cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MBE growth of HgCdTe epilayers with reduced visible defect densities: kinetics considerations and substrate limitations

A semi-empirical constraint to the thermodynamical model for growth of Hg1−xCdxTe (MCT) by molecular beam epitaxy is described. This constraint, derived by forcing the population of Hg atoms in a surface layer to be proportional to the HgTe fractional growth rate, can determine an optimal total growth rate for specific beam fluxes and substrate temperature. Utilizing improved growth conditions determined by this model has resulted in MCT layers with consistently lower visible defect density (e.g., voids). The majority of recent layers grown using the constrained conditions has achieved defect densities limited by the CdZnTe substrate. On the highest quality substrates, total defect densities have consistently been reduced to the 100–200 cm−2 range using the improved conditions for compositions x=0.2 to x=0.6. On more typical substrates, the total defect density is 1000–1500 cm−2. This compares with densities of 3000–5000+ cm−2 for old layers grown under non-optimized conditions. The density of voids has remained about the same upon using the improved conditions, and is determined primarily by the Te precipitate content of the substrate, but microdefect (hillock) density has been reduced by almost a factor of ten.
Declarative Policies for Capability Control

In capability-safe languages, components can access a resource only if they possess a capability for that resource. As a result, a programmer can prevent an untrusted component from accessing a sensitive resource by ensuring that the component never acquires the corresponding capability. In order to reason about which components may use a sensitive resource it is necessary to reason about how capabilities propagate through a system. This may be difficult, or, in the case of dynamically composed code, impossible to do before running the system. To counter this situation, we propose extensions to capability-safe languages that restrict the use of capabilities according to declarative policies. We introduce two independently useful semantic security policies to regulate capabilities and describe language-based mechanisms that enforce them. Access control policies restrict which components may use a capability and are enforced using higher-order contracts. Integrity policies restrict which components may influence (directly or indirectly) the use of a capability and are enforced using an information-flow type system. Finally, we describe how programmers can dynamically and soundly combine components that enforce access control or integrity policies with components that enforce different policies or even no policy at all.
THE NATURAL SELECTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESISTANCE AND ITS EFFECT ON CONTEMPORARY HEALTH

Abstract This paper empirically tests the association between genetically determined resistance to infectious disease and cross-country health differences. A country-level measure of genetic diversity for the system of genes associated with the recognition and disposal of foreign pathogens is constructed. Genetic diversity within this system has been shown to reduce the virulence and prevalence of infectious diseases and is hypothesized to have been naturally selected from historical exposure to infectious pathogens. Base estimation shows a statistically strong, robust, and positive relationship between this constructed measure and country-level health outcomes in times prior to, but not after, the international epidemiological transition.
Coping styles: Longitudinal development from ages 17 to 33 and associations with psychiatric disorders

Relationships of coping styles to maturation, sex, and psychiatric diagnoses are not well defined. Accordingly, we examined their development from late-adolescence into adulthood, and their associations with psychiatric disorders. We assessed coping styles in 970 subjects prospectively, at mean ages 17, 24, 29, and 33, using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Selected DSM-IV-TR lifetime psychiatric disorders were assessed at age 24. We found that reliance on adaptive task-oriented coping (TOC) increased sharply from ages 17 to 24, (effect size [ES]=0.94), and stabilized thereafter; less adaptive emotion-oriented coping (EOC) declined continuously over time. Men and women had similar TOC scores from ages 17 to 33, but women had moderately higher EOC scores at age 17 (ES=0.53). Greater reliance on EOC at age 24 was associated with more major depressive or anxiety disorders, adjusted for stressors and sex. Greater use of TOC at age 17 was associated with less risk for drug or alcohol abuse/dependence by age 24 after adjusting for sex and stressors. In conclusion, coping styles generally became more adaptive with maturation, though women used EOC more than men. Additionally, greater reliance on TOC in late-adolescence may reduce risks for substance use disorders.
Constraints on the preeruptive volatile concentrations in the Columbia River flood basalts

Many of the Columbia River flood basalts that erupted in the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho during the Miocene are remarkably iron rich (12–17 wt% total FeO) and under volatile-free conditions would have been too dense to erupt through continental crust. Their eruption through >20 km of sialic crust sets limits on their minimum, preeruptive total volatile (H2O + CO2) concentrations. These limits are obtained by quantitatively comparing the average density of the overlying crustal column with the calculated effect of dissolved H2O or exsolved CO2 on the density of various Columbia River tholeiitic basalts as a function of depth. Minimum total volatile (H2O + CO2) concentrations range to >4 wt% and are therefore considerably higher than those found in tholeiitic basalts at oceanic islands, like Hawaii. These conclusions are consistent with the strong enrichments in other incompatible elements (e.g., K, P, Ba) observed in the Columbia River flood basalts. Such high concentrations of H2O + CO2 would have had a marked effect on the solidus temperature of the source region, which may explain the remarkably large individual flow volumes (∼103 km3) that characterize this flood-basalt province.
Effekt des werbeumfeldes auf die wirkung eines werbemittels

