to avoid bankruptcy and might even build up a “negative economic interest” under which failure is the preferred outcome. In addition, the hypothesis suggests that, once a firm enters bankruptcy, hedged creditors will be indifferent to the value of the firm. This paper argues that there is little if any evidence to back up the assertions of the empty creditor hypothesis. Further, given the cost of hedging distressed credits, the incentive effects of hedging are unlikely to lead systematically to behavior that would distort credit markets. Finally, because credit derivative settlement procedures essentially decouple compensation from ultimate recovery, they should in most cases have no effect on creditor behavior in bankruptcy proceedings.
Review of ‘Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Research and Future Directions,’ edited by Harvey S. Levin, David H. K. Shum, and Raymond C. K. Chan

The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive, diverse, and up-to-date overview of the most relevant topics related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) from mild to severe. The editors note in...
When is 6 less than 5? Penta- to hexa-graphene transition

Abstract Penta-graphene is a recently proposed graphene allotrope consisting of repeating pentagons. Here, we characterize the small-strain mechanical properties of finite penta-graphene using full atomistic molecular dynamics (MD). Using tensile tests, the uniaxial yield strength (12.7 N/m) and stiffness (approximately 378.3 N/m) are characterized. Extreme strain is observed at ultimate failure (> 50%), with an associated elastic toughness on the order of 5.4 J/m 2 . In addition, the bond structure of penta-graphene enables a structural transition from a repeating penta- to hexa-form, e.g. , the common hexagonal-based sp 2 -bonding structure of graphene. We show that penta-graphene can be transitioned to a hexagonal energy-reducing graphene form, via applied strain or temperature. The pentagon-based structure begins to degenerate to a graphene-like hexagonal structure at a critical strain of 5.1%, as the system transitions to a lower energy structure. Beyond this critical strain, the system behaves plastically, and does not revert to initial conditions upon stress removal. The hexagonal form (6-ring) represents a lower energy state than the pentagonal form (5-ring). We further observe conformational changes occur due to thermal energy, leading to a transition at T > 600 K. Post-transition, the system behavior reflects that of graphene with lattice defects. This represents a new paradigm of nanomaterials, whereby one material (graphene) can emerge from another metastable form (penta-graphene).
Reproductive and developmental responses in the self-fertilizing fish, Rivulus marmoratus, induced by the plasticizer, di-n-butylphthalate

Specialized life-history attributes of the cyprinodontiform fish, Rivulus marmoratus, allow continuous life cycle testing to reveal effects of chemicals or environmental stresses upon fertilization, fecundity, egg viability, embryonic development, sex ratios, frequency of growth or skeletal anomalies, as well as other biological markers. This study reports responses in fecundity, viability of embryos, and skeletal anomalies during and after exposure of parental fish to the plasticizer, di-n-butylphthalate (DBP). Skeletal anomalies among offspring were classified as mild, moderate, or severe compared with non-deformed normal offspring. The frequency of skeletal anomalies increased from 4% (all categories combined) in controls, to 10% and 19% of the offspring from adults exposed to 1 and 2 mg I-1 DBP, respectively. DBP treatment was conducted over a 21 week interval, followed by a 9 week post-treatment observation interval. During post-treatment, frequency of skeletal anomalies decreased to less than 5% in all groups.
A Typology of Budgetary Environments Notes on the Prospects for Reform

Budget reforms often have two goals that are not necessarily compatible. The primary goal is improving agency performance; the second implicit goal is exercising fiscal restraint to curb expenditure growth. The author describes four different budgetary environments to show that while fiscal restraint seems to be a necessary though not suf ficient requirement for successful budget reform, the interaction of reform and fiscal restraint actually may lead to unanticipated behavior among the major participants in the budget process. Reforms that seek to both improve agency performance and encourage fiscal restraint make the budgetary decision-making process unpredictable and more complex. This undesirable situation, from the standpoint of the participants in the process, is overlooked by proponents of budget reform. As aresult, the prospects for successful reform, in the author's opinion, are rather dim.
Cover deformation above a blind duplex: An example from West Virginia, U.S.A.

Abstract Pretectonic cover above blind thrust systems responds to underlying thrusting by combinations of forethrusting, backthrusting and coupling. The role of these responses was examined in the Hanging Rock-Cacapon Mountain anticlinorium of the central Appalachians. This cover fold consists of Middle Ordovician and younger sedimentary rocks above a blind horse of Cambro-Ordovician carbonates. The cover has abundant folding and subsidiary faulting. Cover cleavage in carbonate and fine-grained clastic rocks formed before regional folding in response to layer-parallel shortening (LPS). This 15% LPS also produced grain-suturing and fluid-inclusion trails in quartzarenites. The LPS formed during cover forethrusting, accommodating older blind horses in the hinterland. With the formation of the underlying horse, cover coupling occurred with bending-folding, additional secondary buckling and cleavage rotation by flexural flow with perhaps minor flattening. This cover coupling was insufficient to accommodate horse formation. No evidence exists for backthrusting, but forelandwards, abundant subsurface evidence exists for cover forethrusting with imbricate thrusting. This thrusting accommodates horse formation and differs in style from the LPS of the older forethrusting event. So, for this blind system, the cover responded with a combination of coupling and forethrusting.
Genetics of Type 1A (immune mediated) diabetes

