cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral thermoregulation in the spectacled caiman (Caiman sclerops)

This report describes an operant conditioning technique for studying crocodilians. As experimental subjects, crocodilians present some special problems. For example, their size limits direct handling. Further, because they may go for prolonged periods without eating, food probably is not an effective reinforcer. And, because of the crocodilian's limited overt activity, obtaining a specified response can be very difficult; much of the time crocodilians seldom move. In addition, their ability to manipulate objects is limited by their morphology. Therefore, responses (e.g., barpresses) and procedures (e.g., shaping) typically used in such experiments are not practical. Weiss and Laties (1961) demonstrated behavioral thermoregulation in the rat by having the animals press a bar to activate a heat lamp. Crocodilians are cold blooded, so it was assumed that heat might serve as a reinforcing stimulus and that crocodilians would demonstrate behavioral thermoregulation. Because it appeared to be difficult for the reptile to move its head forward to depress a key (as pigeons do), the behavior to be conditioned was simply making contact with a metal plate.
The geography of the wages: Chinese cities 1989 and 1997

Improving national average income and reducing regional income inequality often serve as dual goals of economic development in a country. After over twenty years of economic reforms, China has been fairly successful in achieving the first goal, but failed in the second. This paper uses recent data with a sharper resolution to examine the variation of average wages across Chinese cities 1989–1997. Widening wage inequalities across cities are observed during the period. This research also seeks to explain the variation of wages between cities by factors such as agglomeration (density and city size), location advantages (distances from central cities and from the coastline), educational attainment, industrial structure and administrative hierarchy. Many of the factors are found to be important in explaining wage differences in Western countries but are yet to be tested in China. Some factors such as distance from the coast, industrial structure and administrative hierarchy are considered because of China’s unique social and economic systems.
Compressed Meter Reading for Delay-Sensitive and Secure Load Report in Smart Grid

It is a key task in smart grid to send the readings of smart meters to an access point (AP) in a wireless manner. The requirements of scalability, realtimeness and security make the wireless meter reading highly challenging. On assuming that the number of smart meters is large and the data burst is sparse, i.e., only a small fraction of the smart meters are reporting their power loads at the same time, the technique of compressed sensing is applied for the wireless meter reading. The distinguishing feature of the compressed meter reading is that the active smart meters are allowed to transmit simultaneously and the AP is able to distinguish the reports from different smart meters. The simultaneous access results in uniform delays, in contrast to the possible large delay in carrier sensing multiple access (CSMA) technique. The random sequence used in the compressed sensing enhances the privacy and integrity of the meter reading. The validity of the proposed scheme is then demonstrated by numerical simulations.
A Conserved Tandem Cyclophilin-Binding Site in Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural Protein 5A Regulates Alisporivir Susceptibility

ABSTRACT Cyclophilin A (CyPA) and its peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity play an essential role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication, and mounting evidence indicates that nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) is the major target of CyPA. However, neither a consensus CyPA-binding motif nor specific proline substrates that regulate CyPA dependence and sensitivity to cyclophilin inhibitors (CPIs) have been defined to date. We systematically characterized all proline residues in NS5A domain II, low-complexity sequence II (LCS-II), and domain III with both biochemical binding and functional replication assays. A tandem cyclophilin-binding site spanning domain II and LCS-II was identified. The first site contains a consensus sequence motif of AOPXW (where O is a hydrophobic residue) that is highly conserved in the majority of the genotypes of HCV (six of seven; the remaining genotype has VOPXW). The second tandem site contains a similar motif, and the OP sequence is again conserved in six of the seven genotypes. Consistent with the similarity of their sequences, peptides representing the two binding motifs competed for CyPA binding in a spot-binding assay and induced similar chemical shifts when bound to the active site of CyPA. The two prolines (P310 and P341 of Japanese fulminant hepatitis 1 [JFH-1]) contained in these motifs, as well as a conserved tryptophan in the spacer region, were required for CyPA binding, HCV replication, and CPI resistance. Together, these data provide a high-resolution mapping of proline residues important for CyPA binding and identify critical amino acids modulating HCV susceptibility to the clinical CPI Alisporivir.
Variable grid scheme applied to turbulent boundary layers

Abstract A Crank-Nicolson type finite-difference scheme with a nonuniform grid spacing has been interpreted in terms of a coordinate stretching approach to show that it is second-order accurate. The variable grid scheme is applied to a flat plate laminar to turbulent boundary layer flow with a rapidly changing grid interval across the layer. The accuracy of the solution is determined for a different number of intervals and compared to results obtained with the Keller box scheme. The influence of changing the grid spacing on the accuracy of the solutions is determined for one coordinate stretching or grid spacing relation. The use of Richardson extrapolation is also investigated.
Role of commercial aircraft in global monitoring systems.

