cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Valuation Differences Between Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grants for US Firms

: In this study, we document a significant shift over the past several years from stock option-based compensation to restricted stock-based compensation. Additionally, we evaluate whether stock option grants and restricted stock grants result in similar valuation consequences for firms. We estimate cross-sectional valuation equations that include the value of stock option and restricted stock grants summed over the current and past two years, residual income, and book value of equity, after controlling for endogeneity. Consistent with prior research, our findings indicate that the market on average values stock option grants positively. However, in contrast to stock option grants, restricted stock grants are valued negatively. This result is consistent with restricted stock grants lacking the positive incentive effects of stock options and being viewed as a liability or expense to the firm.
Optical properties of the Ge donor and acceptor in GaP

Abstract The observation of discrete pair line emission and the analysis of the spectra from Ge donor - C acceptor and S donor - Ge acceptor pairs in GaP is reported. The Ge donor binding energy is 0.200 ± 0.002 eV and the Ge acceptor binding energy is 0.258 ± 0.002 eV. The bound exciton recombination at neutral Ge donors was observed at 2.265 eV corresponding to an exciton binding energy of 0.063 eV. This is the most tightly donor bound exciton observed in GaP.
Predicting onset of drinking in a community sample of adolescents: the role of expectancy and temperament.

We report results of a prospective examination of the influence of outcome expectancy variables and inherited temperaments on the onset of drinking over a 12-month period in a sample of 1,164 high school students. While univariate prospective analysis indicated that drinkers and nondrinkers were different both on measures of outcome expectancy and temperament, multivariate analysis supported, most strongly, a social learning account of the processes influencing the onset and maintenance of drinking behavior in this sample. The multivariate analysis revealed that only expectancies for enhanced social behavior were consistently associated with the onset of drinking from baseline to 12-month follow-up (p < .001). Among all nondrinkers at baseline, those entertaining higher expectancies about the positive effects of alcohol on social interaction were more likely to begin drinking between baseline and follow-up. At present, few, if any, alcohol abuse prevention studies with adolescents have explicitly attempted to alter alcohol expectancies or to establish a link between expectancy and behavior change. Our results suggest that it may be useful to do so.
Mycobacteriophage Marvin: a New Singleton Phage with an Unusual Genome Organization

Mycobacteriophages represent a genetically diverse group of viruses that infect mycobacterial hosts. Although more than 80 genomes have been sequenced these still poorly represent the likely diversity of the broader population of phages that can infect the host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc 2 155. We described here a newly discovered phage, Marvin, which is a singleton phage, having no previously identified close relatives. The 65,100 bp genome contains 107 predicted protein-coding genes arranged in a non-canonical genomic architecture in which a subset of the minor tail protein genes are displaced about 20 kbp from their typical location, situated among non-structural genes anticipated to be expressed early in lytic growth. Marvin is not temperate and stable lysogens cannot be recovered from infections, although the presence of a putative xis gene suggests that Marvin could be a relatively recent derivative of a temperate parent. The Marvin genome is replete with novel genes not present in other mycobacteriophage genomes, and although most are of unknown function, the presence of amidoligase and glutamine amidotransferase genes suggests intriguing possibilities for the interactions of Marvin with its mycobacterial hosts.
“You Can't Interview the Dead”: McIntosh's The Appeal of the Civil Law and the Debate over Longitudinal Studies of Courts

"You can't interview the dead" is Lawrence Friedman's aphorism.' It is meant as a defense of the genre of longitudinal studies of courts, a field he pioneered. Ultimately, it is a defense of a research world view that is no better or worse than its rivals. I heard him rely on it at a conference on the longitudinal study of trial courts held in 1987 (the Buffalo Conference) in the context of a series of heated arguments about the value, nature, and appropriateness of such studies. I mention this for two reasons. First, that conference was intended to critically evaluate this field of research and mold its future direction. Its major outcome was a special issue of Law & Society Review published in 1990 and devoted to a critique of longitudinal studies of trial courts (the Special Issue).2 It is fair to say that the evalua-
Effect of penicillin on an excitatory synapse.

Abstract When penicillin, an epileptogenic agent, was applied to the neuromuscular junctions of the superficial flexor muscles of crayfish, the excitatory junctional potential (EJP) amplitudes were increased by 50–200%. This effect of the drug was not due to changes in the passive electrical properties of the muscle cell membrane or to an increase in its chemical sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh), the presumed transmitter at the junction studied. Inactivating the penicillin with the enzyme penicillinase, or substituting acetate for penicillin in the test solutions eliminated the effect on EJPs, showing that the penicillin ion was the active agent. Penicillin ions did decrease the frequency of spontaneous miniature EJPs and increase the amplitude or presynaptic spikes recorded extracellularly, suggesting that augmentation of EJPs may have been due to alterations at the presynaptic nerve terminals.
A comparison of Cobol, Fortran, PL-I and Spitbol

