cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ERUMPENT CEPHALODIA, AN APPARENT CASE OF PHYCOBIAL INFLUENCE ON LICHEN MORPHOLOGY1,2,3

SUMMARY On the upper surface of some specimens of the lichen Lobaria cf. crosa (Eschw.) Nyl. there are shrub-like growths which have a morphology similar to that of a free-living fruticose lichen, Polychidium umhausense (Auersw.) Henss., and contain a cyanophyte phycobiont, Nostoc. A few growths also contain scattered colonies of a chlorophyte phycobiont, in which case the lichen tissue locally assumes the foliose form characteristic of the parent Lobaria thallus. The differentiation of dorsiventral lichen cortices and the formation of a lax medulla and distinct algal layer are correlated with the presence of the green phycobiont. The lichen substances atranorin, gyrophoric acid, and 4-0-methylgyrophoric acid occur in both, the foliose L. erosa thallus and the fruticose tissue. It is suggested that the fruticose structures are erumpent cephalodia which are derived from the outgrowth of internal, cephalodia and should not be considered, to be epiphytic colonies of the lichen Polychidium.
Determination of the volumetric properties of proteins and other solutes using pressure perturbation calorimetry.

Abstract Pressure perturbation calorimetry is a new technique that measures the heat change in a solution that results when the pressure above the solution is changed. When used in a differential calorimeter containing a dilute solution of solute in the sample cell and the corresponding buffer in the reference cell, the measured differential heat can be used to calculate the thermal coefficient of expansion of the partial volume of the solute, ᾱ. For proteins in dilute aqueous solution, ᾱ is dominated by a temperature-dependent contribution arising from the interaction of protein groups with water at the protein–solvent interface. This arises due to the effect of the protein groups on the hydrogen-bonded structure of water, and thereby clearly differentiates between structure-making hydrophobic groups and structure-breaking hydrophilic groups. This solvation contribution to ᾱ can be accentuated in solvents having more structure (deuterium oxide) than water and attenuated in solvents having less structure (2.8 M guanidinium sulfate). Six different proteins (chymotrypsinogen, pepsinogen, lysozyme, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, ribonuclease A, and T4 lysozyme) were examined carefully by this technique, allowing estimates of various volumetric parameters including the volume change resulting from thermal unfolding of each protein. For ribonuclease A, results obtained in both water and deuterium oxide led to an estimate of the accessible surface area of the native protein of ∼45% relative to the fully reduced unfolded protein. Also, it was also found that ligand binding to ribonuclease A led to changes in ᾱ, suggesting a burial of some surface area in the ligand–protein complex.
THE CIRCULATING PLASMA VOLUME OF THE FOETAL LAMB AS AN INDEX OF ITS WEIGHT AND RATE OF WEIGHT GAIN (g/day) IN THE LAST THIRD OF GESTATION

In a series of foetal lambs weighing between 1,100 and 5,228 g, the circulating plasma volume was estimated by the dye dilution method, using Evans Blue, to test the possibility that the plasma volume could be used as an index of foetal weight in chronic studies. The data, analysed by the method of least squares regression, indicate that plasma volume and foetal weight are closely correlated (R2 = 0·922) and linearly so in the range of data studied. There was no evidence that the relation differed for singlets and twins. A single equation, Ŷ = 71·8 + 10·11 X—where Ŷ is the estimated weight and X the plasma volume, can be used to predict the weight from plasma volume in both. Some results of the application of the method in chronic studies are presented.
Grain refinement of copper by the addition of iron and by electromagnetic stirring

The effect of iron additions in the range of 0.57 to 7.5 wt pet on the grain size of electromagnetically levitated copper-iron alloys was investigated. The samples were solidified while levitated or quenched in water from the molten state. The addition of iron was found to be effective in reducing the grain size of copper, and the average grain size decreased as the iron content was increased up to the peritectic liquid composition of about 2.8 wt pet Fe. Beyond this composition, the grain size of the samples solidified in the levitated state was insensitive to the iron content, whereas that of the quenched samples continuously decreased with increasing iron content. The results indicate that electromagnetic stirring causes fragmentation of copper dendrites in the hypoperitectic region, and hence enhances grain refinement. In the hyperperitectic region, on the other hand, the stirring has a detrimental effect on the grain refinement by agglomerating the primary iron particles which act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for the copper matrix.
Metabolite identification by mass spectrometry: forty years of evolution.

When the Drug Metabolism Discussion Group was instigated in 1971, metabolite identification by mass spectrometry was a slow and laborious process undertaken by mass spectrometrists who seemed to continually disappoint their colleagues by failing to obtain the metabolite spectra. This was usually because not enough material was supplied or the material was impure. Today, accurate metabolite information can be obtained rapidly with little material by utilizing a range of mass spectrometers with complementary properties.This review will discuss how both technology and strategy have evolved over the past forty years to meet the changing demands of metabolism studies within the pharmaceutical industry.
Label-free detection of drug-membrane association using ultraviolet-visible sum-frequency generation.