Discussion of the opportunity that the new wide-bodied commercial jet aircraft hold forth as platforms for a global monitoring system that could provide the atmospheric baseline and tropical meteorological data for which there is a pressing need. It is argued that there is no immutable technological impediment to the implementation of such a monitoring program, and that its realization could enhance our knowledge of atmospheric processes at an enormous saving in costs.
Selective synthesis of either enantiomer of an anti-breast cancer agent via a common enantioenriched intermediate.

Abstract A stereoselective synthesis of a bioactive triarylmethane is described. Key to the synthesis is a nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling which proceeds with retention at the benzylic center. This method is complementary to our previously reported nickel-catalyzed Kumada coupling which proceeds with inversion. Together, the two methods allow for efficient access to either enantiomer of biologically relevant triarylmethanes from a common enantioenriched intermediate.
The effect of retinal pigment epithelial cell patch size on growth factor expression.

The spatial organization of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells grown in culture was controlled using micropatterning techniques in order to examine the effect of patch size on cell health and differentiation. Understanding this effect is a critical step in the development of multiplexed high throughput fluidic assays and provides a model for replicating disease states associated with the deterioration of retinal tissue during age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Microcontact printing of fibronectin on polystyrene and glass substrates was used to promote cell attachment, forming RPE patches of controlled size and shape. These colonies mimic the effect of atrophy and loss-of-function that occurs in the retina during degenerative diseases such as AMD. After 72 hours of cell growth, levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important biomarker of AMD, were measured. Cells were counted and morphological indicators of cell viability and tight junction formation were assessed via fluorescence microscopy. As a result, up to a twofold increase of VEGF expression per cell was measured as colony size decreased, suggesting that the local microenvironment of, and connections between, RPE cells influences growth factor expression leading to the initiation and progression of diseases such as AMD.
Effects of darkness, constant illumination, and synchronized photic stimulation on auditory sensitivity to pulsed tones

Pulsed-tone thresholds at five frequencies (250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 6000 Hz) were obtained from 20 Ss under three conditions of visual surround: darkness, normal ambient illumination, and relatively high-intensity tone-synchronized photic stimulation. Auditory sensitivity to the highest frequency was lowered by visual stimulation of both types.
The potential contribution of nuclear energy to U.S. energy requirements

Abstract The relative contribution of nuclear energy to the cumulative total primary energy use in the United States in the period 1975 to 2000 has been estimated for several growth scenarios. If the nuclear capacity grows as recently forecast by ERDA, and if the total primary power use grows by 2%/yr, as recently recommended by the FEA, nuclear energy will contribute 10.8% to our cumulative primary energy use.
Immunomodulatory lysophosphatidylserines are regulated by ABHD16A and ABHD12 interplay

ABHD16A is identified as a major enzyme catalyzing production of lyso-PS from phosphatidylserine (PS). A new ABHD16A inhibitor and knockout mice show a dynamic interplay occurring during inflammation between ABHD16A and disease-linked ABHD12, an enzyme that degrades lyso-PS.
NIF Dante Soft X-Ray Diagnostic Fielding and Analysis

Summary form only given. ICF indirect-drive experiments using half hohlraums have been performed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) employing four NIF beams, producing laser energies up to 17 kJ. In order to measure radiation drive temperatures produced in the halfraums, an 18-channel soft X-ray spectrometer, called DANTE, was used. This diagnostic was based on an earlier 12-channel version, which has been fielded on Nova and Omega. NIF-DANTE was designed to measure photon energies from 50 eV-20 keV in order to be able to quantify 99% of the flux from a full-NIF driven hohlraum. In order to obtain reliable measurements strict calibration and documentation procedures were implemented and DANTE was inspected for damage after every shot. Software deconvolution was used to compensate for signal deterioration due to the use of long (160 ft) signal cable and oscilloscope response. Using this instrument temporally resolved flux measurements were made for halfraums reaching a maximum radiation temperature of 350 eV with pulse lengths ranging from 1 ns to 9 ns. The obtained results agree with LASNEX calculations of the drive. The presented data will include a detailed description of DANTE as well as the calibration procedure for the individual components. An estimation of the system error due to calibration error and partial damage will be shown as well as the deconvolution process and the total error of the resulting radiation drive profile
Methylamine osmoregulatory solutes of elasmobranch fishes counteract urea inhibition of enzymes

The intracellular fluids of marine elasmobranchs contain a set of methylamine compounds (trimethylamine oxide, betaine, and sarcosine) which are able to counteract the perturbing effects of urea on enzyme function (apparent Michaelis constant (Km) and maximal velocity). The counteracting effects of the methylamine compounds and urea are maximal at a 2:1 ratio [urea]:[methylamines]. This is the same concentration ratio for these osmolytes found in the cells of marine elasmobranchs, holocephalans, and the coelacanth. The counteracting effects of the methylamine solutes and urea are observed with enzymes from non-elasmobranchs as well as elasmobranchs, indicating that the enzymes of elasmobranchs are not specially adapted to function in the presence of urea or the methylamine osmolytes. Rather, the effects of urea and the methylamines on enzymes probably reflect fundamental protein-solute interactions. The urea tolerance conferred by the methylamine solutes may have played an important role in elasmobranch evolution. The relief from urea perturbation afforded by these methylamines may have precluded the requirement for widespread modifications in the sequences of elasmobranch proteins to allow these proteins to function in the presence of perturbing urea concentrations.
Host Selection and Lethality of Attacks by Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) in Laboratory Studies

