cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Reverse Stock Splits Benefit Long-term Shareholders?

This paper examines the market response of the reverse stock splits by using the effective date to trace the abnormal returns after reverse splits over the period of 1981 to 2010:3. The findings show that the short-term behavior of the abnormal returns on the effective date is negative and highly significant for all firms. The abnormal returns on the effective month are negative and highly significant. As expected, the cumulative abnormal returns are negative and significant at 10 % level over the period of +1 to +12 months. However, the cumulative abnormal returns from month +13 to month +36 are significantly positive. Our findings also support that institutional investors show confidence by increasing mean holdings of reverse splits of large capital stocks.
Who uses nutrition labeling, and what effects does label use have on diet quality?

Abstract Information on the characteristics of individuals using nutrition labeling and the effects of label use on diet quality can be used to guide the development of more effective consumer education programs. For this study, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 1989 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) and Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS) were used to identify socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related characteristics and the nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes that were associated with label use. This analysis employed a theoretical model of determinants of label use that was based on an economic model of information search. Characteristics found to be positively associated with the likelihood of using nutrition labeling were having at least some college education, being female, living with others rather than living alone, being more knowledgeable about nutrition, believing that following the principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is important, and being more concerned about nutrition and product safety and less about taste when shopping for food. Having identified the characteristics of label users, this information was used in a model of nutrient consumption that was based on consumer demand theory. A selectivity analysis was employed to correct for potential self-selection bias on label use. Label use appeared to be associated with the consumption of diets that were higher in vitamin C and lower in cholesterol. However, label use in 1989 did not significantly influence the intake of 24 other food components investigated.
The Rate of Growth of Productivity in Mexico, 1850–1933: Evidence from the Cotton Textile Industry

This article employs previously unused data sources and techniques in order to estimate labour productivity and total factor productivity in the Mexican cotton textile industry over the period 1850–1933. Our findings indicate: (1) substantial productivity growth prior to the Porfiriato; (2) rapid productivity growth throughout the Porfiriato; (3) a swift, though incomplete, recovery from the Revolution during the 1920s; and, (4) an insignificant impact on productivity from the Great Depression. We also find evidence that the large, joint stock, limited liability firms that were founded during the Porfiriato had higher levels of total factor productivity than privately owned firms, but only for a short period of time, which suggests that these firms might have been sub-optimally large. Our results also indicate that labour markets in Porfirian Mexico were efficient. This suggests that manufacturers may not have had the monopsony power in labour markets that the literature indicates.
Spherical Urine in Birds: Petrography

The white part of bird droppings (the urine) consists of microscopically uniform spheres 2 to 8 micrometers in diameter. Strange behavior of the spheres in polarized light indicates that they are often made of a spiraling arrangement of crystals that are particularly well revealed by the electron microscope. Bird urine has a varied composition, and x-ray analysis shows that it does not consist largely of uric acid, as has frequently been parroted.
Stress — the neglected variable in experimental pharmacology and toxicology

Abstract In experimental pharmacology and toxicology it is preferable to use nonstressed animals to study the mode of action of drugs and toxins. However, animals and humans are seldom nonstressed but are frequently challenged by stressful events in real life, responding with ‘stress' manifested as many biochemical and physiological changes. Thus, drugs and toxins acting at specific biochemical sites or on physiological processes will encounter different biological conditions during rest and stress resulting in differences in their actions and effects. In addition, the true action of some drugs might only be revealed during stress. Thus, this variable should be included during experimentation to simulate more closely various real life situations and to predict more accurately the actions and effects of drugs and toxins under all types of environmental conditions. In this review, W. Vogel describes some of the biochemical and physiological changes seen during stress, reviews differences seen in the effects of some drugs and toxins between nonstressed and stressed animals and illustrates how the use of stressed animals can clarify the action of certain drugs.
Estradiol and raloxifene protect cultured SN4741 neurons against oxidative stress

A large body of research has documented neuroprotective effects of estrogen against oxidative stress. Some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, in which oxidative stress has been implicated as a contributing factor, affect more males than females, suggesting a possible protective effect of estrogen. We used the clonal substantia nigra cell line SN4741 to compare the neuroprotective properties of estrogen and raloxifene against oxidative stress, and to determine whether raloxifene acted as an estrogen agonist or antagonist in this system. We pretreated SN4741 cultures with alpha-estradiol, beta-estradiol, and raloxifene, and exposed them to hydrogen peroxide. Low nanomolar levels of raloxifene, beta-estradiol, and alpha-estradiol all significantly reduced cell death caused by oxidative stress. The estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780 failed to reverse the neuroprotection by beta-estradiol, suggesting that the effect is not mediated by a classical ER. Western blotting using an antibody to the C-terminus region of ER-alpha revealed two bands, one at approximately 67 kDa (corresponding to ER-alpha) and a more prominent band at approximately 55-56 kDa. These results suggest that, in this cell line, both raloxifene and estrogen may be acting via a non-classical estrogen receptor.
Regional Distribution of Catecholamines in the Dog Heart

The concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) and dopamine (DA) were determined in dog hearts, each divided into a total of 18 parts. The concentration of NE was found to be significantly (three times) higher in the atria than in the ventricles while smaller differences existed within various subdivisions. In particular, the left atrial body had a lower concentration than other atrial tissue. The same was true of the left ventricular apex as compared to the base. No significant differences in NE were observed between the average concentrations in epicardial vs. endocardial layers of left ventricle, nor in the S-A or A-V node areas vs. surrounding tissues. The concentration of DA was also higher in atria than in ventricles. However there was no consistent correlation between NE and DA concentrations in the various atrial and ventricular parts. In the ventricles, DA was higher in left than in right ventricle and still higher in the A-V node region. In the atria DA was highest in the S-A node re...
Influence of a waveguide on backscattered signals in the far field

The computation of the scattered field (acoustic, electromagnetic, and elastic) from a wide class of objects can be treated in a consistent manner using the extended boundary condition (EBC) or T-matrix method (originally derived by Waterman). A basic assumption for the objects using this technique is that it is located in free space i.e., volume void of boundaries. This method can still be used when the object is placed in a waveguide, however, it requires coupling the free space solution with the waveguide solution. In this paper the basic derivation for the far-field solution of the scattered field due to the scattering of a guided wave from an object in a waveguide is outlined. This method is then applied to a problem of physical interest which pertains to acoustical scattering from three-dimensional elongated impenetrable objects in an underwater acoustic waveguide.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in human colorectal cancer

The activation of the insulinlike growth factor 1/IGF-1 receptor system (IGF1/IGF1-R) has recently emerged as critical event in transformation and tumorigenicity of several murine and human tumors. Expression of IGF1 and of IGF1-R has been demonstrated in normal and neoplastic intestinal cell lines of rats and humans. However, the modulation of IGF1-R expression during the progression from normal colonic mucosa to adenoma, to carcinoma, and to metastasis, has not been evaluated. In this retrospective study, we investigated the expression of IGF1-R in 12 colonic adenomas (AD), 36 primary colorectal adenocarcinomas (CA), and in 27 corresponding metastases (MT). Normal colonic mucosa (N) was adjacent to the CA in 34 cases. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of each case were immunostained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. We used an anti-IGF1-R rabbit polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, CA; dilution 1:100). Positive staining was quantitated by CAS-200. Moderate to strong cytoplasmic immunostaining was observed in 34 of 36 CA (96%), and in 25 of 27 MT (93%). In all of the positive MTs, the intensity of the staining was always strong. In 10 of 12 ADs (83%), only a faint cytoplasmic stain was identified. Normal mucosa when present was negative. Strong IGF1-R positivity correlated with higher grade and higher-stage tumors (P < .01). These data suggest a role of IGF1-R expression during the progression of colorectal adenoma to carcinoma. An increased number of IGF1-R receptors may favor the metastasis of colorectal cancer.
SPAK and OSR1: STE20 kinases involved in the regulation of ion homoeostasis and volume control in mammalian cells

Since the discovery of an interaction between membrane transport proteins and the mammalian STE20 (sterile 20)-like kinases SPAK (STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) and OSR1 (oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1), a significant body of work has been performed probing the molecular physiology of these two kinases. To date, the function of SPAK and OSR1 is probably the best known of all mammalian kinases of the STE20 family. As they regulate by direct phosphorylation key ion transport mechanisms involved in fluid and ion homoeostasis, SPAK and OSR1 constitute key end-of-pathway effectors. Their significance in such fundamental functions as ion homoeostasis and cell volume control is evidenced by the evolutionary pressure that resulted in the duplication of the OSR1 gene in higher vertebrates. This review examines the distribution of these two kinases in the animal kingdom and tissue expression within a single organism. It also describes the main molecular features of these two kinases with emphasis on the interacting domain located at their extreme C-terminus. A large portion of the present review is devoted to the extensive biochemical and physiological studies that have resulted in our current understanding of SPAK/OSR1 function. Finally, as our understanding is a work in progress, we also identify unresolved questions and controversies that warrant further investigation.
Correlation of neural response properties with auditory thalamus subdivisions in the awake marmoset

