cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Business Development Companies: Venture Capital for Retail Investors

Business development companies (“BDCs”) offer retail investors the allure of becoming venture capitalists, funding emerging enterprises with the help of professional asset managers. BDCs are investment companies that finance businesses traditionally locked out of conventional capital markets. Nearly forty years old, the BDC has remained virtually unexplored by academic researchers. I begin by analyzing the laws that govern BDCs. To protect investors, BDCs are subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940. But to encourage the financing of smaller businesses, Congress excused BDCs from certain provisions of the Act, allowing them to engage more freely in leverage and related-party transactions. BDCs are neither fully regulated by the Act nor fully exempt. Using a novel dataset constructed from hand-collected filings, I then study BDCs empirically. I find more than fifty exchange-traded BDCs are available to the public today. BDCs generally have attractive dividend yields. But they are risky investments with high leverage and volatile returns. BDCs significantly under perform their benchmark indices after I accommodate for the substantial risk that investing in a BDC entails.
Design features and elemental/metal analysis of the atomizers in pod-style electronic cigarettes.

Author(s): Omaiye, Esther E; Williams, Monique; Bozhilov, Krassimir N; Talbot, Prue | Abstract: BackgroundThe atomizers of electronic cigarettes (ECs) contain metals that transfer to the aerosol upon heating and may present health hazards. This study analyzed 4th-generation EC pod atomizer design features and characterized their elemental/metal composition.MethodsEleven EC pods from six brands/manufacturers were purchased at local shops and online. Pods were dissected and imaged using a Canon EOS Rebel SL2 camera. Elemental analysis and mapping of atomizer components was done using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer.ResultsEC pods varied in size and design. The internal atomizer components were similar across brands except for variations occurring mainly in the wicks and filaments of some products. The filaments were either Elinvar (nickel, iron, and chromium) (36.4%), nichrome (36.4%), iron-chromium (18.2%), or nickel (9%). Thick wires present in 55% of the atomizers were mainly nickel and were joined to filaments by brazing. Wire-connector joints were Elinvar. Metal air tubes were made of Elinvar (50%), nickel, zinc, copper, and tin (37.5%), and nickel and copper (12.5%). Most of the wick components were silica, except for two pods (PHIX and Mico), which were mainly ceramic. Connectors contained gold-plated nickel, iron-chromium multiple alloys of nickel, zinc, gold, iron, and copper. Wick chambers were made of Elinvar. Outer casings were either nickel, copper-tin, or nickel-copper alloys. Magnets were nickel with minor iron, copper, and sulfur. Some frequently occurring elements were high in relative abundance in atomizer components.ConclusionsThe atomizers of pods are similar to previous generations, with the introduction of ceramic wicks and magnets in the newer generations. The elements in EC atomizers may transfer into aerosols and adversely affect health and accumulate in the environment.
Competitive advantage of oral streptococci for colonization of the middle ear mucosa

The intermittent aeration of the middle ear seeds its mucosa with saliva aerosols and selects for a distinct community of commensals adapted to the otic microenvironment. We gained insights into the selective forces that enrich for specific groups of oral migrants in the middle ear mucosa by investigating the phylogeny and physiology of 19 strains enriched (Streptococcus) or transiently present (Staphylococcus, Neisseria and actinobacterial Micrococcus and Corynebacterium) in otic secretions. Phylogenetic analyses of full length 16S rRNA sequences resolved close relationships between the streptococcal strains and oral commensals as well as between the transient migrants and known nasal and oral species. Physiological functions that facilitate mucosal colonization (swarming motility, surfactant production) and nutrition (mucin and protein degradation) were widespread in all the otic cultivars, as was the ability of most of the isolates to grow both aerobically and anaerobically. However, streptococci stood out for their enhanced biofilm-forming abilities under oxic and anoxic conditions and for their efficient fermentation of mucosal substrates into lactate, a key metabolic intermediate in the otic trophic webs. Additionally, the otic streptococci inhibited the growth of common otopathogens, an antagonistic interaction that could exclude competitors and protect the middle ear mucosa from infections by transient pathobionts. These adaptive traits allow streptococcal migrants to colonize the otic mucosa and grow microcolonies with syntrophic anaerobic partners, establishing trophic webs with other commensals similar to those formed by the oral ancestors in buccal biofilms. ImportanceThe identification of a diverse microbiome in otic secretions from healthy young adults challenged the entrenched dogma of middle ear sterility and underscored previously unknown roles for oral commensals in the seeding of otic biofilms. By comparing the physiology of novel lineages of streptococci and transient (peri)oral species isolated from otic secretions, we identified adaptive behaviors that allow specific oral streptococcal species to successfully colonize the mucosa of the middle ear. We also describe antagonistic properties of the otic streptococci that help them outcompete transient nasal and oral migrants, including known otopathogens. This knowledge is important to predictively understand the functionality of the otic communities, their interactions with the host mucosa and the outcome of infections.
Earthquake slip on oceanic transform faults.

