cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International acquisitions in the united states: Evidence from returns to foreign bidders

This paper provides evidence on the minimally explored topic of abnormal returns earned by stockholders of foreign bidders seeking to acquire a target firm in the USA. Four sources of influence on abnormal returns are identified: changes in net wealth of the bidder associated with changes in exchange rates; possible value-destroying managerial discretionary behavior by bidders with excess cash flows, as suggested by Jensen; comparative advantages for foreign bidders domiciled in relatively favorable tax jurisdictions; ownership status of the target, i.e. whether the target is an entire firm and whether it involves divested assets. The study includes 77 firms from 10 countries. The results show that stockholders of foreign bidders earn significant, negative abnormal returns surrounding the announcement of an acquisition in the USA. These abnormal returns become increasingly negative over the 15 days after the announcement of the acquisition, indicating that more information about the acquisition is revealed to investors subsequent to the initial announcement. Cross-sectional regressions indicate that relative exchange rates and cash positions explain variation in abnormal returns. A decline in the value of the dollar increases abnormal returns for the foreign bidder, thus supporting the net wealth hypothesis. The results also show that cash-rich foreign firms tend to enjoy higher abnormal returns when making acquisitions in the USA. The result provides support for the Froot and Stein cash-constrained hypothesis rather than for Jensen's free-cash-flow theory.
Electron microscopy nanoscale characterization of ball milled Cu-Ag powders. Part II: Nanocomposites synthesized by elevated temperature milling or annealing

Abstract Microstructures and phases stabilized at steady state by variable temperature ball milling of Cu50Ag50 powders are characterized using transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Starting from chemically mixed and cold-worked powders obtained by room temperature milling, it is shown that, upon increasing the milling temperature, the material first decomposes into Cu-rich and Ag-rich solid solutions, and then recrystallizes. A similar sequence is observed during the static annealing of the solid solution precursor. In both cases, Cu-Ag nanocomposites are synthesized, at a scale of a few nanometers in the unrecrystallized state, and at a scale ranging from 30 nm after dynamic recrystallization to 75 nm after static recrystallization. These nanocomposites exhibit high hardness values, approaching 6 GPa. Interestingly enough, recrystallization leads to an increase in the hardness of these materials.
Why the Modest Harvest

Nearly three years after the Arab uprisings began, democracy remains elusive in the Middle East. Tunisians, who lit the torch of revolution in December 2010, now walk a precarious line between institutional reform and social violence. In Egypt, a fitful transition to democracy, marked by intense polarization between Islamists and their opponents, seems to have been stopped in its tracks by a military coup and follow- on strife. More than a year after the overthrow of Yemen's dictator, that country has yet to hold multiparty elections for a new government. Meanwhile, violent militias and endemic state weakness threaten Lib- ya's democratic experiment. And those are the "success stories." Else- where in the Arab world, uprisings have subsided or never materialized. The Bahraini monarchy literally beat its opponents into submission. In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad's war on his own country has killed or rendered homeless tens of thousands. In eight more Arab-majority countries, autocrats have yet to face any concerted challenge. The Arab Spring that resides in the popular imagination is one in which a wave of mass mobilization swept the broader Middle East, top- pled dictators, and cleared the way for democracy. The reality is that few Arab countries have experienced anything of the sort. The Arab Spring's modest harvest—a record far less inspiring than those of the East Eu- ropean revolutions of 1989 or sub-Saharan Africa's political transitions in the early 1990s—cries out for explanation. Why did regime change, which we conservatively define as merely the replacement of a dictator rather than the installation of a democracy, take place in only four of fourteen Arab countries?
Self-healable graphene polymer composites

We report here a simple and scalable process to fabricate graphene shape memory polymer composites. The graphene material was nanolayered graphene synthesized by a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The free standing nanolayered graphene, in its pristine state, was used as a filler to fabricate epoxy based shape memory polymer composites by (1) direct dispersion in the diamine curing agent; (2) thermal curing with diepoxides. The shape memory properties of the polymer matrix impart a thermal healing capability into the composites, which was greatly enhanced at ultra-low filler contents of 0.0025 and 0.0125 vol%.
Core-modified porphyrins. Part 6: Effects of lipophilicity and core structures on physicochemical and biological properties in vitro.