As the information bottleneck of nearly all auditory input that reaches the cortex, the auditory thalamus serves as the basis for establishing auditory cortical processing streams. The functional organization of the primary and nonprimary subdivisions of the auditory thalamus is not well characterized, particularly in awake primates. We have recorded from neurons in the auditory thalamus of awake marmoset monkeys and tested their responses to tones, band-pass noise, and temporally modulated stimuli. We analyzed the spectral and temporal response properties of recorded neurons and correlated those properties with their locations in the auditory thalamus, thereby forming the basis for parallel output channels. Three medial geniculate body (MGB) subdivisions were identified and studied physiologically and anatomically, although other medial subdivisions were also identified anatomically. Neurons in the ventral subdivision (MGV) were sharply tuned for frequency, preferred narrowband stimuli, and were able to synchronize to rapid temporal modulations. Anterodorsal subdivision (MGAD) neurons appeared well suited for temporal processing, responding similarly to tone or noise stimuli but able to synchronize to the highest modulation frequencies and with the highest temporal precision among MGB subdivisions. Posterodorsal subdivision (MGPD) neurons differed substantially from the other two subdivisions, with many neurons preferring broadband stimuli and signaling changes in modulation frequency with nonsynchronized changes in firing rate. Most neurons in all subdivisions responded to increases in tone sound level with nonmonotonic changes in firing rate. MGV and MGAD neurons exhibited responses consistent with provision of thalamocortical input to core regions, whereas MGPD neurons were consistent with provision of input to belt regions.
Analysis of an Infinite Shape Memory Alloy Plate with a Circular Hole Subjected to Biaxial Tension

This paper presents an exact solution for the stresses in an infinite shape memory alloy plate with a circular hole subjected to biaxial tensile stresses applied at infinity. The solution obtained by assumption of plane stress is based on the two-dimensional version of the Tanaka constitutive law for shape memory materials. The plate is in the austenitic phase, prior to the application of external stresses. However, as a result of tensile loading, stress-induced martensite forms, beginning from the boundary of the hole and extending into the interior, as the load continues to increase. Therefore, in a general case, the plate consists of three annular regions: the inner region of pure martensite, the intermediate region where martensite and austenite coexist, and the outer region of pure austenite. The boundaries between these annular regions can be found as functions of the external stress. Two methods of solution are presented. The first is a closed-form approach based on a replacement of the actual distribution of the martensitic fraction by a piece-wise constant function of the radial coordinate. The second method results in an exact solution obtained by assuming that the ratio between the radial and circumferential stresses in the region where austenite and martensite coexist is governed by the same relationship as that in the encompassing regions of pure austenite and pure martensite.
The Impact of Transmission Delays on Mission Control-Space Crew Communication:

During long duration missions space-ground communications will involve delays up to 20 minutes one way, a reality that poses a formidable challenge to team communication and task performance. In the present research we examined how transmission delays impacted the interactions between mission controllers and space crews during routine and off-nominal tasks. Method: Four teams of NASA flight controllers and astronauts participated in a space simulation study involving two 2-hour scenarios with transmission delays of 50 sec and 300 sec. Audio-recordings of space - ground communications were transcribed and their structure (turn taking and sequence) and content examined; specifically, whether speakers identified addressees or themselves, and whether listeners confirmed their understanding. Results and Discussion: Transmission delays disrupted the structure of space-ground communications as contributions by flight controllers and astronauts overlapped or were out of sequence. Space crewmembers and flight cont...
Microdetemination of lead in blood: A derivative pulse stripping voltammetric method

Summary Lead poisoning is best detected by blood lead analysis. In the present work, blood (0.2 ml) after digestion with perchloric acid (0.4 ml) and sulfuric acid (0.1 ml) and dilution to a volume of 7 ml with water is analysed for its lead content using derivative pulse stripping voltammetry. The procedure is rapid and accurate and requires only a few drops of blood (say from a finger stab).
Indigenous people policing indigenous people: the potential psychological and cultural costs

Abstract This research reports on the link between feelings of spirituality and how Navajo police officers tend to enforce European-based law. Previous research suggests that a link exists between the officers’ depth of feeling of spirituality and the officers’ attitude toward the effectiveness traditional methods of social control; however, this research goes a step further and examines the impact of cultural dissonance on the stressors faced by Navajo police officers. The enforcement behavior of the Navajo officers was used as a proxy for the intensity of their feelings concerning the usefulness of traditional versus European-based forces of social control; the underlying assumption being tested is that self-determination is not only a state of law but a state of psychological being. A snowball method of sample development was used to select officers for intensive interviews. The findings suggest that the officers’ feeling of spiritual connectedness to his/her culture is inversely related to the strictness of the enforcement of European-based laws. In other words, the more spiritual the officer, the less likely the officer is to rely solely on European-based laws, and the greater the reliance on other methods of problems solving. The finding also suggest that in addition to the stressors normally encounter by all police officers, Navajo officers faced additional stressors that are specific to indigenous officers policing in indigenous communities.
Liver-specific knockout of GRP94 in mice disrupts cell adhesion, activates liver progenitor cells, and accelerates liver tumorigenesis

Liver cancer is one of the most common solid tumors, with poor prognosis and high mortality. Mutation or deletion of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is strongly correlated with human liver cancer. Glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) is a major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone protein, but its in vivo function is still emerging. To study the role of GRP94 in maintaining liver homeostasis and tumor development, we created two liver-specific knockout mouse models with the deletion of Grp94 alone, or in combination with Pten, using the albumin-cre system. We demonstrated that while deletion of GRP94 in the liver led to hyperproliferation of liver progenitor cells, deletion of both GRP94 and PTEN accelerated development of liver tumors, including both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC), suggestive of progenitor cell origin. Furthermore, at the premalignant stage we observed disturbance of cell adhesion proteins and minor liver injury. When GRP94 was deleted in PTEN-null livers, ERK was selectively activated. Conclusion: GRP94 is a novel regulator of cell adhesion, liver homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. (Hepatology 2014;59:947–957)
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to equine interleukin-10 and detection of T regulatory 1 cells in horses.