Abstract Parasitic-phase sea lampreys ( Petromyzon marinus ) are difficult to study in the wild. A series of laboratory studies (1984–1995) of single attacks on lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), and burbot ( Lota lota ) examined host size selection; determined the effects of host size, host species, host strain, and temperature on host mortality; and estimated the weight of hosts killed per lamprey. Rainbow trout were more able and burbot less able to survive attacks than lake trout. Small sea lampreys actively selected the larger of two small hosts; larger sea lampreys attacked larger hosts in proportion to the hosts’ body sizes, but actively avoided shorter hosts (≤ 600 mm) when larger were available. Host mortality was significantly less for larger (43–44%) than for smaller hosts (64%). However, the yearly loss of hosts per sea lamprey was less for small hosts (range, 6.8–14.2 kg per sea lamprey) than larger hosts (range, 11.4–19.3 kg per sea lamprey). Attacks at the lower of two temperature ranges (6.1–11.8°C and 11.1–15.0°C) did not significantly reduce the percentage of hosts killed (54% vs. 69%, p > 0.21), but longer attachment times at lower temperatures reduced the number of hosts attacked (33 vs. 45), and produced the lowest loss of hosts (6.6 kg per sea lamprey). Low temperature appeared to offset other factors that increase host mortality. Reanalysis of 789 attacks pooled from these studies, using forward stepwise logistic regression, also identified mean daily temperature as the dominant factor affecting host mortality. Observations in Lakes Superior, Huron, and Ontario support most laboratory results.
Analysis of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Tower Electrodes in Sodium Hydroxide

Towers of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were electrochemically oxidized in aqueous 1 M NaOH. An oxidation current that decayed with time was monitored using amperometry at a fixed potential. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the background current and electrode capacitance increased after oxidation without significantly affecting the faradaic current from the reduction of ferricyanide. Oxidation in NaOH caused morphological changes and increased hydrophilicity of the MWCNT tower electrodes. XPS spectra indicated increased oxygen on the surface after oxidation, while Raman spectra indicated that a large amount of amorphous carbon was present before and after oxidation.
Zero and non-zero magnetic field measurements on CsMnCl3 · 2D2O

Abstract The specific heat and the magnetic phase diagram of single crystal CsMnCl 3 · 2D 2 O have been measured in the temperature range 2.0–20.0°K. The zero-field Neel temperature is 5.06 ± 0.01°K which is approximately 4% higher than the hydrated form of this compound. The magnetic phase diagram also indicates a displacement to higher values.
Effect of Chronic Administration of l-Arginine, NG-Nitro-l-Arginine or Their Combination on Morphine Concentration in Peripheral Tissues and Urine of the Mouse

Abstract 1. Chronic administration of L -arginine (200 mg/kg, IP) twice a day for 4 days decreased the antinociceptive response to subcutaneously, but not to intracerebroventricularly, administered morphine in male Swiss-Webster mice, as measured by the tail-flick test. 2. The decreased antinociceptive response to morphine was reversed by concurrent administration of N G -nitro- L -arginine ( L -NNA) (5 mg/kg, IP), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. 3. The concentrations of morphine in mice treated chronically with L -arginine and then given morphine (10 mg/kg, SC) were determined in the peripheral tissues. L -Arginine treatment significantly increased the concentration of morphine in spleen and lungs, did not modify it in liver, kidneys and urine. L -NNA by itself had no effect on the distribution of morphine in peripheral tissues but reversed the changes induced by chronic treatment with L -arginine. 4. Acute administration of L -arginine (200 mg/kg, IP) did not modify either the morphine antinociception or the morphine distribution in peripheral tissues. 5. Previous studies from this laboratory indicated that chronic treatment with L -arginine decreases the concentration of morphine in several brain regions and spinal cord of mice. 6. The facts that chronic treatment with L -arginine does not alter antinociception induced by ICV administered morphine and it increases the concentration of morphine in peripheral tissues while decreasing it in brain regions after peripheral administration of morphine suggest that the decreased antinociception induced by subcutaneously administered morphine may be related to its decreased entry into the brain.
Improving the accuracy and storage cost in biometric remote authentication schemes

Recently, Bringer et al. proposed a new approach for remote biometric based verification, which consists of a hybrid protocol that distributes the server side functionality in order to detach the biometric data storage from the service provider. Besides, a new security model is defined using the notions of Identity and Transaction Privacy, which guarantee the privacy of the identity-biometrics relationship under the assumption of non-colluding servers. However, due to the high communication and computational costs, the systems following this model cannot be implemented for large scale biometric systems. In this paper, we describe an efficient multi-factor biometric verification system with improved accuracy and lower complexity by considering the range information of every component of the user biometrics separately. Also, the new scheme is provably secure based on the security model of Bringer et al and implements a different database storage that eliminates the disadvantages of encrypted biometric templates in terms of ciphertext expansion. Also, we evaluate different Private Information Retrieval (PIR) schemes applicable for this setting and propose a practical solution for our scheme that reduces the computation costs dramatically. Finally, we compare our results with existing provably secure schemes and achieve reduced computational cost and database storage cost due to the single storage of the common features of the users in the system and amortization of the time complexity of the PIR.
The significance of esterification in the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.

