cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resource competition and evolution

When individuals experience resource depletion it matters little whether the consumption responsible was carried out by members of the same or of other species. Therefore, approaches to studying interspecific competition may be carried over to studying evolution in response to the selective pressures of competition for resources.
Concurrent Engineering in a New Perspective: Heading for Seamless Engineering

It is pointed out that what concurrent engineering contributed to industry is that our knowledge is non-physical so that it can be shared. Although traditional concurrent engineering contributed very greatly in reducing time to market and reducing cost, it only paid attention to 1 dimension, i.e. time. But if we expand concurrent engineering into 2 dimensions, i.e. time and space, we can integrate many different industries into one and meet the basic expectations of our customers. And what is none the less important is that we could reduce energy considerably and build up a seamless and smart society. Thus, concurrent engineering tomorrow will contribute to the creation of a new lifestyle.
Building 3D Micro- and Nanostructures Through Nanoimprint

In this chapter, the fabrication of polymer 3D micro- and nanostructures by nanoimprint is reviewed. Multi-level and hierarchical 3D polymer structures can be directly fabricated by nanoimprint with prefabricated 3D molds or templates. Key applications of 3D nanoimprint, such as the fabrication of dual damascene structure for microelectronic fabrication and the fabrication of compound lenses for micro-optics are discussed. For multilayer 3D polymer structures, transfer bonding and sequential layer stacking are the standard fabrication techniques. Process details and fabrication examples are presented. Critical challenges in transfer bonding are also discussed and suggestions are provided for optimizing processing parameters to fabricate multilayer polymer micro- and nanostructures with high yield.
Some Remarks on the Development of Soil Science in China

Interest of the Chinese people in the nature and use of soils goes back beyond written historical records. The late and distinguished Dr. Wong Wen-hao once told me that, according to Chinese legends, soils were first classified by Engineer Yu of the Yao Dynasty more than four thousand years ago. According to those legends, Yu classed Chinese soils according to their color and structure. Whether or not Emperor Yao or Engineer Yu actually existed, Chinese farmers have accumulated a vast fund of practical knowledge from generation to generation. Modern soil science in China, as in Western countries, draws on this practical knowledge when setting up scientifically controlled experiments. Our hosts at this symposium have sought and used both the practical knowledge of the farmers and the results from scientific investigations.
The international landscape of positive psychology research: A systematic review

Since positive psychology originated in 1998 as an organized stream of inquiry in theUnited States, it has inspired new theory and research on human flourishing across the world. The current systematic review presents an overview of (a) the prevalence of scientific research in positive psychology across five continents and 63 countries, (b) the characteristics of the research, including methodology and topics, and (c) the influence of positive psychology in expanding established lines of research in new ways. Through an analysis of 863 peer-reviewed positive psychology articles, this review attempts to map the international landscape of positive psychology research. Further, it responds to relevant critiques of the field, confirming some and dispelling others. Finally, recommendations are shared for future directions to build a more culturally responsive field of positive psychology that is committed to the advancement of flourishing and wellbeing in the global context.
Comparing paid and volunteer recruitment in human computation games

Paid platforms like Mechanical Turk are popular for recruiting players for playtesting and experiments. However, it is unclear if paid players have similar behavior or experiences as volunteers (i.e. players recruited for free through banner ads or game portals). In this work, we studied the impact of recruitment within human computation games, using two experiments. First, we compared voluntary recruitment versus paid recruitment with different compensation levels. We found that the highest paid players completed more levels (i.e. achieved a higher volume of completed tasks) and reported greater engagement than both volunteers and players paid less while volunteers completed levels of higher difficulty (i.e. achieved a higher quality of completed tasks) than paid players. Additionally, we also varied both recruitment strategy and the game's design and found no interaction effects, suggesting that while differences exist between volunteer and paid players, experimental changes do not impact those players differently.
Assigning value to preparation for prostate cancer decision making: a willingness to pay analysis.

The Personal Patient Profile-Prostate (P3P) is a web-based decision support system for men newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer that has demonstrated efficacy in reducing decisional conflict. Our objective was to estimate willingness-to-pay (WTP) for men’s decisional preparation activities. In a multicenter, randomized trial of P3P, usual care group participants received typical preparation for decision making plus referral to publicly-available, educational websites. Intervention group participants received the same, plus online P3P educational media specific to the user’s personal preferences and values, and a communication coaching component tailored to race\ethnicity, age and language. WTP data were collected one week after physician consultation. An iterative bidding direct contingent valuation survey format was used, randomly assigning participants to high or low starting values (SV). Tobit models were used to explore associations between SV-adjusted WTP and age, education, marital and work-status, insurance, decision-control preference and decision-making stage. Of 392 participants enrolled, 141 P3P and 107 usual care (UC) provided a WTP value. Men were willing to pay a median $25 (IQR $10–100) for P3P in addition to usual care preparation materials. In the final multivariable tobit regression model, SV, marital status, stage of decision making and income were significantly associated with WTP for P3P. Decision control preference was considered marginally significant (p = 0.11). Men were WTP a median $30 (IQR $10–$200) for usual care material alone. In the final multivariable model, SV, education, and stage of decision making were significantly associated with WTP in usual care. WTP was similar for UC and for the addition of P3P to UC decision preparation. The WTP values were associated with demographic and preference variables. Findings can help focus decision support on future patients who would benefit most: those without strong support systems, at earlier stages of decision making, and open to a shared-decision style. NCT NCT01844999 . Registered May 3, 2013.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks With Multiplane Consensus Labeling for Lung Function Quantification Using UTE Proton MRI