Abstract Interleukin-10 (IL-10) terminates inflammatory immune responses and inhibits activation and effector functions of T-cells, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. IL-10 has also been found to be a key cytokine expressed by subpopulations of regulatory T-cells. In this report, we describe the generation and characterization of three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to equine IL-10. The antibodies were found to be specific for equine IL-10 using different recombinant equine cytokine/IgG fusion proteins. Two of the anti-equine IL-10 mAbs were selected for ELISA to detect secreted IL-10 in supernatants of mitogen stimulated equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The sensitivity of the ELISA for detecting secreted IL-10 was found to be around 200 pg/ml. The production of intracellular IL-10 was measured in equine PBMC by flow cytometry. PBMC were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin in the presence of the secretion blocker Brefeldin A. All three anti-IL-10 mAbs detected a positive population in PMA stimulated lymphocytes which was absent in the medium controls. Around 80% of the IL-10+ cells were CD4+. Another 15% were CD8+ cells. Double staining with IL-4 or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) indicated that PMA and ionomycin stimulation induced 80% IL-10+/IFN-γ+ lymphocytes, while only 5% IL-10+/IL-4+ cells were observed. By calculation, at least 60% of the IL-10+/IFN-γ+ cells were CD4+ lymphocytes. This expression profile corresponds to the recently described T regulatory 1 (TR1) cell phenotype. In summary, the new mAbs to equine IL-10 detected native equine IL-10 by ELISA and flow cytometry and can be used for further characterization of this important regulatory cytokine in horses.
Size-controlled synthesis of thiol-derivatized gold clusters

Thiol-derivatized gold clusters (i.e. nano-sized gold crystals coated with a thiolate monolayer, Aun(SR)m, with m ≪ n) based on n-alkanethiols have been obtained by treatment of gold clusters embedded in poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) with thiols. Dodecanethiol (DDT), hexadecanethiol (HDT), and octadecanethiol (ODT) have been used. The polymer-embedded clusters were obtained by reduction of AuCl4− with ethylene glycol at temperatures ranging from 60 to 110 °C, in the presence of PVP as a stabilizer. This new synthesis route provides complete control over the cluster compound structure, since a variety of alkanethiol molecules can be used and the metal core size can be accurately varied by changing the reactive mixture composition (the PVP/HAuCl4 weight ratio). The obtained Au–DDT, Au–HDT, and Au–ODT compounds show a hydrophobic nature, are crystalline, and are thermally stable up to ca. 300 °C.
A multigene analysis of Corallomyxa tenera sp. nov. suggests its membership in a clade that includes Gromia, Haplosporidia and Foraminifera.

We combine a morphological description with a multigene analysis to assess the phylogenetic placement of a poorly known amoeboid taxon Corallomyxa within the eukaryotic tree of life. A detailed morphological analysis including transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy of Corallomyxa sp. ATCC® 50975™ demonstrates that this isolate is a new species, herein designated, Corallomyxa tenera sp. nov. This species possesses features of the genus, such as a multinucleate, reticulate plasmodium with localized bidirectional streaming and occasional formation of surface buds, but is differentially characterized from other species by its delicate appearance, short duration of the anastomosing reticulate network and production of round smooth-walled cysts. The new species also lacks some features found in some Corallomyxa species, including cytoplasmic condensation and an electron dense “chromocenter”. A Bayesian analysis of four concatenated genes (SSU-rDNA, actin, alpha- and beta-tubulin) from a wide diversity of eukaryotes places the new species together with taxa placed in the putative supergroup ‘Rhizaria’. All molecular loci refute the traditional placement of Corallomyxa within the supergroup ‘Amoebozoa’, which includes other Mycetozoidea and Lobosea. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of the two well-sampled genes, SSU-rDNA and actin, with increased taxon sampling of ‘Rhizaria’ show a close affinity of Corallomyxa with Foraminifera, Gromia and, for SSU-rDNA, Haplosporidia. We further identify a novel stem, herein designated E23-13-1, in the predicted SSU-rDNA secondary structure that supports this relationship. A hypothesis is presented for the evolution of morphological and molecular synapomorphies in a clade containing Gromia, Corallomyxa, Foraminifera and Haplosporidia.
A Simplified Approach to the Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Covariance Matrix

Abstract A lemma is given which simplifies the derivation of maximum likelihood estimates of the covariance matrix in the multivariate normal case.
Gaseous wear products from perfluoropolyether lubricant films