In diesem Beitrag wird dargestellt, dass es fur werbetreibende Unternehmen sinnvoll ist, ihre Werbung zwar in den Werbetragern zu platzieren, in denen sie ihre Zielgruppe erreichen, sie aber gleichzeitig innerhalb dieser Werbetrager in einem Umfeld anderer Werbungen zu positionieren, welche andere Zielgruppen ansprechen als das eigene Produkt. Diese Idee wird zunachst an Beispielen verdeutlicht. Anschliesend wird sie durch Uberlegungen theoretisch fundiert. Anhand der Ergebnisse aus zwei empirischen Studien wird ihre Vorteilhaftigkeit abschliesend statistisch belegt. In der einen Studie wird gezeigt, dass eine Werbung fur ein Produkt, die sich weder speziell an Frauen noch an Manner als Werbezielgruppen richtet, eine hohere Werbewirkung aufweist, wenn sie in einem Umfeld von Anzeigen enthalten ist, die als Zielgruppe Personen ansprechen, die das andere Geschlecht als die Rezipienten aufweisen. In der anderen Studie wird dargestellt, dass eine Anzeige eine hohere Werbewirkung erzielt, wenn die Zielpersonen dieser Werbung diese Anzeige in einem Umfeld von Anzeigen sehen, die auf eine andere Altersgruppe abzielen. Auf dieser Basis wird empfohlen, in die Mediaselektion auch Uberlegungen zum Werbeumfeld einfliesen zu lassen.
Three mutant insulins in man

We have previously identified a structurally abnormal insulin in the serum and pancreas of a middle-aged man with diabetes mellitus which arose from a leucine for phenylalanine substitution at position 24 or 25 of the insulin B chain; further analysis of the patient's leukocyte DNA showed that one of the patient's insulin alleles had undergone mutation resulting in loss of an MboII restriction site normally present in the human insulin gene. Two additional and unrelated patients with the same clinical syndrome have now been identified (ref. 4 and unpublished results). All of these patients showed hyperglycaemia typical of diabetes and with marked hyperinsulinaemia typical of insulin resistance, but all three show normal tolerance to exogenously administered insulin. As the opportunity of examining pancreatic tissue from patients suspected of secreting insulin variants is rare, we have developed a method combining HPLC and radioimmunoassay to identify insulin variants isolated from human sera. By this method we have shown that all three patients noted above secrete structurally variant and chemically distinct insulins. In correction of our original assignment, one is identified as [LeuB25]insulin.
Clinical, imaging, and pathological characteristics of left ventricular thrombus: a comparison of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, transthoracic echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography with surgical or pathological validation.

Background Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is a frequent and potentially dangerous complication of ischemic heart disease (IHD). We evaluated the clinical, imaging, and pathology characteristics of confirmed LV thrombus and compared the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the diagnosis of LV thrombi. Methods Between November 1997 and December 2003, 361 patients with IHD had surgical and/or pathological confirmation of presence or absence of LV thrombus. Clinical information and preoperative imaging study reports were retrospectively reviewed regarding detection of thrombus. Comparisons were made between clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with and without confirmed thrombus. Results Left ventricular thrombus was present in 106 (29%) of 361 patients in this study. Patients with thrombus had a higher incidence of recent embolic events (6.1% vs 0.8%, P Conclusions Left ventricular thrombus occurs frequently in patients with IHD and is associated with risk of systemic embolization. Contrast-enhanced MRI provided the highest sensitivity and specificity for LV thrombus when compared to TTE and TEE, and should be considered in the care of patients at high risk of LV thrombus formation.
Azimuthal anchoring transition on nematic liquid crystals on self-assembled monolayers formed from odd and even alkanethiols.

A first order orientational transition, characterized by a 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} azimuthal rotation of the surface easy direction, is reported for nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) anchored on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The SAMs are formed from alkanethiols [$\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_{3}{(\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_{2})}_{n\ensuremath{-}1}\mathrm{SH};5l~nl~16$] on obliquely deposited films of gold. The anchoring of the NLC is uniform and planar; the azimuthal orientation of the nematic director is, however, perpendicular to the direction of deposition of gold on SAMs formed from alkanethiols with odd chain lengths ($n=\mathrm{odd}$) and is parallel to the direction of deposition of gold on SAMs formed from alkanethiols with even ($n=\mathrm{even}$) chain lengths.
THE MEDICALIZATION OF IMPOTENCE Normalizing Phallocentrism

Today, phallocentrism is perpetuated by a flourishing medical construction that focuses exclusively on penile erections as the essence of men's sexual function and satisfaction. This article describes how this medicalization is promoted by urologists, medical industries, mass media, and various entrepreneurs. Many men and women provide a ready audience for this construction because of masculine ideology and gender socialization. While there may be some advantages to this construction, there are major disadvantages to men in terms of the inevitable failure of the promised perfectible erection and the perpetuation of a falsely universalized and biologized vision of sexual experience. Any sexual interests of women in other than phallocentric sexual scripting are denied.
Synthesis and characterization of indolicidin, a tryptophan-rich antimicrobial peptide from bovine neutrophils *

