cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reference-Day Risk: Observations and Extensions:

Our paper confirms and extends the central result of Acker and Duck (2007) on reference-day risk. Using data from Datastream, they show substantial variations in the estimated monthly returns, variances, and betas across series beginning on different (reference) days of the same month. We show that the results are similar when we use data from the Center for Research in Security Prices daily files. We also show that reference-day risk extends to estimations based on daily returns. Finally, we find variations across series of daily returns computed using prices at different times of the day (reference-time risk). These findings carry potential implications for prior papers that rely on monthly or daily returns for analysis.
Molecular Structure of Biological Systems

This section starts with quantum-mechanical approaches, which allow us to explain molecular bonds and processes of energy transfer. Later we will explain the physical basis of thermal noise, which, finally, will lead us to the problem of self organization, or self assembly of supramolecular structures. It is the intention of this section to make the reader familiar with some specific physical properties of biological systems at the molecular level. The leading idea of this section is the controversy between thermal fluctuation against the forces of molecular orientation and organization.
Coherent rings and annihilator conditions in matrix and polynomial rings

Abstract This is an exposition of various topics, indicated by the title, and related concepts. Some of this is well known, and some not, e.g., papers published in 1999 and 2000. Indications of proofs are given in some instances, but in many others, e.g., those of Kerr, Camillo-Guralnick, Cedo-Herbera, Roitman, and Antoine-Cedo on the ascending chain conditions for annihila-tors over polynomial rings, and of Carson, Camillo, Chase, Fieldhouse, Harris, McCarthy, Pillay, Soublin and Vasconcelos, among others, on the question of when the polynomial ring is coherent, proofs are omitted. In short, this is a leisurely stroll through the park with a good view of the architecture of coherency, and associated problems.
On topographic controls of soil hydraulic parameter scaling at hillslope scales

[1] Most upscaling efforts for soil hydraulic parameters developed thus far have opted to ignore the effect of topography in their derivation of effective parameter values. This approach, which considers a flat terrain with no lateral flows, is reasonable as long as the coarser support dimensions are of the order of a few hundred meters. In such a scenario, the upscaled characteristics of the parameters are governed predominantly by the texture and structure of the soil in the domain. However, when upscaling fine-scale hydraulic parameter data to much larger extents (hillslope scales and beyond), topography plays a bigger role and can no longer be ignored. Efforts to model hydrologic processes and phenomena, with particular emphasis on those occurring in the unsaturated zone, are conducted at various scales. We present here a study to isolate the influence of topographic variations on the effective, upscaled soil hydraulic parameters under different hillslope configurations. The power-averaging operator algorithm was used to aggregate fine-scale soil hydraulic parameters to coarser resolutions. Hydrologic scenarios were simulated using HYDRUS-3D for four different topographic configurations under different conditions to test the validity of the upscaled soil hydraulic parameters. The outputs from the simulations (fluxes and soil moisture states) were compared across multiple scales for validating the effectiveness of the upscaled soil hydraulic parameters. It was found that the power-averaging algorithm produced reasonably good estimates of effective soil hydraulic parameters at coarse scales. Further, a probable threshold dimension beyond which the topography dominates the soil hydraulic property variation was analyzed. On the basis of only the topography, the scaling algorithm was able to capture much of the variation in soil hydraulic parameters required to generate equivalent flows and soil moisture states in a coarsened domain.
Managers and the Hi-Hi Leader Myth

In this article the author reports on research he conducted that examined managers' opinions on leadership and their perceptions of their bosses' opinions on leadership. The study also examined the...
Political Economy of U.S. Sugar Policies

This article examines political-economic decision making with respect to U.S. sugar policies. It evaluates the responsiveness of target prices and import quotas levels to changes in (a) the economic surpluses of market participants and (b) the federal budget deficit. Results indicate a weak linkage between sugar producer surplus and subsequent target prices levels but a strong linkage between the federal budget deficit and subsequent import quota levels. The influences of sugar users, corn sweetener producers, and foreign countries are also examined.
Utility of head computed tomography in children with a single extremity fracture.

Objectives To determine the clinical and forensic utility of head computed tomography (CT) in children younger than 2 years of age with an acute isolated extremity fracture and an otherwise-negative skeletal survey. Study design Retrospective chart review of children younger than 2 years of age who obtained a skeletal survey in the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Emergency Department during the 159-month study period. Clinically important head injury was determined based on previously defined Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network criteria. Forensically significant head injury was defined as that which increased the concern for inflicted injury. The rate of head CT relative to patient age and location of fracture (proximal vs distal extremity, upper vs lower extremity) was determined via χ2 tests. Results Of the 320 children evaluated, 37% received neuroimaging, 95.7% of which had no signs of skull fracture or intracranial trauma. Five children (4.3%) with head imaging had traumatic findings but no children in the study had clinically significant head injury. Three of these children had previous concerns for nonaccidental trauma and findings on head CT that were forensically significant. There was a greater rate of head imaging in children in the younger age groups and those with proximal extremity fractures (P Conclusions In young children who present with an isolated extremity fracture, clinicians should consider obtaining head CT in those who are younger than 12 months of age, have proximal extremity fractures, or who have previous evaluations for nonaccidental trauma. Evaluation with head CT in children without these risk factors may be low yield.
Gating kinetics of E. coli poly-3-hydroxybutyrate/polyphosphate channels in planar bilayer membranes.