Abstract Degradation products of perfluoropolyether lubricants are observed during friction tests on thin film magnetic recording disks using a mass spectrometer. The friction tests are conducted in high vacuum using thin film read-write heads as sliders. Fomblin Z-dol and Krytox 143AX are used as lubricant. Observed removal rates are significant compared with the lubricant film thickness used. The data suggest that the degradation reaction is activated by low energy electrons produced at the tribological interface.
Structural change, the real exchange rate and the balance of payments in Mexico, 1960–2012

This paper estimates a structural model of the balance of payments, with disaggregated exports (manufactures and other) and imports (final and intermediate), and a reduced form model of the trade balance for the Mexican economy. The analysis identifies structural changes in the composition of Mexico’s trade and the parameters that affect it across five subperiods marked by statistical breakpoints. The results indicate that a tightening of the balance-of-payments constraint may account for the post-liberalization slowdown in Mexico’s growth only during certain subperiods, and that the impact of real exchange rate changes on the trade balance has diminished, most likely as a result of the increasing integration of export industries into global supply chains. The results also suggest an asymmetry, whereby a country cannot sustain growth above the rate consistent with balance-of-payments equilibrium, as expected, but it can grow persistently below that rate when other constraints are more binding.
Economic Freedom and Foreign Direct Investment in East Asia

Abstract Since the early 1980s, developing countries have generally welcomed FDI, recognizing its manifold benefits, such as provision of capital, transfer of technology, etc. An extensive literature has evolved on FDI that identifies a number of variables, such as market size, trade openness, etc, as its key determinants. Domestic investment climate as a determinant of FDI has been excluded from the literature as reliable data on investment climate are generally unavailable. This study seeks to fill that void by using the economic freedom index, published since 1995 by The Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal, as a proxy for domestic investment climate for a sample of seven East Asian countries over the 1995–2000 period. Employing panel regression methodologies, this study finds that economic freedom is a significant and robust determinant of FDI. These results further our knowledge of the FDI dynamics in East Asia, which should be helpful in devising strategies to attract more FDI into that region.
Rheological properties of thiolated and succinylated caseins

Gelation of casein may be improved by introduction of functional groups that are capable of forming disulfide bonds. Thiolated whole caseins were prepared with S-acetylmercaptosuccinic anhydride and succinylated whole caseins with succinic anhydride. Thiolated caseins formed gels at protein concentrations of 5% or more at ambient temperatures after treatment with a deacetylating agent, due to air oxidation of the sulfhydryl groups to form disulfide bonds. Gelation rate and gel strength increased with increasing concentration of casein. Gels formed at 10% protein concentration when only 2.6 lysines/mol were modified by the thiolating reagent. However, increased lysine modification was only slightly related to more rapid gelling rate or increased gel strength. Gels formed had mechanical spectra that resembled those of weak gels (gums) in terms of moduli behavior during frequency sweeps, although absolute values were greater. Succinylated caseins and native casein did not form gels under these experimental conditions.
Characterization of Interphasial Properties in Adhesive Joints Using Angle-Beam Reflection Ultrasonic Spectroscopy

Mechanical properties of adhesive joints depend on: (1) the bulk (cohesive) properties of the adhesive such as type of adhesive, degree of cure, porosity, et cetera and (2) the interphasial properties of the bond between the adhesive and the adherends. While several techniques have been developed for nondestructive evaluation of cohesive properties of the adhesive, the assessment of interphase properties is more complicated. It has previously been proposed [1] that an ultrasonic wave that produces shear stress on the interphase is sensitive to interphase properties. This may be achieved by utilization of interface waves [1, 2] or guided waves in the bonded plates [3, 4, 5]. Another possibility is the use of obliquely incident ultrasonic waves for interphase evaluation, analyzing signals in the time or frequency domains [6, 7, 8].
Aortic Valve Cyclic Stretch Causes Increased Remodeling Activity and Enhanced Serotonin Receptor Responsiveness

Background Increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5HT]) receptor (5HTR) signaling has been associated with cardiac valvulopathy. Prior cell culture studies of 5HTR signaling in heart valve interstitial cells have provided mechanistic insights concerning only static conditions. We investigated the hypothesis that aortic valve biomechanics participate in the regulation of both 5HTR expression and interrelated extracellular matrix remodeling events. Methods The effects of cyclic stretch on aortic valve 5HTR, expression, signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling were investigated using a tensile stretch bioreactor in studies which also compared the effects of adding 5HT and (or) the 5HT-transporter inhibitor, fluoxetine. Results Cyclic stretch alone increased both proliferation and collagen in porcine aortic valve cusp samples. However, with cyclic stretch, unlike static conditions, 5HT plus fluoxetine caused the greatest increase in proliferation ( p p p 4.5-fold) for cyclic stretch versus static ( p Conclusions Porcine aortic valve cusp samples subjected to cyclic stretch upregulate 5HTR2A and 2B, and also initiate remodeling activity characterized by increased proliferation and collagen production. Importantly, enhanced 5HTR responsiveness due to increased 5HTR2A and 2B expression results in a significantly greater response in remodeling endpoints (proliferation, collagen, and GAG production) to 5HT in the presence of 5HT transporter blockade.
Critical Evaluation of a Pediatric Hospital Nutrition Screen