Indolicidin, a novel tryptophan-rich microbicidal tridecapeptide amide isolated originally from granules of bovine neutrophils, has been prepared by optimized manual and automated protocols of stepwise solid-phase synthesis with Nα-9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acid derivatives. Both standard polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene glycol-polystyrene (PEG-PS) graft supports were used in combination with handles that provide C-terminal peptide amides: 5-(4-Fmoc-aminomethyl-3,5-dimethoxyphenoxy)valeric acid (PAL) or 5-(9-Fmoc-aminoxanthen-2-oxy)valeric acid (XAL). Final deprotection/cleavage was carried out with reagent K, trifluoroacetic acid–phenol–water–thioanisole–1,2-ethanedithiol (82.5:5:5:5:2.5), or reagent B, trifluoroacetic acid–phenol–water–tri(isopropyl)silane (88:5:5:2), and related cocktails. Initial purities as high as 93% were obtained immediately following cleavage. In the largest-scale synthesis carried out, 0.8 g of HPLC-purified indolicidin (> 99% pure) was obtained, representing a 39% overall yield based on C-terminal Arg(Pmc) anchored to PAL-PS-resin. The main synthetic product, and some by-products, were characterized by analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), sequencing, and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS). The antimicrobial potencies of natural and synthetic indolicidin, as determined by in vitro antibacterial and antifungal assays, were identical. Further, the reactivities of natural and synthetic peptides with anti-indolicidin antibody were indistinguishable. © Munksgaard 1995.
A genomewide linkage scan of cocaine dependence and major depressive episode in two populations.

Cocaine dependence (CD) and major depressive episode (MDE) frequently co-occur with poorer treatment outcome and higher relapse risk. Shared genetic risk was affirmed; to date, there have been no reports of genomewide linkage scans (GWLSs) surveying the susceptibility regions for comorbid CD and MDE (CD–MDE). We aimed to identify chromosomal regions and candidate genes susceptible to CD, MDE, and CD–MDE in African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs). A total of 1896 individuals were recruited from 384 AA and 355 EA families, each with at least a sibling-pair with CD and/or opioid dependence. Array-based genotyping of about 6000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms was completed for all individuals. Parametric and non-parametric genomewide linkage analyses were performed. We found a genomewide-significant linkage peak on chromosome 7 at 183.4 cM for non-parametric analysis of CD–MDE in AAs (lod=3.8, genomewide empirical p=0.016; point-wise p=0.00001). A nearly genomewide significant linkage was identified for CD–MDE in EAs on chromosome 5 at 14.3 cM (logarithm of odds (lod)=2.95, genomewide empirical p=0.055; point-wise p=0.00012). Parametric analysis corroborated the findings in these two regions and improved the support for the peak on chromosome 5 so that it reached genomewide significance (heterogeneity lod=3.28, genomewide empirical p=0.046; point-wise p=0.00053). This is the first GWLS for CD–MDE. The genomewide significant linkage regions on chromosomes 5 and 7 harbor four particularly promising candidate genes: SRD5A1, UBE3C, PTPRN2, and VIPR2. Replication of the linkage findings in other populations is warranted, as is a focused analysis of the genes located in the linkage regions implicated here.
Radiationless processes in a molecular beam: Time resolved emission from benzophenone

Abstract In order to study the radiative properties of the isolated benzophenone molecule, a molecular beam of benzophenone is excited by a pulsed nitrogen laser or a pulsed tunable dye laser and the subsequent emission intensity is measured as a function of time. We find the decay to be exponential with a lifetime of about O.5μs. This value is shorter than the radiative lifetime calculated from absorption measurements. As the background pressure in the molecular beam chamber is raised from 10 −6 torr to 10 −4 torr, the decay of the emission lengthens and becomes biexponential. An explanation involving giant self-collision-induced cross sections for intersystem crossing is advanced to reconcile these observations with results from previous studies of benzophenone emission decay.
Pre-mRNA splicing in yeast

The removal of introns from the primary transcript occurs by RNA splicing. Three major types of RNAs: tRNA, rRNA and mRNA, are known to contain introns. There are two general questions concerning any splicing mechanism: first, how is the precise recognition and alignment of the splice junctions achieved in introns whose lengths vary from a few hundred nucleotides to several thousands of nucleotides and, second, what are the biochemical mechanisms of the cleavage and ligation reactions.
Differential Roles of C-terminal Eps15 Homology Domain Proteins as Vesiculators and Tubulators of Recycling Endosomes