Nonproteinaceous calcium channel complexes from Escherichia coli, composed of poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), exhibit two distinct gating modes (modes 1 and 2) in planar lipid bilayers. Here we report the kinetic characterization of the channel in mode 2, a mode characterized by two well-defined conductance levels, a fully open state (87 ± 3 pS), and a major subconductance state (56 ± 2 pS). Other subconductance states and full closures are rare (<0.5% of total time). Several kinetic properties of the channel showed asymmetric voltage-dependence indicating an asymmetry in the channel structure. Accordingly, single channels responded to potential change in one of two mirror-image patterns, postulated to arise from opposite orientations of the asymmetrical channel complex in the bilayer. The fraction of time spent in each conductance level was strongly voltage-sensitive. For channels reported in this study, presumably all oriented in the same direction, residence time in the fully open state increased as clamping potentials became more positive whereas residence time in the major subconductance state increased at more negative potentials. Analysis of open time distributions revealed existence of two kinetically distinct states for each level. The shorter time constants for both conductance states exhibited weak voltage-sensitivity; however, the longer time constants were strongly voltage-sensitive. A kinetic scheme, consistent with the complex voltage dependence of the channel, is proposed.
Effects of Sublethal Doses of Naled, Carbaryl, Malathion, and Acetone on the Migratory Grasshopper

Much of the research concerning the effects of insecticides on the surviving members of treated populations has been done with the organochlorine insecticides (Adkisson and Wellso 1962, Afifi and Knutson 1956, Saini and Cutkomp 1966). For example, Moriarity (1968) observed no obvious effects of sublethal doses of DDT or dieldrin in the grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus (Thunberg), and MacCuaig and Watts (1965) found that the production of egg pods by Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) was not affected by sublethal doses of aldrin and dieldrin and that the progeny were viable. However, Watts (1969) showed that dieldrin can be translocated to the eggs of S. gregaria and can cause death in newly hatched nymphs. Less information is available about some other classes of insecticides such as the phosphates and carbamates, although Ouye and Knutson (1957) reported that house flies, Musca domestica L., which survived treatment with malathion produced fewer eggs and had a shorter lifespan than untreated flies, and Chauthani and Adkisson (1966) found that sublethal doses of azinphosethyl and azinphosmethyl had adverse effects on the weight, longevity, and fecundity of the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and the tobacco budworm, H. virescens (F.).
The effect of endotoxin on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in the rat.

Abstract Bleomycin is a commonly used antineoplastic agent which produces dose- and time-dependent pneumonitis and fibrosis in humans. The mechanism of bleomycin-induced lung injury is uncertain. However, current data shows that bleomycin can generate reactive oxygen species such as Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. We therefore investigated whether intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of endotoxin, a protectant for hyperoxia, could modulate the biochemical and morphological estimates of bleomycininduced lung fibrosis in rats. However, pretreatment with multiple i.p. injections of endotoxin, combined with intratracheal bleomycin instillation, resulted in increased lung collagen content compared to bleomycin treatment alone and controls. Furthermore, morphological estimates of the severity of lung lesions present in the endotoxin-bleomycin treatment group were increased when compared with saline and endotoxin control lung lesions. These data indicate, in the current study design, that endotoxin did not reduce, but instead increased the severity of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. The mechanism for this increase in fibrosis may be the result of pre-existing endotoxin-induced cell injury.
Post and During Event Effect of Cell Phone Talking and Texting on Driving Performance—A Driving Simulator Study

Objective: A number of studies have been done in the field of driver distraction, specifically on the use of cell phone for either conversation or texting while driving. Researchers have focused on the driving performance of drivers when they were actually engaged in the task; that is, during the texting or phone conversation event. However, it is still unknown whether the impact of cell phone usages ceases immediately after the end of task. The primary objective of this article is to analyze the post-event effect of cell phone usage (texting and conversation) in order to verify whether the distracting effect lingers after the actual event has ceased.Methods: This study utilizes a driving simulator study of 36 participants to test whether a significant decrease in driver performance occurs during cell phone usage and after usage. Surrogate measures used to represent lateral and longitudinal control of the vehicle were standard deviation (SD) of lane position and mean velocity, respectively.Results: Result...
Far-infrared cyclotron resonance in n-Ge