Type 1A (immune mediated) diabetes is genetically heterogeneous with important examples for man and animal models with major mutations (autosomal recessive and X-linked recessive) identified as well as oligogenic/polygenic inheritance. For the most common forms of type 1A diabetes alleles of DQ and DR within the major histocompatibility complex are important determinants of disease and allow identification of high risk individuals at birth. Further understanding of both common and rare genetic determinants of type 1A diabetes will contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes and of autoimmunity.
MG and LEMS overlap syndrome: case report with electrophysiological and immunological evidence.

Abstract Objective : To report the clinical, electrophysiological, and immunological findings in one patient with MG and LEMS overlap syndrome (myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome). Methods : Evaluation of clinical, electrophysiological, and immunological findings in one patient with this disease. Results : A female patient with pernicious anemia had clinical findings of ptosis, diplopia, proximal leg weakness, areflexia and a positive edrophonium test as well as the classic patterns initially of MG and later of LEMS on successive repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) tests. Immunologically she demonstrated positive acetylcholine receptor antibody (ACh-ab) and positive N-type voltage-gated calcium-channel antibody (VGCC-ab) titers. Conclusions : Among five reported cases combining the features of MG and LEMS and having positive AChR- and VGCC-ab titers, our patient provides the most convincing clinical, electrophysiological, and immunological evidence for the existence of MG and LEMS overlap syndrome. Significance : MG and LEMS overlap syndrome is a distinct entity.
Concentration Of A Cassegrain Solar Furnace

A solar furnace comprising a paraboloidal mirror for tracking the sun and a hyperboloidal reflector having one focus in common with the paraboloid is analyzed to determine the geometric concentration of the system. A numerical ray-trace analysis was carried out to study various geometrical configurations of the two reflectors. In particular, the geometric concentration is calculated for the case when the line joining the foci of the hyperboloid and the axis of revolution of the paraboloid are not coincident. Possible applications of this solar furnace are discussed.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Learning Control for an Xpilot-AI Agent Playing Capture the Flag

Xpilot-AI is an environment where researchers can test autonomous agent control and learning programs. It is based on Xpilot, which is an open source, 2d space combat game. Xpilot-AI allows a programmer to write scripts that control an agent playing a game of Xpilot. In previous work, a wide range of techniques have been used to develop controllers that are focused on the combat skills for an Xpilot agent. In this research, a Genetic Algorithm GA was used to evolve the parameters for an expert agent solving the more challenging problem of capture the flag.
Immunity of complete problems

Abstract Two necessary and sufficient conditions for all E-complete sets to contain dense P subsets are shown. We then prove that every ≤pm-hard for E set and its complement contain dense E∩UP subsets. As a corollary, every NE-complete set and its complement contain dense E∩UP subsets.
Contribution of gene-specific lesions, DNA-replication-associated damage, and subsequent transcriptional inhibition in topoisomerase inhibitor-mediated apoptosis in lymphoma cells.

Abstract Lymphoid lineage tumor cells differ widely in their relative sensitivity or resistance to the induction of apoptosis by a variety of chemotherapeutic drugs. We used a model system of virally transformed B- and T-lymphoma cell lines to show that avian T-lymphoma cells are highly resistant, whereas B-lymphoma cells are highly sensitive, to the induction of apoptosis by a wide spectrum of chemotherapeutic drugs that induce different types of lesions in DNA. Among the various drugs examined, the topoisomerase inhibitors, camptothecin, actinomycin D, and etoposide, were the most potent inducers of apoptosis. Examination of the relative contribution of DNA replication and transcriptional inhibition to the differential induction of apoptosis by the topoisomerase inhibitors revealed that the signals initiating the apoptotic response vary, even among compounds with similar cellular targets. Specifically, DNA replication plays a major role in the induction of camptothecin-induced apoptosis, and a lesser role in the induction of apoptosis by etoposide. In contrast, DNA replication is not involved in the induction of apoptosis by actinomycin D. Transcriptional inhibition may provide the major cellular signal for apoptosis induction by this compound. In addition, we determined that the extent of topoisomerase I-cleavable complex inhibition is similar even in genes that are transcribed at different levels and by different RNA polymerases. An overexpressed c-mycgene is no more vulnerable to topoisomerase inhibition than its normally expressed counterpart. In contrast, even under conditions yielding similar amounts of topoisomerase inhibition, rRNA genes are more sensitive to transcriptional inhibition than are the c-mycgenes.
Combined modality of 2-formylpyridine monothiosemicarbazonato copper(II) and radiation.