Abstract 1. 1. Rats were fed varying amounts of C 14 -labeled cholesterol, from 1 to 48 mg., and the cholesterol recovered in thoracic duct lymph during the first 24 hr. was studied. 2. 2. As the amount of administered cholesterol was increased, the amount absorbed increased, but the percentage of that absorbed decreased. Despite variations in amounts of cholesterol recovered in thoracic duct lymph (from 0.3 to 9 mg.), about 70% of the cholesterol-C 14 in lymph was in the esterified form. 3. 3. Dihydrocholesterol blocked the absorption of cholesterol to the extent of 80%, but did not alter the percentage of the administered cholesterol found in thoracic duct lymph in the esterified form. Ergosterol blocked the absorption to the extent of 50%, and it, too, had no effect upon the esterification of the recovered labeled cholesterol in lymph. 4. 4. The following compounds had no effect upon either absorption or esterification of the administered cholesterol recovered in lymph: allocholesterol, cholestenone, dehydroisoandrosterone, 7-dehydrocholesterol, epicholesterol, brassicasterol, and stigmasterol. 5. 5. The significance of esterification in the absorption of cholesterol is discussed. Our findings indicate that compounds like dihydrocholesterol act to inhibit cholesterol absorption by interfering with a step preceding esterification.
Recent studies of bone mineral: Is the amorphous calcium phosphate theory valid?

Abstract Recent studies on bone mineral are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the nature of the initial mineral deposited and the changes occuring during further mineralization and maturation. It is shown that amorphous calcium phosphate, which has been proposed as the precursor of hydroxyapatite in bone mineral, cannot be detected in significant quantity in the earliest bone mineral formed, and furthermore that there is evidence that no progressive decrease in amount of any amorphous phase occurs with bone maturation. We conclude in general that the X-ray difraction pattern and non-stoichiometric composition of bone mineral, and the changes in these characteristic observed with age and maturation cannot be explained by the presence of a second phase in progressively decreasing proportion whether it be amorphous calcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate, brushite or some other distinct phase. The structural and compositional changes observed with age and maturation in bone mineral are consistent with a general increase in the degree of crystal perfection of a calcium phosphate phase best described as a poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite, although the exact details of the stuctural and compositional modification taking place with maturation must await further research. The role of brushite, which has been proposed as the earliest solid calcium phosphate phase deposited in at least one species, is reviewed.
BASELINE MOTILITY OF THE FREE JEJUNAL GRAFT IN A NEW CANINE MODEL

Reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects using free jejunal grafts has become an accepted technique of reconstruction. However, there are functional problems associated with the jejunal graft. We developed a canine model that allows us easy access to perform various studies on grafted jejunum, including videofluoroscopy and pressure manometry to determine baseline function. Using a microvascular technique, free jejunal grafts 10 to 30 cm in length were implanted in 11 mongrel dogs. The jejunal segments were implanted subcutaneously and exteriorized proximally and distally. The grafted dogs underwent videofluoroscopic studies. These studies revealed three different types of jejunal graft contractions of variable intensity: circumferential, longitudinal, and mixed. These contractions resulted in four patterns of barium movement: anterograde propulsion, retrograde propulsion, to-and-fro motion, and peristaltic propulsion. Videofluoroscopic studies were repeated on five dogs after an intravenous injection of metoclopramide (Reglan), which caused a significant short-term increase in the intensity of the basic jejunal contractions and barium propulsion. Pressure manometry studies using intraluminal pressure transducers were performed, revealing an inherent baseline contractility. Each dog has its own individual pattern of activity. The pressure generated by the contractions ranged from 5 to 350 mm Hg. Intravenous injection of Reglan produced a marked increase in pressure, but no change in the frequency of contractions. This study suggests that a free jejunal graft will maintain baseline motility. However, this graft may cause dysphagia by discoordination of contractions, retrograde propulsion of a bolus, or a sustained local contraction, demonstrating the clinical problems associated with free jejunal graft reconstruction of the cervical esophagus. Our results with Reglan suggest that it might be possible to improve the function of these grafts using pharmacologic agents.
Provenance and paleoweathering reconstruction of the Neoproterozoic Johnnie Formation, southeastern California

