cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Underpricing in the Corporate Bond Market

This article examines underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) and seasoned offerings in the corporate bond market. We investigate whether underpricing represents a solution to an information problem or a liquidity problem. We find that underpricing occurs with both IPOs and seasoned offerings and is highest among riskier, unknown firms. Our evidence suggests that information problems drive underpricing, with support for both the bookbuilding view of underpricing and the asymmetric information theory. We do not find evidence in favor of the Rock model of underpricing or any evidence that illiquidity causes underpricing.
Atomic and molecular layer deposition in pursuing better batteries

In the past decade, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD and MLD), these two sister techniques have been attracting more and more research attention to address technical challenges in various advanced battery systems. The charm of both ALD and MLD lies in their unique mechanism for growing a large variety of functional materials, featuring uniform and conformal films enabled at the atomic/molecular level at low temperature. Using ALD and MLD, to date, there have been many excitements achieved in research. These will ultimately be reflected on technical innovations that will help revolutionize our lifestyles. This invited article gives the first comprehensive review briefing on the journey of ALD and MLD in pursuing better batteries and highlighting many exciting progresses in various advanced battery systems. It is expected that this review will help boost many more efforts in using ALD and MLD for new battery technologies in the coming decade.
Unbelievable: ERISA's Broken Promise [ver. 4.0; August 2021]

A central but generally neglected objective of federal regulation of pension and welfare benefit plans was to improve overall economic efficiency by providing workers with accessible and reliable information on which to base their career and financial planning. Simple dissemination of plan terms and financial data (full disclosure) cannot achieve that objective because few workers are equipped with the skills needed to evaluate the costs and benefits of complex retirement saving or health care programs. For that reason ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, requires curated disclosure of plan-related information: it must be presented a format that is both understandable to the average plan participant and sufficiently complete to empower workers to make best use of the program. The length and complexity of most employee benefit plans creates tension between understandability and completeness, calling for tradeoffs to achieve optimal disclosure. As implemented ERISA’s understandability standard has been jettisoned by plan sponsors seeking protection from liability for failing to tell workers enough. Required plan summaries became unreadable, but plan sponsors could get away with that, both because there was no administrative or judicial enforcement of the understandability standard, and because they could tout the advantages of their benefit plans to workers by means of unregulated informal communications. The demise of understandability is only half the story. Federal courts also degraded the reliability of mandatory disclosures by finding that the obligation to provide reasonably accurate and complete information is enforceable only in a suit for appropriate equitable relief. In consequence, disclosure defects are often presented as estoppel claims, which triggers search for individual detrimental reliance, and translates into widespread under-enforcement of the reliability standard. This article explores the policy dimension of ERISA disclosure law and chronicles the decay of the equilibrium Congress envisioned. From the perspective of workers it is a saga of disappointment, disillusionment, and defeat. The new balance serves the interests of federal courts (reduced caseload) and some employers (increased flexibility), but likely contributes to the increasing standardization of employee benefit plans, decreasing their utility as instruments of workforce management. Far worse, it abandons ERISA’s goal of improved economic performance through better-informed career and financial planning. Yet those costs are not immutable: employers’ liability exposure could be recalibrated by regulation to revive understandability and approach optimal disclosure.
Connectedness and Compactness

In this chapter we treat two topological properties that are of central importance in our study of manifolds: connectedness and compactness.
Kinematics for combined quasi-static force and motion control in multi-limbed robots

This paper considers how a multi-limbed robot can carry out manipulation tasks involving simultaneous and compatible end-effector velocity and force goals, while also maintaining quasi-static stance stability. The formulation marries a local optimization process with an assumption of a compliant model of the environment. For purposes of illustration, we first develop the formulation for a single fixed based manipulator arm. Some of the basic kinematic variables we previously introduced for multi-limbed robot mechanism analysis in [1] are extended to accomodate this new formulation. Using these extensions, we provide a novel definition for static equilibrium of multi-limbed robot with actuator limits, and provide general conditions that guarantee the ability to apply arbitrary end-effector forces. Using these extended definitions, we present the local optimization problem and its solution for combined manipulation and stance. We also develop, using the theory of strong alternatives, a new definition and a computable test for quasi-static stance feasibility in the presence of manipulation forces. Simulations illustrate the concepts and method.
Group Processes in the Classroom