BACKGROUND Ultrashort echo time (UTE) proton MRI has gained popularity for assessing lung structure and function in pulmonary imaging; however, the development of rapid biomarker extraction and regional quantification has lagged behind due to labor-intensive lung segmentation. PURPOSE To evaluate a deep learning (DL) approach for automated lung segmentation to extract image-based biomarkers from functional lung imaging using 3D radial UTE oxygen-enhanced (OE) MRI. STUDY TYPE Retrospective study aimed to evaluate a technical development. POPULATION Forty-five human subjects, including 16 healthy volunteers, 5 asthma, and 24 patients with cystic fibrosis. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 1.5T MRI, 3D radial UTE (TE = 0.08 msec) sequence. ASSESSMENT Two 3D radial UTE volumes were acquired sequentially under normoxic (21% O2 ) and hyperoxic (100% O2 ) conditions. Automated segmentation of the lungs using 2D convolutional encoder-decoder based DL method, and the subsequent functional quantification via adaptive K-means were compared with the results obtained from the reference method, supervised region growing. STATISTICAL TESTS Relative to the reference method, the performance of DL on volumetric quantification was assessed using Dice coefficient with 95% confidence interval (CI) for accuracy, two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test for computation time, and Bland-Altman analysis on the functional measure derived from the OE images. RESULTS The DL method produced strong agreement with supervised region growing for the right (Dice: 0.97; 95% CI = [0.96, 0.97]; P < 0.001) and left lungs (Dice: 0.96; 95% CI = [0.96, 0.97]; P < 0.001). The DL method averaged 46 seconds to generate the automatic segmentations in contrast to 1.93 hours using the reference method (P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed nonsignificant intermethod differences of volumetric (P ≥ 0.12) and functional measurements (P ≥ 0.34) in the left and right lungs. DATA CONCLUSION DL provides rapid, automated, and robust lung segmentation for quantification of regional lung function using UTE proton MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1169-1181.
Psychiatric residents' exposure to the field of sleep medicine: a survey of program directors.

Psychiatrists have made significant contributions to the sleep field, but over time the visibility of psychiatrists within this field may be decreasing. A brief survey to evaluate sleep education, faculty, resident recruitment trends, and career prospects in sleep medicine for graduating psychiatrists was sent to the 177 directors of U.S. general psychiatric residency programs. Responses were received from 98 (66%). Most programs (82%) offer didactic lectures about sleep. Fifty-two programs (44%) provide a sleep medicine rotation; 10 programs had previously discontinued sleep electives. Most program directors (73%) agreed that sleep medicine was a viable career option for graduating psychiatric residents. Nonetheless, few recent psychiatry graduates have entered the field. Fewer psychiatric residency programs offer sleep electives than in the past, although most still provide didactics. Over time, this decrease in educational opportunities may result in few newly trained psychiatrists entering the sleep field.
Determinants of vitamin D status among Black and White low-income pregnant and non-pregnant reproductive-aged women from Southeast Louisiana

Vitamin D deficiency is a growing public health problem, with pregnant women being particularly vulnerable due to its influences on maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, there are limited data published about mediators of vitamin D status in Louisiana women. We aimed to assess the vitamin D status and its determinants among low-income pregnant and non-pregnant reproductive-aged women from southeast Louisiana. This study was conducted using data from the Gulf Resilience on Women’s Health (GROWH) research consortium cohort of pregnant and non-pregnant women which contained sociodemographic and dietary variables as well as blood and salivary element concentrations. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 86 pregnant and 98 non-pregnant women with an even distribution of race in both groups. The prevalence of deficient vitamin D levels in the total cohort (184 women) was 67% and the mean 25(OH) vitamin D3 was 24.1 ng/mL (SD 10.7). Self-identifying as White, being pregnant, autumn season, young age and high exposure to tobacco smoke measured by cotinine were significantly associated with higher serum levels of vitamin D. Visiting Women and Infant clinics (WIC) was an important determinant in improving 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels for Black women but not for White women and concentrations varied more among Black women across seasons compared to White women. Serum vitamin D levels are inadequate among a high proportion of Black and White low-income pregnant and reproductive-aged women living in Southeast Louisiana who were enrolled in the GROWH study. Black women who are over 35 years old and non-WIC participants constitute the subpopulation most at risk for vitamin D deficiency, especially during the winter. As an overall higher level of deficiency exists in Black women, if even small behavioral and dietary modifications are produced by WIC, this can lead to a comparatively greater improvement in vitamin D status in women from Southeast Louisiana who self-identify as Black.
CYP46A1 Activation by Efavirenz Leads to Behavioral Improvement without Significant Changes in Amyloid Plaque Load in the Brain of 5XFAD Mice