Abstract The cupric complex of 2-formylpyridine monothiosemicarbazone, CuL + , is much more potent than the metal free ligand, solvated cupric sulfate, or ferric- 2-formylpyridine monothiosemicarbazone as determined by single-cell survival of CHO cells. CuL + is toxic throughout the cell cycle but most toxic at the G,/S interpbase where CuL + delays the onset of S-phase. Survival of synchronous and asynchronous CHO cells with CuL + and radiation suggest a near additive interaction when CuL + is present when DNA damage is repaired.
Mobile access control vestibule

The mobile access control vestibule (MACV) is an adaptation of techniques developed for mobile military command centers. The overall configuration of modules acts as an entry control/screening facility or transportable command center. The system would provide the following capabilities: (1) A key element for force protection, rapid deployment units sent to areas having no prepositioned equipment or where there has been a degradation of that equipment as a result of natural disasters or civil unrest. (2) A rapidly deployable security control center to upgrade the security at nonmilitary sites (e.g., diplomatic or humanitarian organizations). (3) Personnel screening, package screening, badge/identification card production for authorized personnel, centralized monitoring of deployed perimeter sensors, and centralized communications for law enforcement personnel. (4) Self-contained screening and threat detection systems, including explosives detection using the system developed by Sandia National Laboratories for the FAA. When coupled with transportable electric generators, the system is self-sufficient. The communication system for the MACV would be a combination of physically wired and wireless communication units that supports by ad hoc networking.
Neonatal Intensive Care: Mothers' and Fathers' Perceptions of What Is Stressful.

Although there are numerous anecdotal reports of parental stress following preterm birth, there are few empirical studies that document parents' perceptions concerning what is stressful. Of the extant research literature, there are even fewer studies targeting fathers as well as mothers. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare mothers' and fathers' perceptions of stress during the initial few weeks of their preterm infant's NICU hospitalization. Thirty-two mothers and 25 fathers were asked open-ended questions concerning the general experience of having a low-birthweight, premature infant hospitalized in a NICU. They then identified all the things they considered stressful, described the stressor they felt had been the most stressful, and rated the stressfulness of the NICU experience. Results showed that numerous stressors were identified across several different contexts (e.g., NICU, work, family). In addition, there were differences between mothers and fathers in the number and types of s...
Multiple Redundant Medulla Projection Neurons Mediate Color Vision in Drosophila

AbstractThe receptor mechanism for color vision has been extensively studied. In contrast, the circuit(s) that transform(s) photoreceptor signals into color percepts to guide behavior remain(s) poorly characterized. Using intersectional genetics to inactivate identified subsets of neurons, we have uncovered the first-order interneurons that are functionally required for hue discrimination in Drosophila. We developed a novel aversive operant conditioning assay for intensity-independent color discrimination (true color vision) in Drosophila. Single flying flies are magnetically tethered in an arena surrounded by blue and green LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The flies’ optomotor response is used to determine the blue-green isoluminant intensity. Flies are then conditioned to discriminate between equiluminant blue or green stimuli. Wild-type flies are successfully trained in this paradigm when conditioned to avoid either blue or green. Functional color entrainment requires the function of the narrow-spectrum p...
Prevention of Drop in Adrenocortical Activity in the 7-Day-Old Rat by Pretreatment with ACTH

SummaryIt was demonstrated that the plasma corticosterone response to ACTH is extremely weak in the 7-day-old rat. The present results indicate that pretreatment with 2 IU of ACTH in a beeswax-oil suspension on day 5 of age resulted in a 7-day-old rat that is capable of responding to ACTH in a manner comparable to that seen in younger and older rats. It is concluded from these studies that the “biphasic pattern” seen in the neonatal rat (characterized by a depressed adrenal response at day 7) is due to a depressed ability of the adrenal cortex to respond to ACTH. The hypothesis is presented that the depressed ability of the adrenal cortex to respond is the result of a relative lack in circulating ACTH. It is suggested that decreased ACTH secretion is the result of a failure of CRF to get to the pituitary because the hypothalamic-pituitary system is not complete in the 7-day-old rat.
Infusing Software Architecture into Software Engineering Curricula

Software systems of significant size, complexity, and lifetime are critically dependent on the match between their architecture and the quality attributes of greatest importance to the system stakeholders. Teaching software architecture, however, is a challenging task in an academic setting: bringing architectural issues to the fore may require problems of a size that conflict with the limitations imposed by quarters or semesters.
Harmonic analysis of a two-level sinusoidal PWM inverter using the method of pulse pairs

A method used to determine the harmonic components of the output of a two-level sinusoidal PWM inverter is presented. The method calculates the Fourier coefficients of corresponding positive and negative pulse pairs of the output PWM waveform and adds them together using the principle of superposition to calculate the Fourier coefficients of the entire PWM output signal. This method allows direct calculation of harmonic magnitudes and angles without having to use numerical techniques, look-up tables, or Bessel functions. The method presented is a general method that can easily be extended to other types of multilevel inverters and PWM schemes such as space vector modulation. The method has also been tested and proven to be valid in the overmodulation region.
On the communication complexity of solving a polynomial equation