Drug−membrane interactions play a crucial role in the pharmacology and activity of drugs. The measurement of drug association to lipid membranes has conventionally been measured by fluorescence and other spectroscopic methods. However, a main disadvantage of fluorescence labeling of drugs is that the introduction of fluorophores may change the molecules physical properties, such as charge, hydrophobic or hydrophilic character, and structure. To circumvent these problems, Ultraviolet−Visible Sum Frequency Generation (UV−Vis SFG) has been developed as an ultrasensitive and label-free technique to detect small-molecule drug association to lipid membranes. Four different classes of drugs, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen), antibiotic (azithromycin), antifungal (tolnaftate), and local anesthetic (tetracaine), were examined. Drug association was measured on planar supported lipid bilayers (PSLBs) of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phophocholine (DOPC). Equilibrium association constants of the drugs we...
Measuring Outcomes of Inservice Training Programs: Using an Interview System

This article presents a discussion of field utilization of staff development activities in the context of three separate training programs. Specifically, classroom implementation of knowledge and skills gained by participants in their training sessions was assessed via the Levels of Use (Lo U) interview system. Benefits and difficulties of using the Lo U method are discussed.
HIDDEN BY THE INVISIBLE HAND:: Neoclassical Economic Theory and the Textbook Treatment of Race and Gender

The neglect of issues related to the economic status of minorities and women in introductory economics textbooks widely used in the United States is a problem rooted in the most fundamental theoretical propositions of mainstream economics. Despite the fact that the claims of both mainstream methodology and general equilibrium theory have been seriously questioned in recent years, introductory economics textbooks fail to incorporate into the principles curriculum those critical findings which would allow analysis of the economic problems of women and minorities in the United States. This article compares mainstream and radical textbooks' treatments of race and gender issues to show how the radical approach to these economic questions overcomes many of the deficiencies of the mainstream approach.
The Sensitivity of Risk-Informed Reactor Structural Integrity Analysis Results to Various Interpretations of Warm Pre-Stress

Warm pre-stress, or WPS, is a phenomenon by which the apparent fracture toughness of ferritic steel can be elevated in the fracture mode transition if crack is first “pre-stressed” at an elevated temperature. Taking proper account of WPS is important to the accurate modeling of the postulated accident scenarios that, collectively, are referred to as pressurized thermal shock, and to the accurate modeling of routine cool-down transients. For both accident and routine cool-downs the transients begin at the reactor operating temperature (approximately 290°C for pressurized water reactors in the United States) and proceed to colder temperatures as time advances. The probabilistic fracture mechanics code FAVOR, which is being used by the NRC to provide the technical basis for risk-informed revisions of 10 CFR 50.61 and 10 CFR 50 Appendix G, adopts a model of WPS as part of its fracture driving force module. In this paper we assess the conservatism inherent to the FAVOR WPS model relative to a best-estimate WPS model constructed using data recently produced by the European Commission “SMILE” project and published by Moinereau and colleagues. Assessments of the conservatisms inherent to the so-called “conservative principle” WPS model, and also to a classic LEFM model that does not credit WPS are also made. The data presented herein demonstrate that, for an integrated analysis of PTS risk, the FAVOR and conservative principle WPS models both over-estimate the vessel failure risk by a factor of between 2 and 3× relative to the best estimate model. Our examination of the effect of WPS models on the predictions of individual transients reveals that for the severe transients that dominate risk there is little difference (usually less than 4×) between the conditional probabilities of crack initiation and of through wall cracking predicted by the different WPS models. There are considerable differences in the predictions of the various WPS and non-WPS models for low severity transients, however, the contribution of these transients to the total risk of vessel failure is small.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Three dimensional nonlinear theory of the gyropeniotron amplifier

The saturation regime of gyropeniotron interaction in a cylindrical waveguide with slotted wall (magnetron type) is studied by developing a three-dimensional nonlinear theory for the amplifier. The wave amplitude is calculated self-consistently in the presence of the RF current modulation by solving a set of coupled nonlinear differential equations. Extremely high efficiency of about 75% is calculated for interaction between the n-mode and the second cyclotron harmonic of a 70kV, 3·5 A beam with v⊥=/vz2 under ideal conditions of zero velocity spread and on-axis guiding centre location. The effects of spread in beam velocity and guiding centre position are also calculated. An efficiency of about 38% is obtained for a beam with 5% velocity spread and 10% guiding centre spread. The performance characteristics of the amplifier are shown for cyclotron harmonics up to order s = 8. The efficiency drops to 22% at s equals; 8.
504 REGULATION OF GLOBIN CHAIN SYNTHESIS IN NEONATES