Group processes in the classroom occur when peers engage in a common task and can include a variety of both social and cognitive processes. The focus of this article is on cooperative or collaborative groups of peers. Thus, group processes occur during peer learning. The article describes a number of theoretical orientations toward peer learning that suggest different explanatory mechanisms for effective peer learning. These orientations have different implications for important decisions in the classroom. The relationship between what researchers know about effective group processes and the use of this knowledge by teachers is examined. Two models for considering group processes are described which attempt to integrate the varying theoretical orientations to peer learning. These models may make it possible to provide a better linkage between empirical research and classroom practice. Finally, directions for future research are outlined.
Resident and Infiltrating Central Nervous System APCs Regulate the Emergence and Resolution of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

During experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), autoreactive Th1 T cells invade the CNS. Before performing their effector functions in the target organ, T cells must recognize Ag presented by CNS APCs. Here, we investigate the nature and activity of the cells that present Ag within the CNS during myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced EAE, with the goal of understanding their role in regulating inflammation. Both infiltrating macrophages (Mac-1 + CD45 high ) and resident microglia (Mac-1 + CD45 int ) expressed MHC-II, B7-1, and B7-2. Macrophages and microglia presented exogenous and endogenous CNS Ags to T cell lines and CNS T cells, resulting in IFN-γ production. In contrast, Mac-1 − cells were inefficient APCs during EAE. Late in disease, after mice had partially recovered from clinical signs of disease, there was a reduction in Ag-presenting capability that correlated with decreased MHC-II and B7-1 expression. Interestingly, although CNS APCs induced T cell cytokine production, they did not induce proliferation of either T cell lines or CNS T cells. This was attributable to production by CNS cells (mainly by macrophages) of NO. T cell proliferation was restored with an NO inhibitor, or if the APCs were obtained from inducible NO synthase-deficient mice. Thus, CNS APCs, though essential for the initiation of disease, also play a down-regulatory role. The mechanisms by which CNS APCs limit the expansion of autoreactive T cells in the target organ include their production of NO, which inhibits T cell proliferation, and their decline in Ag presentation late in disease.
High Resolution Studies of the Origins of Polyatomic Ions in Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

The inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is an atmospheric pressure ionization source. Traditionally, the plasma is sampled via a sampler cone. A supersonic jet develops behind the sampler, and this region is pumped down to a pressure of approximately one Torr. A skimmer cone is located inside this zone of silence to transmit ions into the mass spectrometer. The position of the sampler and skimmer cones relative to the initial radiation and normal analytical zones of the plasma is key to optimizing the useful analytical signal [1]. The ICP both atomizes and ionizes the sample. Polyatomic ions form through ion-molecule interactions either in the ICP or during ion extraction [l]. Common polyatomic ions that inhibit analysis include metal oxides (MO{sup +}), adducts with argon, the gas most commonly used to make up the plasma, and hydride species. While high resolution devices can separate many analytes from common interferences, this is done at great cost in ion transmission efficiency--a loss of 99% when using high versus low resolution on the same instrument [2]. Simple quadrupole devices, which make up the bulk of ICP-MS instruments in existence, do not present this option. Therefore, if the source of polyatomic interferences can be determined andmore » then manipulated, this could potentially improve the figures of merit on all ICP-MS devices, not just the high resolution devices often utilized to study polyatomic interferences.« less
A 90 nm 512 Mb 166 MHz multilevel cell flash memory with 1.5 MByte/s programming

A 2b/cell flash memory in 90 nm triple-well CMOS technology achieves 1.5 MB/s programming and 166 MHz synchronous operation. The design features 2-row programming, optimized program control hardware, 3 transistor x-decoder with negative deselected rows and configurable output buffers. The die is 42.5 mm/sup 2/ with a cell size of 0.076 /spl mu/m/sup 2/.
“Privacy” in Semantic Networks on Chinese Social Media: The Case of Sina Weibo

Unprecedented social and technological developments call into question the meanings and boundaries of privacy in contemporary China. This study examines the discourse of privacy on Sina Weibo, the country's largest social medium, by performing a semantic network analysis of 18,000 postings containing the word “ (privacy).” The cluster analysis identifies 11 distinct yet organically related concept clusters, each representing a unique dimension of meaning of the complex concept. The interpretation of the findings is situated in the discussion of the rapidly evolving private realm in relation to emerging new contexts of the public realm. Privacy, justified for both its instrumental functions and intrinsic values, both reflects and constitutes new forms of sociality on the sociotechno space of Weibo.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Indicators: Measuring Hydrophilanthropic Quality