This paper considers the problem of evaluating a function $f(x,y)(x \in \Re ^m ,y \in \Re ^n )$ using two processors $P_1 $ and $P_2 $, assuming that processor $P_1 $ (respectively, $P_2 $) has access to input x (respectively, y) and the functional form of f. A new general lower bound is established on the communication complexity (i.e., the minimum number of real-valued messages that have to be exchanged). The result is then applied to the case where $f(x,y)$ is defined as a root z of a polynomial equation $\sum _{i = 0}^{n - 1} (x_i + y_i )z^i = 0$ and a lower bound of n is obtained. This is in contrast to the $\Omega (1)$ lower bound obtained by applying earlier results of Abelson.
A Modified High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Thiabendazole in Fruits and Vegetables with Elisa Confirmation

Abstract A rapid modified high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the analysis of the benzimidazole fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ) in fresh produce. Changes were in the extraction technique and HPLC mobile phase. TBZ was extracted from the produce by either polytroning 10 g in 20 mL of methanol for 3 minutes or shaking, by hand, a 5 or 10 g sample in 20 mL of methanol for 10 minutes. A 50 μL aliquot was injected directly into an isocratic fluorescent HPLC system. Total analysis time ranged from 8 to 15 minutes per sample depending upon the extraction procedure employed. Percent recoveries averaged 90% with excellent reproducibility (%CVs from 0 to 18). For enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmation a 0.1 mL aliquot of the sample was removed and evaporated to dryness under air. The residue was dissolved in water before performing the ELISA.
Solvent-induced isomerization of halosilacyclobutanes. A mechanism with ionic intermediates with expanded coordination

Abstract A study of the isomerization of halosilacyclobutane geometric isomers in the presence of HMPT has been carried out. Kinetics and the observation of HMPT-catalyzed exchange are interpreted in terms of an intermediate pentacoordinate siliconium ion with two moles of HMPT.
Prospects for the treatment of phenylketonuria by gene therapy

Gene therapy is being explored as a means of treating a variety of genetic diseases. Because of the central role of the liver in many metabolic pathways, and the relative ease with which foreign genes can be delivered to hepatocytes, monogenic disorders that result in deficiencies of liver-specific proteins will be among the first targets of somatic gene therapy. Phenylketonuria represents an ideal model system in which to validate many of the principles of somatic gene therapy. This article will review previous efforts in the development of gene therapy for phenylketonuria using recombinant viral vectors, and provide an update of the recent progress that has been made in the development of the viral vector systems that may prove useful in these efforts. MRDD Research Reviews 1999;5:136–143. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Role of Song Phonology and Syntax in Vocal Learning Preferences in the Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia

Are young songbirds ready to learn virtually any song, or are they predisposed to learn songs of their own species? To explore this question tests were conducted on the equipotentiality of auditory song learning stimuli in the song sparrow. 23 males reared as nestlings were exposed to tape recordings of their own and other species songs in early life and subsequent song production was analyzed for imitations. Birds exposed to natural song sparrow songs, including their fathers', and equal numbers of swamp sparrow songs, strongly preferred conspecific songs. They neither favored nor eschewed paternal songs despite having had access to them for 6–10 days as nestlings. In three other experiments synthetic songs were used in which some properties were held constant and others were systematically varied. Birds were exposed to 1–4 segmented songs varying in phrase order, tempo and syllable number, each synthesized in two versions, one from conspecific and the other from heterospecific (swamp sparrow) song syllables. With one-segmented songs (alien syntax) subjects favored conspecific over heterospecific syllable songs. Heterospecific syllables were rendered more acceptable by incorporation into two-segmented trilled songs (more song sparrow-like syntax). Heterogeneous summation of phonological and syntactical cues appeared to occur. There was also evidence of interaction between phonology and syntax. When another phrase type, the note complex, was added, in three- and four-segmented songs, a preference for conspecific syllables reappeared. Heterospecific syllables may be more readily accepted as a trilled sequence than without repetition, as in a note-complex. When phrase structure within four-segmented songs was varied, birds favored patterns most like normal conspecific song. We conclude that there are innate learning preferences in the song sparrow, based on note and syllabic structure (phonology and syllabic syntax), and temporal organization of phrases (segmental syntax), differing from those of the closely related swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, in which song syntax plays no role in learning preferences.
Blaming the Mother: An Experimental Investigation of Sex‐Role Bias in Countertransference