Spitbol, the compiler version of the symbol manipulation language Snobol 4, is compared with the well-known higher-level languages of Cobol, Fortran and PL-I. An algorithm for searching and insertion into a binary tree was chosen for a comparison standard and programmed in each language. Development and computer costs were then compared for the four languages. Although a single comparison does not prove one language superior to another, this comparison does suggest that Spitbol should at least be considered when choosing a programming language for non-numeric applications.
Physical and Functional Interactions of Monoubiquitylated Transactivators with the Proteasome

Destabilization of activator-DNA complexes by the proteasomal ATPases can inhibit transcription by limiting activator interaction with DNA. Modification of the activator by monoubiquitylation protects the activator from this destabilization activity. In this study, we probe the mechanism of this protective effect of monoubiquitylation. Using novel label transfer and chemical cross-linking techniques, we show that ubiquitin contacts the ATPase complex directly, apparently via Rpn1 and Rpt1. This interaction results in the dissociation of the activation domain-ATPase complex via an allosteric process. A model is proposed in which activator monoubiquitylation serves to limit the lifetime of the activator-ATPase complex interaction and thus the ability of the ATPases to unfold the activator and dissociate the protein-DNA complex.
STEADY-STATE PARAMETERS OF WATER AND CHLORIDE REGULATION IN ESTUARINE NEREID POLYCHAETES.

Abstract 1. 1. Four species of the polychaete family Nereidae, differing in the salinities of their natural habitats, have been studied: Nereis limnicola, N. succinea and N. vexillosa from the San Francisco Bay area, California, and N. succinea and Laeonereis from the Gulf coast of Florida. 2. 2. The following steady-state physiological parameters of osmoregulation have been studied: 2.1. (a) Osmotic concentration of the coelomic fluid. 2.2. (b) Chloride content of the entire animal. 2.3. (c) Water content of the entire animal. 2.4. (d) Extracellular fluid volume (as chloride space). 3. 3. In addition to varrying systematically with the concentration of the external medium, these osmotic parameters show a strong and direct correlation with the ecological distribution of the species. N. limnicola , from fresh and oligohaline waters, is the best osmoregulator; N. vexillosa , from polyhaline and marine waters, is the best osmoregulator; L. culveri , and N. succinea are intermediate. 4. 4. Low salinity is a major limiting factor in the distribution of nereids with varying osmoregulatory abilities. High salinity per se has not been proved to be limiting. 5. 5. Lack of water regulation prevents N. vexillosa from living in low salinities.
A CHARACTERIZATION OF GEOMETRIC DISTRIBUTIONS THROUGH CONDITIONAL INDEPENDENCE

Summary Let X1,…, Xn be mutually independent non-negative integer-valued random variables with probability mass functions fi(x) > 0 for z= 0,1,…. Let E denote the event that {X1≥X2≥…≥Xn}. This note shows that, conditional on the event E, Xi-Xi+ 1 and Xi+ 1 are independent for all t = 1,…, k if and only if Xi (i= 1,…, k) are geometric random variables, where 1 ≤k≤n-1. The k geometric distributions can have different parameters θi, i= 1,…, k.
Upper tract urothelial neoplasms: incidence and survival during the last 2 decades.

Purpose: Upper tract urothelial cancer is rare but studies in the 1970s showed that its incidence was increasing. We evaluated national trends of the incidence and survival of upper tract urothelia...
Balloon dilation of congenital and acquired stenosis of the trachea and bronchi.

PURPOSE: To document the results of balloon dilation of the trachea and bronchi in infants and children with congenital and acquired stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balloon dilation of congenital and acquired tracheal and bronchial stenosis was performed in six patients aged 5 weeks to 2 years 8 months (mean, 12.5 months). Bronchography with nonionic water-soluble contrast medium was performed initially through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube with the patient sedated or under general anesthesia. Balloon size (2-8 mm) was determined on the basis of diameter of the airway lumen distal to the stenosis measured at bronchoscopy. Twenty-three incremental balloon dilation procedures were performed in these six patients at time intervals from 3 days to 2 years. Usually, three balloon insufflations were performed for 20-45 seconds at 4-6 atm during each procedure. RESULTS: Symptomatic improvement or increased lumen diameter occurred in four of six patients after balloon dilation. No improvement was seen in t...
Chronic daily headache in the posttrauma syndrome: relation to extent of head injury.