Newborns with trisomy 13 have elevated hemoglobin (HB) F; those with trisomy 21 have increased HB A. To examine this “switch”, blood was obtained from neonates, incubated with 3H-leucine, and globin chains separated on carboxymethylcellulose columns in urea: β/α ratios were in the range of β-thal trait in trisomy 13, and in 4/6 with trisomy 18. (β+γ)/α was also low. β/α was above normal in 2/6 with trisomy 18, and in trisomy 21. (β+γ)/α was high. Thus the high HB F in trisomy 13 results from normal γ/α synthesis, but a delay in turning on β chain. High HB A in trisomy 21 is due to an early and coordinated switch from γ to β synthesis. Trisomy 18 infants represent both types. Finally these data emphasize that abnormalities other than thal genes may lead to aberrant β/α ratios in neonates and also may affect the β/γ ratios in utero that are used to define hemoglobin phenotypes in prenatal diagnoses.
Deep neck infections in children: a new approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Forty-seven children presented with the diagnosis of a deep neck infection-either cellulitis or abscess-between January 1991 and July 1996. Forty-four (94%) had contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging consistent with this diagnosis. Three patients with no CT scan had confirmation of an abscess at surgical drainage. Parenteral antibiotics alone were effective in the treatment of 24 of 47 infections (51%): seven parapharyngeal, one retropharyngeal, and 16 combined. By CT scan these infections represented cellulitis in 17 of 24 (71%), an abscess in three of 24 (13%), and incomplete abscess in four of 24 (17%). The average duration of hospitalization for this group was 4.8 days, with symptomatic improvement usually seen within 24 hours. Surgical drainage was performed on 23 of 47 infections (49%): three parapharyngeal, 17 combined, and three of unknown specific location. In 22 of these 23 children (96%), transoral drainage of the abscess was used as the primary surgical approach. In 21 of these 22 (95%) there was complete resolution without complications or recurrence; one abscess required a subsequent external approach. CT scanning with contrast revealed that all deep neck infections were located medial (usually anteromedial) to the great vessels. Abscesses with volumes estimated to be greater than 2000 mm 3 were more likely to undergo surgery, but these differences were not statistically significant. The use of contrast-enhanced CT scanning provides information regarding abscess size, location, and relative position of the great vessels for safe and successful transoral drainage. Thus we recommend CT-assisted transoral drainage for combined retropharyngeal/parapharyngeal abscesses and selected isolated parapharyngeal abscesses that do not respond to parenteral antibiotics.
A sniftirs study of the diffuse double layer at single crystal platinum electrodes in acetonitrile

Abstract In situ reflection infrared spectroscopy with electrochemical modulation has been used to investigate the structure of the double layer for the system: Pt(hkl)/acetonitrile. The electrolytes used were tetraethylammonium perchlorate and sodium perchlorate. It has been found that acetonitrile is preferentially chemisorbed on the surface either through the non-bonding electrons on the nitrogen atom at potentials positive of the point of zero charge, or on its side in a rehybridized form at negative potentials. The transition between these orientations can be followed by the present technique. The experiments were also used to study the accumulation of solvated cations in the double layer. The spectroscopic data are discussed with respect to the orientation of the solvent and location of the electrolyte ions in the double layer.
The Naming of Children in British Society

Children's first names, according to S. Lieberman's analysis, are shaped by several criteria. British society appears to conform to established patterns.
Evaluating the contribution to a hospital of specific physicians through the use of a financial and social weighting criterion developed on a microcomputer

This paper will address how a hospital was able to utilize a microcomputer to determine weighting criteria to allocate Medicaid patient days to certain physicians when the State reduced the allowable days by 59 percent. The allocation basis had to address the following: the hospital's mission, financial viability, the impact on its teaching programs and university affiliations and antitrust and anticompetition laws and regulations.
3D Finite-Deformation Beam Model with Viscous Damping: Computational Aspects and Applications

AbstractA nonlinear finite-element formulation for the static and dynamic behavior of flexible beams was developed by appropriately modifying and extending the three-dimensional (3D) finite-deformation beam model originally developed by Simo. By introducing energy dissipation in a physically consistent way through a linear viscoelastic constitutive equation, the main contribution in this paper lies in the derivation of a tangent stiffness operator that includes the effect of damping. Moreover, a solution to issues concerning the interpolation of total rotation vectors of magnitude greater than π is proposed, along with an alternative approach for the update of curvatures based on total rotation vectors, taking advantage of special features of Lie groups and of the notion of right-trivialized derivative. Both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical examples are presented. In particular, static and dynamic analyses of an electrical conductor commonly used in power substations were performe...
Proteolytic enzyme system of skin. VI. Enzyme patterns in various animal species.