Endocytic recycling involves the return of membranes and receptors to the plasma membrane following their internalization into the cell. Recycling generally occurs from a series of vesicular and tubular membranes localized to the perinuclear region, collectively known as the endocytic recycling compartment. Within this compartment, receptors are sorted into tubular extensions that later undergo vesiculation, allowing transport vesicles to move along microtubules and return to the cell surface where they ultimately undergo fusion with the plasma membrane. Recent studies have led to the hypothesis that the C-terminal Eps15 homology domain (EHD) ATPase proteins are involved in the vesiculation process. Here, we address the functional roles of the four EHD proteins. We developed a novel semipermeabilized cell system in which addition of purified EHD proteins to reconstitute vesiculation allows us to assess the ability of each protein to vesiculate MICAL-L1-decorated tubular recycling endosomes (TREs). Using this assay, we show that EHD1 vesiculates membranes, consistent with enhanced TRE generation observed upon EHD1 depletion. EHD4 serves a role similar to that of EHD1 in TRE vesiculation, whereas EHD2, despite being capable of vesiculating TREs in the semipermeabilized cells, fails to do so in vivo. Surprisingly, the addition of EHD3 causes tubulation of endocytic membranes in our semipermeabilized cell system, consistent with the lack of tubulation observed upon EHD3 depletion. Our novel vesiculation assay and in vitro electron microscopy analysis, combined with in vivo data, provide evidence that the functions of both EHD1 and EHD4 are primarily in TRE membrane vesiculation, whereas EHD3 is a membrane-tubulating protein. Background: Vesiculation of tubular recycling endosomes is essential for the recycling of receptors and lipids to the plasma membrane. Results: A novel vesiculation assay was used to demonstrate a role for endocytic regulatory proteins in vesiculation. Conclusion: EHD family proteins play significant roles in both the vesiculation and generation of tubular recycling endosomes. Significance: This provides the first direct evidence of differential EHD function in vesiculation and tubulation.
Steroidogenesis in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun.

Abstract When radioactive progesterone was incubated with homogenates of androgenic glands from blue crabs, radioactive 20α-hydroxyprogesterone, Δ4-androstenedione, testosterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone were formed. Per gram tissue the androgenic gland converted more radioactive progesterone to radioactive testosterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone than homogenates of posterior vas deferens or hepatopancreas. Following intrathoracic injection of radioactive Δ5-pregnenolone to male crabs, the above-indicated progesterone metabolites could be isolated and identified. The data are discussed with regard to endogenous production of steroids in the blue crab.
The Constitution Before the Judgment Seat: The Prehistory and Ratification of the American Constitution, 1787–1791. By Jürgen Heideking. Edited by John P. Kaminski and Richard Leffler. (Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia Press, 2012. Pp. xxviii, 552. $45.00.)

The author of this book was an esteemed teacher, prolific author, and the director of the Anglo‐American Institute at the University of Cologne. First published in German in 1988, The Constitution ...
Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 5-p-R phenyl-1, 9-diphenyl-1, 3, 7, 9-nonantetraone

A series of novel metal-ligand complexes between Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions respectively, and three derivatives of the tetraketone ligand, 5-p-R-phenyl-1, 9-diphenyl-1, 3, 7, 9-nonantetraone (R = CH3, OCH3) have been isolated and characterized. Both anhydrous and solvated complexes have been synthesized. Results from near IR-visible spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and IR spectra suggest octahedral coordination for the complexes. Osmometric studies show apparent dimerization in CHCl3 solution for some of the Ni(II) complexes.
21: Health care utilization by sexual minority adolescents

Purpose: Prior research indicates a strong link between adolescent same-sex sexual orientation (self-identity as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, as well as same-sex attractions or relationships) and compromised mental health, including depression and suicidality. No known research has examined the mental health utilization of this subpopulation of adolescents. Prior work indicates that these youth may be unlikely to disclose their sexual minority status to health care providers; are they less likely to seek mental health care in the first place? Or, because of their elevated levels of compromised mental health, do they utilize mental health care more frequently? Methods: We investigate these questions using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; 19951997). We begin by examining same-sex romantic attractions and relationships (at wave 1) and their associations with mental health services both at waves 1 and 2 (18 months later). All analyses were run separately for males and females because of the strong link between biological sex and mental health services use. All analyses control for the complex sample design of the Add Health study, and for basic demographic characteristics (age, intact family status, parent education, insurance status, ethnicity, and public assistance status). To address our first question (Are sexual minority youth (more or) less likely to seek mental health care?) we examine the link between sexual minority status and mental health care use. To address our second question (Do elevated levels of compromised mental health predict mental health care utilization?) we examine this association accounting for factors correlated with mental health care: victimization experiences, substance use and abuse, and depression (each measured at wave 1). Results: Our results show that sexual minority youth are more likely to report having had mental health counseling compared to heterosexual youth. Notably, same-sex attraction and same-sex relationships (same-sex dating) operate independently: each is associated with increased mental health utilization. Next, results indicate that the findings are robust once controlling for prior victimization, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and depression. Specifically, sexual minority status remains a strong predictor of mental health care utilization, independent of these indicators of mental health status. Sexual minority youth were more likely to seek mental health services, even in the absence of symptoms, than their non-same-sex attracted peers. Tests of interactions between sexual minority status and indicators of mental health status will be presented. Conclusions: Possible reasons for increased mental health care utilization of sexual minority youth are discussed, as are implications for targeted health care services provision. Sources of Support: William T. Grant Foundation Scholar Award to the second author.
Identity-related influences on the success of minority workers in primarily nonminority organizations.