Objective.—To evaluate the occurrence of continued intermittent headache and chronic daily headache in patients with head injury and the relationship between severity of the headache problem and intensity of the head injury. Background.—In the majority of patients with posttraumatic headache, the condition is self-limited, but a minority of patients may develop persistent headaches. The features of posttraumatic headache may vary, but the most distressing type is the chronic daily headache. This study evaluates occurrence of chronic daily headache in relation to the intensity of head injury. Methods.—All patients with head injury who were seen by the senior author (J.R.C.) in the Southern Illinois University Medical School (SIUMS) Neurology Clinic between 1980 and 1991 were identified from the SIUMS headache registry. Data on headache status before and after head injury was obtained, and patients with more than one headache per week before head injury were excluded. Each patient's headache status at the time of the clinic visit was classified as chronic daily headache (headache occurring at least 5 of 7 days for 6 months), intermittent migraine, or no headache. Head injury severity was graded by duration of loss of consciousness or amnesia as minimal (less than 5 minutes), mild (5 to 60 minutes), moderate (1 to 24 hours), or severe (more than 24 hours). Results.—There was an inverse relation between extent of head injury and occurrence of chronic daily headache. For minimal head injury (n = 54), 80% had chronic daily headache, and 11% had no headache, while for moderate/severe head injury (n = 23), only 27% had chronic daily headache, and 68% had no headache (P<.001, χ2). Conclusion.—This study suggests that the risk of developing posttraumatic chronic daily headache is greater for less severe head injury compared with moderate/severe head injury. The reason for this relation is unclear.
Computational studies of cloudy gaseous galactic disks

Computational studies are carried out to address questions centered on the clumpy cloudy interstellar medium, giant molecular clouds, and star formation in galactic disks. In application to galactic spirals, gaseous self-gravity is found to act on the “large scale” to enhance the overall collective gravitational field driving the gaseous response and thus help maintain the global spiral structure. On “local scales,” gaseous self-gravity is found to aid the formation and assembling of massive aggregations of clouds into giant cloud complexes, spurs, and feather-like features. Striking is the local raggedness and patchiness of the computed distribution of gas and young stellar associations. Local spurs, feathers, and secondary features continually break apart and reform as the loosely-associated aggregations and giant complexes of clouds continually disassemble and reassemble over time. Such transient features give rise to local disorder within the global spiral structure and blur the global coherence. Of paramount importance are the nonlinear effects and the dissipative character of the cold cloudy galactic gas component, which largely distinguish it from the stellar component. Without the presence of a cold and dissipative gaseous component, galactic disks would be hard pressed to produce and exhibit sharp, clear-cut spiral structures on global scales.
Culture and Testing: What is the Relationship?

This paper presents the results of a four-month ethnographically-informed study that we performed at a vendor organization in India to understand how culture influences global software-testing practice. The paper discusses our findings and analysis of software-testing activities conducted by two teams: one working for a Japanese client, the other working for a U.S. client. The findings show the differences in the software-testing approaches of the two teams with respect to team structure, thought processes, expectations, testing focus areas, and trust levels. The analysis suggests that cultural differences (e.g., national, user, and software-developer) are responsible for these differences in testing approaches. The paper describes the study details, our observations about the different testing-approach patterns that the teams adopted, our analysis of the reasons for those differences, and our reflections and suggested implications based on the findings.
TU-D-330A-07: A Fast Pseudo-1D Active Contour for Medical Image Segmentation

Purpose: A snake (active contour) is a deformable curve used in medical image processing to localize region boundaries. The time required for snake convergence to a solution is lengthened by increased data set size and complex external energy field computations. A new gradient vector flow (GVF) snake algorithm was developed to increase the convergence speed of the conventional GVF snake algorithm. Method and Materials: The new algorithm reformulates a 2D closed curve to a pseudo‐1D open curve. This transformation reduces the solution search space and the area for external energy field computation. Further, curve deformations are restricted to one dimension, thus reducing the complexity for both deformation and external field computation. A binary 512×512 test image was created and the algorithms were run using each of three initializations. Additionally, both algorithms were applied to a 512×512 thoracic CT section. Results: The new algorithm, on average, converged to a solution for the binary image in 11.1s compared with 14.6s for the conventional algorithm (24% improvement). The greatest gains were seen in the GVF calculation where the mean reduction in time for GVF calculation alone was 2.9s (32% improvement). The time for contour fitting was also consistently decreased, with a mean reduction for fitting of 0.6s (11% improvement). The new algorithm on average converged to a solution for the CT section in 4.01s compared with 7.15s for the conventional algorithm (44% improvement). Area‐of‐overlap measures for the contours generated by both algorithms exceeded 0.97 for both binary and CT test images.Conclusion: A new active contour algorithm was developed, and a consistent speed improvement over the conventional algorithm was measured. This new algorithm is compatible with other optimization techniques and shows potential for processing large medical imagedata sets.Conflict of Interest: S.G.A shareholder R2 Technology, Inc.
Visualization of the Contact Force Solution Space for Multi-Limbed Robots

This paper addresses the determination, representation, and visualization of the contact force solution space of a multi-limbed mobile robotic system with three feet in contact with its environment. Since the limbs of the robot have enough joints and are actively controlled, the contact forces at the feet need to be explicitly chosen to ensure that the robot does not lose its balance and does not slip at a foot. One of the major difficulties associated with finding the force distribution solution has been the indeterminate nature of the problem. Any system with three or more contact points makes it an underspecified system involving redundancy since there are more unknowns than the number of equations. The other major difficulty associated with the problem of multi-contact force distribution has been the nonlinear nature of the three-dimensional friction cone model. Instead of finding just a single contact force solution through optimization methods as is the case for most previous work on this subject, the presented method describes all the possible solutions solution space for the contact force distribution for a statically stable body under friction constraints. The optimal contact force solution can then be chosen in this solution space which maximizes the objectives given by the chosen optimization criteria. This two-step approach allows one to have more options and freedom in choosing the final solution and to satisfy other special conditions that might be considered at that instant. This paper presents the method for finding the solution space as the first step of finding the optimal contact force distribution. The second step of choosing the optimal solution in this solution space was presented in 1‐3.
Existence of solutions to u + u + g(t, u, u') = p(t), u(0) = u(π) = 0