Abstract Thiaporphyrins 2–8 were prepared as analogues of 5,20-diphenyl-10,15-bis[4-(carboxymethyleneoxy)-phenyl]-21,23- dithiaporphyrin (1) to examine the effect of structural modifications: substituent changes in meso aryl groups of dithiaporphyrins with one water-solubilizing group (2–5), dihydroxylation of a pyrrole double bond and reduction to dihydroxychlorins (6 and 7), and the removal of two meso aryl groups to give unsubstituted meso positions (8). The impact of these structural modifications was measured in both physicochemical (UV spectra, generation of singlet oxygen, lipophilicity, and aggregate formation) and biological properties (dark toxicity and phototoxicity, cellular uptake, and subcellular localization). Mono-functionalized porphyrins had much higher lipophilicity than di-functionalized porphyrin 1 and, consequently, formed more aggregates in aqueous media. The formation of aggregates might lower the efficiency of lipophilic porphyrins as photosensitizers. Interestingly, dihydroxylation of a core pyrrole group in the dithiaporphyrin core did not affect either the absorption spectrum or the efficiency for generating singlet oxygen. The phototoxicity of dihydroxydithiachlorins mainly depended on their intracellular uptake. The potent phototoxicity of 6, IC50 = 0.18 μM, was attributed to the extraordinarily high uptake. The intracellular uptake of 6 was about 7.6 times higher than 1. In contrast, thiaporphyrin 8 with only two meso aryl groups was less effective as a photosensitizer, perhaps due to poorer uptake and a lower quantum yield for the generation of singlet oxygen.
Can vessel dimension explain tolerance toward fungal vascular wilt diseases in woody plants? Lessons from Dutch elm disease and esca disease in grapevine

This review illuminates key findings in our understanding of grapevine xylem resistance to fungal vascular wilt diseases. Grapevine (Vitis spp.) vascular diseases such as esca, botryosphaeria dieback, and eutypa dieback, are caused by a set of taxonomically unrelated ascomycete fungi. Fungal colonization of the vascular system leads to a decline of the plant host because of a loss of the xylem function and subsequent decrease in hydraulic conductivity. Fungal vascular pathogens use different colonization strategies to invade and kill their host. Vitis vinifera cultivars display different levels of tolerance toward vascular diseases caused by fungi, but the plant defense mechanisms underlying those observations have not been completely elucidated. In this review, we establish a parallel between two vascular diseases, grapevine esca disease and Dutch elm disease, and argue that the former should be viewed as a vascular wilt disease. Plant genotypes exhibit differences in xylem morphology and resistance to fungal pathogens causing vascular wilt diseases. We provide evidence that the susceptibility of three commercial V. vinifera cultivars to esca disease is correlated to large vessel diameter. Additionally, we explore how xylem morphological traits related to water transport are influenced by abiotic factors, and how these might impact host tolerance of vascular wilt fungi. Finally, we explore the utility of this concept for predicting which V. vinifera cultivars are most vulnerable of fungal vascular wilt diseases and propose new strategies for disease management.
Preparation of a Semipurified Extract of the Oöstatic Hormone and its Effect on Egg Maturation in the House Fly

A semipurified extract with oostatic hormone activity was prepared by grinding mature female house flies, Musca domestica L., in 95% ethanol, filtering and dialyzing the solution, and then precipitating the dialysate with acetone. Oostatic hormone activity of the precipitate was not deactivated by boiling water, air oxidation, or storage as a dry powder at − 10;°C, but it was deactivated when stored as a frozen solution. The injection of 24 micrograms of this precipitate gave 50% inhibition of oocyte development. The injected oostatic hormone retarded egg development by prolonging stage 4 of oogenesis.
Comparison of polymer resolution in thermal field-flow fractionation and size-exclusion chromatography

Abstract A comparison of the resolving power of themal field-flow fractionation (thermal FFF) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been made by the experimental operation of a high-resolution system from each category. For the experimental systems used, the measured resolution for thermal FFF was found to be higher than that for SEC for three different binary polymer mixtures. Only for a single low-molecular-weight mixture falling outside the optimal operating range of thermal FFF did SEC show better resolution. The experimental resolution values were broken down into selectivity and column efficiency parameters. While selectivity was easily obtained, column efficiency required a correction for polydispersity effects. With the polydispersity correction made on the basis of thermal FFF data, true resolution values were calculated to replace the apparent or experimental resolution levels. Overall, the corrected resolution values showed that thermal FFF had a significant advantage over SEC. Prospects for future advances in these two techniques are discussed.
Adolescent Risk-Taking, Cancer Risk, and Life Course Approaches to Prevention

Adolescent risk-taking may have long-term consequences for adult cancer risk. Behaviors such as smoking and sexual activity, commonly initiated during adolescence, may result--decades later--in cancer. Life course epidemiology focuses on unique vulnerabilities at specific development periods and their importance to later development of disease. A life course epidemiological perspective that integrates social and biological risk processes can help frame our understanding how specific adult cancers develop. Moreover, life course perspectives augment traditional public health approaches to prevention by emphasizing the importance of unique windows of opportunity for prevention.
Finite difference methods for the weak solutions of the Kolmogorov equations for the density of both diffusion and conditional diffusion processes