In this article we review theoretical and empirical literature relating to the experiences and outcomes of minorities (ie., individuals of non-European descent) in work settings that are populated primarily by members of the majority (Le., individuals who are of European descent). We review literature on processes at the micro (Le., individual, interpersonal, and small group) and the macro (ie., organizational, societal, and cultural) levels that influence the ability of minority individuals to obtain, maintain, and succeed in positions in majority organizations. Tajfel and Turner'sSocialIdentity Theory is used as an organizational and integrative framework for this literature. Some suggestions for possible ways of countering some of the problems minority workers encounter are woven in with the review; and areas where additional conceptual and empirical work is needed are discussed.
TβRI/Alk5-independent TβRII signaling to ERK1/2 in human skin cells according to distinct levels of TβRII expression

TGFβ binding to the TGFβ receptor (TβR) activates R-Smad-dependent pathways, such as Smad2/3, and R-Smad-independent pathways, such as ERK1/2. The mechanism of the TGFβ–TβRII–TβRI–Smad2/3 pathway is established; however, it is not known how TGFβ activates ERK1/2. We show here that although TGFβ equally activated Smad2/3 in all cells, it selectively activated ERK1/2 in dermal cells and inhibited ERK1/2 in epidermal cells. These opposite effects correlated with the distinct expression levels of TβRII, which are 7- to 18-fold higher in dermal cells than in epidermal cells. Reduction of TβRII expression in dermal cells abolished TGFβ-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. Upregulation of TβRII expression in epidermal cells to a similar level as that in dermal cells switched TGFβ-induced ERK1/2 inhibition to ERK1/2 activation. More intriguingly, in contrast to the equal importance of TβRII in mediating TGFβ signaling to both Smad2/3 and ERK1/2, knockdown of TβRI/Alk5 blocked activation of only Smad2/3, not ERK1/2, in dermal cells. Similarly, expression of the constitutively activated TβRI-TD kinase activated only Smad2/3 and not ERK1/2 in epidermal cells. This study provides an explanation for why TGFβ selectively activates ERK1/2 in certain cell types and direct evidence for TβRI-independent TβRII signaling to a R-Smad-independent pathway.
The renin system: Variations in man measured by radioimmunoassay or bioassay

The renin system: Variations in man measured by radioimmunoassay or bioassay.Using a basic incubation procedure followed by either pressor bioassay or radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I, normal values for plasma renin activity (PRA) were defined in 52 normal subjects over the range of physiological variation which occurs in relation to changes in sodium balance.Complete interchangeability of results derived from the two different methods was achieved by the application of a correction factor based on the observed lower pressor activity of angiotensin I.Plasma renin activity exhibits a consistent dynamic relationship to the daily rate of urinary sodium excretion.The values ranged from 0.5 to 2.8 ng/ml/hr when sodium excretion was above 150 mEq/day, from 1.4 to 6.3 ng/ml/hr when sodium excretion was between 50 and 150 mEq/day, and up to 21 ng/ml/hr when sodium excretion was below 50 mEq/day.However, a more precise index derives from using limits inscribed by the whole curve as a nomogram.Plasma renin substrate measurements did not vary with changes in sodium balance.Its concentration measured by radioimmunoassay ranged from 900 to 2200 ng/ml but intra-individual variation was small.These values are considerably higher but closer to the true value than previously reported assays which erroneously compared angiotensin I generated during the incubation with the more pressor angiotensin II.Renin substrate "reactivity", an arbitrary index derived from adding a fixed amount of purified human renin to plasma, also did not vary with changes in sodium balance but it did vary directly with the absolute substrate concentration.In normal subjects the mean reaction velocity was 59 × 10 3 ng/ml/hr/GU renin and this ranged from 35 to 89 ng/ml/hr/GU.These observations are in keeping with first order kinetics in which both enzyme and substrate concentrations are rate limiting.However, the study demonstrates that physiologically, changes in substrate concentration are not normally determinants of the rate of angiotensin generation since there was no relationship between substrate concentration and the endogenous level of plasma renin activity.Systemic arterio-venous differences in plasma renin were not observed.However, in 43 patients with benign essential hypertension, net and fairly equal secretion of renin by the two kidneys was demonstrated.Mean renal vein renin activity exceeded arterial levels by 0.48 ng/ml/hr when the mean arterial renin activity was 1.62 ng/ml/hr.
EVALUATING THE FINANCE JOURNALS: THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON'S PERSPECTIVE