Male and female family therapists read bogus case descriptions of families in which a boy or girl was depicted as athletically incompetent or obese and unattractive (i.e., masculine or feminine sex-role inadequate), rendered judgments of mother versus father blame and treatment need, and completed a self-report measure of sex-role attitudes. Mothers tended to be implicated in children's psychopathologies slightly more than fathers, but less so than expected. Therapists who reported traditional sex-role attitudes assigned greater treatment need to mothers of obese-unattractive children than to mothers of athletically incompetent children. Mothers of disturbed girls were regarded as more blameworthy and as requiring treatment more than mothers of identically-described boys. Altogether, the notion of sex-role related clinician bias received only partial support.
Death receptor 6 (DR6) antagonist antibody is neuroprotective in the mouse SOD1G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of motor neurons, axon degeneration, and denervation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ). Here we show that death receptor 6 (DR6) levels are elevated in spinal cords from post-mortem samples of human ALS and from SOD1G93A transgenic mice, and DR6 promotes motor neuron death through activation of the caspase 3 signaling pathway. Blocking DR6 with antagonist antibody 5D10 promotes motor neuron survival in vitro via activation of Akt phosphorylation and inhibition of the caspase 3 signaling pathway, after growth factor withdrawal, sodium arsenite treatment or co-culture with SOD1G93A astrocytes. Treatment of SOD1G93A mice at an asymptomatic stage starting on the age of 42 days with 5D10 protects NMJ from denervation, decreases gliosis, increases survival of motor neurons and CC1+ oligodendrocytes in spinal cord, decreases phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) levels in serum, and promotes motor functional improvement assessed by increased grip strength. The combined data provide clear evidence for neuroprotective effects of 5D10. Blocking DR6 function represents a new approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders involving motor neuron death and axon degeneration, such as ALS.
Implementation of semiconducting nanowires for the design of THz detectors

Semiconducting n-type GaAs nanowires are utilized in the fabrication of Schottky diodes for the design of THz detectors (rectifiers). Multiple nanowires placed in parallel are integrated with a wide-band log-periodic antenna to achieve improved impedance matching over a wide frequency range. A novel low-cost process using photolithography is used in the fabrication of sub-micron devices. Fabrication of nano-wire devices is compatible with integration on a host of substrates at low processing temperature. Measured detector shows strong nonlinear rectification behavior. High rectification voltage, with NEP of approximately 10pW/Hz0.5, is achieved in the RF frequency. NEP value of 44pW/Hz0.5 is calculated from measured results at 0.5THz under impedance matched condition.
The effect of spinal cord transection on the development of cholinergic and adrenergic sympathetic neurons.

Summary The role of central pathways in the maturation of cholinergic and adrenergic sympathetic neurons was studied in the neonatal rat. The ontogeny of the sixth lumbar (L-6) ganglion was examined after midthoracic spinal transection in 0–11-day-old animals. Initial experiments defined the normal development of presynaptic choline acetyltransferase (ChAc) and postsynaptic tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH) activities in L-6 ganglia. The pattern of maturation was similar to that previously described for the superior cervical ganglion, but was delayed, suggesting a rostrocaudal gradient of sympathetic development. Spinal transection prevented the normal development of presynaptic terminals and postsynaptic neurons in the L-6 ganglion. ChAc activity failed to increase during the first postoperative week, and at 2 months of age was less than 50% of normal. Postsynaptic T-OH and DOPA decarboxylase activities also failed to increase normally after spinal transection. These abnormalities were not attributable to direct damage to presynaptic intermediolateral column neurons in the spinal cord, since histological examination did not reveal neuronal dropout, neuronophagia or gliosis. These observations suggest that spinal pathways regulate the maturation of proximate presynaptic cholinergic neurons and second-order postsynaptic adrenergic neurons in the autonomic system.
Trefftz difference schemes on irregular stencils

The recently developed Flexible Local Approximation MEthod (FLAME) produces accurate difference schemes by replacing the usual Taylor expansion with Trefftz functions - local solutions of the underlying differential equation. This paper advances and casts in a general form a significant modification of FLAME proposed recently by Pinheiro and Webb: a least-squares fit instead of the exact match of the approximate solution at the stencil nodes. As a consequence of that, FLAME schemes can now be generated on irregular stencils with the number of nodes substantially greater than the number of approximating functions. The accuracy of the method is preserved but its robustness is improved. For demonstration, the paper presents a number of numerical examples in 2D and 3D: electrostatic (magnetostatic) particle interactions, scattering of electromagnetic (acoustic) waves, and wave propagation in a photonic crystal. The examples explore the role of the grid and stencil size, of the number of approximating functions, and of the irregularity of the stencils.
Migraine and stroke: current perspectives.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the latest concepts regarding migraine and ischemic stroke. In addition, focal neurological deficits and MRI changes in migraine patients will be reviewed. Methods: A PubMed search of neurological literature pertaining to this study was conducted using specific keyword search terms pertaining to migraine and ischemic stroke. Results: Migraine, especially with aura, is a relative risk factor for stroke. Neuroimaging demonstrates the posterior circulation as being most vulnerable, although the reason for this distribution is unclear. Factors that may contribute to stroke in migraine include changes during cortical spreading depression with hyper- or hypoperfusion of neural tissue, vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction. Estrogen affects migraine expression as well as cerebral circulation, yet most women with migraine without aura are not at increased risk. Co-morbidity with patent foramen ovale can be mechanism of both disorders via presumed lack o...
RNA regulatory elements mediate control of Drosophila body pattern by the posterior morphogen nanos