Abstract Cyclotron resonance has been performed on the conduction band of germanium using a cyanide laser at 891 GHz and a superconducting magnet of up to 110 kG. This is 2.5 times higher in frequency and 10 times higher in field than previous cyclotron resonance measurements reported for n-Ge. The effective masses do not change from their calues at lower frequencies and fields, but the scattering frequencies are 1.5 to 5 times larger. A new scattering mechansm is suggested to explain the increased scattering.
Suppression of low-temperature magnetic states in Mn3O4 nanoparticles

Abstract We have investigated the low-temperature magnetic properties of Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles using thermodynamic and magnetic measurements. While bulk Mn 3 O 4 exhibits three magnetic transitions close to 42, 40 and 34 K, the two lower temperature transitions appear to be absent above 15 K in Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The magnetization and spin entropy associated with the ferrimagnetic transition at 42 K is smaller in the Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles than bulk Mn 3 O 4 , which is consistent with roughly 30–50% of the spins not contributing to the magnetic order. We tentatively attribute this suppression of the lower temperature transitions to a combination of finite size effects and effects arising from amorphous surface spins on the nanoparticles.
Branding strategies, marketing communication, and perceived brand meaning: The transfer of purposive, goal-oriented brand meaning to brand extensions

This article develops and tests a conceptual model of the transfer process whereby perceived similarity organized around shared goals facilitates the transfer of knowledge and affect from a parent brand to an extension of that brand. Empirical results, based on two well-known brands and two hypothetical product extensions for each brand, demonstrate that the availability of well-formed, goal-derived categories associated with a parent brand establishes an organizing framework for consumers' assessments of similarity thatfacilitates the transfer of consumer knowledge and attitude from the parent brand to a brand extension in another product category. This facilitating effect of similarity does not occur in the absence of goal-derived categories. The results also reveal how marketing communication can be used to facilitate the transfer process by framing similarity in terms of common goals. Implications are discussed for the organization of consumer knowledge and affect across product categories and for understanding prior research findings on brand extension.
Is There a Best Alternative to Treating the Obstructed Upper Pole

AbstractPurpose: We addressed whether salvage of upper pole renal units in comparison to partial nephrectomy affects differential renal function in patients with a duplicated obstructed upper pole.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all children who underwent surgery for a unilateral obstructed duplicated kidney at our institution from 1988 to 1995. Patients were evaluated with respect to postoperative complications, reoperation rate and percent change in differential renal function of the obstructed duplicated kidney, as determined by nuclear renography.Results: We identified 46 patients with a unilateral obstructed upper pole of a duplicated kidney who were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (12 patients) underwent an upper pole salvage procedure, that is ureteropyelostomy or ureteroureterostomy, and group (31 patients) underwent partial nephrectomy. Three reoperations (25 percent) were performed in group 1 and 1 (4 percent) was done in group 2. Postoperative symptomatic urinar...
Introduction to Medical Anthropology in the Muslim World

Islam is the world's fastest growing religion, with more than 1.3 billion adherents in countries stretching from sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia. In addition, transnational diasporic Muslim communities are increasingly found throughout Europe and the Americas, with approximately 6 million Muslims currently living in the United States. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001 (9/11), the lack of Western understanding of Islam and Muslim peoples has become abundantly apparent, as have the many stereotypes of the Islamic world as a hotbed of religiously based fanaticism, violence, and terrorism. This special issue of Medical Anthropology Quarterly challenges the pervasive "trope of terrorism" now circulating in Euro-American discourses of Islam by focusing instead on everyday issues of reproductive and child health among Muslim peoples living in a diverse range of cultural settings. Through local-level, theoretically informed ethnographic representation, medical anthropology has much to contribute to discussions of Muslims' lives, as well as to greater understandings of Islam itself, a religion that can be said to encourage the use of medicine, biotechnology, and therapeutic negotiation and agency in the face of illness and adversity. To our knowledge, this is the first collection of articles specifically devoted to medical anthropology in the Muslim world. Although other regions of the world have been the focus of medical anthropological scholarship-particularly Latin America; sub-Saharan Africa in the era of HIV/AIDS; the three Asian powerhouses of China, Japan, and India; and North America, where the bulk of medical anthropological
Effectiveness of a spontaneous carvacrol nanoemulsion against Salmonella enterica Enteritidis and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on contaminated broccoli and radish seeds