Finance department chairpersons report that the role of published research is more important than ever in influencing appointment and promotion decisions of finance professors. This study and one conducted 15 years ago focus on the pivotal role of finance chairpersons in the evaluation of their faculties' journal publications. These studies show that the major factor influencing the finance chairpersons' evaluations of publications is the journal in which an article is published. Journals of high merit are perceived to have low acceptance rates and vice versa. These estimates of perceived acceptance rates are not correlated with actual acceptance rates. Because perceived acceptance rates play a key role in evaluating faculty publications, there is a need for finance chairpersons to know the relative difficulties of publishing in leading finance and related journals.
Relationship of Species-Specific Filament Levels to Filamentous Bulking in Activated Sludge

To examine the relationship between activated-sludge bulking and levels of specific filamentous bacteria, we developed a statistics-based quantification method for estimating the biomass levels of specific filaments using 16S rRNA-targeted fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes. The results of quantitative FISH for the filament Sphaerotilus natans were similar to the results of quantitative membrane hybridization in a sample from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. Laboratory-scale reactors were operated under different flow conditions to develop bulking and nonbulking sludge and were bioaugmented with S. natans cells to stimulate bulking. Instead of S. natans, the filament Eikelboom type 1851 became dominant in the reactors. Levels of type 1851 filaments extending out of the flocs correlated strongly with the sludge volume index, and extended filament lengths of approximately 6 x 10(8) micro m ml(-1) resulted in bulking in laboratory-scale and full-scale activated-sludge samples. Quantitative FISH showed that high levels of filaments occurred inside the flocs in nonbulking sludge, supporting the "substrate diffusion limitation" hypothesis for bulking. The approach will allow the monitoring of incremental improvements in bulking control methods and the delineation of the operational conditions that lead to bulking due to specific filaments.
Preparation of Refractile Spores of Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum Involves a Solventogenic Phase.

Conversion of vegetative cells of Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum to refractile endospores was achieved by sequential transfer and dilution at each generation, with a final dilution into a sporulation medium that contained xylan supplemented with excess calcium. The subsequent growth was synchronous and resulted in elongated, solventogenic cells that were then shifted to 35°C to permit further differentiation without cell division. The synchronized cells grown in xylan medium supplemented with Ca gluconate produced total solvents that reached 9.63% (vol/vol). One hundred percent of these elongated solventogenic cells (4.84 × 109 cells per ml) entered the sporangial stage and continued to differentiate into refractile spores. Only cells sequentially transferred and diluted at a critical time of the growth cycle are synchronized, induced to elongate (≥fourfold), become highly solventogenic in the presence of excess calcium, and are converted to a homogeneous population of refractile spores.
The use of simulation for decision making

When simulation is intended as an aid to decision making by individuals or organizations, special problems arise in connection with designing and using the model. This paper defines the use of policy simulation, explores factors related to its application, and suggests implications for model development.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ANTIBODY TO DNA IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS.

A study was made of serum antibody to DNA and nucleoprotein in 35 patients with SLE, using immunofluorescent spot techniques. Anti DNA was confirmed by complement fixation and observation of the “shaggy” nuclear fluorescent pattern. A striking correlation was observed between presence of anti DNA and the acute phase of SLE. Anti-nucleoprotein, the most constant finding, showed only a general correlation of titer with phase of disease. Diagnostic and pathogenetic implications are discussed. Esseva studiate le anticorpore del sero anti acido deoxyribonucleic e nucleo-proteina in 35 patientes con generalisate lupus erythematose. Le studio esseva effectuate con le uso de technicas a spot immunofluorescente. Anticorpore anti acido deoxyribonucleic esseva confirmate per fixation de complemento e le observation del characteristic configuration de fluorescentia in le nucleos. Esseva constatate un frappante correlation inter le presentia de anticorpore anti acido deoxyribonucleic e le phase acute de generalisate lupus erythematose. Anticorpore anti nucleoproteina, le constatation le plus constante, monstrava solmente un correlation general de titro con le phase del morbo. Le signification diagnostice pathogenetic del resultatos del studio es discutite.
Multirate track-following control with robust stability for a dual-stage multi-sensing servo system in HDDs

This paper proposes a multirate design method for robust track-following controllers in hard disk drives (HDDs). The HDDs to be considered are dual-stage multi-sensing systems. A track-following problem, which takes into account robust stability, is formulated as a periodic time-varying version of the standard mixed H 2 /H ∞ control problem. This problem is solved via the solution of linear matrix inequalities. Simulation results show that multirate controllers can achieve much better track-following performance than single-rate controllers, while achieving the same guaranteed robust stability margin.
Hyaluronans in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: evidence for disease-modifying activity