Abstract In Drosophila embryos, graded activity of the posterior determinant nanos ( nos ) generates abdominal segmentation by blocking protein expression from maternal transcripts of the hunchback ( hb ) gene. When active inappropriately at the anterior pole, nos can also block expression of the anterior determinant bicoid ( bcd ). We show that both regulatory interactions are mediated by similar sequences in the 3′ untranslated region of each transcript. These nos response elements (NREs) are both necessary and sufficient to confer nos -dependent regulation, the degree of regulation determined by the number and quality of the elements and the level of nos in vivo. Based on these and other results, we argue that nos acts as a morphogen, controlling hb expression (and hence abdominal pattern) as a function of its concentration-dependent interaction with the NREs.
The wage system and the distribution of power

The belief that the wage system, the opportunity to earn an income, and the related problem of distribution of power (including wealth) comprise the crux of what in the nineteenth century was called the Social Question, implies that while certain aspects thereof represent intransigient barriers to certain reforms, other aspects permit quite substantial reform. As we have seen, the leadership and incentive systems of society are variable; the fact that some leadership and incentive systems are necessary does not dictate either their substance or the ends to which they are functional. There may be no alternative to the wage system but there are alternate forms of the wage system.
The Synergistic Taste Effect of Monosodium Glutamate and Disodium 5′-Inosinate

SUMMARY— The synergistic phenomenon between the taste of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium 5′-inosinate (IMP) [7.5 H2O] was studied and the relationship expressed as a mathematical model. The phenomenon could be measured quantitatively by fitting the proposed model to the results of the experiment. The concentration of MSG equivalent to the taste intensity of that given by the mixture of MSG and the ribonucleotide is represented by the following equation: y = u +γuv where y is the equivalent taste intensity of the mixture in terms of g/dl of MSG, u is equal to g/dl of MSG in the given mixture, v is equal to g/dl of sodium 5′-inosinate in the given mixture, and γ is a constant. The γ value for IMP was calculated from extensive sensory testing as 1.218 × 108.
Healing victims and offenders and reducing crime: a critical assessment of restorative justice practice and theory

The current article explores the growing restorative justice movement. It examines promising research indicating that face-to-face dialogue with crime victims and offenders may work to restore and heal participants, and reduce recidivism. In addition, the article assesses the current state of restorative justice theory, suggesting new avenues for future theory and research. I show how current thinking about restorative justice can benefit from a micro-sociological reframing, focusing on the production of collective emotion and micro-dynamics of interaction.
Some quantitative aspects of the disc electrophoresis of ovalbumin using amido black 10B stain.

Abstract The quantitative aspects of the disc electrophoretic technique were investigated using a purified protein, egg ovalbumin. Depending on the filter used, a linear relationship between peak area and protein concentration was found up to about 40 μg of protein by densitometry. Both diffusion and gel slicing studies indicated that linearity could be extended to almost 160 μg of protein. By elution of the amido black dye from the protein-dye complex in the gel, a nearly constant dye to protein ratio was indicated. These results suggested that quantitation of the stained bands on polyacrylamide gels was limited by the nonlinear response of the densitometer, perhaps due to the nonlinearity of dye absorbance at large optical densities and not by variable amounts of dye binding to the protein bands.
SU-GG-I-107: Positron Emission Tomography Phantom Studies for Radiation Therapy Target Delineation

Purpose: To create and employ a PET threshold model to contour NSCLC nodules and compare the results to a standard threshold method. Method and Materials: 8 FDG PET/CT scans were obtained of a cylindrical phantom containing 6 spheres of various volumes (16cc – 0.5cc) at various signal to background ratios (18 – 1.67). The peak activity of each spherical target and background activity was obtained (μCi/cc). The threshold that matched the PET target volume to the known volume was recorded for all scans, and threshold models were created for various target volumes and signal to background ratios. These models were then retrospectively applied to 3 NSCLCtumors treated with SBRT. Three tumor volumes were contoured using CT, our PET threshold model, and a constant 42% threshold. The conformity of all PET volumes to the CT volume was calculated. Results: The CT volumes for the NSCLCtumors were 7.2cc, 2.4cc, and 3.0cc. The threshold model produced PET thresholds of 37%, 34%, and 34% for the 3 NSCLCtumors. The resulting tumor volumes were 3.1cc, 2.8cc, and 2.4cc. Using the 42% threshold produced tumor volumes of 2.5cc, 2.1cc, and 1.8cc. The threshold modelPET volumes spatially matched the CT volumes better than the PET volumes based upon the 42% threshold. Conclusion: A threshold model that varies with signal to background ratio and volume has been created. This study reveals the ability of the PET threshold model to improve NSCLCPETtumor contouring. PET volumes based upon the threshold model more closely match the CT volume than PET volumes based upon a constant threshold. In the future complex non‐spherical phantoms will provide further threshold models for PET target delineation, and this work is in progress with preliminary results.
The mounting of carbowax sections with lighter-fluid and rubber cement.