The incidence of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of fresh produce has continued to increase over the past decade. Sprouts, such as mung bean, alfalfa, radish, and broccoli, are minimally processed and have been sources for foodborne illness. Currently, a 20,000 ppm calcium hypochlorite soak is recommended for the treatment of sprouting seeds. In this study, the efficacy of an antimicrobial carvacrol nanoemulsion was tested against Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis (ATCC BAA-1045) or EGFP expressing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 42895) contaminated sprouting seeds. Antimicrobial treatments were performed by soaking inoculated seeds in nanoemulsions (4000 or 8000 ppm) for 30 or 60 min. Following treatment, surviving cells were determined by performing plate counts and/or Most Probable Number (MPN) enumeration. Treated seeds were sprouted and tested for the presence of pathogens. Treatment successfully inactivated low levels (2 and 3 log CFU/g) of S. Enteritidis and E. coli on radish seeds when soaked for 60 min at concentrations ≥4000 (0.4%) ppm carvacrol. This treatment method was not affective on contaminated broccoli seeds. Total sprout yield was not influenced by any treatments. These results show that carvacrol nanoemulsions may be an alternative treatment method for contaminated radish seeds.
Hadron collider detectors

Experiments are being prepared at the Fermilab Tevatron and the CERN Large Hadron Collider that promise to deliver extraordinary insights into the nature of spontaneous symmetry breaking, and the role of supersymmetry in the universe. This article reviews the goals, challenges, and designs of these experiments. The first hadron collider, the ISR at CERN, has to overcome two initial obstacles. The first was low luminosity, which steadily improved over time. The second was the broad angular spread of interesting events. In this regard Maurice Jacob noted (1): The answer is ... sophisticated detectors covering at least the whole central region (45{degree} {le} {theta} {le} 135{degree}) and full azimuth. This statement, while obvious today, reflects the major revelation of the ISR period that hadrons have partonic substructure. The result was an unexpectedly strong hadronic yield at large transverse momentum (p{sub T}). Partly because of this, the ISR missed the discovery of the J/{psi} and later missed the {Upsilon}. The ISR era was therefore somewhat less auspicious than it might have been. It did however make important contributions in areas such as jet production and charm excitation and it paved the way for the SPS collider, also at CERN.
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) modulates IL-1 bioactivity in human monocyte/macrophage cell lines

Abstract We have previously observed that Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, increased supernatant interleukin-1 (IL-1) bioactivity in cultures of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, experiments were performed to determine whether THC treatment similarly affected phagocytes of human origin. The results showed that THC increased the levels of supernatant IL-1 bioactivity of two human monocytic cell lines, but only if the cells were differentiated with phorbol myristate acetate. Undifferentiated cells displayed decreased IL-1 bioactivity in response to THC. However, under conditions in which THC augmented supernatant IL-1 bioactivity from THP-1 cells, ELISA studies showed that the levels of IL-1α and IL-1β were unchanged and decreased, respectively. Furthermore, supernatant interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were decreased, but tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were increased by THC treatment. These results show that THC treatment modulates cytokine production and/or release by mouse and human macrophages and the drug effects on IL-1-like bioactivity in the supernatants of the human THP-1 cells are due to increased levels of other cytokines, such as TNF-α, rather than IL-1 itself.
One-dimensional nickel and cobalt phthalate coordination polymers incorporating the kinked dipodal organodiimine 4,4′-dipyridylamine: Hydrothermal synthesis, structural characterization and thermal properties

Abstract Hydrothermal synthesis has afforded a family of three structurally related metal phthalate (pht) 1-D coordination polymers incorporating the kinked dipodal organodiimine 4,4′-dipyridylamine (dpa), with a general formulation of [L2M(dpa)2M(H2O)4] · H2O (L = pht, M = Co, 1, M = Ni, 2; L = 4-methylphthalate (4-mpht), M = Co, 3). Single crystal X-ray diffraction of 1 and 2 revealed the presence of one-dimensional (1-D) polymeric chains consisting of [M(H2O)4]2+ and [M(pht)2]2− subunits linked through dpa tethers. These chains in turn conjoin into pseudo 2-D layers and 3-D networks via extensive supramolecular hydrogen bonding pathways. An extremely similar structure is observed for 3 despite the presence of the bulkier methyl group substituent. 1–3 were further characterized via infrared spectroscopy and elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. 1–3 represent the first dicarboxylate coordination polymers incorporating dpa tethering ligands.
Effects of cold microphysical processes on the surface precipitation variability of nonsquall tropical oceanic convection