Abstract Petrologic and geochemical data confirm that mudstones and sandstones of the Johnnie Formation were the initial siliciclastic deposits laid along the Cordilleran Laurentian margin following the Neoproterozoic break-up of Rodinia. Sedimentary rocks of the Johnnie Formation have corrected CIA values between 63 and 83 (or higher), which suggest moderate to intense weathering of crystalline source rocks or recycling. Based on modeling the fresh source rocks likely consisted of 90% granodiorite and 10% high-K granite. This conclusion is based on petrographic observations, major element geochemistry, and investigation of the REE: (LaCN/SmCN = 4.19 ± 1.26, GdCN/YbCN = 1.34 ± 0.38, Eu/Eu* = 0.63 ± 0.09 and LaCN/YbCN = 9.55 ± 2.27). Feldspars are unevenly distributed in the finer grained sedimentary rocks. Observed fluctuations in feldspar content throughout the Johnnie Formation are interpreted as a result of abrasion and hydrodynamic sorting, which concentrated feldspars in the finer grained sediment. None of the mudstone samples, including those collected just below and above the flat-pebble conglomerate in the upper Johnnie Formation, show evidence of true cold weather depositional conditions. Consequently, Johnnie Formation mudstone geochemistry does not record evidence of an extreme paleoclimatic environmental shift in the succession. Textural characteristics of Johnnie Formation sandstones are consistent with quiescent tectonic conditions characterized by low relief, and deposition of Johnnie Formation strata in a passive-margin setting.
Ein neuartiges Amidinium‐verbrücktes polyedrisches Boran‐Ion durch Einbau eines Acetonitrilmoleküls des Solvens

Nicht nur als Losungsmittel fungiert Acetonitril bei der Oxidation des Ammonioborats [B20H17NH3]3− mit Benzochinon. Im unerwarteten Reaktionsprodukt 1 verbruckt eine Amidiniumgruppe die beiden Decaboratkafige. Die ungewohnlich kurzen C-N-Abstande (1.319 und 1.335 A) in dem durch weitere Oxidation erhaltlichen 2 lassen betrachtliche Doppelbindungsanteile vermuten. •= B, ○ = BH.
A previewed circuit board for use in chronic electrode implantations

Abstract The use of a prewired circuit board in the installation of permanently implanted electrodes has been described. This technique has resulted in a considerable economy of time spent in surgery. The durability of the assembly has been excellent over an observed period of 5 months.
Disability SARs and the small group experience: A conceptual framework

Since 1973, Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) workshops have been conducted at our hospital for persons with physical disabilities, health care professionals, and interested members of the community. An important element of the effectiveness of the SAR program as a change agent is the small group experience. To understand better the SAR small group process, we developed a conceptual framework consisting of six stages which we believe occur during most SAR small group experiences. These are: Anticipation, Rebellion, Confluence, Differentiation, Connection, and Termination. For each stage, we describe characteristic group behavior, general intervention strategies, specific facilitative activities, and the role of the facilitator. Anonymous evaluations of 398 participants regarding various aspects of the small group experience for groups facilitated by the authors and those facilitated by other staff members during ten consecutive SAR workshops are reported. Based on our experience in using this framework, we believe the effectiveness of the small group experience does not happen automatically and that successful facilitation requires good group skills as well as an understanding of group process in the special context and limitations of a disability SAR.
Targeting the Brain: Neuroprotection and Neurorestoration in Ischemic Stroke

Many treatments for acute ischemic stroke are vessel and blood based, but brain-based therapies also hold great promise. Acute neuroprotective therapies block the molecular elaboration of injury in hypoxic environments. Prehospital trials of magnesium sulfate are demonstrating the feasibility of delivering potentially brain-protective agents in the first minutes after stroke onset. Subacute neurorestoration therapies enhance neuroplasticity and brain reorganization after stroke. The greatest clinical experience with agents that can potentiate brain repair has been gained with choline precursors. Therapies that target the brain in patients with stroke will increasingly complement and enhance traditional vasotherapeutics.
Health promotion and disease prevention in home care.

Summary Health promotion and disease prevention interventions in home care apply to all persons residing with or relating to the patient receiving direct care services. Nurses apply the tradiational definitions of levels of prevention to assess the condition of and provide health care information and services to the patient, the patient's primary care provider, family members or significant others residing in the home, and to the available extended family. Medicare and Medicaid policies limit the extent of tertiary care services. There are few, if any, health care plans that pay for health-promotion services. Nevertheless, nurses should include these services for the people caring for and surrounding the home care client. Maintaining the caregiver's health, and that of the family, contributes toward restoration of health for the patient. It is important that nurses deliver this message to health care payers, not only from a quality-of-life perspective but also as a potential cost savings. When the health of the caretaker and the family is maintained there is less need for home care. When family members are not well enough to care for the patient, premature admission to a long-term care facility often results. According to Boaz and Muller, 6 family support is pivotal to help elderly people avoid or delay long nursing home stays. Avoidance or delay of institutionalization is, of course, another cost savings to an economically overburdened health care system.
Characteristics of merging firms