Abstract Existence and multiplicity results for the boundary value problem[formula]are presented. The proofs are based on the alternative method, a connectedness result, the contraction mapping principle, and a detailed analysis of the bifurcation equation utilizing, e.g., a generalization of the mean value theorem for integrals. We shall obtain results with g bounded or unbounded, having finite limits at ± ∞ or without limits, thus extending some recent results in the literature. The proofs offer a constructive way to find the bounds for p and to find numerically the number of solutions and the approximative solutions.
A piperidine chiron for the Veratrum alkaloids.

A Veratrum piperidine chiron was prepared over 11 steps (7.9% yield) from (−)-citronellal. Three methods for the installation of the propargylic side chain onto a cyclic enamide are presented.
Effects of age, sex, and genotype on high‐sensitivity metabolomic profiles in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster

Researchers have used whole-genome sequencing and gene expression profiling to identify genes associated with age, in the hope of understanding the underlying mechanisms of senescence. But there is a substantial gap from variation in gene sequences and expression levels to variation in age or life expectancy. In an attempt to bridge this gap, here we describe the effects of age, sex, genotype, and their interactions on high-sensitivity metabolomic profiles in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Among the 6800 features analyzed, we found that over one-quarter of all metabolites were significantly associated with age, sex, genotype, or their interactions, and multivariate analysis shows that individual metabolomic profiles are highly predictive of these traits. Using a metabolomic equivalent of gene set enrichment analysis, we identified numerous metabolic pathways that were enriched among metabolites associated with age, sex, and genotype, including pathways involving sugar and glycerophospholipid metabolism, neurotransmitters, amino acids, and the carnitine shuttle. Our results suggest that high-sensitivity metabolomic studies have excellent potential not only to reveal mechanisms that lead to senescence, but also to help us understand differences in patterns of aging among genotypes and between males and females.
CO emission structure in the Taurus molecular cloud complex

A survey is reported of the J = 1 - 0 2.6-mm transition of CO, covering 11.5 square degrees toward the Taurus dark cloud complex, including Heiles Cloud 2 and DL 2. The main finding is the presence of systematic velocity structure in the Barnard 18 region of DL 2. This structure is tentatively interpreted as an expanding shell of molecular gas of diameter about 3 pc centered on a cluster of young T Tauri stars. The estimated momentum of the shell is consistent with that expected from winds from the young stars seen in the shell.
Using TV news for political information during an off-year election: Effects on political knowledge and cynicism

Television news is routinely blamed for a decline in political knowledge and for a deepening cynicism among the American electorate. Yet studies attempting to measure the effects of TV news have produced decidedly mixed results. This study, using survey data from a 1994 U.S. Senate campaign in Missouri, finds that using TV news for political and government information is positively associated with knowledge about candidates and not associated with cynicism toward politicians. These results run counter to the popular notion that TV news induces “videomalaise” among viewers.
Magnetic substates populated by double-electron capture.

We have made the first determination of relative cross sections for the population of individual {ital M}{sub {ital L}} substates in a double-electron capture collision by measuring the angular distribution of electrons emitted in the Auger decay of doubly excited 1{ital s}2{ital l}2{ital l}{prime}{sup 2}{ital L} states of C{sup 3+} formed in C{sup 5+}+He collisions. Large anisotropies were observed for the 1{ital s}2{ital p}{sup 2} {ital D} and 1{ital s}(2{ital s}2{ital p} {sup 1}{ital P}){sup 2}{ital P{ital o}} terms which varied markedly with projectile velocity in the range 0.29--0.50 a.u. A strong velocity variation was also observed for the total {ital L}-subshell relative cross sections.
Reclaiming Zion: How American religious groups view the Middle East

(1996). Reclaiming Zion: How American religious groups view the Middle East. Israel Affairs: Vol. 2, U.S.—Israeli Relations of the Crossroads, pp. 147-168.
Development of a spring loaded micro-pivot bearing

Ratchet and pawl mechanisms have been used for centuries in timing escapements and many other devices. As these devices are driven to ever-smaller dimensions, friction and other micro-forces become highly influential on device operation and reliability. This paper describes the design and assembly of a zero-friction, spring-loaded pivot bearing for possible replacement of the standard spring and rotational bearing in ratchet and pawl mechanisms. Three issues are discussed: development of a closed-form solution that relates bearing geometry and material properties to rotational spring rate, a macro-scale pivot bearing prototype to validate the closed-form solution, and the use of a micro-assembly workstation to assemble an ultra-miniature bearing comprised of micro-scale components.
An Initial Description and Pilot of Group Behavioral Activation Therapy for Anxious and Depressed Youth