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate the effectiveness of a pediatric nutrition screen, risk criteria, interventions and outcomes. Early identification of nutrition compromise and risk status is a priority for the health care team. A nutrition screen for pediatric patients was developed utilizing subjective (patient interview & caregiver's reports) and objective (diagnostic, clinical, anthropometric, & biochemical) data. Periodically, the nutrition screen and point system for ranking risk criteria have been evaluated and revised to meet the changing demands of the hospital environment and current standards. Three methods used to evaluate the screen are listed. 1) A one month comparison of the results from routine nutrition screening and concurrent assessments by the pediatric nutrition support team was evaluated with patient care outcomes in the intensive care unit. The levels of care provided to 23 out of 27 (85%) patients were consistant with the results of the initial nutrition screens. 2) 25 pediatric patients identified at nutrition risk were monitored for implementation of dietitian recommendations for nutrition care strategies. Six (100%) high risk care plans were initiated and 11 out of 19 moderate risk patients' feedings were altered as suggested. 3) A four month review of screening accuracy (n=208) and timeliness identified areas that the resulted in improvements implemented by the technicians. Screens reviewed revealed 98% of the risk level assignments were correct and the nutrition plans were appropriate for the level of care. The pediatric nutrition screen contributes to patient care with identification of patients in need of intervention to optimize treatment response, recognition of the signs of malnutrition by all staff, promoting consistency in care levels and facilitating the evaluation of effectiveness and appropriateness of care plans.
Optical Computing Techniques For Radar And Sonar Signal Processing

New applications of the use of coherent optical processing techniques, especially matched spatial filtering and input format control, in radar and sonar signal processing are reviewed. Emphasis is given to specific problems such as long coded waveforms of thousands of bits, processing of coded phased array and pulse burst radar waveforms, generation of the ambiguity function for use in radar waveform analysis, and the use of space variant optical processing as a novel approach to radar signal processing.
Microstructure and electrochemical properties of PrBaCo2O5+δ/Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 vertically aligned nanocomposite thin film as interlayer for thin film solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract A thin layer of a vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) structure of PrBaCo 2 O 5+ δ (PBCO) and Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 1.95 (GDC) between the cathode and the electrolyte was demonstrated by a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique for thin film solid oxide fuel cells (TFSOFCs). The VAN structured PBCO/GDC thin film shows high quality epitaxial growth on single crystal SrTiO 3 substrate at high deposition temperatures. It also has a lattice matching relation between the PBCO and GDC vertical nanocolumns. The symmetric cells with the VAN interlayer are found to have a lower area specific resistance (ASR) of 2.1 Ω cm 2 compared to that of the ones without the interlayer (2.5 Ω cm 2 ) at 400 °C. The maximum power density of the single cell prepared with the VAN interlayer was 151, 263, and 350 mW cm −2 , respectively, at 650, 700, and 750 °C with an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.88 V at 750 °C. The PBCO/GDC VAN interlayer could perform as a transition layer that enhances adhesion and relieves stress from different thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) and lattice parameters between the cathode and the electrolyte in TFSOFCs.
Intensity Fluctuations of Amplified Spontaneous Emission in Bidirectional Laser Amplifiers

Intensity fluctuations of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in a bidirectional laser amplifier are analysed using a noise amplifier rate equation model. In contrast to the unidirectional case, in which saturation leads to laser-like intensity statistics, we have found that the saturation, as the mechanism for coupling between the counter-propagating beams, in general leads to a non-zero asymptotic value for the intensity fluctuations. For a symmetric amplifier the normalized variance of the output intensity fluctuations declines with increasing amplifier length from the initial value of unity to a limiting value of approximately 0·277. In contrast, when the noise sources of the two counter-propagating beams have unequal mean intensities, the normalized variance of the stronger beam declines more rapidly with length to less than 0·277 while for the weaker beam it reaches a limiting value greater than 0·277. We also find that there are features of the mode competition which are closely related to those o...
Possible involvement of a sialylated component of the sperm plasma membrane in sperm‐zona interaction in the mouse