Abstract The paper treats the problem of obtaining numerical solutions to the Fokker-Plank equation for the density of a diffusion, and for the conditional density, given certain “white noise” corrupted observations. These equations generally have a meaning only in the weak sense; the basic assumptions on the diffusion are that the coefficients are bounded, and uniformly continuous, and that the diffusion has a unique solution in the sense of multivariate distributions. It is shown that, if the finite difference approximations are carefully (but naturally) chosen, then the finite difference solutions to the formal adjoints yield immediately a sequence of approximations that converge weakly to the weak sense solution to the Fokker-Plank equation (conditional or not), as the difference intervals go to zero. The approximations seem very natural for this type of problem. They are related to the transition functions of a sequence of Markov chains, the measures of whose continuous time interpolations converge weakly to the (measure of) diffusion, as the difference intervals go to zero, and, hence, seem to have more physical significance than the usual (formal or not) approximations. The method is purely probabilistic and relies heavily on results of the weak convergence of measures on abstract spaces.
Age-related changes in very low density lipoprotein metabolism in normal rats

Abstract Plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations rise with age, and we have carried out studies of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) kinetics in the rat in an effort to define the cause of this phenomenon. Efficiency of VLDL-TG secretion by perfused rat liver decreases as rats age from 112–12 mo. However, this is compensated for by an increase in liver weight, and VLDL-TG secretion per perfused liver does not change with age. In contrast, total VLDL-TG secretion by the intact rat increases significantly as rats grow from 112–12 mo of age, and this increase is proportionate to the age-related increase in liver weight. The ability of the older rat to maintain VLDL-TG secretion proportionate to liver weight is most likely due to the concomitant rise in plasma free fatty acid concentration that occurs with age. However, the efficiency with which VLDL-TG is removed from plasma is not maintained as rats age. Consequently, the age-related rise in plasma TG concentration is due to an increase in VLDL-TG secretion proportionate to secretory mass, accompanied by a relative decline in efficiency of VLDL-TG removal from plasma.
Grassroots masquerades: Development, paramilitaries, and land laundering in Colombia

Abstract This article shows how paramilitaries and allied companies put grassroots development discourses of political participation and subsidiarity, environmental conservation, and ethnic empowerment to work in executing and ratifying their massive land grab in northwest Colombia. More than a case of trying to “whitewash” their malfeasance with fashionable and politically correct development-speak, I argue that the grassroots development apparatus—its discourses, institutional forms, and practices—became utterly instrumental to the illegal land seizures. Moreover, when operating alongside practices of land parcelization, iterative transactions, producers’ cooperatives, and third-party intermediaries, grassroots development facilitated what could be called “land laundering.” In the process, grassroots development became a conduit for paramilitary-backed state formation in which projects of liberal governance commonly associated with the imperatives of institution building, good governance, and the rule of law became perversely compatible with the region’s economies of violence. With the World Bank increasingly concerned over the conflation of fragile states, violent conflict, and alarming land grabs, this article raises questions about how the grassroots solutions currently being endorsed by the Bank can in some cases actually facilitate dispossession, illicit economies, and violent political projects. The way paramilitaries harnessed grassroots development also has critical implications for debates about post-development.
MULTIPLE-PULSE NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE OF OPTICALLY PUMPED XENON IN A LOW MAGNETIC FIELD

Multiple-pulse coherent averaging methods are used to increase the resolution and frequency range of optically pumped xenon NMR in nutation and point-by-point precession experiments. We observe quadrupolar splittings in [sup 131]Xe spectra due to the macroscopic asymmetry of pumping cells similar to those reported previously, but with reduced demands on magnetic-field homogeneity. Cell treatment with hydrogen gas increases the quadrupolar splittings by a factor of 3 over bare Pyrex cells.
Histologic documentation of gonococcal infection in the absence of a culturable organism

The high incidence of negative routine cultures, in the presence of suppurative involvement of a joint suggested a possible role for alternative diagnostic techniques. Bedside cultures with hypertonic and anaerobic media were utilized to evaluate synovium and synovial membrane in gonococcal arthritis. This is the first histologic documentation of the diagnosis of gonococcal arthritis in the absence of a culturable organism.
International business and trade in the next decade: Report from a delphi study

The globalization of business causes major changes in the business environment and in business practices. Forecasting such changes is crucial for the preparation of responses to them. This article reports on a Delphi study conducted with a global set of experts drawn from the policy, business and academic communities. Over three rounds of mailings, these experts analyzed and debated the likelihood of changes in the international business environment over the next decade and the impact of these changes on corporate practices. The findings identify key geographic areas of business growth, major sectoral transformations, shifts in the trade framework and its institution, and strategies for corporate adjustment.
Effects of respiratory gases on cytochrome A in intact cerebral cortex: is there a critical Po2?