[1] The influence of cold microphysical processes on surface precipitation variability is investigated for a nonsquall cluster and a scattered convective event that occurred over the tropical Pacific Ocean during the KWAJEX Experiment period. The MM5 model high-resolution simulations of surface rainfall and ice concentrations are validated with available data from the experiment in terms of the ability to reproduce the character of variability. The validated model is then used to perform a number of sensitivity analyses pertaining to the dependence of simulated surface precipitation on various microphysical factors associated with cold microphysical processes. It is found that the graupel-related processes in the model microphysics scheme modify both the magnitude and the spatial variability of surface precipitation. The maximum precipitation simulated by the warm rain scheme is double the one simulated by including ice microphysics. The sizes of mean convective precipitation cells in the warm rain simulation are 48% and 41% larger than those in the ice microphysics simulation for the nonsquall and scattered convective events, respectively. Further investigation points to the different treatment of supercooled raindrops in these two microphysics schemes being responsible for significant differences in the simulated maximum precipitation and spatial variability for the two rain events. Dividing the simulated precipitation into convective and stratiform portions on the basis of simulated radar reflectivity shows that the nonsquall cluster produces more convective rainfall (68%) than the scattering convection event (46%). A microphysical diagnosis of the causes is performed for each event. The findings have significant implications for the vertical profiles of atmospheric heating in the tropics.
ON THE UNIQUENESS OF THE ANALYTIC CONTINUATION OF THE S MATRIX IN ANGULAR MOMENTUM

Certain asymptotic conditions forl→∞ are discussed, under which the analytic continuation of theS matrix in angular momentum is unique.
Pulsed mode evaluation of an axial geometry cesium sputter negative ion source

Abstract An axial geometry negative ion source has been evaluated as a source of pulsed negative ion beams for possible future use of the Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility (HHIRF) tandem accelerator as a synchrotron injector. During test stand operation and HHIRF tandem accelerator testing, high-intensity, square wave-form, 100 μs wide, pulsed beams of Ag−, Au−, Cu−1, Ni− and O−1 were produced at peak intensity levels ranging between 100 and 350 μA. The beam intensities were observed to increase approximately linearly with pulsed voltage amplitude over a range of voltages between 400 and 2400 V. In most cases, the pulsed and dc beam components were found to be essentially independent of each other, i.e., the dc component could be adjusted without significantly affecting the pulsed component. Pulsed 16O− beams at peak intensities of 100μA were injected into the HHIRF tandem accelerator without observable effects on the operational stability of the accelerator.
Accurate orientation method for dHvA data

A new technique for improving the accuracy of the angular orientation of nonsymmetry plane dHvA data on cubic systems by an order of magnitude (from 2.0° to 0.2°) has been developed. The extension of this technique to orienting dHvA data in noncubic crystallographic systems, or to orienting data for other types of experiments, viz. neutron scattering, should be straightforward.
Analysis and design of light gage steel roof systems

Abstract The lack of a useful and efficient analysis and design method is a hindrance to the widespread acceptance of cold-formed structural steel members as roof purlins in conventionally engineered buildings. This paper outlines a practical method for the analysis and design of roof Z-purlins. The details used in formulation of the design method are described and a practical design example is included. The roofing system is idealized to behave in a manner analogous to a stiffened plate in evaluating the section properties and allowable bending stresses. This idealization is considered appropriate as the roof system is composed of Z-purlins which are supported at intervals by structural framing and has roof decking attached continously to the outer flange. The roof decking is corrugated and serves as diaphragm bracing for the condition of flexural bending of the Z-purlin. The section properties are considered based upon a composite section, the Z-purlin and deck. In evaluating the allowable bending stress, F b , the top flange of the Z-purlin is considered to be fully braced by the roof deck whereas the bottom flange is considered to be unbraced except at supporting frames and interior inflection points.
The predominant cultivable dental plaque flora of beagle dogs with gingivitis.

The predominant dental plaque flora of 15 female beagle dogs (1,3 and 6 year old) with naturally developed gingivitis was studied using a continuous anaerobic culturing technique. Supra- and subgingival plaque samples from the buccal aspect of the upper third premolar were cultured on various growth media and the organisms were partially characterized. The flora in all dogs was composed mostly of anaerobic Gram negative organisms. B. asaccharolyticus (B. melaninogenicus ss. asaccharolyticus) was found in both types of plaques in all animals and decomposed hydrogen peroxide suggesting catalase activity. F. nucleatum was found in higher proportions in the subgingival plaque as compared to B. asaccharolyticus and actinomycetes. Spirochetes were found in 10 of 15 supra- and in 1 of 15 subgingival specimens. S. mutans, S. mitior, S. salivarius, Veillonella, Selenomonas or vibrios could not be detected in any of the plaque samples. A combined data analysis showed, that the total viable CFU and the proportions of Gram positive organisms were significantly higher in the supra- than the subgingival plaque. Although the proportions of Gram negative bacteria were higher in subgingival plaque, the differences between the two types of plaques excluding F. nucleatum were not significant.
POLYEMBRYONY IN EUGENIA HOOKERI