SummaryFresh skin extracts of various animals have been surveyed for ability to hydrolyze N-acetyl-l-tyrosine ethyl ester, l-tyrosine ethyl ester, l-phenylalanine ethyl ester, and casein. The data obtained have been interpreted in terms of conformity to results previously obtained with extracts of rat skin acetone powder.
New estimates of direct crowding out (or in) of investment and of a peace dividend for the U.S. economy

This article provides new evidence concerning the effect on private investment of allocating resources to public consumption and investment. An autoregressive distributed lag model developed for cointegration-error correction analysis is estimated using data for the U.S. public sector for 1956Q1-2010Q2. The most important finding is that in the long run, there is no crowding out associated with the net effect of equal percentage changes in government purchases of domestic consumption and investment. Contrary to some previous results, public investment has a significant crowding in effect on private investment while military purchases have a significant crowding out effect, with an elasticity of -0.52. The evidence also indicates that there is an important investment role for profit growth, but not for the real interest rate in the long run. The results are generally consistent with post Keynesian views of fiscal policy and support those who argue that the 2009 stimulus package was not well-suited for gene...
The relevance of traditional medical cultures to modern primary health care

This paper attempts to identify forms of traditional medicine which have the greatest potential for advancing primary health care goals. It begins by differentiating traditional medical systems into types, according to the kinds of medical knowledge which they depend on for preventing, diagnosing, and treating sickness. Emphasis is given to the facts that some traditional systems concentrate on producing varieties of pathophysiological knowledge, while others focus on forms of etiological knowledge; and that some traditional systems accumulate the medical knowledge which they produce, while others diffuse and fragment it. These differences give clues to a medical tradition's abstract potential for achieving three distinct, and only sometimes linked, ends: curing disease, healing illness, and enhancing the productivity of official primary health care programs. To make these clues concrete, it is also necessary to know something about the different ways in which traditional medical beliefs and practices are embedded, together with modern (cosmopolitan) medicine, in actual patterns of resort. The remainder of the paper assesses the relevance, for advancing primary health care goals, of particular classes of traditional healers--e.g. herbalists, midwives, bonesetters--and technologies within different types of medical systems. Four possibilities are described; integration, complementarity, rivalry and intercalation.
Why do Koreans save ‘so little’?

Abstract This paper offers a simple general equilibrium model of saving and accumulation. The model is applied to Korea and the sources of her accumulation experience between 1962 and 1976 are estimated. The model is then used to explore policies which would more nearly approach optimal accumulation rates. The central issue is the private domestic saving rate and why it has remained so low during a period of very rapid rates of accumulation.
Towards a documentation maturity model

This paper presents preliminary work towards a maturity model for system documentation. The Documentation Maturity Model (DMM) is specifically targeted towards assessing the quality of documentation used in aiding program understanding. Software engineers and technical writers produce such documentation during regular product development lifecycles. The documentation can also be recreated after the fact via reverse engineering. The DMM has both process and product components; this paper focuses on the product quality aspects.
The isolation of fungi from laboratory dental pumice

Abstract Samples of used dental laboratory pumice from the two dental laboratories were cultured for the isolation of fungi. The resulting supernatant fluid from sedimentation of each pumice sample after suspension in sterile saline was serially diluted and plated onto Sabouraud agar. After incubation, fungal colonies observed were enumerated, isolated, and identified. The mean number of fungal colonies recovered from 10 pumice samples in laboratories I and II was 51.0 × 10 2 and 22.6 × 10 2 , respectively. In both laboratories the predominant fungi recovered were Aspergillus niger and Fusarium sp. Other fungi recovered included Cephalosporium and Penicillium species and A. flavus . Many of these organisms have been involved in human disease. It is suggested that the presence of fungi in used dental laboratory pumice presents an unhygienic condition in the dental laboratory and may place dental laboratory technicians and denture patients at increased risk of fungal sensitization and disease.
Effects of Public Image Concerns and Self-image on Compliance

Abstract Whether compliance is affected by targets' impression management was investigated. A confederate approached male shoppers sitting either alone or with a female companion in an American shopping mall and attempted to convince the male shoppers to agree to purchase raffle tickets. The presence of a female companion was expected to heighten the male shoppers' concerns about public image. The effects of self-image on compliance were also examined, using foot-in-the-door (FITD) strategy. The shoppers who were with a female companion agreed to buy more tickets than the shoppers who were alone did, but compliance did not differ as a function of strategy. Thus, concerns about public image affected compliance more than concerns about self-image did.
Tribological effects of excimer laser processing of tool steel

We examined the effects of excimer laser surface processing and of laser alloying with titanium on the mechanical and tribological properties of A-7 tool steel. We found that laser processing and alloying had no discernible effect on the mechanical properties of tempered steels. However, the dry, sliding friction coefficient of both laser processed and alloyed surfaces was reduced. Substantial but transient reductions in the friction are consistent with formation of a low friction transfer film. Long-lived reductions of friction in the laser processed case are associated with an absence of the adhesive wear which is conspicuous in the untreated case.
More Polynomial Root Squeezing