Oceanic transform faults are one of the main types of plate boundary, but the manner in which they slip remains poorly understood. Early studies suggested that relatively slow earthquake rupture might be common1,2; moreover, it has been reported that very slow slip precedes some oceanic transform earthquakes, including the 1994 Romanche earthquake3,4,5. The presence of such detectable precursors would have obvious implications for earthquake prediction. Here we model broadband seismograms of body waves to obtain well-resolved depths and rupture mechanisms for 14 earthquakes on the Romanche and Chain transform faults in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. We found that earthquakes on the longer Romanche transform are systematically deeper than those on the neighbouring Chain transform. These depths indicate that the maximum depth of brittle failure is at a temperature of ∼600 °C in oceanic lithosphere. We find that the body waves from the Romanche 1994 earthquake can be well modelled with relatively deep slip on a single fault, and we use the mechanism and depth of this earthquake to recalculate its source spectrum. The previously reported slow precursor can be explained as an artefact of uncertainties in the assumed model parameters.
Fluorescence of some metal chelate compounds of 8-quinolinol—II: Effects of acid, alkali and ultra-violet radiation

Abstract Alkaline decomposition of oxinates formed with the trivalent ions of the metals of Group IIIA appears to lead to formation of the 8-quinolinate ion from the oxinate with the formation of an intermediate, possibly oxine. On the other hand, the mechanisms of oxinate decomposition by acid and by light do not appear to be simple. The existence of a fluorescent intermediate in both cases was indicated by a shift of the emission maximum. Though oxine may be one product, it is necessary to postulate a second intermediate, such as AlOx 2 + or AlOx 2+ , to account for the increase in emittance observed in decompositions by acid and by ultraviolet radiation. Acid, produced by the photolysis, may account for the similarities in the results.
Computational Modeling for Enhancing Soft Tissue Image Guided Surgery: An Application in Neurosurgery

With the recent advances in computing, the opportunities to translate computational models to more integrated roles in patient treatment are expanding at an exciting rate. One area of considerable development has been directed towards correcting soft tissue deformation within image guided neurosurgery applications. This review captures the efforts that have been undertaken towards enhancing neuronavigation by the integration of soft tissue biomechanical models, imaging and sensing technologies, and algorithmic developments. In addition, the review speaks to the evolving role of modeling frameworks within surgery and concludes with some future directions beyond neurosurgical applications.
Occlusion tracking using logic models

We present a variational PDE based model for tracking objects under occlusion. Here, prior shape information is used to segment object boundaries that are occluded. The novelty in this work is that the shape prior is combined with the image term using logical operations pertaining to a unique occlusion scenario, thus avoiding locally optimal solutions. The model was tested on real and synthetic image sequences with promising results.
Chapter 14 Chromoplasts

Publisher Summary Plastids have many differentiation states, including proplastids, chloroplasts, amyloplasts, etioplasts, gerontoplasts, and chromoplasts. These various forms of organelles play very different roles and are mostly interconvertible. An exception is gerontoplasts, the terminal state of chloroplasts in senescent leaves. Chromoplasts are plastids in which exceptional amounts of carotenoids accumulate. As a consequence, chromoplasts confer bright colors to plant tissues: shades of orange, yellow, and red. Chromoplasts, therefore, are the quintessential plastids of flowers and fruits, attracting insects for pollination and animals for seed dispersal. Chromoplasts may originate from chloroplasts, proplastids, or leukoplasts. The accumulation of carotenoids is independent of the presence or absence of chlorophyll. The function of chromoplasts is esthetic, making plant organs attractive to animals, such as humans. Therefore, they are not essential to the life of the plant. Chromoplast carotenoids have provided a rich substrate for organic chemistry with many chemical species serving as botanical species markers.
Spectroscopic Species of 4-Methylumbelliferone in Water and in Ethanol

THE fluorescence spectrum and laser properties of 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) (I) have been reported by Shank, Dienes, Trozzolo and Myer1. We have made a detailed investigation to identify the spectroscopic species and have come to a different conclusion about the assignment of species.
Resistance of Ehrlich ascites cells to multiple amino acid antagonism.

Abstract The inhibition of protein synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by the isoleucine antagonist, O-methylthreonine, and the glutamine antagonist, methionine sulfoximine, is not additive. Radioautographs of cells from normal and inhibited systems which had incorporated tritiated leucine suggest that resistance to further inhibition is not due to a population of resistant cells. The coefficient of variation in grains per cell in normal and doubly inhibited cells are similar, while a greater range in incorporated leucine is observed in the case of cells incubated in the presence of a single inhibitor. The data suggest that a common metabolic pathway, such as protein turnover, may be a source of supply of free amino acids to counteract the potentially greater inhibition which could be produced in the presence of both inhibitors.
Pyraclostrobin sensitivity of baseline and fungicide exposed isolates of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis

Abstract Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis , is an important disease of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in the United States (U.S). Wheat growers sometimes rely on fungicide applications to manage foliar diseases. Pyraclostrobin is one of the recommended quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides and is commonly used to manage tan spot on wheat. Although P . tritici-repentis isolates has been reported as insensitive to QoI fungicides in Europe, little is known regarding the sensitivity of the P. tritici-repentis population to fungicides in the U.S. Twenty-eight isolates collected prior to 1997 and 136 isolates collected from pyraclostrobin treated fields in North Dakota were collected in 2007 and 2009 to determine if P. tritici-repentis isolates can use alternative respiration in the presence or absence of salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) in vitro and to determine the effective fungicide concentration that inhibited conidia germination by 50% (EC 50 ). Six of 10 baseline isolates of P. tritici-repentis assayed had significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.05) EC 50 values when SHAM was not added to agar medium amended with pyraclostrobin, confirming that the fungus can utilize alternative respiration to overcome QoI toxicity in vitro . EC 50 values of the baseline isolates ranged from 0.0012 to 0.0024 μg/ml (mean EC 50 value of 0.0017 μg/ml and standard deviation is ±0.00039 μg/ml) while EC 50 values of the 136 fungicide exposed isolates ranged from 0.0013 μg/ml to 0.0027 μg/ml (mean EC 50 value of 0.0017 μg/ml and standard deviation is ±0.00030). These results indicate that the field exposed isolates have not shifted to reduced sensitivity to pyraclostrobin and that the baseline sensitivity values can be useful for a fungicide resistance monitoring program for P. tritici-repentis in the U.S.
Signal pathway integration in the switch from the mitotic cell cycle to meiosis in yeast

Diploid yeast, like most eukaryotes, can undergo meiotic differentiation to form haploid gametes. Meiotic differentiation and cell growth (proliferation) are mutually exclusive programs, and in yeast the switch between growth and meiosis is controlled by nutritional signals. The signaling pathways that mediate nutritional controls on meiotic initiation fall into three broad classes: those that respond to nutrient starvation, those that respond to non-fermentable carbon sources, and those that respond to glucose. At the onset of meiosis, nutritional signaling pathways converge on transcriptional regulation of two genes: IME1, which encodes a transcription factor; and IME2, which encodes a protein kinase. Transcription of IME1 and IME2 trigger initiation of meiosis, and the expression of these two genes is linked with one other, with expression of later meiotic genes and with early meiotic events such as DNA replication. In addition, the signaling pathways that control IME1 and IME2 expression are themselves integrated through a variety of mechanisms. Thus the signal network that controls the switch from growth to meiotic differentiation provides a signaling code that translates different combinations of extracellular signals into appropriate cellular responses.
Individual differences in homeless preschoolers' social behavior

The goal of this study was to investigate correlates of individual differences in homeless preschoolers' social behavior upon entry into a childcare setting. 49 (34 boys, 15 girls) 3- to 5-year-olds from homeless families participated. Families were residing in temporary shelters and were recruited during the child's intake into the daycare program. Parent interview data, teacher ratings of the children, standardized test scores, and videotaped observational data were obtained. Correlational analyses demonstrated individual differences in developmental status based, in part, on differences in homelessness. Results of correlational and regression analyses showed that significant variance in the child's social behavior was accounted for by measures of the child's temperament, developmental status, relationship with his/her parent and/or sibling, parental characteristics and indices of homelessness (e.g., length of time homeless, length of time in shelter). In particular, indices of homelessness predicted the child's social behavior above and beyond the more typical individual difference variables (e.g., temperament, developmental functioning, gender). Findings are discussed in terms of the effect of homelessness on the child's development and social experience.
I ate what?! The effect of stress and dispositional eating style on food intake and behavioral awareness

Many studies have found that individual differences such as emotional eating and dietary restraint affect the relationship between stress and eating. However, little research examines whether people are differentially aware of how much they eat during a stressful situation. The current study placed 52 female undergraduate students in either a low-stress (solving easy anagrams) or high-stress (working on unsolvable anagrams) situation while having the opportunity to eat. Participants then guessed how much food they ate. Results showed that emotional eating and stress were related to overestimation of total food consumption, whereas dietary restraint partially mediated the relationship between stress condition and actual food intake.
Does ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract raise the bar in fistula surgery

BACKGROUND:The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure has been reported to have high cure rates, with minimal impairment of continence.OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rates and functional outcome after the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract p
Characterization of blue-light-emitting organic electroluminescent devices

Abstract The electrical and optical characteristics of blue-light-emitting organic electroluminescent devices have been studied by varying their layer structure. Four-organic-layer structures consisting of anode/hole injection layer/hole transport layer/emission layer/electron transport layer/ cathode were analyzed, where DPVBi (or 1,4-bis(2,2-diphenylvinyl)biphenyl) was used as the blue-light emission layer. Device characteristics were observed to be systematically dependent on the thicknesses of both the emission and electron transport layers, which in this experiment was Alq 3 (tris(8-hydroxy-quinoline) aluminum). By analyzing the charge injection and charge transport processes in these organic light-emitting devices, it can be determined that the mobility of charge carriers in Alq 3 films is 3.4 ± 0.2 that of DPVBi in the trap-limited regime of device operation.
Origins of Hydrocarbon Emissions from a Multi-Fuel, Torch Ignition Assisted Direct Injection Engine