Abstract Changes in the redox level of cytochrome a and in the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin were measured by dual wavelength reflectance spectrophotometry in the intact cerebral cortex of cats (cerveau isolepreparation) and in unanesthetized rabbits with chronically implanted cranial windows. Increases in inspired oxygen were accompanied by an increase in the oxidation level of cytochrome a and an increase in the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the optical field. These changes were larger in the presence of 5% CO 2 . Reduction of the inspired oxygen concentration produced a decrease in the oxidation/reduction ratio of cytochrome a and a disoxygenation of hemoglobin. The presence of CO 2 at these lower oxygen levels diminished the reduction of cytochrome a and the disoxygenation of hemoglobin. These data indicate that, in the resting subject, the reduction levels of cytochrome a are well above the low values seen in isolated mitochondria. They also indicate that the blood supply to the cerebral cortex is regulated at a level of slight hypoxia.
Eddy Current Sizing of Case Depth in Bearing Components

Encircling eddy current coil techniques are being used for the nondestructive evaluation of case depth in bearing components (Figure 1). These techniques, because of their ability to measure only bulk properties in test specimens, lack the necessary spatial resolution to detect local variations in case depth leading to eddy current imaging of the case depth. Further development in this area requires the knowledge of eddy current properties as a function of depth from the raceway (i.e. rolling contact surface). This paper describes the experimental determination of magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity of induction hardened case and unhardened core of a tapered roller bearing cup.
Opening rate of acetylcholine receptor channels

The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor is responsible for rapid conversion of chemical signals to electrical signals at the neuromuscular junction. Because the receptor and its ion channel are components of a single transmembrane protein, the time between ACh binding and channel opening can be minimized. To determine just how quickly the channel opens, we made rapid (100–400 microseconds) applications of 0.1–10 mM ACh to outside-out, multichannel membrane patches from BC3H-1 cells, while measuring the onset of current flow through the channels at 11 degrees C. Onset time is steeply dependent upon ACh concentration when channel activation is limited by binding of ACh (0.1–1 mM). At +50 mV, the 20–80% onset time reaches a plateau near 110 microseconds above 5 mM ACh as channel opening becomes rate limiting. Thus, we calculate the opening rate, beta=12/ms, without reference to specific channel activation schemes. At -50 mV, the combination of a rapid, voltage-dependent block of channels by ACh with a finite solution exchange time distorts onset. To determine opening rate at -50 mV, we determine the kinetic parameters of block from "steady-state" current and noise analyses, assume a sequential model of channel activation/block, and numerically simulate current responses to rapid perfusion of ACh. Using this approach, we find beta=15/ms. In contrast to the channel closing rate, the opening rate is relatively insensitive to voltage.
The Clinical Characteristics of Presumed Choroidal Nevi Observed in Green Light

Thirty-two patients with presumed choroidal nevi were examined and photographed in both white and green light. Twenty-one lesions disappeared or became markedly attenuated when viewed with green light. The remaining 11 lesions did not disappear when viewed with green light. Many of these nevi demonstrated visual field defects and fluorescein angiographic abnormalities. The clinical applications of green light ophthalmoscopy and photography are discussed.
An Approach to Artificial Nonsymbolic Cognition

Abstract In this paper we describe an approach to the artificial recognition of events of a nonsymbolic nature, such as the bidimensional perspective views of scenes of our everyday world. Scenes are presented as colored pictures and the objective of the cognitive task is the labeling of the interpreted scene objects. The method is based on three major components: 1. (i) a preprocessed version of the scene (stimulus), 2. (ii) a semantic map and 3. (iii) an algorithm which performs interpretation of the stimulus under the guidance of the semantic map. The algorithm is sequential and proceeds from general to specific, thereby achieving efficient tree-pruning (contextual elimination). Stimulus interpretation is based on attribute-value matching, but classification relies strongly on the accumulated context. Backtracking provisions are available in the sequential cognitive algorithm for correction of earlier wrong hypotheses. Experiments are presented and described. The major weakness of the approach is the present lack of a satisfactory theory of inference. Flexibility, generalizability, and efficiency appear to be valid merits.
Safety and Efficacy of nab-Paclitaxel in the Treatment of Patients with Breast Cancer.

Taxanes are highly active chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Novel formulations have been developed to improve efficacy and decrease toxicity associated with these cytotoxic agents. nab-paclitaxel is a solvent free, albumin-bound 130-nanometer particle formulation of paclitaxel (Abraxane®, Abraxis Bioscience), which was developed to avoid toxicities of the Cremophor vehicle used in solvent-based paclitaxel. In a phase III clinical trial, nab-paclitaxel demonstrated higher response rates, better safety and side-effect profile compared to conventional paclitaxel, and improved survival in patients receiving it as second line therapy. Higher doses can be administered over a shorter infusion time without the need for special infusion sets or pre-medications. It is now approved in the US for treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant therapy, where prior therapy included an anthracycline. Recently, several phase II studies have suggested a role for nab-paclitaxel as a single agent and in combination with other agents for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
ACQUISITION OF CONJUNCTIVE CONCEPTS UNDER DIFFERENT POSTFEEDBACK CONDITIONS

-A major purpose of this study was to investigate the formation of concepts under different postfeedback conditions in order to assess between hypothesis-testing theories and S-R associational models. Postfeedback conditions were made contingent on the correctness of S's response. 288 college students learned conjunctive concepts of varied complexity. The results supported "S-R associational hypothesis" and, in addition, the length of postfeedback interval did not affect acquisition of concepts.
Effect of Sex on Lifespan, Disease Progression, and the Response to Methionine Sulfoximine in the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model for ALS