SummaryGiven a polynomial with all real roots, the Polynomial Root Dragging Theorem states that moving one or more roots of the polynomial to the right will cause every critical point to move to the right, or stay fixed. But what happens to the position of a critical point when roots are dragged in opposite directions? In this note we discuss the Polynomial Root Squeezing Theorem, which states that moving two roots, ri and rj, an equal distance toward each other without passing other roots, will cause each critical point to move toward (ri and rj)/2, or remain fixed.
Effect of accelerated ultraviolet and thermal exposure on nanoscale mechanical properties of nylon fibers

Nano-characterization studies using atomic force microscopy (AFM) was conducted to study the effect of accelerated ultra violet (UV) and thermal degradation on mechanical properties of Nylon textile fibers. Nylon fibers were exposed to UV radiation for six different hours using Q-UV Panel Weatherometer. The exposed fibers were molded in an epoxy plug for nanaoindentation using AFM. Progressive nanoindentation from surface to the center of the fiber was used to investigate the effect of degradation on gradation of Young’s modulus across fiber cross-section. it was identified that UV degradation decreases the Young’s modulus from center to surface of the fibers up to 144 hours of exposure. Reduction of Young’s modules at surface was greater than the center implying more deterioration at the surface. To investigate thermal degradation effect on Nylon fibers, the fibers were exposed to 175oC for four weeks. initial experimentation indicates that the thermal exposure causes gradual reduction of Young’s modules. Wide angle x-ray spectroscopy (WAXS) and Fourier Transform infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to correlate the fiber chemical and micro-structured changes to the variation of nano-mechanical properties.
Fluoroscopic 3D reconstruction of coronary stents

The goal of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of 3D imaging of coronary stents using fluoroscopy. This technique could potentially provide an inexpensive and non- invasive alternative to stent inspection by intravascular ultrasound. The major difficulty to e overcome is real or apparent motion of the stent between successive views. We solve this problem by tracking a feature point ont he stent prior to performing the 3D reconstruction. We shifted the images to eliminate this apparent motion, then reconstructed the 3D stent image using iterative backprojection. The stent cross-sectional images are successfully reconstructed with spatial resolution of approximately 0.4 mm. This successful reconstruction of a coronary stent in vitro demonstrates the feasibility of 3D imaging of coronary stents using fluoroscopy.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dieldrin-14C elimination from chickens.

A series of experiments was conducted with chickens contaminated with dieldrin-14C to find ways of accelerating the elimination of dieldrin from their bodies. The results of these experiments indicated that charcoal, imbiber beads, and the anion exchange resins, Dowex XFS-4022 and Dowex SBR-C1, would not be useful agents for increasing the amount of dieldrin eliminatedvia feces (droppings) of chickens. Further, imbiber beads coalesced in the gizzard of the chickens and reduced their appetites. The anion exchange resin, cholestyramine, might be useful as a gastrointestinal absorbant for increasing dieldrin elimination in chickens because it increased carbon-14 elimination in droppings, but its effect on carbon-14 residues in carcasses was not clear. We elected not to investigate this compound further. Probucol, investigated because it might alter gastrointestinal absorption or blood physiology that would affect dieldrin elimination, did not increase dieldrin elimination. Severe starvation was the only method investigated that clearly was useful for increasing dieldrin elimination because it increased carbon-14 elimination in droppings and reduced carbon-14 residues in carcasses.
Analytical Models for the Performance of von Neumann Multiplexing

As conventional silicon CMOS technology continues to shrink, logic circuits are increasingly subject to errors induced by electrical noise. In addition, device reliability will become a problem, and circuits will be subject to permanent faults. Rather than requiring the circuit to be defect-free, fault-tolerance techniques can be incorporated to allow the continued operation of these devices in the presence of defects. We present an improved model for the reliability of nand multiplexing, a fault-tolerance technique typically requiring large levels of redundancy. It extends previous models to account for dependence between the inputs and derives the distribution of the outputs of each stage when subject to errors. The Markov chain approach used in earlier models is shown to be correct in modeling the effect of multiple stages. Our new model produces more accurate results for moderate levels of redundancy. An example shows the required hardware redundancy is reduced by 50% versus the previous binomial model. In addition, three new types of errors are modeled: the output stuck-at-one, output stuck-at-zero, and input stuck-at-zero faults
269: Association between severe early onset preeclampsia (PE) and serum measures of first trimester pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)