Unthrottled, direct injection ignition assisted (DI–IA) engines have demonstrated DI diesel efficiencies and multi-fuel capabilities. However, high hydrocarbon (HC) emissions have been a problem with this concept. Torch ignition, provided by a separately fuelled small volume prechamber with spark ignition, was applied as a research tool to define the benefits of large volume ignition for controlling HC emissions. Torch ignition was found to be beneficial for HC control relative to the use of single point spark ignition; however, HC levels were higher than those observed from a DI diesel using low emissions technology. To assist in investigating the cause of the higher HC emissions, tracer experiments were conducted to verify that prechamber combustion characteristics did not contribute significantly to the total exhaust HC emissions. Separate, but similar, fuels were used for the main chamber and prechamber. Through gas chromatographic analysis of the major exhaust HC species, prechamber combustion was fo...
Unilateral total lobectomy: Is it sufficient surgical treatment for patients with AMES low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma?

Abstract Background: Controversy continues regarding the optimal extent of primary thyroid resection in most patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), who are at minimal risk of cause-specific mortality (CSM). This study was designed to compare CSM and recurrence rates after either unilateral lobectomy (UL) or bilateral lobar resection (BLR) in patients with PTC considered low risk by AMES criteria. Methods: Outcome was studied in 1685 patients initially treated during 1940 through 1991 and followed for up to 54 postoperative years (mean, 18 years). One thousand six hundred fifty-six patients (98%) had complete primary tumor resection; 634 (38%) had involvement of regional nodes. One hundred ninety-five patients (12%) had UL; BLR accounted for 1468 (near-total 60%; total thyroidectomy 18%). Results: Thirty-year rates for CSM and distant metastasis were 2% and 3%, respectively. Twenty-year rates for local recurrence and nodal metastasis were 4% and 8%, respectively. There were no significant differences in CSM or distant metastasis rates between UL and BLR ( P > .2). After UL, 20-year rates for local recurrence and nodal metastasis were 14% and 19%, significantly higher ( P = .0001) than the 2% and 6% rates seen after BLR. Conclusions: UL was not associated with higher CSM rates, but it was associated with a significantly higher risk of locoregional recurrence. Thus BLR probably represents a preferable initial surgical approach to patients with low-risk PTC. (Surgery 1998;124:958-66.)
Comparison of the steroidogenic and melanotropic activities of corticotropin, α-melanotropin and analogs with their lipolytic activities in rat and rabbit adipocytes

The ability of α-melanotropin and a series of synthetic peptides related to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) to stimulate steroidogenesis in isolated rat adrenal cells, melanin dispersion in frog melanophores and lipolysis in rat and rabbit fat cells have been studied. It was found that the steroidogenic activity closely paralleled the lipolytic activity of these peptides in rat fat cells, whereas the melanocyte stimulating activity paralleled the lipolytic activity in rabbit fat cells. These results indicate that the structural requirements for stimulating steroidogenesis in isolated rat adrenal cells and lipolysis in isolated rat fat cells are quite similar. The structural features required for wliciting lipolysis in rabbit fat cells appear to be very similar to those necessary for stimulating frog melanophores. The possibility that regulation of lipid metabolism in the rabbit may be a new function acquired ny melanotropin is discussed.
Prostaglandins enhance parathyroid hormone-evoked increase in free cytosolic calcium concentration in osteoblast-like cells

Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) are autocrine or paracrine hormones that may interact with circulating hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) in bone. We examined the interaction of the PGs, PGF 2α , PGE 2 , and 6-keto-PGF 1α with PTH to enhance the rapid, initial transient rise in free cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) and cAMP levels stimulated by PTH. Pretreatment of UMR-106, MC3T3-E1, and neonatal rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells by PGs resulted in an enhancement of the early transient rise in [Ca 2+ ] i stimulated by PTH. PGF 2α was approximately 100 times more potent than PGE 2 . PGE 2 itself was more potent than 6-keto-PGF 1α in enhancing PTH-stimulated rise in [Ca 2+ ] i . Near-maximal augmentation was achieved at PGF 2α doses of 10 nM and PGE 2 of 1 μM. The degree of augmentation in [Ca 2+ ] i by PGF 2α was independent of preincubation time. PGF 2α pretreatment did not alter the EC 50 for the PTH-induced [Ca 2+ ] i increase but only the extent of rise in [Ca 2+ ] i at each dose of PTH. The augmented increase in [Ca 2+ ] i was mostly due to enhanced PTH-mediated release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores. PGF 2α did not stimulate an increase in PTH receptor number as assessed by [ 125 I]-PTH-related peptide binding. PG pretreatment partially reversed PTH inhibition of cell proliferation, suggesting that an increase in [Ca 2+ ] i may play a role in tempering the anti-proliferative effect of PTH mediated by cAMP. These studies suggest a new mode by which PGs can affect cellular activity.
Device for Measuring Spectral Linewidths