Efavirenz, the FDA-approved anti-retroviral medication, is evaluated in the clinical trial in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Efavirenz is assessed for activation of cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1), a CNS-specific enzyme that converts cholesterol to 24-hydroxycholesterol. Cholesterol 24-hydroxylation is the major pathway for brain cholesterol removal, and a mechanism that controls brain cholesterol turnover. The present study tested efavirenz on 5XFAD mice (an Alzheimer’s model) at a very low daily dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. Efavirenz treatment started from three months of age, after amyloid plague appearance, and continued for 6 months. This treatment led to CYP46A1 activation in the brain, enhancement of brain cholesterol turnover, behavioral improvements, reduction in microglia activation but increased astrocyte reactivity. The levels of the soluble and insoluble amyloid 40 and 42 peptides were unchanged while the number and area of the dense core amyloid plaques were slightly decreased. The measurements of the brain levels of several pre- and post-synaptic proteins (Munc13-1, PSD-95, gephyrin, synaptophysin, synapsin-1, and calbindin-D28k) suggested efavirenz effect at the synaptic level. Efavirenz treatment in the present work seems to represent a model of behavioral and other improvements independent of the levels of the amyloid peptides and provides insight into potential outcomes of the future clinical trial.
Conversation, Condoms, and Contraception: How Does Communication with Sexual Partners Affect Safer Sexual Behaviors among American Indian Youth?.

Communication with sexual partners about protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is associated with safer sexual behaviors among general populations of youth, but little is known ...
New Species Distribution Record for Simpsonaias ambigua (Say) (Salamander Mussel, Bivalvia: Unionidae) in the Harpeth River, Tennessee

Simpsonaias ambigua (Salamander Mussel) is the only North American freshwater mussel known to parasitize an amphibian for reproduction. Prior to this study, the only records of this species from the Cumberland River drainage were from the Stones and Caney Fork River systems, and all records from the Cumberland River drainage are from 1965 or earlier. In 2017, while conducting a survey for freshwater mussels in the Harpeth River, a direct tributary to the Cumberland River, we found 2 fresh-dead Salamander Mussels in Cheatham County, TN, representing the first record of this species from the Harpeth River drainage. Future surveys targeting the specific habit for the Salamander Mussel are recommended to accurately assess its status in the Harpeth River and elsewhere.
What Elements Contribute to a High-Quality Continuous Processing Submission for OPR&D?

This editorial seeks to provide guidance to prospective OPR&D authors with respect to submissions involving continuous processing. Industrially relevant flow drivers are emphasized, along with incr...
From methylene bridged diindole to carbonyl linked benzimidazoleindole: Development of potent and metabolically stable PCSK9 modulators

Abstract Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a recently validated therapeutic target for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Through phenotypic screening, we previously discovered a class of small-molecules with a 2,3′-diindolymethane (DIM) skeleton that can decrease the expression of PCSK9. But these compounds have low potency and low metabolically stability. After performing structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization by nitrogen scan, deuterium substitution and fluorine scan, we identified a series of much more potent and metabolically stable PCSK9 modulators. A preliminary in vivo pharmacokinetic study was performed for representative analogues difluorodiindolyketone (DFDIK) 12 and difluorobenzoimidazolylindolylketone (DFBIIK-1) 13. The in vitro metabolic stability correlate well with the in vivo data. The most potent compound 21 has the EC50 of 0.15 nM. Our SAR studies also indicated that the NH on the indole ring of 21 can tolerate more function groups, which may facilitate the mechanism of action studies and also allow further improvement of the pharmacological properties.
Abstract B29: Targeting EZH2 and PI3K/mTOR for a novel combination therapeutic strategy in aggressive variant prostate cancer

Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the current standard of care for metastatic prostate cancer; however, ADT fails to provide a durable response in 90% of patients due to acquired resistance and progression to castration-resistance prostate cancer. Aggressive-variant prostate cancer (AVPC) is a lethal phenotype that arises upon treatment with ADT, resulting in a lineage switch to a neuroendocrine morphology and the acquisition of molecular alterations that enable the cells to survive independent of AR signaling. Our work, and the work of others, has established that combinatorial loss/mutation of tumor suppressor genes—PTEN, TP53 and RB1—drive lineage plasticity and therapeutic resistance to ADT. Further, epigenetic regulators, including EZH2, are indicated as driver effectors of lineage plasticity downstream of these key combinatorial genetic events. With the known activation PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling due to PTEN loss and the data supporting epigenetic targeting of EZH2, it remains to be determined if co-inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EZH2 will provide a significant response in AVPC patients. GEMMs and GEMM-derived 3D organoid models representing either prostate-specific PTEN and RB1 loss (PbCre4:Ptenfl/fl:Rb1fl/fl), or PTEN and P53 loss (PbCre4:Ptenfl/fl:p53fl/fl), were used to determine if inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EZH2 provides lineage reversal and novel therapeutic directions to treat AVPC phenotypes. Tumor organoids were treated in vitro and in vivo with PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EZH2 inhibitors as 1) a monotherapy, 2) each in combination with ADT, and 3) both in combination with ADT. Tumors were interrogated in either androgen-sensitive or androgen-resistant conditions to identify if the combination-therapy approach is more beneficial to prevent progression to AVPC and ADT-resistance or to reverse the AVPC phenotype and restore hormone sensitivity. Quantitative determination of therapeutic response was carried out in vitro in 3D using fluorescent cytotoxicity and proliferation assays. In vivo, tumor response will be assessed by histologic analysis and RNA sequencing. Protein and mRNA expression was measured by qPCR, IHC and Western blot. Despite recent progress in the field, men with AVPC still face a terminal prognosis, and no current therapy provides durable response. The results of this research will help pave the way for early-phase clinical trials testing the efficacy of EZH2 inhibitors in combination with enzalutamide and/or PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors. Citation Format: Katherine L. Morel, Christopher J. Sweeney, Leigh Ellis. Targeting EZH2 and PI3K/mTOR for a novel combination therapeutic strategy in aggressive variant prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling; 2018 Nov 30-Dec 8; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(10_Suppl):Abstract nr B29.
Unrestrained Gαi2 Signaling Disrupts Normal Neutrophil Trafficking, Aging, and Clearance

Neutrophil trafficking, homeostatic and pathogen elicited, depends upon chemoattractant receptor triggered heterotrimeric G-protein Gi{beta}{gamma} signaling, whose magnitude and kinetics are governed by RGS protein/Gi interactions. Yet how in totality RGS proteins shape neutrophil chemoattractant receptor activated responses remains unclear. Here, we show that C57Bl/6 neutrophils with genomic knock-in of a mutation that disables all RGS protein-Gi2 interactions (G184S) cannot properly balance chemoattractant receptor signaling, nor appropriately respond to inflammatory insults. Mutant neutrophils accumulate in bone marrow, spleen, lung, and liver; despite neutropenia and an intrinsic inability to properly mobilize from bone marrow. In vitro they rapidly adhere to ICAM-1 coated plates, but poorly adhere to blood vessel endotheliums in vivo. Those few neutrophils that cross endotheliums migrate haphazardly. Following Concanavalin-A administration fragmented G184S neutrophils accumulate in liver sinusoids leading to thrombo-inflammation and perivasculitis. Thus, neutrophil Gi2/RGS protein interactions limit and facilitate Gi2 signaling allowing normal neutrophil trafficking, aging, and clearance.
Medication synchronization adoption and pharmacy performance

Abstract Background While medication synchronization programs are becoming a staple in community pharmacies, a standard process needs to be identified to provide consistent positive outcomes. Many studies demonstrate how medication synchronization affects individual level patients but have not examined how medication synchronization affects the pharmacy's performance. Because community pharmacies are calibrated based on performance to adherence measures for all patients, it is important to understand whether resource-intensive interventions, such as medication synchronization, lead to improved performance. Objectives The aims of this study were to 1) examine pharmacy characteristics associated with medication synchronization adoption and 2) examine whether medication synchronization is associated with pharmacy-level performance on select medication adherence and utilization measures. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design. Community pharmacies participating in the North Carolina Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (NC CPESN℠) program were included in this study. Pharmacy performance was measured as summary score of pharmacy's performance on seven risk-adjusted measures which were used to measure pharmacy's performance in the program. Adoption of medication synchronization was measured as a binary variable capturing whether the pharmacy offered med sync at the time the survey was administered. Results Surveys were received from 160 out of 268 participating pharmacies (59.7% response rate) with a total of 155 pharmacies being included in the analytic sample. Pharmacies that adopted medication synchronization were more likely to have a clinical pharmacist on staff (c = 5.4, p = 0.019). Holding all else constant, medication synchronization adoption was not significantly associated with total medication adherence performance (p = 0.371). Conclusion Medication synchronization has proven successful in improving individual patient level adherence but may not change a pharmacy's overall performance in adherence for all patients. Further research is needed to examine how effective implementation might contribute to whether a medication synchronization program leads to meaningful gains in adherence for all patients.
Algorithmic Obstructions in the Random Number Partitioning Problem