STUDY DESIGN: Human placental BP and CV samples were obtained from singleton pregnancies (24-41 weeks gestation). PE samples (n1⁄48) were gestational-age matched to CTL (n1⁄48). Term CTL samples were used for the labor (n1⁄48) and non-labor (n1⁄48) samples. Tissues were dissected, rinsed and frozen after delivery (<60 min). Immunoblot analysis was performed on protein lysates with anti-PAPP-A2 (RD 1:1,000) or anti-b-actin antibody (Sigma; 1:2000) to normalize for protein loading. Densitometry of the immunoreactive bands was performed using Biorad Chemi Doc. Statistical analysis was performed using Prism 5.0 to compare means (t-test) and determine correlations (Pearson). A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: PAPPA-A2 levels were significantly higher in PE compared to CTL in both the BP (p1⁄40.02) and CV (p1⁄40.003). Evaluation of preterm and term samples separately maintained significant differences for preterm BP (p1⁄40.004), preterm CV (p1⁄40.03) and term CV (p1⁄40.005); but not for term BP (p1⁄4 0.37). PAPP-A2 expression was not affected by labor in the BP (p1⁄4 0.22) or CV (p1⁄4 0.28). PAPP-A2 levels showed strong correlation between BP and CV in CTL labor (r1⁄4 0.89, p1⁄40.003) and non-labor samples (r1⁄4 0.73, p1⁄4 0.04). In contrast, a non-significant weak inverse correlation between BP and CV PAPP-A2 expression was noted for PE samples (r1⁄4 -0.18; p1⁄40.66). CONCLUSION: PAPP-A2 levels in PE are more dysregulated in the CV compared to BP. While PAPP-A2 levels show a strong correlation between BP and CV of CTL placentas, this is not seen in the PE samples also suggesting differential regulation of PAPP-A2 in these regions. Labor does not alter PAPP-A2 expression; thus is not a confounder.
Improved spherical aberration corrector for fast spherical primary mirrors

In the quest to design large and extremely large telescopes, one of the first questions encountered is that of basic optical configuration and shape of the primary mirror. Spherical mirrors have a number of advantages in production, testing and alignment but suffer from substantial spherical aberration, thereby requiring some form of corrective optics. Many designs for spherical aberration correctors are present in the literature, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. We present the design for a new spherical aberration corrector which is believed to offer higher performance with less complexity than previous approaches. The new design is substantially more compact and uses slower optical surfaces than most axially symmetric designs. It can scale to accommodate apertures as large as 100m, and adapts equally well to post prime focus and Cassegrain-like focus applications.
How Will “I” Versus “We” Perform? An Investigation of Future Outlooks and Self-Construals

Previous theory and research suggests that people generate predictions to prepare for an uncertain future, often basing predictions on task-relevant information like prior performance. Four studies test the hypothesis that preparation via prediction occurs more readily when interdependent (vs. independent) self-construals are salient. This hypothesis was supported when examining chronic tendencies to generate negative predictions (Study 1) and spontaneous predictions in response to task-relevant information (Studies 2, 3, and 4), as well as when self-construals were measured (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and primed (Study 3). Moreover, performance prediction occurs in conjunction with increases in task persistence, but only for individuals with interdependent self-construals. Individuals with independent self-construals tend toward preparation via prediction only when preparation is urgent. Discussion centers on the applicability of within-cultural differences in self-construal on cross-cultural investigations, a...
Forecasts of Violence to Inform Sentencing Decisions

Recent legislation in Pennsylvania mandates that forecasts of "future dangerousness" be provided to judges when sentences are given. Similar requirements already exist in other jurisdictions. Research has shown that machine learning can lead to usefully accurate forecasts of criminal behavior in such setting. But there are settings in which there is insufficient IT infrastructure to support machine learning. The intent of this paper is provide a prototype procedure for making forecasts of future dangerousness that could be used to inform sentencing decisions when machine learning is not practical. We consider how classification trees can be improved so that they may provide an acceptable second choice. We apply an version of classifications trees available in R, with some technical enhancements to improve tree stability. Our approach is illustrated with real data that could be used to inform sentencing decisions. Modest sized trees grown from large samples can forecast well and in a stable fashion, especially if the small fraction of indecisive classifications are found and accounted for in a systematic manner. But machine learning is still to be preferred when practical. Our enhanced version of classifications trees may well provide a viable alternative to machine learning when machine learning is beyond local IT capabilities.
Defining long-term maintenance conditions of human embryonic stem cells with arrayed cellular microenvironment technology.

The optimization of defined growth conditions is necessary for the development of clinical application of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Current research has focused on developing defined media formulations for long-term culture of hESCs with little attention on the establishment of defined substrates for hESC proliferation and self-renewal. Presently available technologies are insufficient to address the full complement of factors that may regulate hESC proliferation and maintenance of pluripotency. Here, we report the application of a multifactorial array technology to identify fully defined and optimized culture conditions for the proliferation of hESCs. Through the systematic screening of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs) and other signaling molecules, we developed and characterized a completely defined culture system for the long-term self-renewal of three independent hESC lines. In the future, the novel array platform and analysis procedure presented here will be applied toward the directed...
COMPLIANCE WITH A SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMIT: ANOTHER LOOK