Conventional methods of microphotometry measure the portion of an incident beam of light that is transmitted through a given spectral line on a photographic film or plate. This percentage transmittance is, in effect, a measure of the density of the line; for density is equal to the logarithm of the reciprocal of the transmittance. These methods are well founded and are not likely to be replaced for those densities on or near the linear portion of the H and D curve. However, as the density approaches the photographic saturation level, the methods become less reliable and eventually fail. The chief causes for this failure are (1) the diminishing efficiency of the photographic emulsion when most of the silver halide has been exposed, and (2) the lack of reliability of the microphotometer when the transmittance is below about 3%.
A chicken model for studying the emergence of invariant object recognition.

“Invariant object recognition” refers to the ability to recognize objects across variation in their appearance on the retina. This ability is central to visual perception, yet its developmental origins are poorly understood. Traditionally, nonhuman primates, rats, and pigeons have been the most commonly used animal models for studying invariant object recognition. Although these animals have many advantages as model systems, they are not well suited for studying the emergence of invariant object recognition in the newborn brain. Here, we argue that newly hatched chicks (Gallus gallus) are an ideal model system for studying the emergence of invariant object recognition. Using an automated controlled-rearing approach, we show that chicks can build a viewpoint-invariant representation of the first object they see in their life. This invariant representation can be built from highly impoverished visual input (3 images of an object separated by 15° azimuth rotations) and cannot be accounted for by low-level retina-like or V1-like neuronal representations. These results indicate that newborn neural circuits begin building invariant object representations at the onset of vision and argue for an increased focus on chicks as animal models for studying invariant object recognition.
A 1.3-V 5-mW fully integrated tunable bandpass filter at 2.1 GHz in 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS

A 2.1-GHz 1.3-V 5-mW fully integrated Q-enhancement LC bandpass biquad programmable in f/sub o/, Q, and peak gain is implemented in 0.35-/spl mu/m standard CMOS technology. The filter uses a resonator built with spiral inductors and inversion-mode pMOS capacitors that provide frequency tuning. The Q tuning is through an adjustable negative-conductance generator, whereas the peak gain is tuned through an input G/sub m/ stage. Noise and nonlinearity analyses presented demonstrate the design tradeoffs involved. Measured frequency tuning range around 2.1 GHz is 13%. Spiral inductors with Q/sub o/ of 2 at 2.1 GHz limit the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) at 31-34 dB within the frequency tuning range. Measurements show that the peak gain can be tuned within a range of around two octaves. The filter sinks 4 mA from a 1.3-V supply providing a Q of 40 at 2.19 GHz with a 1-dB compression point dynamic range of 35 dB. The circuit operates with supply voltages ranging from 1.2 to 3 V. The silicon area is 0.1 mm/sup 2/.
Reliability of magnetic resonance imaging assessment of rotator cuff: the ROW study.

Abstract Background Physiatrists encounter patients with rotator cuff disorders, and imaging is frequently an important component of their diagnostic assessment. However, there is a paucity of literature on the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment between shoulder specialists and musculoskeletal radiologists. Objective We assessed inter- and intrarater reliability of MRI characteristics of the rotator cuff. Design Cross-sectional secondary analyses in a prospective cohort study. Setting Academic tertiary care centers. Patients Subjects with shoulder pain were recruited from orthopedic and physiatry clinics. Methods Two shoulder-fellowship–trained physicians (a physiatrist and a shoulder surgeon) jointly performed a blinded composite MRI review by consensus of 31 subjects with shoulder pain. Subsequently, MRI was reviewed by one fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist. Main Outcome Measurements We calculated the Cohen kappa coefficients and percentage agreement among the 2 reviews (composite review of 2 shoulder specialists versus that of the musculoskeletal radiologist). Intrarater reliability was assessed among the shoulder specialists by performing a repeated blinded composite MRI review. In addition to this repeated composite review, only one of the physiatry shoulder specialists performed an additional review. Results Interrater reliability (shoulder specialists versus musculoskeletal radiologist) was substantial for the presence or absence of tear (kappa 0.90 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.72-1.00]), tear thickness (kappa 0.84 [95% CI, 0.70-0.99]), longitudinal size of tear (kappa 0.75 [95% CI, 0.44-1.00]), fatty infiltration (kappa 0.62 [95% CI, 0.45-0.79]), and muscle atrophy (kappa 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50-0.86]). There was only fair interrater reliability of the transverse size of tear (kappa 0.20 [95% CI, 0.00-0.51]). The kappa for intrarater reliability was high for tear thickness (0.88 [95% CI, 0.72-1.00]), longitudinal tear size (0.61 [95% CI, 0.22-0.99]), fatty infiltration (0.89 [95% CI, 0.80,-0.98]), and muscle atrophy (0.87 [95% CI, 0.76-0.98]). Intrarater reliability for the individual shoulder specialist was similar to that of the composite reviews. Conclusions There was high interrater and intrarater reliability for most findings on shoulder MRI. Analysis of our data supports the reliability of MRI assessment by shoulder specialists for rotator cuff disorders.
Controlling the Postbuckling Response of Cylindrical Shells Under Axial Compression for Applications in Smart Structures