We consider the algorithmic problem of finding a near-optimal solution for the number partitioning problem (NPP). The NPP appears in many applications, including the design of randomized controlled trials, multiprocessor scheduling, and cryptography; and is also of theoretical significance. It possesses a so-called statistical-to-computational gap: when its input $X$ has distribution $\mathcal{N}(0,I_n)$, its optimal value is $\Theta(\sqrt{n}2^{-n})$ w.h.p.; whereas the best polynomial-time algorithm achieves an objective value of only $2^{-\Theta(\log^2 n)}$, w.h.p. In this paper, we initiate the study of the nature of this gap. Inspired by insights from statistical physics, we study the landscape of NPP and establish the presence of the Overlap Gap Property (OGP), an intricate geometric property which is known to be a rigorous evidence of an algorithmic hardness for large classes of algorithms. By leveraging the OGP, we establish that (a) any sufficiently stable algorithm, appropriately defined, fails to find a near-optimal solution with energy below $2^{-\omega(n \log^{-1/5} n)}$; and (b) a very natural MCMC dynamics fails to find near-optimal solutions. Our simulations suggest that the state of the art algorithm achieving $2^{-\Theta(\log^2 n)}$ is indeed stable, but formally verifying this is left as an open problem. OGP regards the overlap structure of $m-$tuples of solutions achieving a certain objective value. When $m$ is constant we prove the presence of OGP in the regime $2^{-\Theta(n)}$, and the absence of it in the regime $2^{-o(n)}$. Interestingly, though, by considering overlaps with growing values of $m$ we prove the presence of the OGP up to the level $2^{-\omega(\sqrt{n\log n})}$. Our proof of the failure of stable algorithms at values $2^{-\omega(n \log^{-1/5} n)}$ employs methods from Ramsey Theory from the extremal combinatorics, and is of independent interest.
Anesthesia for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) Disorders

The placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) refers to a group of disorders in which placental tissue abnormally adheres to the uterine myometrium and invades into the surrounding structures. PAS is becoming increasingly common complication in pregnancy around the world and is closely associated with massive hemorrhage and a common indication for peripartum hysterectomy. This chapter describes anesthetic and obstetric management for early assessment and diagnosis of PAS and coordinated multidisciplinary team approach to minimize adverse outcomes of both mother and fetus.
Two Pattern Timing Tests Capturing Defect-Induced Multi-Gate Delay Impact of Shorts

Achieving high yield in deep-submicron technologies is challenging due to the presence of unforeseen defect mechanisms, requiring increases in test complexity and efficiency. We focus on shorts within standard cells which are traditionally targeted by DC tests. Recent research has shown the need for multi-pattern tests where intermediate defect resistance values are concerned, as opposed to extreme values considered by prevalent test techniques. In this research, we show that there exist ranges of short defect resistance values that escape traditional DC tests while incurring unexpectedly large delay values for specific two-pattern stimuli. It is seen that these resistance values are approximately in the range of defect resistance values observed for realistic short defects in industry. These defects must therefore be prioritized from a circuit level critical path delay testing perspective to minimize overall circuit DPPM. Such catastrophic increase in delay is due to the fact that specific shorts in standard cells influence the delays of logic gates feeding into and out of the standard cell, resulting in path delay increase of 50X-SOX with respect to the delay of a single cell. Two-pattern tests are derived for such faults and simulation results on standard cell designs and ripple carry adders are presented to further our arguments.
Planning Buy-Sell Agreements In The Hospitality Industry

In the article Planning Buy-Sell Agreements In The Hospitality Industry by John M. Tarras, Assistant Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management at Michigan State University, the author initially observes: “The vast majority of hospitality firms (restaurants, hotels, etc.) would be considered closely-held corporations. As such, they have unique planning problems compared to large, publicly-traded hospitality firms. One area of special concern to the closely-held hospitality firm is the planning and adoption of a buy-sell agreement.” The above thesis statement outlines the heart of the article; the buy-sell agreement in regard to smaller [closely held, as Tarras calls them] corporations. The theory is narrow and pro-active, spanning the gap between personal-to-corporate stock manipulations. “The primary purpose of a buy-sell agreement is to contribute to the orderly transfer of a shareholder's stock in a hospitality firm upon some future incident [typically retirement, withdrawal of a shareholder, disability, or death], as Tarras defines the concept. “The hospitality firm or the other shareholders would be committed to purchase the departing shareholder's stock at an agreed upon price and method, and to ensure that ample cash will be obtainable for such an impending sale. The buy-sell agreement provides a market for the shareholder or the shareholder's estate for the sale of otherwise illiquid stock,” the author further provides as canons of buy-sell agreements. In defining the buy-sell agreement with restrictive clauses, Tarras demonstrates, “...many closely-held hospitality firms desire to limit ownership to those individuals, either family or principal corporate employees, who are essential to the well-being of the firm.” Tarras says, another element of the buy-sell agreement is to furnish the departing shareholder with liquidity. “...there typically is some form of cash down payment with the remainder denoted by an interest-bearing promissory note [usually 5 to 15 years],” he informs. “The departing shareholders may require that the hospitality firm pledge the assets of the firm and that the remaining shareholders personally guarantee the
Explaining differences in corporate capital structure: Theory and new evidence