Replication of a study conducted three years earlier as to the rate of drivers' compliance with the posted speed limit of a school zone showed a decline from about 11% to 8%.
Nuclear chromatin changes during post-natal myocardial development

Abstract The proliferative capacity of rat myocardium declines rapidly during the first few weeks of post-natal life. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms involved in this decline, we studied the structure and function of nuclear chromatin from isolated rat myocardial cells during post-natal growth. Chromatin template activity decreased progressively (7.5 ± 0.3 pmol [3H]HUTP/μg DNA per min at age 5 days compared to 2.2 ± 0.1 pmol [3H]UTP/μg DNA per min at age 6 months) and was associated with a decrease in the number of transcription initiation sites. This decline was accompanied by changes in chromatin structure as evidenced by: (a) decreased susceptibility to DNAase I digestion with advancing age, (b) decreased poly- l -lysine binding (60% decrease between day 5 and six months of age), (c) progressive decline in positive ellipticity of circular dichroism spectra between 250–300 nm, and (d) derivative melting profiles showing a decrease in DNA regions bound by non-histone proteins and concomitant increase in histone-bound regions. The protein composition of myocardial chromatin also changed during post-natal development, chiefly due to a progressive increase in the histone/DNA ratio. These results indicate substantial changes in the organization and functional capacity of myocardial chromatin during early post-natal growth. These changes accompany, and may contribute to, the restriction in the proliferative capacity of myocardial cells.
Phosphoribulokinase from ice plant: Transcription, transcripts and protein expression during environmental stress.

The expression of PRK (phosphoribulokinase, E.C.2.7.1.19) in ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) during development and under environmental stress was studied. cDNA clones were isolated and full-length cDNAs were characterized. Ice plant PRK is contained in a 1520 nucleotide transcript including a 126 nucleotide leader sequence, a 175 nucleotide 3′-end and a 20–30 nucleotide polyA+-stretch. The coding region, 397 codons, specifies a protein of Mr 44 064. The mature sequence is preceded by a transit peptide of approximately 46 amino acids. The mature portion of ice plant PRK is 86.4% identical to that of spinach and, e.g., 16.2% identical to PRK from Xanthomonas flavus. Under salt stress or cold adaptation conditions, the amount of mRNA declined by a factor of approximately three within days, followed by an increase to approximately pre-stress levels. The fluctuation in mRNA amount is not reflected on the level of transcription of the gene, suggesting post-transcriptional control, nor is PRK protein amount affected significantly over the short stress period. The recovery of transcript levels for photosynthesis-related proteins after stress appears to be a general response to environmental stresses that affect water status in ice plant. We suggest that the photosynthetic machinery in this facultative halophyte is effectively buffered from damage caused by such environmental stress.
Growth and annealing behaviour of α-Sn on InSb(001) measured by LEED and He atom scattering

Abstract The growth and annealing behaviour of films of α-Sn deposited on In-rich InSb(001) have been studied. Monolayer films deposited at ∼ 40°C were found to exhibit disorder as evidenced by the random scattering of He atoms. LEED showed a reconstruction to a (1 × 1) surface phase. Annealing the films slowly between ∼ 100 and 220°C increased the (00) peak and produced a well defined He diffraction pattern and also changed the LEED picture. Subsequent Sn layers (up to a total of 7 layers) behaved in a similar manner with the α-Sn remaining stable to the high temperatures. During Sn deposition the shape of the (00) signal as a function of coverage was measured and was different for the first and subsequent layers. Recovery effects were measured as a function of Sn coverage and temperature. Deposition of Sn on Sn at 159°C produced the same result as low-temperature deposition and annealing to 220°C. Finally, deposition of Sn on InSb at higher temperatures was measured. It is concluded that, for at least thin films, the α-Sn films should possess less defects at the interface that should lead to better electrical properties. Further, the stability of the α-Sn to higher temperatures opens up the possibility of the deposition of other semiconductor layers on α-Sn to produce a sandwich device using a low-band-gap material.
Accounting standard setting: Thoughts on developing a conceptual framework

This paper explores how academics and regulators might approach the task of developing a conceptual framework for financial accounting policy. It does so against a backdrop of a short history of accounting thought that lays out approaches that have been taken in the past and evaluates their impact. With the lessons from history recognized, the paper then offers a number of suggestions to be considered as we go forward. Some of these suggestions come from research. Some come from taking a utilitarian perspective on accounting. Some come from observing accounting that voluntarily arises in markets without regulation. The discussion engages with many of the ideas offered in the Conceptual Framework project of the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting standards Board, including issues of objectives, ‘qualitative characteristics,’ recognition and measurement, and a balance sheet approach versus an income statement approach. But the paper is offered primarily to help academics en...
Combination sensor for measurement of light and temperature.