Abstract Transdiagnostic approaches for treating multiple problems within a single protocol are novel but gaining support. This report describes initial efforts to adapt reconceptualized behavioral activation (e.g., Jacobson, Martell, & Dimidjian, 2001) to a group format suitable for young adolescents, plus add a powerful exposure component to accommodate anxiety-related problems. We present the empirical support for such an approach, its conceptual underpinnings, and a description of a group behavioral activation therapy (GBAT) program. We also report preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and case descriptions for five 7th and 8th grade students diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression who participated in an open trial in a school setting. Preliminary results suggest the GBAT program could be feasibly run in schools—the majority of students invited to join the group agreed to participate and completed the program. Students were satisfied with the program and most appeared to experience some clinical benefit after 13 weeks of group. Discussion elaborates on lessons learned from developing the program in a school setting and implications for research, practice, and transdiagnostic approaches.
In defense of the term ICME

As Burlaga [2001] correctly points out, the term “cloud” has been used for many years to describe solar wind disturbances. “Plasma cloud,” “magnetized plasma cloud,” and now “magnetic cloud” have all seen use. While the first two terms were rather inclusive in their definition, the last one is rather restrictive [Burlaga et al., 1981]. A magnetic cloud has to have a particular duration, a smooth rotation, strong magnetic field, and a low proton temperature. Thus, we are forced into adopting a separate name for many structures that do not fit this restrictive scheme. The term “ejecta” could be used, but there are two types of ejecta: flare ejecta and coronal mass ejecta. The latter term has been used extensively for the disturbance seen at 1 AU that arises in response to a coronal mass ejection (CME) detected at the Sun. This usage has led to some difficulties, because one line of research in this field is to compare the properties of CMEs in the corona with the disturbance seen later in the interplanetary medium. Both cannot be simply called CMEs, or confusion reigns. Thus arose the practice of using the term ICME for the interplanetary counterpart of a CME; e.g. [Lindsay et al., 1999; Mulligan et al., 1999a, b]. This term includes a wide variety of structures; in particular, structures missing one feature of a magnetic cloud, but clearly being associated with a CME on the Sun. While not every ICME detected has been identified with a specific CME, enough have that we can be confident of the association [e.g. Lindsay et al., 1999].
Oil Filled Electrical Cables External to the Pressure Hull on DSV ALVIN

The technology of oil filled cable systems is reviewed as a feasible approach to electric cable systems for deep ocean use. Existing technology is adequate for shallow depths but as this technology is applied to the deep ocean, cost and reliability suffer. The framework of classical cable technology as outlined in the Naval Ship Research Development Laboratory Handbook is applied to the oil filled system used on ALVIN to provide a comparison to non-oil filled performance. Cable design considerations that resulted in the choice of systems components for ALVIN are presented. The constraints on oil filled cable systems are reviewed including material compatibility, pressure head in air and water, and system servicing. The ALVIN oil-compensated system configuration is described as well as the component parts.
Experimental measurement of short pulse guiding effects in a free-electron laser

Abstract We present the results of computer simulations of the MKIII FEL at Stanford (1988) using the Los Alamos National Laboratories FELEX simulation code. The simulations predict a tapering of the spot size through the length of the optical pulse that results from the effect of slippage on optical guiding. We show that this effect can be measured using optical autocorrelation, and present a simple mathematical model that may be used to calculate autocorrelation functions measured after the beam passes through an aperture, and compare these autocorrelation functions to reveal the effect of the spatial taper. We then present an autocorrelation experiment on the MKIII free-electron laser at Stanford, the inconclusive results of which probably stem from remnant laser instability and drift. However, the maximum difference in normalized autocorrelation functions, under experimental conditions with 50% single pass gain, was 5%. This corresponds to a difference in spot size between the front and back of the pulses of approximately 25%.
Axially-doped silicon nanowire field effect transistors for real-time sensing in physiologically relevant buffer solutions

Directed assembly of bioprobe-coated nanowire arrays onto silicon integrated circuits may enable multiplexed detection of biological targets in a compact, low-power chip-based platform [1]. Silicon nanowire field effect transistors (FETs) are attractive biosensor candidates because they promise extremely high sensitivity and label-free, real-time detection [2–4]. Previous sensing experiments conducted using silicon nanowires grown by the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) technique have been limited to measurements of individual heavily-doped nanowires in deionized water or low salt concentration buffer solutions. Despite their small diameters, the heavy nanowire doping limits the change in channel conductance induced by varying the solution pH or by biomolecule binding. Here, we present the first measurements of chemically-gated axially-doped n+-p−-n+ silicon nanowire FETs and show stable and reproducible transfer characteristics in physiologically relevant buffer solutions (up to 100 mM KCl). The sensitivity of nanowire FETs having bare oxidized and chemically-functionalized surfaces to changes in pH was greatest when the devices were biased in the subthreshold regime during sensing.
Scenes from Avellaneda, Argentina