Abstract It is generally accepted that the 1990s merger movement has been motivated by different factors from earlier ones in the 1960s or the 1970–80s. Researchers in earlier periods found specific characteristics of merging companies, measurable with financial ratios. Factor analysis and logit regression are used to identify characteristics of merging firms that disclose motives for mergers in the 1990s. Results show that acquiring companies in 1996 are significantly more profitable than both target companies and nonmerging companies. Findings support views that modern mergers are primarily motivated by companies with above average margins seeking profit improvement, by rapid expansion of sales. Keywords: Mergers; Ratios; Logit JEL classification: G34
Performance of racial and ethnic minority-serving hospitals on delivery-related indicators

Objective We sought to explore how racial/ethnic minority-serving hospitals perform on 15 delivery-related indicators, and examine whether indicators vary by race/ethnicity within the same type of hospitals. Study Design We used 2008 through 2011 linked State Inpatient Database and American Hospital Association data from 7 states, and designated hospitals with >50% of deliveries to non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic women as white-, black-, and Hispanic-serving, respectively. We calculated indicator rates per 1000 deliveries by hospital type and, separately, for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic women within each hospital type. We fitted multivariate Poisson regression models to examine associations between delivery-related indicators and patient and hospital characteristics by hospital type. Results White-serving hospitals offer obstetric care to an older and wealthier population than black- or Hispanic-serving hospitals. Rates of the most prevalent indicators examined (complicated vaginal delivery, complicated cesarean delivery, obstetric trauma) were lowest in Hispanic-serving hospitals. Generally, indicator rates were similar in Hispanic- and white-serving hospitals. Black-serving hospitals performed worse than other hospitals on 12 of 15 indicators. Indicator rates varied greatly by race/ethnicity in white- and Hispanic-serving hospitals, with non-Hispanic blacks having 1.19-3.27 and 1.15-2.68 times higher rates than non-Hispanic whites, respectively, for 11 of 15 indicators. Conversely, there were few indicator rate differences by race/ethnicity in black-serving hospitals, suggesting an overall lower performance of these hospitals compared to white- and Hispanic-serving hospitals. Conclusion We found considerable differences in delivery-related indicators by hospital type and patients’ race/ethnicity. Obstetric care quality measures are needed to track racial/ethnic disparities at the facility and population levels.
Arch and beam: deployment of microstructural fabrics in relation to loads exerted on the shells of bivalved molluscs in different functional regimes

Two apparently contradictory models have been proposed, relating the disposition of microstructural fabrics of the bivalve shell to stresses they experience. These models are here shown to apply to...
The computation of inviscid rotational gasdynamic flows using an alternate velocity decompositon

The present investigation has the objective to present a method which can be considered to be a modification of existing potential flow algorithms. The method can be employed for the accurate and efficient solution of rotational gasdynamic flows. The general approach to computing inviscid rotational flows considered makes use of a velocity decomposition discussed by Clebsch (1859). Recent applications of the Clebsch representation in inviscid flows have involved the convection of an externally generated vorticity. Attention is given to the case of a steady, inviscid flow of a perfect gas with a uniform incoming stream. The developed procedure makes it possible to obtain a rapid solution to inviscid, compressible, rotational flows with solution algorithms which are a modification of existing potential flow codes. An application of the procedure to supersonic rotational conical flow is discussed.
Solid/Water Interface of Functionalized Silica Surfaces Studied by Dynamic Force Measurements

In this study, silica surfaces were chemically modified yielding dissimilar surfaces with –Br, –NH2 , and –CH3 functional group terminations. The dynamic response of an oscillating micro-cantilever with a gold-coated tip interacting with the functionalized silica surfaces was studied in electrolyte solutions with pH ranging from 4 to 9. The amplitude and phase of the cantilever oscillation were monitored and used to calculate the effective stiffness of the AFM cantilever, which relates to the double layer interactions and the hydrodynamic damping at the solid/water interface. The data for the dynamic response of the AFM over silica surfaces as a function of chemical functionalization and electrolyte pH show that the effective stiffness has distinctive dependence on the surface charge of functionalized silica surfaces. The hydrodynamic damping also correlates strongly with the relative hydrophobicity of the surface, suggesting a dependence on interfacial characteristics including effective slip lengths. It is hoped that the experimental data reported here will provide insights for development of more theoretical models explaining the underlying mechanisms.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Absolute estimation of line length as a function of sex

The method of absolute magnitude estimation (AME) was used to determine if there were differences between men and women in the perceived magnitude of line length. It was shown that no difference exists either in the growth rate (slope) of the power function or in the absolute value of numbers assigned to represent the subjective length of lines.
Estimating Averaging Times for Point and Path-Averaged Measurements of Turbulence Spectra