Abstract Objective To investigate the role of sex and the role of ammonia and amino acid metabolism, specifically the activity of glutamine synthetase, in survival and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods We tested treatment with methionine sulfoximine (MSO) on the lifespan and neuromuscular ability of male and female SOD1 mice as measured by their ability to maintain their grip on an inverted wire grid. We also tested the effects of castration and ovariectomization on those measurements. Results MSO treatment improves the survival of both male and female mice, but the effects are significantly greater on female mice. Saline-treated (control) female mice have delayed neuromuscular degeneration compared with saline-treated male mice, and MSO further delays disease progression in females, to a greater extent than in males. Ovariectomization or castration completely eliminates the effect of the drug on either survival or neuromuscular deterioration. Conclusions Sex is an important factor in disease progression and the response of SOD1 mice to a drug targeting a central enzyme in nitrogen metabolism, with female sex hormones playing a greater role than male sex hormones. Glutamine synthetase, or its reactants and products, therefore plays a role in this disease, and the sex specificity of treatments aimed at this or other metabolic targets may therefore be an important factor in the development of therapies to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Blood flow does not limit skeletal muscle force production during incremental isometric contractions

It has been suggested that a transient limitation in blood flow during intermittent muscular contractions can contribute to muscle fatigue, and that this limitation is greater as contraction intensity increases. We investigated skeletal muscle blood flow and fatigue in 13 healthy, untrained men (21–27 years) during 16 min of intermittent (4 s contract, 6 s relax) isometric dorsiflexor contractions. Contractions began at 10% of pre-exercise maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and increased by 10% every 2 min. Hyperemia (i.e., post-contraction blood flow, measured by venous occlusion plethysmography) and MVC were measured at the end of each stage. Muscle volume measures were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. After 10 min of exercise, submaximal force and post-contraction hyperemia plateaued. MVC fell from 8 min of exercise onwards (p=0.004), and this onset of fatigue preceded the plateau in submaximal force and hyperemia. Despite a large range in dorsiflexor muscle size (66.3–176.4 cm3) and strength (112.5–421.8 N), neither muscle size nor strength were related to fatigue. The temporal dissociation between changes in blood flow and the onset of fatigue (fall of MVC) suggest that limited blood flow was not a factor in the impaired force production observed during intermittent isometric dorsiflexor contractions in healthy young men. Additionally, post-contraction hyperemia increased linearly with increasing contraction intensity, reflecting a match between blood flow and force production throughout the protocol that was independent of fatigue.
The new perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA) is as efficient as the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) but provides better airway sealing pressures.

The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is a frequently used efficient airway device, yet it sometimes seals poorly, thus reducing the efficacy of positive-pressure ventilation. The Perilaryngeal Airway (CobraPLA) is a novel airway device with a larger pharyngeal cuff (when inflated). We tested the hypothesis that the CobraPLA was superior to the LMA with regard to insertion time and airway sealing pressure and comparable to the LMA in airway adequacy and recovery characteristics. After midazolam and fentanyl administration, 81 ASA physical status I-II outpatients having elective surgery were randomized to receive an LMA or CobraPLA. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (2.5 mg/kg IV), and the airway was inserted. We measured 1) insertion time; 2) adequacy of the airway (no leak at 15-cm-H 2 O peak pressure or tidal volume of 5 mL/kg); 3) airway sealing pressure; 4) number of repositioning attempts; and 5) sealing quality (no leak at tidal volume of 8 mL/kg). At the end of surgery, gastric insufflation, postoperative sore throat, dysphonia, and dysphagia were evaluated. Data were compared with unpaired Student's t-tests, X 2 tests, or Fisher's exact tests; P < 0.05 was significant. Patient characteristics, insertion times, airway adequacy, number of repositioning attempts, and recovery were similar in each group. Airway sealing pressure was significantly greater with CobraPLA (23 ± 6 cm H 2 O) than LMA (18 ± 5 cm H 2 O, P < 0.001). The CobraPLA has insertion characteristics similar to the LMA but better airway sealing capabilities.
Spectroscopy of Outlying H II Regions in Spiral Galaxies: Abundances and Radial Gradients

We present the results of low-dispersion optical spectroscopy of 186 H II regions spanning a range of radius in 13 spiral galaxies. Abundances for several elements (oxygen, nitrogen, neon, sulfur, and argon) were determined for 185 of the H II regions. As expected, low metallicities were found for the outlying H II regions of these spiral galaxies. Radial abundance gradients were derived for the 11 primary galaxies; similar to results for other spiral galaxies, the derived abundance gradients are typically -0.04 to -0.07 dex kpc-1.
Spirituality: The physiological-biological foundation

Spirituality may have a genetic base, but the resulting predisposition does not direct specific beliefs.
Positron fraction in cosmic rays and models of cosmic-ray propagation