Serial sections cut from plant tissues embedded in Carbowax have been affixed to slides with rubber cement. A rather thick layer of undiluted rubber cement was first spread on the slides. The Carbowax ribbons were added next. Lighter-fluid, essentially petroleum ether which can be substituted for it, was then run under the sections to dissolve the rubber cement and to float the ribbons. This notation medium did not dissolve the Carbowax and the ribbons could be manipulated in it for accurate location. The slides were dried on a 45° C warming table which also helped to flatten the sections. Adhesion was best when drying times were held to 4 hr or less. All excess rubber cement was washed away with xylene immediately prior to covering and the cover slips were carefully applied with a very thin resinous mounting medium to prevent dislodging the sections. Both aqueous and alcoholic stains have been used successfully and the slides have been left in them for as long as 3 days without loss of sections. The meth...
Vibrational spectra of chlorocyclopropane

The gas-phase Fourier transform infrared spectrum (4000-400 cm−1) of chlorocyclopropane was recorded at a resolution of 0.5 cm−1. For the first time, gas-phase Raman and solid-phase infrared and Raman spectra were obtained for this molecule. Liquid-phase Raman and infrared spectra were also recorded and, on the basis of all the data, a complete assignment of the 21 normal modes of vibration of chlorocyclopropane was made. The proposed assignment is in excellent agreement with assignments for other substituted cyclopropanes and, in particular, other chlorine-substituted cyclopropanes.
Mixed infection with two types of Rous sarcoma virus.

Abstract A study was made of the consequences of the introduction, by superinfection or mutation, of a marked type of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) into chicken embryonic cells already infected with RSV. Characters controlling cell morphology (Temin, 1960) were used as markers. After superinfection, cells can release virus of the original type only, of the superinfecting type only, or of both the original and superinfecting types. Over ten generations after superinfection, single cells can release two types of virus. Cells which release both viruses can have the morphology of either type; the virus that controls cell type can be either the original or the superinfecting virus. It was found that the proportion of mutant virus and the proportion of mutant cells in clonal populations of Rous sarcoma cells was similar.
Reassessment of the electrophysiological effects of the antiarrhythmic agent quinidine in canine purkinje fibers.

Abstract Microelectrode techniques were used to re-examine the direct effects of quinidine on isolated canine Purkinje fibers. Our results confirmed the previous findings that quinidine in a dose-related manner suppressed spontaneous activity, prolonged effective refractory period and depressed the maximal rate of upstroke (dv/dt). Quinidine shifted the membrane response curves to the right of the voltage axis regardless of external K + concentrations. The drug diminished the phase 2 plateau of the action potential indicating a possible inhibitory effect on calcium influx. Quinidine generally lengthened the action potential duration (ADP) but the extent of the increase varied with the site of recording along the Purkinje conduction system. The shorter APDs were lengthened far more than the longer APDs, thus dissimilar APDs became more uniform. Following the alteration of external K + between 2 mM and 6 mM, the effects of quinidine on transmembrane characteristics, including the depression of dv/dt, remain constant with the exception of APD.
The Triplet Surface of the Zimmerman Di-π-Methane Rearrangement of Dibenzobarrelene

High-level calculations: the Zimmerman di-π-methane rearrangement of dibenzobarrelene occurs via a triplet state to form dibenzosemibullvalene, overcoming two barriers connecting two biradicals. The shape of the triplet potential-energy surface shows that the rearrangement involves two transition states. The first triplet diradical intermediate may bypass in the passive of the alkene triplet to the final intermediate.
Roles for substance P and gastrin-releasing peptide as neurotransmitters released by primary afferent pruriceptors

Recent studies support roles for neurokinin-1 (NK-1) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor-expressing spinal neurons in itch. We presently investigated expression of substance P (SP) and GRP in pruritogen-responsive primary sensory neurons and roles for these neuropeptides in itch signaling. Responses of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells to various pruritogens were observed by calcium imaging. DRG cells were then processed for SP, GRP, and isolectin B-4 (IB4; a marker for nonpeptidergic neurons) immunofluorescence. Of pruritogen-responsive DRG cells, 11.8-26.8%, 21.8-40.0%, and 21.4-26.8% were immunopositive for SP, GRP, and IB4, respectively. In behavioral studies, both systemic and intrathecal administration of a NK-1 receptor antagonist significantly attenuated scratching evoked by chloroquine and a protease-activated receptor 2 agonist, SLIGRL, but not histamine, bovine adrenal medulla peptide 8-22 (BAM8-22), or serotonin. Systemic or intrathecal administration of a GRP receptor antagonist attenuated scratching evoked by chloroquine and SLIGRL but not BAM8-22 or histamine. The GRP receptor antagonist enhanced scratching evoked by serotonin. These results indicate that SP and GRP expressed in primary sensory neurons are partially involved as neurotransmitters in histamine-independent itch signaling from the skin to the spinal cord.
The Experiences of African American Male Commercial Sex Workers At-Risk for HIV: Accessing Outreach Services