Elastic instability, long considered mainly as a failure limit state or a safety guard against ultimate failure is gaining increased interest due to the development of active and controllable structures, and the growth in computational power. Mode jumping, or snap-through, during the postbuckling response leads to sudden and high-rate deformations due to generally smaller changes in the controlling load or displacement input to the system. A paradigm shift is thus emerging in using the unstable response range of slender structures for purposes that are rapidly increasing and diversifying, including applications such as energy harvesting, frequency tuning, sensing and actuation. This paper presents a finite element based numerical study on controlling the postbuckling behavior of fiber reinforced polymer cylindrical shells under axial compression. Considered variables in the numerical analyses include: the ply orientation and laminate stacking sequence; the material distribution on the shell surface (stiffness distribution); and the anisotropic coupling effects. Preliminary results suggest that the static and dynamic response of unstable mode branch switching during postbuckling can be fully characterized, and that their number and occurrence can be potentially tailored. Use of the observed behavior for energy harvesting and other sensing and actuation applications will be presented in future studies.
Spike-wave rhythms in cat cortex induced by parenteral penicillin. I. Electroencephalographic features.

Abstract Surface and depth recordings were made in 21 cats with generalized, parenteral penicillin induced epileptiform activity often assuming spike-wave forms, to obtain information on the structural substrate of “spontaneous” spike-wave rhythms. Recordings were made from neocortex, medial and lateral thalamus, hippocampus and brainstem reticular formation. Epileptiform activity first appeared in cortex and subsequently projected to depth structures. Occasionally, focal discharges could be seen in subcortical structures, but these generally did not spread to cortex. No consistent “pacemaker” was identified in cortex or depth. Bilateral applications of penicillin to cortex produced synchronous spike-wave bursts. In contrast, ventriculocisternal perfusion of penicillin solutions yielded synchronous cortical potentials which differed clearly in morphology and frequency from parenterally induced spike-wave bursts. During generalized activity, transcortical, intrahemispheric lesions interfered with ipsilateral synchrony. After transcortical section, projection of localized cortical bursts to thalamus did not necessarily result in “recruitment” of diffuse cortical regions into epileptiform activity. These results emphasize the importance of cortical circuitry and corticocortical connections in the genesis and synchronization of spike-wave rhythms.
Optimum and decentralized detection for multistatic airborne radar

The likelihood ratio test (LRT) for multistatic detection detection is derived for the case where each sensor platform is a coherent space-time radar. Due to the geometric separation of the platforms, target statistics are modeled as independent from platform to platform but constant over the local data on a single platform. Clutter statistics are also assumed independent from platform to platform but have a local space-time correlation structure typical of monostatic space-time adaptive processing (STAP). Moreover, the target Doppler hypothesis varies from platform to platform due to multiple viewing perspectives. Previous published work has investigated the detection improvement obtained by multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) radar. This prior work, however, has only considered white noise. When clutter is considered, the diversity benefit of a MIMO or multistatic radar system is strongly dependent on geometry. We investigate the relationship between geometry and diversity gain for multistatic airborne space-time radar and the effects of this relationship on decentralized and centralized detection.
Local delivery of the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin sodium prolongs survival in the rat intracranial 9L gliosarcoma model

Camptothecin, a naturally occurring inhibitor of the DNA-replicating enzyme topoisomerase I, demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical testing; however, because of unexpected toxicity and low anti-tumor effects in the initial clinical trials, further testing was discontinued. We hypothesized that local controlled delivery of camptothecin sodium would achieve effective concentrations in brain tumors without the observed systemic side effects, thereby allowing this novel drug to be used to treat patients with malignant gliomas. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the sensitivity of rat glioma lines and established human glioma lines to camptothecin in vitro. We found that the LD90 for the established rat and human lines was 0.3 to 1.4 μM after a 1 hr exposure and decreased to less than O.1 μM after continuous exposure for 7 days. We loaded camptothecin into a controlled-release polymer (ethylene-vinyl acetate co-polymer; EVAc) and showed by high-pressure liquid chromatography that controlled release occurred over at least 21 days. We then tested camptothecin against 9L gliosarcoma, implanted into the brain of Fischer 344 rats. Five days after tumor implantation, animals were treated with camptothecin delivered either systemically or locally by release from EVAc. Local controlled delivery by the polymer significantly extended survival: 59% of the treated animals were long-term survivors (> 120 days) compared to 0% of controls. Systemic administration did not extend survival compared to controls. We compared the efficacy of camptothecin delivered locally with a polymer to camptothecin injected directly into the tumor. Camptothecin increased survival only when delivered locally by polymer. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ion Exchange in Ultrathin Films