Abstract Uncertainty over how long to average turbulence variables to achieve some desired level of statistical stability is a common concern in boundary-layer meteorology. Several models exist that predict averaging times for measurements of variances and covariances, but often we are not interested in the low-frequency fluctuations that dominate variances and covariances. For example, we may want to look only at the inertial subrange. Therefore, a theoretical model is presented here to use in estimating the required averaging time for both point measurements and path-averaged electro-optical or acoustic measurements of the turbulence spectrum at arbitrary frequency f. The model is based on 1) the fact that spectral estimators and sample variances have chi-squared probability distributions; and 2) observations of the spectral coherence between horizontally separated turbulence sensors in the atmospheric boundary layer. This model is different from others that predict required averaging times because it y...
Crystal-chemical and energetic systematics of wadeite-type phases A2BSi3O9 (A = K, Cs; B = Si, Ti, Zr)

Wadeite K2ZrSi3O9 and its analogues K2TiSi3O9 and Cs2ZrSi3O9, synthesized by high-temperature solid-state sintering, have been investigated using powder X-ray diffraction coupled with Rietveld analysis and high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. The crystal chemistry and energetics of these phases, together with K2SiVISi3IVO9, a high-pressure wadeite analogue containing both tetrahedral and octahedral Si, are discussed in term of ionic substitutions. As the size of the octahedral framework cation increases, Si4+ → Ti4+ → Zr4+, the cell parameter c increases at a much higher rate than a. In contrast, increasing the interstitial alkali cation size (K+ → Cs+) results in a higher rate of increase in a compared with c. This behavior can be attributed to framework distortion around the interstitial cation. The enthalpies of formation from the constituent oxides (ΔHf,ox0) and from the elements (ΔHf,el0) have been determined from drop-solution calorimetry into 2PbO·B2O3 solvent at 975 K. The obtained values (in kJ/mol) are as follows: ΔHf,ox0 (K2TiSi3O9) = −355.8 ± 3.0, ΔHf,el0 (K2TiSi3O9) = −4395.1 ± 4.8, ΔHf,ox0 (K2ZrSi3O9) = −374.3 ± 3.3, ΔHf,el0 (K2ZrSi3O9) = −4569.9 ± 5.0, ΔHf,ox0 (Cs2ZrSi3O9) = −396.6 ± 4.4, and ΔHf,el0 (Cs2ZrSi3O9) = −4575.0 ± 5.5. The enthalpies of formation for K2SiVISi3IVO9 were calculated from its drop-solution enthalpy of an earlier study (Akaogi et al. 2004), and the obtained ΔHf,ox0 (K2SiSi3O9) = −319.7 ± 3.4 and ΔHf,el0 (K2SiSi3O9) = −4288.7 ± 5.1 kJ/mol. With increasing the size of the octahedral framework cation or of the interstitial alkali cation, the formation enthalpies become more exothermic. This trend is consistent with the general behavior of increasing energetic stability with decreasing ionic potential (z/r) seen in many oxide and silicate systems. Further, increasing the size of the octahedral framework cation appears to induce more rapid increase in stability than increasing the interstitial alkali cation size, suggesting that framework cations play a more dominant role in wadeite stability.
Peroxide-induced effects on lens cation transport following inhibition of glutathione reductase activity in vitro.

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that the normal lens can tolerate exposure to 0·05 m M H2O2 without apparent damage and that this is due in part to an active glutathione redox cycle. The present studies were designed to investigate the role of glutathione reductase in protecting cation transport systems in the lens against potentially damaging effects of peroxide. Pre-treatment of rabbit lenses with 0·5 m M 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), a relatively specific inhibitor of glutathione reductase, brought about a 71% inhibition of the enzyme in the capsule-epithelia of the lenses. Subsequent exposure of the lenses for 3 hr to a constant level of 0·05 m M H2O2 in culture medium produced significant accumulation of oxidized glutathine (GSSG) in the lens epithelium and severe effects on the electrolyte balance in the lens, on the activity of Na, K-ATPase and on the accumulation and efflux of 86Rb. The effects included a 35% decrease in activity of Na, K-ATPase, a 10 m M increase in the concentration of Na+ and an 8 m M decrease in K+. BCNU-H2O2 treatment also resulted in loss of transparency of the lenses in the form of vacuoles present in the anterior, subcapsular region, encircling the entire periphery of the organ near the germinative zone of the epithelium. Treatment with either BCNU or 0·05 m M H2O2 alone had only minimal effects on accumulation of GSSG in the epithelium, on lens transparency and on the parameters of cation transport which were investigated. When lenses were treated with 0·05 m M H2O2 alone and then placed in normal medium to measure the accumulation of 86Rb it was found that the cation pump was stimulated 20% above the normal level of activity. Levels of H2O2 higher than 0·05 m M without BCNU pre-treatment produced significant inhibition of Na, K-ATPase and the effects of 0·3 m M H2O2 on cation transport and GSSG accumulation were comparable to those of BCNU-0·05 m M H2O2. While inhibition of the activities of glutathione reductase and Na, K-ATPase in the lenses was found to be irreversible, a partial recovery of the Na+ level and nearly complete recovery of the K+ level were observed when treated lenses were cultured in normal medium for an additional 6 hr. In addition, the rate of efflux of 86Rb which was significantly faster from the BCNU-H2O2-treated lenses compared with the controls, was found to return to the control value during the recovery period. The ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione in the capsule-epithelia of lenses was significantly higher at the end of the reversal period compared with immediately following BCNU-H2O2. The results indicate that a link exists between the activity of glutathione reductase and maintenance of normal cation transport in the lens. The data suggest that partial reversal of damaging effects of H2O2 on lens membrane permeability may be associated with restoration of a reduced environment in the lens epithelium.
Performances of Texas Instruments DSP and Xilinx FPGAs for Cooley-Tukey and Grigoryan FFT Algorithms