EUGENIA HOOKERI is a fairly common ornamental in the Los Angeles region of Southern California, where, when allowed to grow freely, it becomes a tree 15 to 25 feet or more high, with somewhat glossy oblanceolate, acuminate leaves and clusters of light to dark purple or dark wine-colored fruit. When mature the fruit measures 1.5 to 1.7 cm. in length and is of an oblong to ovoid shape. Each fruit contains a solitary, nearly spherical seed, 8 to 9.5 mm. in length, with a thin testa which is easily removable (pl. 1, A, B. C.). Ripe fruit of this species can be obtained in this locality fromn January to March or later, and it is produced in abundance. The fruit will remain on the tree for a considerable time after reaching maturity. In March, 1933, while engaged in some comparative morphological studies of the fruits and seeds of various species of Eugenia growing in local yards, it was found that the seeds of Eugenia Hookeri were in all cases polyembryonic. No similar condition could be found in the much smaller seeds of the other species available for study. Since that time seeds of Eugenia Hookeri, from the fruit crops of 1933 and 1934, taken from trees growing in separate localities, have been examined in quantities, and with the same results. The number of embryos found in the seeds ranged from two to twenty-two, the commonest numbers being fifteen, ten, and six, for the seeds examined. In only two cases were as few as two embryos found in each seed. In size the embryos ranged from a fraction of a millimeter to five or seven millimeters in length, these measurements corresponding practically to the lengths of the cotyledons, since the hypocotyl is very small and in these particular cases turned more or less to one side. As a rule the cotyledons are normally large and fleshy and green in color, resembling in these respects the cotyledons of green garden peas. As the seeds of Euqgenia Hookeri are relatively large and the testa is thin and soft and easily removable, the embryos can be removed for study with little difficulty, except that unless the testa be removed with some care the larger cotyledons may be broken off so that their connection with their corresponding hypocotyls will be lost. On removal of the testa and viewing the contents of the seed dorsally, there comes to view a mass of angular figures of various shapes and sizes. These are the cotyledons of the larger embryos (pl. 1, D; pl. 2, C, L). The ventral aspect is much more complicated. Toward the center of the superficial view will
Comparative genomic analyses of the cyanobacterium, Lyngbya aestuarii BL J, a powerful hydrogen producer

The filamentous, non-heterocystous cyanobacterium Lyngbya aestuarii is an important contributor to marine intertidal microbial mats system worldwide. The recent isolate L. aestuarii BL J, is an unusually powerful hydrogen producer. Here we report a morphological, ultrastructural and genomic characterization of this strain to set the basis for future systems studies and applications of this organism. The filaments contain circa 17 μm wide trichomes, composed of stacked disk-like short cells (2 μm long), encased in a prominent, laminated exopolysaccharide sheath. Cellular division occurs by transversal centripetal growth of cross-walls, where several rounds of division proceed simultaneously. Filament division occurs by cell self-immolation of one or groups of cells (necridial cells) at the breakage point. Short, sheath-less, motile filaments (hormogonia) are also formed. Morphologically and phylogenetically L. aestuarii belongs to a clade of important cyanobacteria that include members of the marine Trichodesmiun and Hydrocoleum genera, as well as terrestrial Microcoleus vaginatus strains, and alkalyphilic strains of Arthrospira. A draft genome of strain BL J was compared to those of other cyanobacteria in order to ascertain some of its ecological constraints and biotechnological potential. The genome had an average GC content of 41.1 %. Of the 6.87 Mb sequenced, 6.44 Mb was present as large contigs (>10,000 bp). It contained 6515 putative protein-encoding genes, of which, 43 % encode proteins of known functional role, 26 % corresponded to proteins with domain or family assignments, 19.6 % encode conserved hypothetical proteins, and 11.3 % encode apparently unique hypothetical proteins. The strain’s genome reveals its adaptations to a life of exposure to intense solar radiation and desiccation. It likely employs the storage compounds, glycogen and cyanophycin but no polyhydroxyalkanoates, and can produce the osmolytes, trehalose and glycine betaine. According to i
Feeding Blueberry Diets in Early Life Prevent Senescence of Osteoblasts and Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Adult Female Rats

Background Appropriate nutrition during early development is essential for maximal bone mass accretion; however, linkage between early nutrition, childhood bone mass, peak bone mass in adulthood, and prevention of bone loss later in life has not been studied. Methodology and Principal Findings In this report, we show that feeding a high quality diet supplemented with blueberries (BB) to pre-pubertal rats throughout development or only between postnatal day 20 (PND20) and PND34 prevented ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in adult life. This protective effect of BB is due to suppression of osteoblastic cell senescence associated with acute loss of myosin expression after OVX. Early exposure of pre-osteoblasts to serum from BB-fed rats was found to consistently increase myosin expression. This led to maintenance osteoblastic cell development and differentiation and delay of cellular entrance into senescence through regulation of the Runx2 gene. High bone turnover after OVX results in insufficient collagenous matrix support for new osteoblasts and their precursors to express myosin and other cytoskeletal elements required for osteoblast activity and differentiation. Conclusions/Significance These results indicate: 1) a significant prevention of OVX-induced bone loss from adult rats can occur with only 14 days consumption of a BB-containing diet immediately prior to puberty; and 2) the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects involves increased myosin production which stimulates osteoblast differentiation and reduces mesenchymal stromal cell senescence.
Cross section forelectron-impact excitation of the /0,0/ first negative band of N2/plus/ from threshold to 3 kev