The positron fraction observed by PAMELA and other experiments up to $\ensuremath{\sim}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ is analyzed in terms of models of cosmic-ray propagation. It is shown that generically we expect the positron fraction to reach $\ensuremath{\sim}0.6$ at energies of several TeV, and its energy dependence bears an intimate but subtle connection with that of the boron to carbon ratio in cosmic rays. The observed positron fraction can be fit in a model that assumes a significant fraction of the boron below $\ensuremath{\sim}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ is generated through spallation of cosmic-ray nuclei in a cocoonlike region surrounding the sources, and the positrons of energy higher than a few GeV are almost exclusively generated through cosmic-ray interactions in the general interstellar medium. Such a model is consistent with the bounds on cosmic-ray anisotropies and other observations.
Stabilized polymer microparticles by precipitation with a compressed fluid antisolvent. 2. Poly(propylene oxide)-and poly(butylene oxide)-based copolymers

Block copolymers containing either poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) or poly(butylene oxide) (PBO) stabilizer group(s) and a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) anchor group prevent flocculation of amorphous poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microparticles formed by spraying PMMA solutions into flowing liquid CO2 at 23 °C. When dissolved PPO−PEO−PPO triblock and PBO−PEO diblock copolymers are introduced with the CO2 feed stream, 0.1−0.5 μm primary PMMA particles are produced. However, larger, and in some cases more spherical microparticles (0.5−2.0 μm) are formed when these stabilizers are fed via the polymer solution phase, for the same overall quantity of stabilizer. The effectiveness of the stabilizer is described in terms of its concentration and how it partitions between the dispersed phase, the interface, and the CO2 phase. In many cases stabilizers with only moderate solubilities in CO2 are more effective than those with higher or lower solubilities. When the stabilizer is introduced with the solution phase, it do...
Frequency, predictors, and expenditures for pediatric insurance claims for complementary and alternative medical professionals in Washington state

Background This study describes the frequency, predictors, and expenditures for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in an insured pediatric population. Methods Washington state requires CAM-licensed medical professional coverage in private health insurance. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of services provided to children in 2002 by conventional professionals, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. Both χ 2 tests and logistic regression analysis were used to identify statistically significant differences in use and explanatory factors. Results Of 187 323 children covered by 2 large insurance companies, 156 689 (83.6%) had any claims during the year. For those with claims, 6.2% of children used an alternative professional during the year, accounting for 1.3% of total expenditures and 3.6% of expenditures for all outpatient professionals. We found that CAM use was significantly less likely for males (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.95) and more likely for children with cancer, children with low back pain, and children with adult family members who use CAM. Visits to chiropractors or massage therapists nearly always yielded diagnoses of musculoskeletal conditions. In contrast, diagnoses from naturopathic physicians and acupuncturists more closely resembled those of conventional professionals. Conclusions Insured pediatric patients used CAM professional services, but this use was a small part of total insurance expenditures. We found that CAM use was more common among some children, depending on their sex, age, medical conditions, and whether they had an adult family member who used CAM. Although use of chiropractic and massage was almost always for musculoskeletal complaints, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine filled a broader role.
Theory of far-infrared generation by optical mixing

The theory of far-infrared generation by optical mixing of focused Gaussian beams is developed, taking into account the effects of diffraction, absorption, double refraction, and multiple and total reflections at the boundary surfaces. Results of numerical calculations are presented. It is shown that focusing of the pump beams appreciably enhances the far-infrared output despite the strong far-infrared diffraction. In a 1-cm-long crystal, the optimum focal-spot size is approximately equal to or smaller than the far-infrared wavelength for an output at frequency less than 100 cm/sup -1/. Double refraction of the pump beams is relatively unimportant. Both far-infrared absorption and boundary reflections have major effects on the far-infrared output and its angular distribution. The former is often the factor which limits the output power. We show that a simple model treating the nonlinear polarization as a constant-1/e-radius Gaussian distribution of radiating dipoles is a good approximation to the problem. We also compare the results of our calculations with those for second-harmonic generation.
The r0 structural parameters, conformational stability, and vibrational assignment of equatorial and axial cyanocyclobutane