Summary Objective Although available nonsurgical pharmacotherapies for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) are considered to be solely symptom-modifying agents, recent advances have been made in the search for agents that may modify disease progression. Intra-articular hyaluronan (HA) therapy is one symptom-modifying approach that has been found to be safe and effective for reducing pain due to OA of the knee. Presented here is a review of the evidence that HAs may also modify the rate of OA disease progression in addition to providing symptomatic efficacy. Design A review of the literature based on a MEDLINE search through June 2004, using the terms HA, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, hylan, hylan G-F 20, OA, disease modification, structure modifying and joint structure. Results Evidence for disease-modifying activity of HAs stems from 1) the complex biochemical effects of HAs in the synovium and extracellular matrix of the articular cartilage, including interactions between exogenously administered HA and articular cartilage, subchondral bone, matrix proteoglycans, and collagens; 2) the effects of HA administration in animal models of OA, including total or partial meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament transectomy; 3) results of clinical trials using one HA, Hyalgan ® (sodium hyaluronate, molecular weight 500–730kDa) that evaluated structural outcomes, such as joint-space width, chondrocyte density and vitality, and arthroscopic evaluation of chondropathy. Discussion Growing preclinical and clinical evidence supports the notion that, in addition to relieving the symptoms of OA, HAs also modify the structure of the diseased joint and the rate of OA disease progression, at least early in the evolution of the disease process.
Responsiveness of certain agronomic weed species to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are plant root symbionts that provide many benefits to crop production and agro-ecosystem function; therefore, management of AMF is increasingly seen as important to ecological farming. Agronomic weeds that form a symbiotic relationship with AMF can increase diversity and abundance of agronomically beneficial AMF taxa. Also, AMF can strongly affect plant community composition, and may thus provide some degree of biological control for weeds. Therefore, relationships between weeds and AMF have a dual significance in ecological farming, but are relatively unexamined. In glasshouse experiments, seedlings of 14 agronomic weed species were grown in the presence or absence of AMF inocula sampled from each of three types of cropping systems: organic, transitional-organic or high-input/conventional. For each weed species, AMF root colonization rates and growth responses to AMF were assessed. On the basis of observed colonization levels, the species were classified as strong hosts (five species), weak hosts (three) and non-host species (six). Among species, biomass responses to AMF were highly variable. Strong hosts showed more positive responses to AMF than weak hosts, although the range of responses was great. Non-hosts did not suffer consistent negative biomass responses to AMF, although strong biomass reductions were noted for certain species–inoculum combinations. Biomass responses to inocula from different cropping systems varied significantly among weed species in one of two experiments. Results suggest that weed–AMF interactions can affect weed community dynamics. We recommend investigation of these interactions in agro-ecosystems that use management methods likely to intensify weed–AMF interactions, such as conservation tillage and cover cropping.
Modified multiband Sierpinski gasket monopole antennas

We present printed modified Sierpinski triangle and carpet monopole antennas. To reduce the overall size of the Sierpinski gasket antenna, the ground plane is printed on the backside of the substrate. The Sierpinski triangle gasket is made and compared with the modified Sierpinski triangle and carpet or truncated triangle gasket monopole antennas.
Western juniper and ponderosa pine ecotonal climate-growth relationships across landscape gradients in southern Oregon

Forecasts of climate change for the Pacific northwestern United States predict warmer temperatures, increased winter precipitation, and drier summers. Prediction of forest growth responses to these climate fluctuations requires identifi- cation of climatic variables limiting tree growth, particularly at limits of tree species distributions. We addressed this prob- lem at the pine-woodland ecotone using tree-ring data for western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. occidentalis Hook.) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Loud.) from southern Oregon. Annual growth chronologies for 1950-2000 were developed for each species at 17 locations. Correlation and linear regression of climate-growth relationships revealed that radial growth in both species is highly dependent on October-June precipitation events that recharge growing season soil water. Mean annual radial growth for the nine driest years suggests that annual growth in both species is more sensitive to drought at lower elevations and sites with steeper slopes and sandy or rocky soils. Future increases in winter precipita- tion could increase productivity in both species at the pine-woodland ecotone. Growth responses, however, will also likely vary across landscape features, and our findings suggest that heightened sensitivity to future drought periods and increased temperatures in the two species will predominantly occur at lower elevation sites with poor water-holding capacities. Resume´ : Les changements climatiques envisages pour la region nord-ouest du Pacifique, aux Etats-Unis, predisent des
Surface catalysis of the hydrogen‐oxygen reaction on platinum at low temperatures

The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen has been investigated at low temperatures with a dilute platinum catalyst. Experimental conversion data indicate a strong effect of product water on reaction rate and a second-order dependence of rate on hydrogen partial pressure in the presence of a large excess of oxygen. This observed behavior is considerably different from expectations based on prior literature. Stable activity levels are much lower than those reported by Boreskov for this reaction on platinum; it is shown that present results are consistent with the effect of chemisorbed oxygen proposed by Boreskov and with the conditions imposed for reaction on a dilute catalyst. Activation energy for the reaction at 100°C. was determined to be 10± 2 kcal./g.-mole.
Has the DOTS Strategy Improved Case Finding or Treatment Success? An Empirical Assessment