Electron impact excitation cross section of /0,0/ first negative band of nitrogen ion from threshold to 3 keV, using photon counting techniques
Thermodynamics of dilute platinum-hydrogen solid solutions

Abstract The temperature dependence of the solubility of hydrogen in a superpure platinum single crystal in equilibrium with H2 gas at atmospheric pressure has been determined in the temperature range 833 −-1466 K. The atomic ratio of dissolved hydrogen varies from 0.95 × 10−4 to 0.23 × 10−4. The solid solution shows no departure from simple quasi-regular mixing statistics. The partial molar enthalpy and excess entropy of hydrogen are −171.8 kJ mol−1 and 3.25 k .
A simultaneous-imaging machine-vision approach for the precision alignment of two mm-wave antennas

We present an optical imaging tool, the Overlay Imaging Aligner (OIA), developed to aid in the mechanical alignment of antenna components in the mm-wave and low-THz frequency regimes (50–500 GHz) where wavelength size poses significant challenges for alignment. A polarization-selective machine-vision approach used to generate two simultaneous overlaid images along a common axis allows for aligning two antenna components to within fractions of a wavelength. The concept and application examples are presented along with a quantitative assessment of the alignment accuracy in the WR-2.2 band where the OIA alignment is compared to an electrical alignment.
Current Issues in Teacher Education: 2006–2009

The purpose for this study was to examine topics published in highly regarded journals of teacher education between January 2006 and December 2009. The Journal of Teacher Education (U.S. perspective), Action in Teacher Education (U.S. perspective), and Teaching and Teacher Education (International perspective) were selected because of their high quality and excellent reputation. Content analysis of 721 articles was performed to examine current conversations in the field of teacher education and identify current issues. Results indicated that the current literature focuses on five major topics (teachers, instructional models, multicultural education, induction and mentoring, and field/partnership work). Differences among journals are described as well as a discussion of what is missing in our current literature.
Cold-set thickening mechanism of β-lactoglobulin at low pH: Concentration effects

Abstract There is an interest in developing protein based thickening agents for nutritional considerations. A procedure to convert whey protein concentrates or isolates into a pH modified cold-thickening ingredient was developed. Concentration effects on thickening mechanism of this whey protein ingredient were studied with a β-lactoglobulin model system at the pH of the modification procedure, 3.35. In this study, concentration effects on thermal aggregation of β-lactoglobulin were studied at low pH using capillary and rotational viscometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering (HPLC-MALS). From the results of capillary viscometry, a critical concentration ( C c ∼ 6.9% w/w) was identified below which no significant thickening functionality could be achieved. Microscopy revealed formation of flexible fibrillar network at pH 3.35 during heating at all concentrations. These flexible fibrils had a diameter of about 5 nm and persistence length of about 35 nm as compared to more linear and stiff fibrils formed at pH 2 and low ionic strength conditions. Under similar heating conditions at concentration above C c , larger aggregates similar to microgels were observed compared to the concentration below C c , where isolated fibrils with an average contour length of about 130 nm were observed. These microgels and apparently stronger interactions between aggregates at concentrations above C c were seemingly responsible for thickening functionality of heated β-lactoglobulin solutions and subsequently modified powders. Further investigation of β-lactoglobulin aggregation at this pH may provide capability to mechanistically tailor the functional attributes of modified ingredients.
Valuation with Market Multiples: How to Avoid Pitfalls When Identifying and Using Comparable Companies1

An important part of the market multiple valuation process is selecting companies for comparison that are really comparable to the company being valued. The goal of assessing comparability is to align the relevant value drivers—especially risk and growth—of the comparable companies with those of the company being valued. In this paper, the authors examine the relevant value drivers for commonly used market multiples such as EBIT and EBITDA. They show that, in addition to risk and growth, analysts doing market multiple valuations need to take account of differences in variables such as cost structure, working capital, and capital expenditure requirements when assessing comparability. The authors also show that the degree to which different value drivers are important for assessing the comparability of companies differs across commonly used market multiples. In other words, some multiples are more sensitive than others to changes in certain value drivers. For example, when using a multiple like EBITDA in which certain expenditures (such as capital investments, working capital investments, and some expenses) are not deducted in the calculation of the denominator, assessing comparability based on such expenditures is more important than when using a multiple like free cash flow that deducts that expenditure in calculating the denominator. Or to cite another example, since EBIT and EBITDA make no attempt to reflect income taxes, using income tax cost structures to assess comparability is more important for enterprise value multiples based on these measures than for enterprise value multiples based on “after-tax” measures of income such as unlevered earnings or free cash flow. In addition, not all multiples control for differences in cost structure, such as cost of goods sold or SGA and as a result, such value drivers also must be considered when assessing comparability.
11q13 allelotype analysis in 27 northern American MEN1 kindreds identifies two distinct founder chromosomes.