Abstract This paper tests a theory of optimal capital structure based on three simple imperfections: (i) personal and corporate taxes; (ii) bankruptcy related costs; and (iii) transfer of wealth from unprotected creditors. In contrast to other empirical tests (most of which rely on comparative statics to devise a linear regression), we derive a testable equation explicitly from the firm's value-maximizing first order condition. Our cross-sectional tests confirm earlier findings by Warner (1977) and Ang et al. (1982) that the fixed (explicit) costs of bankruptcy are not statistically significant.However, we find strong explanatory power in the marginal (implicit) costs of bankruptcy. These costs have two components. First, the data suggest that firms with high fixed-asset intensity carry heavier debt loads because of the floor that these assets create for potential bankruptcy costs to be borne by security-holders. This result explains inter-industry differences in debt-ratios found by Schwartz and Aronson (1967) and Scott (1972). It also explains some anomalies in recent tests by Bradley et al. (1984) who find a positive relationship between debt ratios and depreciation when their model predicted a negative relation. In our view, depreciation acts more asa proxy for fixed asset and less as a proxy for non-debt tax shield which Bradley et al. were analyzing. Secondly, our tests suggest that an unprotected creditor or wealth transfereffect provides additional stimulus to issuance of debt and that this stimulus is stronger than the net tax effect. Schwartz (1981) finds such distributional explanations to be both economically meaningful and worthy of further empirical research because of its potential for initiating legal reform. We modestly claim that our finding in this regard is an important first step in this research and is similar to the wealth-transfer effect from bondholders to stockholders studied by Masulis (1980, 1983).
Effect of progesterone on colonic motility and fecal output in mice with diarrhea.

Background Patients with diarrhea and slow transit constipation (STC) have high 5-HT levels. In STC, the high 5-HT levels have been difficult to explain, as 5-HT stimulates peristalsis. Over expression of progesterone (P4) receptors in epithelial and muscle cells of the colon may reconcile this contradiction because P4 decreases SERT and increases 5-HT levels, but their effects are rendered ineffective because of the impaired muscle contraction. Aims We examined whether P4 treatment could reduce the stool output in two mouse diarrheal models because of higher 5-HT levels, the SERT knock-out (KO), and the fluoxetine-treated mice. Methods Contractility of colon circular muscle strips from wild mice was studied. Fecal water and dry fecal output were measured daily over a 4-day period in wild and SERT-KO mice and in fluoxetine-treated mice treated with IM saline or P4. 5-HT levels were measured using ELISA. Key Results Progesterone blocked the spontaneous and stimulated phasic contractions. Fecal water output measured in two consecutive 4-day periods was not different in wild and SERT-KO mice. The fecal output in the SERT-KO mice was higher than in wild mice. P4 treatment reduced the 4-day fecal output in both groups compared with saline treatment. Oral fluoxetine treatment increased 5-HT levels in wild mice and increased the 4-day fecal output compared with oral saline. P4 treatment caused a decrease in the fecal output in both groups. Conclusions & Inferences Progesterone decreased the contractility of circular muscle strips, and reduced the fecal output in two diarrheal models, the SERT-KO and fluoxetine-treated mice.
Atomistic Simulation Methods for Computing the Kinetic Coefficient in Solid-Liquid Systems

The kinetic coefficient, μ, is the constant of proportionality between the velocity of a solid-liquid interface and the interface undercooling. The value of μ and its anisotropy are critical parameters in phase field modeling of dendritic solidification. In this paper we review several different molecular dynamics simulation methods which have been proposed to compute the kinetic coefficient. Techniques based on forced velocity simulations, free solidification simulations and fluctuation analyses are discussed and compared. In addition, a model of crystalline growth kinetics due to Broughton, Gilmer and Jackson will be compared with available atomistic simulation data.
A note on the maternal effect mutants daughterless and abnormal oocyte in Drosophila melanogaster.

Two deficiencies for, and a dominant enhancer of, the second chromosome maternal effect mutant, "daughterless" (da), were induced with X-irradiation. Their properties were studied with respect to both da and the linked maternal effect mutant, "abnormal oocyte" (abo), with the following conclusions. (1) The most probable map positions of da and abo are: J—½—da—2½—abo, where J is a dominant marker located at 41 on the standard map. (2) The da locus is in bands 31CD-F on the polytene chromosome map; abo is to the right of 32A. (3) Because homozygous da individuals survive while individuals carrying da and a deficiency for da are lethal, it is concluded that da is hypomorphic. (4) From a weak da-like maternal effect in heterozygous da females induced by an "Enhancer of da," we have confirmed a previous report that (a) the amount of sex chromosome heterochromatin contributed by the father can influence the severity of the da maternal effect, and (b) the sex chromosome heterochromatin which influences the da effect is different from that which influences the abo effect. (5) The possibility that da and abo are in a special region of chromosome 2 concerned with the regulation of sex chromosome heterochromatin is strengthened by the observation that the Enhancer of da appears to rescue abnormal eggs produced by homozygous abo mothers. (6) The Enhancer of da is a translocation between chromosomes 2 and 3 with the second chromosome breakpoint in the basal heterochromatin; because the enhancing effect maps in this region of chromosome 2, it is possible that autosomal, as well as sex chromosomal, heterochromatin interacts with da and abo.
The Pervasive Myth of Discovery Abuse: The Sequel