Abstract Variable temperature (−55 to −100 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (3500–400 cm−1) of bromocyclobutane, c-C4H7Br, dissolved in liquid xenon have been carried out as well as the infrared spectra of the gas and solid and Raman spectrum of the liquid. By utilizing eight pairs of conformers at ten different temperatures, the enthalpy difference between the more stable equatorial conformer and the axial form has been determined to be 291 ± 22 cm−1 (3.48 ± 0.26 kJ/mol). The percentage of the axial conformer present at ambient temperature is estimated to be 20 ± 1%. The ab initio MP2(full) average predicted energy difference from a variety of basis sets is 560 ± 46 cm−1 (6.70 ± 0.55 kJ/mol) and the average value of 569 ± 47 cm−1 from density functional theory predictions by the B3LYP method are significantly larger than the experimentally determined enthalpy differences. By utilizing previously reported microwave rotational constants for the equatorial conformer combined with ab initio MP2(full)/6-311+G(d,p) predicted structural values, adjusted r0 parameters have been obtained. The determined heavy atom structural parameters for the equatorial conformer are: distances (A) C–Br = 1.942(3), Cα–Cβ = 1.541(3), Cβ–Cγ = 1.552(3) and angles (°) ∠CαCβCγ = 86.8(5), ∠CβCαCβ = 89.7(5), ∠Br–(CβCαCβ) = 132.1(5) and a puckering angle of 29.8(5). The conformational stabilities, harmonic force fields, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios and vibrational frequencies have been obtained for both conformers from MP2(full)/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations and compared to experimental values where available. The results are discussed and compared to the corresponding properties of some similar molecules.
Naturally Occurring Bacteria Similar to the Methyl tert -Butyl Ether (MTBE)-Degrading Strain PM1 Are Present in MTBE-Contaminated Groundwater

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a widespread groundwater contaminant that does not respond well to conventional treatment technologies. Growing evidence indicates that microbial communities indigenous to groundwater can degrade MTBE under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Although pure cultures of microorganisms able to degrade or cometabolize MTBE have been reported, to date the specific organisms responsible for MTBE degradation in various field studies have not be identified. We report that DNA sequences almost identical (99% homology) to those of strain PM1, originally isolated from a biofilter in southern California, are naturally occurring in an MTBE-polluted aquifer in Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Lompoc, California. Cell densities of native PM1 (measured by TaqMan quantitative PCR) in VAFB groundwater samples ranged from below the detection limit (in anaerobic sites) to 103 to 104 cells/ml (in oxygen-amended sites). In groundwater from anaerobic or aerobic sites incubated in microcosms spiked with 10 μg of MTBE/liter, densities of native PM1 increased to approximately 105 cells/ml. Native PM1 densities also increased during incubation of VAFB sediments during MTBE degradation. In controlled field plots amended with oxygen, artificially increasing the MTBE concentration was followed by an increase in the in situ native PM1 cell density. This is the first reported relationship between in situ MTBE biodegradation and densities of MTBE-degrading bacteria by quantitative molecular methods.
Increased frequency of double and triple heterozygous gene variants in children with intrahepatic cholestasis.

Aim Single gene mutations cause syndromes of intrahepatic cholestasis, but previous multi-gene mutation screening in children with idiopathic cholestasis failed to fulfill diagnostic criteria in approximately two-thirds of children. In adults with fibrosing cholestatic disease, heterozygous ABCB4 mutations were present in 34% of patients. Here, we hypothesized that children with idiopathic cholestasis have a higher frequency of heterozygous non-synonymous gene sequence variants. Methods We analyzed the frequency and types of variants in 717 children in whom high-throughput sequencing of the genes SERPINA1, JAG1, ATP8B1, ABCB11 and ABCB4 was performed as part of an evaluation for idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis cholestasis. The frequency of non-synonymous variants (NSV) was compared with those of 1092 control subjects enrolled in the 1000 Genome Project. Results The frequency of NSV in single genes was similar between disease (25%) and controls (26%, P = 0.518). In contrast, double or triple NSV in two or more genes were more frequent in disease (n = 7%) than controls (n = 4.7%, P = 0.028). Detailed review of clinical and laboratory information in a subgroup of double or triple heterozygous patients revealed variable γ-glutamyltransferase levels and severity of pruritus, with liver biopsies showing stage 2–3 fibrosis. Conclusion Children with idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis have a higher frequency of double or triple NSV in SERPINA1, JAG1, ATPB1, ABCB11 or ABCB4. These findings raise the potential role for gene–gene relationships in determining the phenotype of cholestatic liver disease in children.
Noise propagation in iterative reconstruction algorithms with line searches

In this paper we analyze the propagation of noise in iterative image reconstruction algorithms. We derive theoretical expressions for the general form of preconditioned gradient algorithms with line searches. The results are applicable to a wide range of iterative reconstruction problems, such as emission tomography, transmission tomography, and image restoration. A unique contribution of this paper comparing to our previous work [J. Qi (2003)] is that the line search is explicitly modeled and we do not use the approximation that the gradient of the objective function is zero. As a result, the error in the estimate of noise at early iterations is significantly reduced.
Adoptively Transferred Immune T Cells Eradicate Established Tumors despite Cancer-Induced Immune Suppression

Myeloid-derived CD11b + Gr1 + suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are considered a major obstacle for effective adoptive T cell therapy. Myeloid cells suppress naive T cell proliferation ex vivo and can prevent the generation of T cell responses in vivo. We find, however, that adoptively transferred immune T cells eradicate well-established tumors in the presence of MDSCs and TAMs, which are strongly immunosuppressive ex vivo. These MDSCs and TAMs were comparable in numbers and immunosuppressive capacity among different tumor models. Longitudinal microscopy of tumors in vivo revealed that after T cell transfer, tumor vasculature and cancer cells disappeared simultaneously. During T cell–mediated tumor destruction, the tumor stroma contained abundant myeloid cells (mainly TAMs) that retained their suppressive properties. Preimmunized but not naive mice resisted immune suppression caused by an unrelated tumor burden, supporting the idea that in vivo, myeloid immunosuppressive cells can suppress naive but not memory T cell responses.
Mode and Tempo of Molecular Evolution in the Nematode Caenorhabditis: Cytochrome Oxidase II and Calmodulin Sequences