Abstract We analyzed constitutional and tumor DNA from 27 MEN1 kindreds not known to be related to each other. Disease allele haplotypes were constructed for each pedigree based on shared alleles from two or more affected members and from determination of allelic loss patterns in their tumors. Analysis of disease allele haplotypes showed unexpected linkage disequilibrium at marker PYGM. Further haplotype analysis indicated this could be explained by the presence of two founder chromosomes, one in four families, the other in three. A shared disease haplotype was not observed among two MEN1 kindreds with the prolactinoma phenotype of MEN1.
Biologically active corticotropin-releasing hormone in maternal and fetal plasma during pregnancy

Corticotropin-releasing hormone was measured in the plasma of 110 pregnant women and in the umbilical cord plasma of 25 premature infants and 43 infants born at term. Mean maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone was undetectable (less than 41 pg/ml) until mid-second trimester, rose to a mean of 204 +/- 24 pg/ml by 30 weeks' gestation, to 326 +/- 41 by 35 weeks, and then rose sharply near term, with a mean of 2930 pg/ml at 38 to 40 weeks' gestation. Sequential measurements in seven pregnant women confirmed that plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone rose in a predictable pattern, with a dramatic increase in the final weeks of pregnancy. There was little hour-to-hour variability in maternal plasma concentrations. Corticotropin-releasing hormone was also detectable in umbilical cord plasma; mean corticotropin-releasing hormone was 194 +/- 44 in the preterm infants and 150 +/- 19 in the term infants. The corticotropin-releasing hormone extracted from both the maternal and fetal circulation was biologically active in vitro and caused the dose-dependent release of adrenocorticotropic hormone and beta-endorphin from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. A significant correlation was found between maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol levels the morning after betamethasone administration, a finding that supports a physiologic role for maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone. We conclude that the placenta secretes large amounts of biologically active corticotropin-releasing hormone into both the maternal and fetal circulation during pregnancy. We demonstrate that this corticotropin-releasing hormone is secreted into the maternal plasma in a reproducible pattern during normal term pregnancy and suggest that sequential corticotropin-releasing hormone measurements may prove to be of clinical utility. In addition, placental corticotropin-releasing hormone may be an important modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during pregnancy.
Enhanced oxygen delivery to primary hepatocytes within a hollow fiber bioreactor facilitated via hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers.

The production of a fully functional bioartificial liver assist device (BLAD) would greatly enhance available treatment options for patients suffering from acute liver failure. Currently, inadequate oxygen provision to hepatocytes seeded within hollow fiber bioreactors hampers development of a viable hollow fiber-based BLAD. Experimentally, oxygen provision to primary rat hepatocytes cultured within hollow fiber bioreactors was measured, it was observed that supplementation with an oxygen carrier (bovine red blood cells at ∼ 2% human hematocrit) did not significantly improve oxygenation compared to the absence of an oxygen carrier. Therefore, an oxygen transport model of an individual hollow fiber within the bioreactor was developed and simulated (up to ∼ 10% human hematocrit) to more fully examine the effect of oxygen carrier supplementation on oxygenation within the bioreactor. The modeling analysis, supported via the experimental results, was utilized to predict optimal bioreactor operating conditions ...
Gamifying software security education and training via secure coding duels in code hunt

Sophistication and flexibility of software development make it easy to leave security vulnerabilities in software applications for attackers. It is critical to educate and train software engineers to avoid introducing vulnerabilities in software applications in the first place such as adopting secure coding mechanisms and conducting security testing. A number of websites provide training grounds to train people's hacking skills, which are highly related to security testing skills, and train people's secure coding skills. However, there exists no interactive gaming platform for instilling gaming aspects into the education and training of secure coding. To address this issue, we propose to construct secure coding duels in Code Hunt, a high-impact serious gaming platform released by Microsoft Research. In Code Hunt, a coding duel consists of two code segments: a secret code segment and a player-visible code segment. To solve a coding duel, a player iteratively modifies the player-visible code segment to match the functional behaviors of the secret code segment. During the duel-solving process, the player is given clues as a set of automatically generated test cases to characterize sample functional behaviors of the secret code segment. The game aspect in Code Hunt is to recognize a pattern from the test cases, and to re-engineer the player-visible code segment to exhibit the expected behaviors. Secure coding duels proposed in this work are coding duels that are carefully designed to train players' secure coding skills, such as sufficient input validation and access control.