1 The piquetero (meaning ‘‘picketer’’) movement gained national and international attention during Argentina’s economic collapse in December 2001, which left over 50 percent of those in the greater Buenos Aires area below the poverty line and more than two-thirds of the urban workforce jobless (Birss 2005). S. R. Friedman (&) National Development and Research Institutes, 71 West 23d Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10010, USA e-mail: friedman@ndri.org
Sampling a hollow cathode discharge with a quadrupole mass filter

Abstract A simple solids mass spectrometer is described, consisting of a hollow cathode discharge ion source and a quadrupole mass filter. Predominant ionization mechanisms in the discharge are though to be electron impact and Penning modes. Ion extraction is by a free jet expansion mass transport, using a conical skimmer to select and collimate a fraction of the ion beam. The effects of discharge current, skimmer-to-cathode distance, energy analyzer settings and the transmission efficiency were determined. Energy analyzer and gas pressure conditions were critical in optimizing the ratio of sample ions to discharge gas ions. Typical mass spectra for copper cathodes are shown.
Compatibility of Bacillus thuringiensis and granulosis virus treatments of stored grain with four grain fumigants

Abstract Wheat was fumigated with phosphine, methyl bromide, CCl4-carbon bisulfide (80:20 by volume), or ethylene dichloride-CCl4 (75:25 by volume) after it had been treated with either of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis or with a granulosis virus of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella. Only methyl bromide had an adverse effect: the granulosis virus was inactivated. Spores of B. thuringiensis washed from treated wheat after fumigation with methyl bromide did not produce colonies on nutrient agar plates, but the activity of the B. thuringiensis against Indian meal moths was not affected.
Ethanol changes patterns of defensive behavior in wild rats.

Abstract Wild-trapped R. rattus under saline or four ethanol doses were run in tasks designed to measure a range of defensive reactions to nonpainful threat stimuli. Results suggest that at higher doses (1.2 g/kg and above) ethanol reduces defense, with effects ranging from slight reductions to near abolition, depending on the behavior measured. Low and moderate ethanol (0.3 and 0.6 g/kg) doses, however, had divergent effects, tending to enhance components of the defensive attack pattern (vocalization, jump attacks, bites), while not altering other aspects of defensiveness. This pattern of results suggests that an ethanol-based potentiation of defensive attack may be one of the factors involved in the phenomenon of aggression increases following alcohol consumption.
Organophosphorus inhibitors of insect juvenile hormone esterase

Abstract Three classes of organophosphorus inhibitors, O -alkyl ethylphosphonates, enol phosphates, and α-thioalkylphosphonates have been prepared and assayed as inhibitors of insect juvenile hormone (JH) esterase. The O -alkyl ethylphosphonates were prepared from ethylphosphonic dichloride by sequential addition of sodium 4-nitrophenoxide and the appropriate lithium alkoxide. The enol phosphates were prepared via the Perkow reaction from α-chloro aldehydes. Ethyl O -4-nitrophenyl octylthiomethylphosphonate (ENOSP) and ethyl S -phenyl octylthiomethylphosphonothioate (EPOSP) were prepared from diethyl thiomethylphosphonate. The O -alkyl phosphonate series exhibited in vitro activity ( I 50 = 10 −6 to 10 −8 M ) as inhibitors for JH esterase. In in vivo studies, n -hexyl O -4-nitrophenyl ethylphosphonate (ONEP) was a persistent but nonselective inhibitor of JH esterase. The enol phosphates were ineffective JH esterase inhibitors in in vitro and in vivo studies. The α-thioalkylphosphonates ENOSP and EPOSP were very potent JH esterase inhibitors, I 50 = 1.0 × 10 −9 and 4.9 × 10 −9 M , respectively. Both ENOSP and EPOSP were also persistent in vivo inhibitors which exhibited considerable selectivity for JH esterase over α-naphthyl acetate esterase. A kinetic analysis of ENOSP determined that inhibition followed pseudo-first-order kinetics in which a reversible enzyme/inhibitor complex precedes irreversible phosphorylation. The bimolecular rate constant ( k i ) was 6.52 × 10 7 M −1 min −1 , the phosphorylation rate constant ( k 2 ) was 2.66 min −1 , and the dissociation constant ( K d ) was 4.08 × 10 −8 M . The enhanced inhibitory potency of the α-thioalkylphosphonates may be due to anchimeric assistance of the S atom in the phosphorylation step, or to enhanced stability of the EI complex by hydrogen bonding.
Imaging and clinical spectrum of rhabdomyosarcoma in children