Cation exchange in styrene sulfonate gels of thickness less than 100 nm is described. The measurement, involving a radiochemical displacement proximity assay with 45Ca2+ as a convenient reference i...
INTRINSIC REGULATION OF GLYCOGEN PARTICLES: LIVER v. SKELETAL MUSCLE

Regulation of glycemia requires the precise control of glycogen metabolism. Regulation intrinsic to the protein-glycogen complex can be studied by “flash activation” of glycogenolysis. In this procedure, the addition of Ca++ and MgATP to purified rabbit skeletal muscle glycogen particles resulted in conversion of 80% of phosphorylase (P) to the active form in 1 min, followed by return to baseline (5%) by 2 min. Using 32P-ATP, phosphorylation of P, β-subunit of phosphorylase kinase (PK), glycogen synthase (GS) and an unidentified 32kDa protein was detected by PAGE-SDS. Activation of P and 32p labeling were Ca++-dependent and temporally parallel, as were inactivation and dephosphorylation. Unidentified proteins at 69kDa and 19kDa were labeled independently of Ca++ and were not dephosphorylated. In contrast, hepatic glycogen particles could not be “flash activated”, even with attempts to further optimize conditions. Labeling showed no Ca++-dependent phosphorylation, but addition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylated α- and β-subunits of PK (as well as GS and the 32kDa protein) in liver, as it had in skeletal muscle preparations. Nonetheless, “flash activation” of hepatic glycogen particles did not occur even upon addition of cAMP or the protein kinase catalytic subunit. We conclude: 1) Only Ca++ and MgATP are needed to trigger glycogenolysis in muscle glycogen particles; 2) Additional unknown factors are required in liver glycogen particles, even following cAMP-dependent phosphorylation; 3) There are fundamental differences in the regulation of liver and muscle glycogen metabolism.
An evaluation of a partial training program in psychiatric residency on the later practice of marital and family therapy

Abstract This paper reports on the results of a survey of psychiatrists and residents who received marital and family therapy training during their second year of residency. The data indicate that such training has an immediate positive effect on practice and is carried forward into later practice. Practicing psychiatrists trained in marital and family therapy during residency report spending 25% of their caseloads in marital and family therapy which was seen as producing positive change in patients. In line with previous training, practicing psychiatrists define the unit of treatment as more than an identified patient and treat marital and family therapy cases themselves or refer to others for such therapy. Variations in practice and techniques raise questions regarding the structure and content of marital and family therapy training in psychiatry residency programs and point out the importance of such training in the later practice of psychiatry.
The use of the bender visual motor gestalt test with depressed patients

Abstract The literature was surveyed with the purpose of locating all reported signs of depression associated with the Bender-Gestalt. All Bender ® manuals and leading textbooks were then perused for additional signs, descriptions of these signs, and the dynamic correlates associated with these signs. Thirty Bender ® indices of depression were compiled from the literature review. Ten depressive categories were derived from the DSM-IV and other sources, and behavioral manifestations of each of these 10 categories were then outlined. A worksheet was developed consisting of the 10 categories, and the Bender ® and behavioral determinants of each of these categories. Finally, two scoring procedures were proposed using a configurational approach. These consisted of the presence of 5 of the 10 categories, represented by Bender ® or behavioral determinants. Each of these indicators received a weight of 2, making a total of 10 weighted points, a number believed to be indicative of depression. The second procedure comprises the presence of any 5 of the determined 30 Bender ® signs of depression. Again, each of these signs is given a weight of 2 totalling a weight of 10 as a cut-off point for depression. Subjects who attain a weighted score of 10 or higher by either of the two above methods of scoring will be considered depressed.
Is There Disinvestment in the Farming Sector

The farming sector is not in a period of net capital withdrawal. The accounting system for the farm sector in the national economic accounts indicates a net disinvestment, while the USDA Balance Sheet accounts overstate investment. This article presents an alternative which uses a cost basis for land.
Prostaglandin F in the peripheral plasma of the rhesus monkey in normal pregnancy and after the administration of dexamethasone and PGF2α

The concentration of prostaglandin F (PGF) has been measured in the peripheral plasma of normal rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) during the final third of gestation, and in monkeys treated with dexamethasone or PGF2α after day 145 of pregnancy. Daily administration of PGF2α (10–15 mg/day im) reliably induced abortion within 3–6 days. However, dexamethasone (8 mg/day im from day 145) had no effect on the length of gestation. The concentration of PGF in the femoral venous plasma of untreated or dexamethasone-treated monkeys was highly variable, both in serial samples taken from the same animal and in samples taken from different animals at the same time of gestation. There was no indication of an effect of dexamethasone treatment on the plasma PGF levels, nor did the concentration of PGF increase during late pregnancy before spontaneous parturition. These results show that the myometrium of the pregnant rhesus monkey is highly sensitive to exogenous PGF2α during late gestation. However, a significant increase in the peripheral plasma concentration of PGF prior to the onset of labor was not observed.
A Cross-National Comparison of Two Alternative Question Wordings