We have studied the molecular mechanisms of gamete interaction in vitro in the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus. In particular, we were interested in whether this interaction is similar to a lectin-hapten-mediated process. Inhibition of sperm-zona binding was examined using various concentrations (.25 mM to 50 mM) of different sugars (sialic acid α-methylmannose, glucose, fucose, galactose, and N-acetyl-glucosamine). Sperm-zona binding was significantly decreased when eggs were pretreated with 10 mM of sialic acid or α-methylmannose but not by other sugars tested. Furthermore, treatment of capacitated sperm with neuraminidase destroyed their ability to bind and fertilize eggs. We have also used a specific lectin for sialic acid from the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) to agglutinate mouse sperm. The lectin (.120 ng/ml) mediated agglutination of mouse sperm (105 sperm/ml) was routinely observed to increase from a 10% agglutination immediately following their isolation from the epididymis to 100% agglutination 90 minutes later. Collectively, these results suggest the appearance of specific sugar moieties on the surface of the sperm plasma membrane which, in this particular species of mouse, are sialylated glycoproteins acting as ligands for specific receptors on the surface of the egg. These are the first data to indicate that sperm-egg recognition and attachment is a lectin-hapten-mediated process in the mouse.
Tunable Coplanar Wave Guide Band Stop Filters

A tunable band stop filter is designed in the frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 1 GHz and its performance is simulated with Agilent ADS. The filter is fabricated on FR-4 substrates. The BST parallel plate ferroelectric varactors are fabricated on sapphire substrates by MOD technique with Platinum Electrodes and ion-milling. The ferroelectric capacitors show a tunability over 50% within an applied DC bias of 5 V. The filter response was measured using Agilent Vector network analyzer. For the third order BST varactor tuned band stop filters, the notch frequency can be tuned from 480 MHz to 620 MHz by the application of 5 V tuning voltage with a maximum band attenuation of 20 dB.
Human articular cartilage biomechanics of the second metatarsal intermediate cuneiform joint

Intrinsic material properties and histomorphometry of freshly frozen, human cadaveric cartilage from the second metatarsal intermediate cuneiform (SMIC) articulation were obtained to provide biomechanical mapping of the surfaces. The biphasic creep indentation methodology and an automated creep indentation apparatus were used to measure aggregate modulus, Poisson's ratio, permeability, shear modulus, and thickness. Biomechanical experiments were performed on four sites of the SMIC joint in 14 specimens (seven pairs): two sites in the second metatarsal base and two sites in the intermediate cuneiform head. Results of the study indicate that no significant variations exist in the biomechanical comparisons between specific articulations, gross articulations, and left and right joints. For example, cartilage from the second metatarsal base and intermediate cuneiform head had an aggregate modulus of 0.99 MPa and 1.05 MPa, respectively. The Poisson's ratio and permeability of all test sites grouped together were found to be 0.08 and 3.05 × 70 −15 m 4 /N · s, respectively. Cartilage thickness was measured at 0.61 mm. This biomechanical study suggests that similarities in cartilage properties may be beneficial in preventing the human SMIC articulation from developing early degenerative changes. Histological evaluation demonstrated that SMIC cartilage exhibits structural characteristics (such as the absence of chondrocyte columnar arrangement in the deep zone) which may be typical of cartilage that does not experience habitually high compressive stresses. This knowledge could aid surgeons in generating a deeper perspective of the relationship between clinical pathologies of articular cartilage and intrinsic biomechanical etiologies of degenerative joint diseases.
Two new Brazilian species of Chamaecrista Moench (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae)

Chamaecrista (sect.Apoucouita)onusta Irwin & Barneby from coastal Bahia andCh. (sect.Absus)hatschbachii Irwin & Barneby from north-central Minas Gerais are described, figured and systematically characterized. Four new combinations inChamaecrista incidental to the discussion are proposed.
Halbleitende und metallische Polymere: polymere Materialien der vierten Generation (Nobel‐Vortrag)

Wenn ich erklaren soll, welche Bedeutung die Entdeckung leitfahiger Polymere hatte, so habe ich zwei einfache Antworten: Erstens gab es sie nicht (und konnte es sie nicht geben!) und zweitens verfugen sie uber eine einzigartige Kombination von Eigenschaften, wie man sie bei keinem anderen bekannten Material findet. Die erste Antwort druckt eine intellektuelle Herausforderung aus, wahrend die zweite eine breite Palette von Anwendungsmoglichkeiten fur diese Materialien verspricht.
On Rereading D. Basu’s Jointly Sufficient Statistic Example Made Up of Two Ancillaries and Miscellany

D. Basu gave a striking bivariate normal example, N 2(0, 0, 1, 1, ρ) with an unknown correlation coefficient ρ, − 1 < ρ < 1, where the jointly sufficient statistic (X 1, X 2) consists of two ancillary statistics X 1, X 2. We exhibit examples of ancillary statistics involving both X 1, X 2 followed by other variations. A situation is highlighted where a jointly minimal sufficient statistic (X 1, X 2) is made up of ancillary statistics X 1, X 2. Then, we illustrate a concrete multivariable full model which questions the customary practice of contrasting non-constant reduced models via deletion of one covariate at-a-time.
Effect of a High Fat Diet on Carbon Dioxide Combining Power of Blood Plasma