As the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules (“Advisory Committee” or “Committee”) once again contemplates revision to the federal civil discovery rules, it is encouraging that the Advisory Committee this time around has commissioned empirical research in advance of possible rulemaking. With that research in hand, three findings are striking in these RAND and Federal Judicial Center (“FJC”) studies. First, the constancy of the data relating to civil discovery is impressive. Second, the studies reaffirm our common sense notions about discovery ― that complex, high-stakes litigation, handled by big firms with corporate clients, are the cases most likely to involve the problematic discovery that skews the discovery debate. Third, there is at best ambiguous evidence concerning the efficacy of mandatory disclosure in courts that have voluntarily adopted the rule. These comments briefly explore the import of the RAND and FJC data for further amendment of the federal discovery rules. As with all proposed rule revision, the Advisory Committee ought to be protective of its rule-making role, given its shared authority with Congress. Thus, prudence counsels against rule amendment unless reform is necessary to fix a problem. Rulemakers ought first to ask, “is there a problem?” If so, they ought next to ask, “can a rule amendment fix it? Will it make things better?” And ― in an unanswerable conundrum ― rulemakers ought to ask if it is possible to anticipate any unintended consequences of their rule reform.
Further Improvements in the Electronic Dew-Point Hygrometer.

Abstract The electronic dew-point hygrometer described by Barrett and Herndon in 1951 has been improved in three distinct areas: the servo-amplifier system, the optical system in the sensing head, and the operating-adjustment system. The improvements are described, and the operational use of the improved hygrometer is discussed briefly.
Nicotinic receptor-mediated responses in relay cells and interneurons in the rat lateral geniculate nucleus.

Abstract We used the in vitro whole-cell recording technique to study the nicotinic responses of relay cells and interneurons in the adult rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, the thalamic nucleus that conveys visual signals from the retina to the cortex. These geniculate relay cells and interneurons were identified by their physiological and morphological properties. We found that, in the presence of a muscarinic antagonist, atropine, acetylcholine induced a depolarization in relay cells. A similar depolarization was induced by application of nicotine. These depolarizations were completely blocked by a nicotinic antagonist, hexamethonium, but were little affected by bath solution that contained tetrodotoxin and/or low calcium concentration to block synaptic transmission. This suggests that the depolarization is mediated directly by nicotinic receptors in relay cells. Application of nicotine also induced a depolarization in geniculate interneurons. The interneurons continued to exhibit a response to nicotine in the presence of synaptic blockade, although the time-course of the response was altered. The nicotinic responses in relay cells and interneurons shared many similar properties. Both exhibited desensitization, although this characteristic was much more pronounced in the interneurons. In both cell types, the nicotinic response activated a relatively linear conductance with a slight inward rectification. The reversal potential for the conductance was about −33 mV, which is consistent with a permeability to sodium and potassium ions. The reversal potential shifted negatively by 5–6 mV when the bath solution contained low calcium, which further suggests a permeability to calcium ions. Our results indicate that nicotinic receptors are present in both geniculate relay cells and interneurons. The nicotinic depolarization in relay cells may serve to enhance transmission of visual signals through the lateral geniculate nucleus as well as to contribute to a voltage-dependent shift in the response mode of geniculate relay cells from burst to tonic (single-spike) firing. The nicotinic depolarization in interneurons may provide an explanation for reports that activation of the cholinergic system can enhance inhibitory tuning in the lateral geniculate nucleus.
Prime ideals surviving in complete integral closures

It is proved that if R is an Archimedean domain such that each finitely generated proper ideal of R is contained in the radical of a proper principal ideal, then each prime ideal of R survives in the complete integral closure of R. One consequence is a new proof that each Archimedean QR-domain is completely integrally closed.
Application of thin foils in low-energy neutral-atom detection

Magnetospheric imaging has been proposed using remote detection of low energy neutral atoms (LENAS) of magnetospheric origin. In the detector, LENAS can be removed from the immense ambient UV by charge state modification (ionization) using a carbon stripping foil and can be subsequently deflected into an EIq analysis section. The LENA detector efficiency is linearly proportional to the ionization probability of neutrals as they transit the foil. In this study, we present equilibrium charge state and scatter distributions for 1-30 keV atomic hydrogen and oxygen transiting nominal 0.5 cm2 carbon foils. The fraction of hydrogen exiting a foil as H ranges from approximately 5% at 1 keV to 41% at 30 keV. The fraction of oxygen exiting the foil as O ranges from approximately 2% at 10 keY to 8% at 30 keV. Results obtained after coating the exit surface of foils with either aluminum (which forms aluminum oxide when exposed to air) or gold suggest that the intended alteration of the exit surface chemistry has no effect on the charge state distributions due to foil contamination from exposure to air. Scattering that results from the projectilefoil interaction is shown to be independent of the charge state distribution, illustrating the distinctly different interaction mechanisms associated with charge exchange and scattering.
Decarboxylation and Coupling Reactions of Aromatic Acids under Coal-Liquefaction Conditions