Through direct sequencing methods, the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit two (CO II) and the single-copy nuclear gene for calmodulin were compared among strains of Caenorhabidits elegans and two other Caenorhabditis species (C. remanei and C. briggsae). In addition the CO II sequence was determined from a distantly related nematode, Steinernema intermedii. Among the 11 strains of C. elegans tested, there are four types of CO II gene, arising from two major lineages. Levels of intraspecific difference in the CO II gene are low (less than 2.0%) compared to the extraordinary divergence between congeneric species, which is about 50% when corrected for multiple hits. Concordant with the increase in divergence between taxa is a change in the pattern of substitution from a strong transition bias (24 transitions compared to two transversions) within species to a substitution pattern that appears to reflect the base composition of the mitochondrial genome when more divergent nematodes are compared. The base composition of the Caenorhabditis CO II gene is strongly biased toward A + T at all three positions of codons and appears to constrain the amino acid composition of the protein. Both the CO II and calmodulin genes show extreme conservation of amino acid sequences. When the accumulation of changes at silent sites in the two genes is compared among strains, it becomes evident that the mitochondrial gene is changing faster than the nuclear gene.
Vanadium Oxide Nanowire–Carbon Nanotube Binder‐Free Flexible Electrodes for Supercapacitors

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) layered nanostructures are known to have very stable crystal structures and high faradaic activity. The low electronic conductivity of V2O5 greatly limits the application of vanadium oxide as electrode materials and requires combining with conducting materials using binders. It is well known that the organic binders can degrade the overall performance of electrode materials and need carefully controlled compositions. In this study, we develop a simple method for preparing freestanding carbon nanotube (CNT)-V2O5 nanowire (VNW) composite paper electrodes without using binders. Coin cell type (CR2032) supercapacitors are assembled using the nanocomposite paper electrode as the anode and high surface area carbon fiber electrode (Spectracarb 2225) as the cathode. The supercapacitor with CNT-VNW composite paper electrode exhibits a power density of 5.26 kW Kg−1 and an energy density of 46.3 Wh Kg−1. (Li)VNWs and CNT composite paper electrodes can be fabricated in similar manner and show improved overall performance with a power density of 8.32 kW Kg−1 and an energy density of 65.9 Wh Kg−1. The power and energy density values suggest that such flexible hybrid nanocomposite paper electrodes may be useful for high performance electrochemical supercapacitors.
Children’s Social Identification With a Friendship Group: A Moderating Effect on Intent to Conform to Norms

This study examined third- through fifth-grade children’s social identification (i.e., positive affects and emotions) with their friendship group as a process by which friendship group norms might affect children’s behaviors. A confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional model of social identification. Reciprocated friendship group nomination was positively associated with social identification; fifth graders reported a higher level of social identification than third graders. Sex and perceived popularity were not related to social identification. The authors hypothesized that the effect of friendship group norms on children’s intent to conform to those norms would be greater when they strongly identify with their group. This hypothesis was supported with regard to trend and misbehavior norms but not academic norms.
Polymerization of para‐xylylene derivatives (parylene polymerization). II. Heat effects during deposition of parylene C at different temperatures

Thermal effects accompanying the vacuum deposition of poly-para-xylene (Parylene N) at different temperatures have been studied by following the changes in the temperature of the substrate. Similarly to the case of polychloro-para-xylylene (Parylene C), two distinct exothermic effects were observed; one discrete, resulting in sharp exothermic spikes and the other continuous, resulting in the shift of the baseline. The spike effect, attributed to the solid-state polymerization of para-xylylene, is observed at the low-temperature range, the upper limit of which moves higher for higher deposition rates. The shift of a baseline as a function of deposition temperature exhibits two maxima, one independent of deposition rate and the second moving toward higher temperatures (that is, toward the first maximum) for higher deposition rates. First maximum falls at about 72°C and is attributed to the melting point of para-xylylene crystals. X-ray diffraction studies of polymer samples have shown that the existence of the second maximum is always followed by the appearance of an additional crystalline phase in the respective range of deposition temperatures. When the deposition rate is high enough, the second maximum merges with the first one, or virtually disappears. Under such conditions the new crystalline phase is no more detectable. It is postulated that the evolution of the additional amount of heat resulting in the appearance of the second maximum is due to the cyclization reaction and the formation of cyclic oligomers. This reaction very likely requires a particular spatial arrangement of monomer molecules and, therefore, it is suggested to take place in certain domains of the crystalline lattice.