We retrospectively analyzed the MRI findings of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMSA) in 23 patients to evaluate its role in staging and management. Heterogeneous signal abnormalities were noted in the sarcoma lesions with significant contrast enhancement. Seven head and neck cases showed direct bone invasion and destruction; only one had distant bony metastasis. Metastasis was noted in the lymph nodes, lung, bone, abdominoperitoneum, and head and neck soft tissue. MRI findings of RMSA are most helpful in staging and assessing therapeutic response.
Spies: The Rise and Fall of the KGB in America

Spies: The Rise and Fall of the KGB in America HARVEY KLEHR and JOHN HAYNES, 2009 New Haven: Yale University Press pp. 650 +xviii $35.00 In this fascinating and much-discussed book, John E. Haynes ...
Adaptive Stochastic Control for the Smart Grid

Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) driven adaptive stochastic control (ASC) for the Smart Grid holds the promise of providing the autonomous intelligence required to elevate the electric grid to efficiency and self-healing capabilities more comparable to the internet. To that end, we demonstrate the load and source control necessary to optimize management of distributed generation and storage within the Smart Grid.
Coexistence via Resource Partitioning Fails to Generate an Increase in Community Function

Classic ecological theory suggests that resource partitioning facilitates the coexistence of species by reducing inter-specific competition. A byproduct of this process is an increase in overall community function, because a greater spectrum of resources can be used. In contrast, coexistence facilitated by neutral mechanisms is not expected to increase function. We studied coexistence in laboratory microcosms of the bactivorous ciliates Paramecium aurelia and Colpidium striatum to understand the relationship between function and coexistence mechanism. We quantified population and community-level function (biomass and oxygen consumption), competitive interactions, and resource partitioning. The two ciliates partitioned their bacterial resource along a size axis, with the larger ciliate consuming larger bacteria than the smaller ciliate. Despite this, there was no gain in function at the community level for either biomass or oxygen consumption, and competitive effects were symmetrical within and between species. Because other potential coexistence mechanisms can be ruled out, it is likely that inter-specific interference competition diminished the expected gain in function generated by resource partitioning, leading to a system that appeared competitively neutral even when structured by niche partitioning. We also analyzed several previous studies where two species of protists coexisted and found that the two-species communities showed a broad range of biomass levels relative to the single-species states.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever with special emphasis on immunopathogenesis

Dengue virus infections are a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world; Southeast and South Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Dengue virus infection can be asymptomatic or causes two forms of illness, dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which is the severe form of dengue illness and often fatal. Pathogenesis of DHF has been analyzed, and two mechanisms are considered to be responsible. These include dengue serotype cross-reactive immune responses and virulence of the virus. The immunopathological mechanisms include a complex series of immune responses. Rapid increase in the levels of cytokines, especially TNF-alpha, and chemical mediators play a key role in inducing unique clinical manifestations of DHF such as plasma leakage, shock, and hemorrhagic manifestations. It is understood that the process is initiated by infection with a virulent dengue virus, often in the presence of antibodies that enhance dengue virus infection in secondary infection, and then triggered by rapidly elevated cytokines and chemical mediators that were produced by intense immune activation. However, complete understanding of the entire pathological mechanism is far from complete, and further studies are still needed.
A rapid assessment of entrapment of nitroxyl radicals and lanthanide compounds by β-cyclodextrin using spin-lattice relaxation Measurements

Inclusion compounds of several tetramethylpiperidin-oxyl derivatives and gadolinium acetate, ytterbium acetate, praseodymium chloride, and praseodymium acetate with β-cyclodextrin were prepared. These compounds were compared, where appropriate (nitroxyls), by EPR spectroscopy, and by measurements of spin-lattice relaxation times (T 1), of water protons with the corresponding uncomplexed radical and lanthanide species. It was shown that the spin-lattice relaxation measurements provide a viable, rapid method for the assessment of structures of these inclusion compounds. It is believed that the lanthanide-β-CD inclusion compounds could be of interest as potential contrast agents for MR imaging.
Intelligent multi-agent support for the contingency management system

Abstract In the present paper, we describe agent-based intelligent infrastructure of contingency management system (CMS). This infrastructure supports information collection from distributed heterogeneous databases, integration with enterprise legacy software systems, logistics planning, and monitoring of contingency situation in open, dynamic agent environment. The approach is applied for the development of the CMS for the oil complexes in the marine zone of the gulf of Campeche. One of the key components of the CMS, an evacuation logistics planning system is described to illustrate the approach. A method of coalition formation is used for logistics planning in a multi-agent environment. Distributed and centralized algorithms for coalition formation are described and compared. The latter algorithm is based on the cooperative game theoretic model with fuzzy coalitions. In both algorithms, agents use fuzzy rules of Mamdani type for decision making. Implementation issues are discussed.
Effect of fabrication pressure on the fatigue performance of Cemex XL acrylic bone cement.