Decarboxylation of a series of monomeric benzoic acid systems under liquefaction-relevant conditions was studied. The principal findings are the following: (1) decarboxylation rates of benzoic acids range from a few percent in 1 h at 400 °C for unactivated acids to >98% for species activated by OH in the ortho or para positions; (2) coupling of unactivatiated benzoic acids as a direct result of decarboxylation tends to be very minor (generally <10%); (3) decarboxylation of hydroxy-activated benzoic acids results in products that are susceptible to subsequent electrophilic coupling reactions; (4) under strongly oxidizing conditions, namely the absence of scavengers and the presence of one-electron oxidants, coupling of even unactivated acids can be as much as 50% of the decarboxylations; (5) amine bases tend to promote decarboxylation but either inhibit or do not affect coupling; (6) H-donors inhibit coupling but promote decarboxylation in the presence of the electron transfer agent Fe3O4; (7) small amount...
Effects of clozapine, thioridazine, risperidone and haloperidol on behavioral tests related to extrapyramidal motor function

Evidence indicates that the antipsychotic drug clozapine has a low propensity for the induction of extrapyramidal motor symptoms, and also that clozapine has therapeutic effects in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Because tacrine-induced tremulous jaw movements in rats have been suggested as a possible model of extrapyramidal motor dysfunctions, including parkinsonian tremor, the present work was undertaken to investigate the effects of clozapine on tremulous jaw movements. Clozapine decreased tacrine-induced tremulous jaw movements in a dose-related manner, with an ED50 of approximately 3.3 mg/kg. In order to determine the relative potency of this effect compared to other behavioral effects of clozapine, suppression of lever pressing was also studied. Clozapine reduced lever pressing in a dose-related manner, with an ED50 of approximately 5.4 mg/kg. This indicates that clozapine suppressed jaw movements at or below the doses required for suppression of lever pressing. In contrast, the typical antipsychotic drug haloperidol failed to suppress tacrine-induced tremulous jaw movements in doses up to 1.0 mg/kg, which is about 11-fold higher than the ED50 for suppression of lever pressing with that drug. Thioridazine and risperidone also suppressed tremulous jaw movements in roughly the same dose range at which lever pressing was reduced. It is possible that the suppression of tacrine-induced tremulous jaw movements by clozapine in rats is related to the unique behavioral and motor effects of clozapine. The ratio of potencies of these effects (i.e., suppression of tremulous jaw movements versus suppression of lever pressing) could be used as a behavioral procedure for assessing clozapine-like activity in novel compounds.
A Linear Theory of Transdermal Transport Phenomena

A theory of charge, fluid-mass, and solute (including macromolecular) transport through porous media is applied to describe transport phenomena across the external layer of mammalian skin. Linear relationships are derived between transport fluxes and applied fields. These relationships introduce six effective transdermal transport coefficients. Formulas for each of these coefficients are provided. The practical relevance of these parameters is emphasized in the specific context of transdermal drug delivery. By employing typical physiological values for the various geometrical and physicochemical parameters that appear in the formulas for the transdermal transport coefficients, predictions are made for transport rates of charge, fluid mass, and solute species across a uniform-thickness skin sample contained within a diffusion-cell apparatus. These results are used to explore transdermal phenomena involving forced convection, current flow, electroosmosis, iontophoresis, and molecular diffusion (including convective dispersion). Comparisons with existing transdermal drug delivery data are made. On the basis of these comparisons, the theory suggests that transdermal transport in the presence of an electrical field may occur through corneocytes of the stratum corneum. The theory confirms the importance of a shunt route for small ion transport, as well as an intercellular route of transport for passive diffusion of noncharged substances. These latter conclusions, also based on comparisons with experimental data, are consistent with previous statements in the literature. A new form of solute transport enhancement, termed transdermal convective dispersion, is included in the theory, and methods for its measurement are described. Generalizations and future applications of the theory are discussed.
Multispectral photoacoustic microscopy based on an optical–acoustic objective

We have developed reflection-mode multispectral photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) based on a novel optical–acoustic objective that integrates a customized ultrasonic transducer and a commercial reflective microscope objective into one solid piece. This technical innovation provides zero chromatic aberration and convenient confocal alignment of the optical excitation and acoustic detection. With a wavelength-tunable optical-parametric-oscillator laser, we have demonstrated multispectral PAM over an ultrabroad spectral range of 270–1300 nm. A near-constant lateral resolution of ∼2.8 μm is achieved experimentally. Capitalizing on the consistent performance over the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared range, multispectral PAM enables label-free concurrent imaging of cell nucleus (DNA/RNA contrast at 270 nm), blood vessel (hemoglobin contrast at 532 nm), and sebaceous gland (lipid contrast at 1260 nm) at the same spatial scale in a living mouse ear.