Summary1. A high fat diet produced no characteristic reaction as measured by the carbon dioxide combining capacity of blood plasma. 2. The carbon dioxide combining capacities of the men were greater than those of the women when on identical diets.
Crossing international and research boundaries: From subject to author for an authentic refugee portrait

Scholars in training, including qualitative researchers, are often cautioned about their relationship to their research participants with the notion that “getting too close” can distort findings. However, with many participants, especially those with whom issues of trust are problematic due to their personal experiences, researchers cannot gain rich data without creating an authentic and close relationship. In this longitudinal study, a female Bosnian youth and an academic researcher grapple with issues of trust, friendship, and research in an effort to determine ways to create valid research findings over years of relationship building.
What you should know about PR3-ANCA. Conformational requirements of proteinase 3 (PR3) for enzymatic activity and recognition by PR3-ANCA

The neutrophil azurophil granule constituent proteinase 3 (PR3) is the principal antigen for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in Wegener's granulomatosis. The conformation of the mature PR3 enzyme results from intracellular post-translational processing. The nascent molecule undergoes proteolytic cleavage of the amino-terminal signal peptide and activation dipeptide and of a carboxy-terminal peptide extension. The conformation of PR3 is stabilized by four disulfide bonds and, to a lesser extent, by asparagine-linked glycosylation. Most anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies directed against proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA) recognize conformational epitopes. The expression of recombinant PR3 has provided a better understanding of the significance of the various intracellular processing steps for enzymatic activity and recognition by PR3-ANCA.
Application of ice-air jet blasting in treatment of sensitive surfaces

Application of water ice particles for precision cleaning was investigated experimentally. Several setups for ice particle generation and blasting were constructed. It was suggested that an efficient technology for formation of particles, in the range of 0.32.0 mm, involves ice crushing during water solidification. Freezing of water mist in a nitrogen bath constitutes the efficient technique to generate particles in the range of 1525 microns. It was shown that ice-air jet containing larger particles is suitable for precision decontamination of metal, plastic, electronic and electromechanical parts, while the micron size particles are appropriate for processing of substrates in biomedical and food industries.
Modelling with poetry in an introductory college algebra course and beyond

The main focus of this article is the pedagogical use of poetry in a college course, Introductory College Algebra and Mathematical Modelling, which was designed to prepare students with weak mathematics background for science courses. We use poetry projects to ease the difficulties students have with the transition between word-problems representing natural phenomena, and the corresponding mathematical models–the equations representing the phenomena. We also use poetry projects to stimulate classroom participation, develop mathematical intuition, enhance number sense and introduce new concepts in an engaging setting. We present two examples of group-projects that we employed in our course, as well as a number of other poems which may be used to construct additional group or individual projects in courses of similar mathematical level. We conclude by providing a brief survey of the pedagogical uses of poetry in the K-14 mathematics classroom, and examples of poetry that may be used to enhance learning expe...
Modeling of non-linear polysilicon resistors for analog circuit design

This paper focuses on modeling the effect of the silicide-silicon interface within a polysilicon resistor head that is typical of silicon process technologies used for precision analog circuit design. This interface introduces resistor nonlinearity over bias which can be detrimental to circuit performance, e.g. by manifesting circuit distortion. A nonlinear resistor model suitable for high-frequency circuit simulation and a methodology for obtaining model parameters are provided.
Exit signs in smoke: Design parameters for greater visibility:

A review of regulations and specifications for internally illuminated exit signs recommended or enforced by various sanctioning bodies in Canada, Great Britain and elsewhere reveals omissions and inconsistencies which may compromise the safety of building occupants in smoke. Since these problems are partly due to lack of conclusive research, a controlled psychophysical experiment was conducted to assess the readability of three common exit sign design features (i.e. the various combinations of opaque and transilluminated text and backgrounds) under different levels of smoke density and ambient illumination. The sign designs differed greatly in terms of threshold illuminance at the rear of the signs (analogous to the intensity of the sign's light source), but all were similar in terms of the threshold luminance of the sign's front panel. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for improved building codes.
Sequence of the Tribolium castaneum Homeotic Complex: The Region Corresponding to the Drosophila melanogaster Antennapedia Complex

The homeotic selector genes of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, are located in a single cluster. We have sequenced the region containing the homeotic selector genes required for proper development of the head and anterior thorax, which is the counterpart of the ANTC in Drosophila. This 280-kb interval contains eight homeodomain-encoding genes, including single orthologs of the Drosophila genes labial, proboscipedia, Deformed, Sex combs reduced, fushi tarazu, and Antennapedia, as well as two orthologs of zerknullt. These genes are all oriented in the same direction, as are the Hox genes of amphioxus, mice, and humans. Although each transcription unit is similar to its Drosophila counterpart in size, the Tribolium genes contain fewer introns (with the exception of the two zerknullt genes), produce shorter mRNAs, and encode smaller proteins. Unlike the ANTC, this region of the Tribolium HOMC contains no additional genes.