Abstract During a cemented arthroplasty, the prepared polymerizing dough of acrylic bone cement is subjected to pressurization in a number of ways; first, during delivery into the freshly prepared bone bed, second, during packing in that bed (either digitally or with the aid of a mechanical device), and, third, during the insertion of the prosthesis. Only a few studies have reported on the influence of the level of pressurization experienced during these events (which, depending on the cementing technique used, has been put at between 8 and 273 kPa) on various properties of the cement. That was the focus of the present study, in which the fully reversed tension-compression (±15 MPa; 5 Hz) fatigue lives (expressed as number of cycles to fracture, N f ) of rectangular cross-sectioned “dog-bone” specimens (Type V, per ASTM D 638) fabricated from Cemex XL ® cement, at pressure applied continuously to the cement dough during curing in the specimen mold, p =75,150, and 300 kPa, were determined. The N f results were analyzed using the linearized transformation of the three-parameter Weibull relationship to obtain estimates of the Weibull mean, N WM , which was taken to be the index of fatigue performance of the specimen set. Over the range of p studied, N WM increased as p increased (for example, from 329,118 cycles when p was 75 kPa to 388,496 cycles when p was 300 kPa); however, the increase was not significant over any pair of p increment steps (Mann–Whitney U- test; α
The efficacy, accuracy and complications of corticosteroid injections of the knee joint

Purpose Corticosteroid knee injections are being increasingly used in the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis. The procedure is usually performed in secondary care by orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists, but as the role of general practitioners in chronic disease management expands, joint injections are now frequently being performed in primary care. It is commonly perceived amongst clinicians that the benefits of corticosteroid knee joint injections in treating symptomatic knee osteoarthritis significantly outweigh the risks of complications.
WITHDRAWN: A new Basic Research Section in Fertility and Sterility

One of the most important issues for reproductive medicine is to bring basic science advancements to the bedside to improve the care of our patients. To promote translational research-not only from bench to bedside but also from bedside to bench-the Editor at Fertility and Sterility has begun a new section focused on basic science in reproduction. The aim of this new section will be to highlight advances in basic science, particularly as they relate to the practice of reproductive medicine. This new section will feature timely articles on basic science relevant to reproduction. It is hoped that this new section will stimulate translational research and encourage the exchange of ideas between basic scientists and other readers of Fertility and Sterility.
Metabolism of levamisole, an anti-colon cancer drug, by human intestinal bacteria.

1. Anaerobic incubation of levamisole with human intestinal flora resulted in the formation of three thiazole ring-opened metabolites, namely, levametabol-I, II and III. These new hydroxamic lactam-type metabolites were isolated and characterized by various spectroscopic methods. 2. Various pure cultures of human intestinal bacterial strains were shown, by quantitative h.p.l.c. analysis, to have ring-opening ability. Strong metabolizers include Bacteroides and Clostridium spp. Bacterial mixtures prepared from human faeces showed much greater ability to transform levamisole (74% in 48 h) than any pure strain culture. 3. Greatly decreased levamisole-transforming activity was observed with autoclaved bacterial cultures, and no activity was found with broth medium alone. This indicates that metabolism requires the presence of anaerobic bacteria and involves, at least in part, a non-enzymic process.
Arousability and eating problems of college women.

A significant relationship between arousability and abnormal eating patterns, computed from the responses of 184 college women to the Arousability Predisposition Scale and the Eating Attitudes Test, provided a constructive replication of earlier results by Mehrabian and his colleagues.
Stabilization of water-in-oil emulsions by naphthenic acids and their salts: Model compounds, role of pH, and soap: Acid ratio

Abstract Increasingly, crudes of high acidity are observed in production of petroleum reserves. Naphthenic acids, which are generally cyclic and branched aliphatic carboxylic acids, are interfacially active and adsorb at water–oil interfaces to form monolayers, liquid crystalline films, and other colloidal structures. A serious challenge in petroleum production is the resulting stabilization of water‐in‐oil emulsions, which can cause problems in topside and subside separators, and in refining processes. A variety of acids and their corresponding soaps have been thoroughly studied in order to investigate how these compounds interact in aqueous solutions at different pH, and how these association structures relate to emulsion formation and stability. The formation of aggregates and hence, the stabilizing properties of this class of material are strongly sensitive to the relative proportion of uncharged acid and charged soap anion. In this paper, we review our experimental results on naphthenic acid/naphthen...
Gender effects on client–spousal collateral agreement levels in substance abuse posttreatment reports

This study examines gender effects on client–spousal collateral agreement in substance abuse posttreatment reports and assesses the dependability of spousal collaterals in corroborating these reports. Study participants included 178 male clients with female spousal collaterals (male client dyads) and 58 female clients with male spousal collaterals (female client dyads) who completed follow-up interviews 6 months post admission. Interviews were conducted from July 2002 to June 2004. Levels of agreement were examined by dyad type for responses to 13 questions regarding clients’ treatment experiences and treatment effectiveness. A simple kappa coefficient was calculated to measure the degree of nonchance agreement between clients and their spouses using SAS/Base, SAS/Stat, and SAS/IML. Agreement levels between the two dyads were compared and examined whether gender differences in agreement levels were significant. Agreement levels were found to be high, ranging from 80.4 to 97.1% for male client dyads and fr...