Frequency analysis plays a vital role in the applications like cryptanalysis, steganalysis, system identification, controller tuning, speech recognition, noise filters, etc. Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is a principal mathematical method for the frequency analysis. The way of splitting the DFT gives out various fast algorithms. In this paper, we present the implementation of two fast algorithms for the DFT for evaluating their performance. One of them is the popular radix-2 Cooley-Tukey fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm and the other one is the Grigoryan FFT based on the splitting by the paired transform. We evaluate the performance of these algorithms by implementing them on the TMS320C5416 DSP and also on the Virtex-II FPGAs. Finally, we show that the paired-transform-based algorithm of the FFT is faster than the radix-2 FFT; consequently, it is useful for higher sampling rates. We also discuss the performances of TMS DSP and Xilinx FPGAs and tradeoffs.
The effect of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and neuropeptide-secreting tumors on the stomach

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is caused by a tumor that secretes gastrin and is the most common of the malignant islet cell tumors. ZES leads to hypergastrinemia, which, in turn, causes an overproduction of gastric acid and results in complications of peptic ulcer disease. Of all the islet cell tumors, gastrinoma tumors have undergone the most extensive study, providing a model of tumor management. Increased awareness and improved biochemical and radiologic techniques mean that these disorders are being recognized in more patients. Advances in the management of gastric acid secretion and new localization methods have significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with ZES. The use of intravenous proton pump inhibitors such as pantoprazole will make surgical and perioperative management more favorable for patients. Radiologic and nuclear medicine studies permit the detection of the majority of islet cell tumors and improve the ability for surgical resection. With the recent cloning of the gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN- I) and the recognition of tumor markers associated with the development of islet cell tumors, early detection of these tumors may someday be possible.
Bounded index exponential hashing

Bounded index exponential hashing, a new form of extendible hashing, is described. It has the important advantages over most of the other extendible hashing variants of both (i) providing random access to any record of a file in close to one disk access and (ii) having performance which does not vary with file size. It is straightforward to implement and demands only a fixed and specifiable amount of main storage to achieve this performance. Its underlying physical disk storage is readily managed and record overflow is handled so as to insure that unsuccessful searches never take more than two accesses. The method's ability to access data in close to a single disk access makes it possible to organize a database, in which files have a primary key and multiple secondary keys, such that the result is a significant performance advantage over existing organizations.
COLLEGE STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD A PROBLEMS APPROACH TO CHILD PSYCHOLOGY

The purpose of this study was to examine students' attitudes toward a problems approach to teaching child psychology. A total of 320 pre-service teachers were surveyed over a 2-yr. period to obtain their reactions to utilizing vignettes and children's books for providing experiences in analyzing children's problems. The following reactions were obtained: (1) students preferred emphasizing problems rather than traditional approaches in child psychology, (2) students preferred using children's books and vignettes rather than traditional texts, (3) students found writing short reactions to the book and vignettes read was stimulating and thought-provoking, and (4) they felt the number and depth of problems dealt with in the course were appropriate.
The lithic technology of Cebus apella and its implications for brain evolution and the preconditions of language in Homo habilis

Wilkins & Wakefield (1995) provide a thoughtful contribution to our understanding of language origins. In this commentary I attempt to define the relationship between object-manipulation and primate brain function further by reviewing research on aimed throwing and the production and use of stone tools by tufted capuchin monkeys ( Cebtis apella ). I propose that examining the relation between brain function and object-manipulation in Cebus will provide insight into the preconditions of language in our hominid ancestors.
College attrition, student use of campus facilities, and a consideration of self-reported personal problems

Five groups of undergraduate students, Dropouts (academic dismissals), Low Stopouts (voluntary leavers with low GPA), Low Persisters (continuing students with low GPA), High Stopouts (voluntary leavers with high GPA), High Persisters (continuing students with high GPA), were compared in terms of their use of various campus facilities and their responses to a checklist of personal problems. The High Stopouts and High Persisters did not differ in use of facilities. However, among the low academic performance students, the Low Persisters made significantly greater use of facilities than the Low Stopouts, who, in turn, made significantly greater use of facilities than Dropouts. These findings, for the most part, did not appear to be related to the self-reported importance of personal problems. It was concluded that among low performance students, the broad use of campus services and facilities can be taken as a measure of student integration in the college community.