Due to the lack of education and the stigma attached to HIV testing, African American men are less likely to seek outreach services; therefore they are often unaware of their HIV status. Stigmatization of homosexuality in communities of color may also influence the availability of HIV/AIDS education and services; compounded with the fact that access to appropriate health care may be limited in these communities. While infection rates among African American men having sex with men (MSM) are well documented, research on effective interventions is not, and is particularly limited for these men who are substance users and participate in the sex trade for drugs. This article explores and documents the experiences of African American MSM in a southeastern metropolitan city who are involved in the commercial sex trade, and presents the results of a focus-group investigation conducted specifically to gain input about accessing outreach services.
The spreading of liquids on low-energy surfaces. III. Hydrocarbon surfaces

Abstract 1. 1. Contact angle measurements have been made of a wide variety of liquids on clean, smooth surfaces of polyethylene, paraffin, and surfaces of single crystals of n-hexatriacontane (C36). The calculated value of the final spreading coefficient (SLV∘/SV∘) is given and from the data there can be calculated the values of the free energy of immersion (fSL), and the work of adhesion (WA). The free energy of immersion of the solid in the liquid vapor can be neglected in these calculations since it is believed to be quite small for surfaces of low adsorptivity and low free surface energy. It is shown that the methyl-rich surfaces of C36 and paraffin are not wetted by a wide variety of organic liquids, including the n-alkanes, so that the rule that nonpolar solids are wetted by nonpolar liquids is again found to be erroneous. 2. 2. Wettability is found to decrease in the order polyethylene, paraffin, C36. This is attributed to the increase in the proportion of methyl to methylene groups in the surface. The C36 surface, like all higher n-alkane crystals, is shown to be the least wettable of all hydrocarbon surfaces since its surface comprises only methyl groups arranged in the closest possible packing. It is shown that it should be possible to estimate the packing of adsorbed monolayers of straight-chain hydrocarbon derivatives by comparing the hydrophobic contact angle to the angle on C36. Many of the variations of the hydrophobic contact angle on paraffin found in the literature are shown to be attributable to variations in the methyl methylene ratio in the surface. 3. 3. In contrast to the fluorinated polymers, paraffin and C36 are shown to have multiple curves of cos θ vs. γ. The multiplicity of these curves is attributed to differing dependencies of γSL on γLV∘ due to variation in the constitution of the liquid. Increase in adhesion of hydrocarbon surfaces to liquids is found to be in the order: liquids containing oxygen or fluorine; aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons. 4. 4. It is shown that variation of the free energy of immersion of the n-alkane series of liquids on a given hydrocarbon surface is the resultant of two competing tendencies: i.e., increased adhesion due to increase in methylene to methyl ratio in the liquid, and decrease in adhesion due to increase in surface tension of the liquid. For the C36 surface, the latter tendency predominates; for the paraffin surface, the former tendency predominates, fSL is shown to be the upper bound of the solid surface tension for systems where γSL ⩾ 0. 5. 5. It is shown that in general there is more than one value of the critical surface tension (below which liquids spread on a given surface) for hydrocarbon surfaces, depending on the value of γSL given by a liquid of given surface tension. The fluorinated polymers are shown to be a special case where the surfaces are independent of the nature of the liquid and therefore have essentially a single value of γC.
Expression and Immunological Analysis of the Plasmid-Borne mlp Genes of Borrelia burgdorferi Strain B31

A lipoprotein gene family first identified in Borrelia burgdorferi strain 297, designated 2.9 LP and recently renamed mlp, was found on circular and linear plasmids in the genome sequence of B. burgdorferi strain B31-M1. Sequence analyses of the B31 mlp genes and physically linked variant gene families indicated that mlp gene heterogeneity is unique and unrelated to location or linkage to divergent sequences. Evidence of recombination between B31 mlp alleles was also detected. Northern blot analysis of cultured strain B31 indicated that the mlp genes were not expressed at a temperature (23°C) characteristic of that of ticks in the environment. In striking contrast, expression of many mlp genes increased substantially when strain B31 was shifted to 35°C, a temperature change mimicking that occurring in the natural transmission cycle of the spirochete from tick to mammal. Primer extension analysis of the mlp mRNA transcripts suggested that sigma 70-like promoters are involved in mlp expression during temperature shift conditions. Antibodies were made against strain B31 Mlp proteins within the first 4 weeks after experimental mouse infection. Importantly, Lyme disease patients also had serum antibodies reactive with purified recombinant Mlp proteins from strain B31, a result indicating that humans are exposed to Mlp proteins during infection. Taken together, the data indicate that strain B31 mlp genes encode a diverse array of lipoproteins which may participate in early infection processes in the mammalian host.