Author(s): Obermeyer, Ziad; Abbott-Klafter, Jesse; Murray, Christopher JL | Abstract: BackgroundNearly fifteen years after the start of WHO's DOTS strategy, tuberculosis remains a major global health problem. Given the lack of empirical evidence that DOTS reduces tuberculosis burden, considerable debate has arisen about its place in the future of global tuberculosis control efforts. An independent evaluation of DOTS, one of the most widely-implemented and longest-running interventions in global health, is a prerequisite for meaningful improvements to tuberculosis control efforts, including WHO's new Stop TB Strategy. We investigate the impact of the expansion of the DOTS strategy on tuberculosis case finding and treatment success, using only empirical data.Methods and findingsWe study the effect of DOTS using time-series cross-sectional methods. We first estimate the impact of DOTS expansion on case detection, using reported case notification data and controlling for other determinants of change in notifications, including HIV prevalence, GDP, and country-specific effects. We then estimate the effect of DOTS expansion on treatment success. DOTS programme variables had no statistically significant impact on case detection in a wide range of models and specifications. DOTS population coverage had a significant effect on overall treatment success rates, such that countries with full DOTS coverage benefit from at least an 18% increase in treatment success (95% CI: 5-31%).ConclusionsThe DOTS technical package improved overall treatment success. By contrast, DOTS expansion had no effect on case detection. This finding is less optimistic than previous analyses. Better epidemiological and programme data would facilitate future monitoring and evaluation efforts.
Leveraging pre-silicon verification resources for the post-silicon validation of the IBM POWER7 processor

The growing importance of post-silicon validation in ensuring functional correctness of high-end designs has increased the need for synergy between the pre-silicon verification and post-silicon validation. This synergy starts with a common verification plan. It continues with common verification goals and shared tools and techniques. This paper describes our experience in improving this synergy in the pre- and post-silicon verification of IBM's POWER7 processor chip and by leveraging pre-silicon methodologies and techniques in the post-silicon validation of the chip.
Characterization of a Novel Two-Partner Secretion System in Escherichia coli O157:H7

Gram-negative bacteria contain multiple secretion pathways that facilitate the translocation of proteins across the outer membrane. The two-partner secretion (TPS) system is composed of two essential components, a secreted exoprotein and a pore-forming beta barrel protein that is thought to transport the exoprotein across the outer membrane. A putative TPS system was previously described in the annotation of the genome of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain EDL933. We found that the two components of this system, which we designate OtpA and OtpB, are not predicted to belong to either of the two major subtypes of TPS systems (hemolysins and adhesins) based on their sequences. Nevertheless, we obtained direct evidence that OtpA and OtpB constitute a bona fide TPS system. We found that secretion of OtpA into the extracellular environment in E. coli O157:H7 requires OtpB and that when OtpA was produced in an E. coli K-12 strain, its secretion was strictly dependent on the production of OtpB. Furthermore, using OtpA/OtpB as a model system, we show that protein secretion via the TPS pathway is extremely rapid.
Externalities and Simultaneity in Surface Water-Groundwater Systems: Challenges for Water Rights Institutions

When surface water and groundwater resources are hydraulically connected, groundwater pumping may reduce surface water flows. In recognition of hydraulic connectivity between surface and groundwater resources, many states in the western United States have begun to develop systems of conjunctive administration in which property rights for surface water and groundwater are jointly managed. Implementing conjunctive administration requires an understanding of when and where surface and groundwater resources are connected. This article analyzes how decisions about water use and changes in irrigation technology influence connectivity across space and time, generating a challenge for policy instrument design. I develop and estimate an econometric model that reflects the simultaneity in surface and groundwater levels that arises due to the two‐way flow of water in a hydraulically connected system. The model also traces the effect of changes in irrigation technology on consumptive water use and return flows, and the consequences for changes in water availability. Estimation results using a panel dataset for the Eastern Snake River Plain of Idaho from 1960 to 2011 indicate that connectivity between surface and groundwater resources has decreased over time due to declining groundwater levels. Declining groundwater levels are attributable not only to groundwater pumping, but also to a widespread shift from flood to sprinkler irrigation. This transition in irrigation technology has conserved surface water but depleted groundwater by reducing aquifer recharge. As connectivity declines, reducing groundwater pumping to augment surface water flows, a common approach to conjunctive administration, yields diminishing marginal benefits.
Control of cyclooxygenase-2 transcriptional activation by pro-inflammatory mediators.

Abstract Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a key role in diverse inflammatory conditions. Its cellular levels depend on transcriptional activation by pro-inflammatory mediators. The mechanism by which phorbol esters and cytokines activate COX-2 gene expression has been extensively characterized. Several endogenous molecules and natural products have been reported to inhibit COX-2 expression by targeting at the transcriptional activation induced by pro-inflammatory mediators. This review highlights the importance of C/EBP β and NF- κ B in COX-2 transcriptional activation by proinflammatory mediators and as targets of inhibition by endogenous molecules such as melatonin and natural products including salicylate and polyphenols.