This report describes light and temperature measurements made in a gel cell using a single probe. Glass pipettes were drawn to an outer tip diameter of 50 μm and a thermocouple was vapor deposited at the tip of the pipette. Direct absorption of light by the thermocouple produced near step changes in temperature proportional to the fluence rate of the light. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Daily variation of CNS gene expression in nocturnal vs. diurnal rodents and in the developing rat brain.

Abstract Expression of c- fos has been shown to vary throughout the brain over the course of the 24-h day [17] . The magnitude of these changes appear to be similar in a light : dark (LD) cycle or in constant dark (DD). To further examine whether the diurnal and circadian changes in c- fos and other immediate-early gene (IEG) expression in brain are related to waking behaviors such as locomotor activity, we conducted three experiments using Northern analysis. First, we compared IEG expression in nocturnal vs. diurnally active species. Second, we investigated IEG expression in a hibernating species during its active and inactive phases. Third, we examined the development of IEG expression in the young post-natal rat. As a comparison to results obtained in extra-SCN brain regions, we also examined IEG and vasopressin expression in the SCN itself across the circadian cycle. Animals maintained under a 12 : 12-h LD cycle were sacrificed in the morning (10:00–11:00 h, ZT2–ZT3) or night (22:00–23:00 h, ZT14–ZT15) or at the corresponding circadian times (CT) when kept in DD. Rats sacrificed in the morning always showed lower c- fos expression than at night in all brain areas examined while the reverse pattern was seen in squirrels under both LD and DD conditions, suggesting a direct correlation between c- fos message and activity. The cerebellum displayed the greatest magnitude change between morning and night (often reaching 10-fold). Among other IEGs examined, the expression of NGFI-A and junB are similar to c- fos , but of lesser magnitude, whereas c- jun appears to be invariant in the rat but is increased during the active phase in squirrels. During the hibernation season, squirrels have lower levels of c- fos consistent with their low levels of activity even during their euthermic interbout periods. c- fos expression in the cerebellum and rest of brain of 1-week-old rats sacrificed at ZT3 and ZT15 showed low levels at both timepoints whereas 2- and 3-week-old animals had higher levels at night as do adults. Among other IEGs, junB and NGFI-A again were similar to c- fos while c- jun and junD were more constant. Our observations support the idea of a diurnal rhythm of IEG expression in the CNS that is related to waking behaviors. Among IEGs, c- fos exhibits the greatest daily variation in expression.
Diversity-oriented synthesis of N-aryl-N-thiazolyl compounds

Abstract An efficient approach toward the parallel solid-phase synthesis of highly diversified N-aryl-N-thiazolyl compounds is presented. The treatment of resin-bound aniline derivatives with Fmoc-isothiocyanate generated aryl thioureas which, following Hantzsch’s reaction with a variety of α-haloketones and cleavage of the solid support, led to the desired N-aryl-N-thiazolyl compounds in good yield and high purity.
Joining the Conversation: How Quiet Is the IPO Quiet Period?

This study evaluates the IPO quiet period, which restricts managers' ability to publicly communicate in the weeks immediately following the IPO. I investigate the effectiveness of and compliance with the quiet period for a sample of 3,380 IPOs from 1996 through 2011, and report several key findings. Firms significantly increase their communication immediately after the quiet period expires, and this manifests in more firm-specific information in returns. While this suggests the quiet period rules are effective on average, I find that there is non-random variation across firms in this effectiveness. In particular, the marginal effect of increased communication on firm-specific information processed by the market is greater for firms which are harder to value or receive less-than-expected attention in the aftermarket. Moreover, notwithstanding overall effectiveness, I find wide variation in the level of compliance with the quiet period, and that firms benefit from non-compliance. In particular, firms with more quiet period "loudness" obtain more analyst attention and are more likely to meet or beat future consensus forecasts. Collectively, the results suggest that [1] the quiet period rules prevent investors from learning useful information in a timely manner, and [2] a lack of SEC enforcement provides advantages to firms that violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the rules. This calls into question whether the IPO quiet period rules — essentially unchanged for over 80 years — remain relevant and useful in modern equity markets.
Socially excluded individuals fail to recruit medial prefrontal cortex for negative social scenes

Converging behavioral evidence suggests that people respond to experiences of social exclusion with both defensive and affiliative strategies, allowing them to avoid further distress while also encouraging re-establishment of positive social connections. However, there are unresolved questions regarding the cognitive mechanisms underlying people's responses to social exclusion. Here, we sought to gain insight into these behavioral tendencies by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the impact of social exclusion on neural responses to visual scenes that varied on dimensions of sociality and emotional valence. Compared to socially included participants, socially excluded participants failed to recruit dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), a brain region involved in mentalizing, for negative social scenes. Moreover, following social exclusion, dmPFC demonstrated a linear effect of valence, with greater activity to positive social scenes compared to negative social scenes. These results suggest that, following social exclusion, people display a preference for mentalizing about positive social information and tend to avoid negative aspects of their social world.