Summary Differing results attributable to alternative question wordings have traditionally created problems in social science research. This study examines the impacts of dimensionality on alternative question wording. The data are from samples of elites (primarily male readers of Horizons USA) in Great Britain (N = 666), Italy (N = 344), the Phillipines (N = 532), and Venezuela (N = 334). The results suggest that cross-nationally questions related to concrete behaviors do not produce differing results when they fall within the same dimensions of a multidimensional construct.
A Self-Control and Contingency-Contracting Weight Reduction Program: An Informal Case Study

Summary.-With E and S living as roommates, a self-control, contingencycontracting weight reduction and maintenance program was carried out. While problems associated with the maintenance of self-control behavior required contract renegotiation, S lost 10 Ib. in 7 wk. and achieved target weight. Some implications and limitations are discussed. Self-control procedures have been reported effective in the control of obesity (Stuart, 1967, 1971; Harris, '1969; Wollersheim, 1970; Penick, et al., 1971). Contingency-contracting with self-control training to reduce and control weight of obese Ss was successfully used by Mann (1971) and Martin and Sachs ( 1973). While these studies appear promising, Hall (1973) reported failure to. obtain lasting results (2 yr.) and Jeffrey and Christensen (1972) suggest self-control procedures may be more effective when used in conjunction with therapist-controlled reinforcement. In this study, S was taught self-control methods to achieve and maintain weight reduction by her roommate (E' and author ) . METHOD S was an active 25-yr.-old college student in good health. Over the past year, her weight has fluctuated from "desired to "undesired" levels. Several previous efforts to lose weight and maintain desired weight level were unsuccessful. Generally, any weight loss would be regained following the termination of diets and exercise programs. She was 5 ft. 2 in., and weighed 119 lb. at the initiation of this study. A modification of the procedure described by Martin and Sachs (1973) was used. Food intake and daily weights were recorded during a seven-day baseline period. During an initial session, the rationale and plan for weight loss was discussed, with emphasis on eating as an immediately reinforcing activity (taste, fullness), in contrast to the remote punishing effects of overeating (health, appearance, and subsequent negative emotional state). Secondly, eating was explained as a habit associated with certain stimulus situations, i.e., TV watching, reading, etc., not related to hunger states.
Experimental Studies for a New Family of Infrared Four-Wave Mixing Spectroscopies

Vibrationally enhanced infrared and vibrationally enhanced Raman four-wave mixing spectroscopy are experimentally explored with the use of several model systems. Studies involving a mixture of chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, and deuterobenzene were performed to see whether a simultaneous resonance of a combination band could enhance the Raman ring breathing mode. The results show strong interference effects that may be responsible for a suppression of the Raman resonances. Studies were also carried out in systems of chloroform/deuterobenzene and hexane/deuterobenzene. The latter samples showed intensity increases and line-shape changes that are consistent with vibrational enhancement. The discovery of these enhancements form the basis for developing infrared four-wave mixing as a method for extracting new information about molecular vibrations.
A model for creep fracture based on the plastic growth of cavities at the tips of grain boundary wedge cracks

Abstract An approximate treatment of cavity growth by plastic flow at the tip of a grain boundary crack is given. The analysis provides a basis for a model of intercrystalline creep fracture in the power law creep range. By considering a wedge-type grain boundary crack we derive a creep rupture equation in the form of the Monkman-Grant relation as follows: ϵ t r = (n 2 − 4) 3 In λ 2a 0 2 n + 2 2πn 2 9 3 ξ n n+2 λ L n − 2 n + 2 σ E n n + 2 where ϵge and tr are the creep rate and rupture time, respectively, λ and a0 are the initial spac and radius of cavities lying along grain boundary segments of length L, σ and E are the applied stress and elastic modulus, n is the power law creep stress exponent and ξ is the ratio of the creep strain attributable to grain boundary sliding. It is shown that the above creep rupture equation is capable of predicting the correct order of magnitude of the creep ductility in a number of different circumstances. The predicted dependence of the rupture time on applied stress and grain size is shown to correspond closely with experimental measurements for an austenitic stainless steel. The model also describes the embrittling effects of He bubbles in Ni-6%W. It indicates that the spacing between cavities is the most important factor controlling the creep ductility. It is the close proximity of the cavities that limits the plastic flow associated with intergranular cracking and causes the embrittlement. This prediction of the model is verified qualitatively through a study of intergranular fracture surfaces via scanning electron microscopy.
Guidelines for providing sexuality-related services to severely and profoundly retarded individuals: The challenge for the nineteen-nineties

Severely and profoundly retarded individuals are sexual persons with needs and concerns that must be addressed by the habilitation agencies and human service professionals serving them. Such agencies need to review and consider revising both their policies and programmatic and in-service staff training procedures to incorporate the clinical model for treatment, training, and management recommended by The Coalition on Sexuality and Disability, Inc.