: The driving institutional mechanisms behind solutions for increasing access to water, sanitation and hygiene for the poor are driven by hydrophilanthropy, monies donated by non-government organizations to create solutions to problems caused by water poverty. Water poverty is the stress and/or scarcity of water resources (institutional, social, economic, political and/or physical constraints) that exceed an individual's basic needs for health, prosperity and a secure livelihood. Hydrophilanthropic organizations have emerged from the institutional landscape as water advocates and are responsible for contributing unequivocal resources towards ameliorating social, environmental, cultural and economic consequences resulting from water poverty, however, results from their contributions have been overlooked by policy makers. Questions for future research on the role of the hydro-philanthropic community include: what is the rationale for hydro-philanthropy to fund programs aimed at increasing access to water? And, does funding from hydrophilanthropy determine policy or does policy determine what is funded?
Benign lymphoid hyperplasia of the rectum.

Summary One case of benign lymphoid hyperplasiaof the rectum is presented, with the formation of several polypoid lesions and apparent spontaneous resolution. One case is presented showing by roentgen study complete obliteration of the normal mucosal pattern in the rectosigmoid associated with hepatosplenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. This case is considered a transitional form between benign lymphoid hyperplasia and one of the more malignant lymphoma. Good results were obtained with palliative roentgen therapy. A serous discharge from the rectum should always suggest the possibility of a lymphoma of the rectosigmoid. A dynamic concept of the lymphomatousdiseases is outlined to facilitate understanding and management of individual cases.
The impact of prevention versus promotion hope on CSR activities.

Abstract In order to benefit from CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities, companies need to adopt appropriate advertising strategies that can positively influence consumers’ purchase decisions while generating favorable attitudes toward the company. Advertising certain products or services triggers the feeling of hope and creates specific goals that consumers aim to achieve. In this study, we distinguish between two types of hope—promotion hope versus prevention hope, and examine their impact in the context of CSR. Results from an experimental study reveal that the impact of CSR activities on consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions depends on the type of hope. When the ad portrayed a message inducing prevention hope, an altruistic CSR activity was more effective than a strategic CSR activity. Conversely, the impact of the two CSR activities did not differ in the promotion ad context.
Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). III. Sexual segment of the male kidney.

In mature male snakes and lizards, a distal portion of the nephron is hypertrophied in relation to its appearance in females and immature males. This sexual segment of the male kidney apparently provides seminal fluid that is mixed with sperm and released into the female cloaca during copulation. In this article, we provide the first study at the ultrastructural level of seasonal variation in the sexual segment of the kidney of a squamate, the natricine snake Seminatrix pygaea. Previous workers have indicated that the sexual segment is secretory only when the testes are spermatogenically active. The sexual segment of the kidney in S. pygaea does not go through an extended period of inactivity but does show a cycle of synthesis and secretion that can be related to the spermatogenic cycle and mating activity. We show that synthesis of secretory product is initiated with the onset of spermatogenic activity in the spring and culminates with completion of spermiation in the fall. Secretion of the product, however, occurs in a premating period in March when the testes are inactive. Secretion during this premating period is probably necessary to provide time for the passage of the products down the ureter in order to mix with sperm during mating later in spring.
Chemical Ecology of the Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a serious invasive pest that has caused devastating mortality of ash trees (Fraxinus sp., Oleaceae) since it was first identified in North America in 2002. Shortly after its discovery, surveys were conducted, based on the visual inspection of trees. The shortcomings of visual surveys have led to a critical research need to find an efficient survey method for detecting A. planipennis infestations. Here, we present a review of research that has led to the development of effective trapping methods for A. planipennis. Studies on the insect’s biology and behavior have led to the identification of several potential attractants as well as the design of a visually attractive trap. The ongoing challenge in developing an optimally efficient trapping methodology for A. planipennis will involve finding the best combination of variables, such as trap shape, trap color (or other visual properties), trap placement, lure components, as well as the ratios and release rates of those components.
Total proton reaction cross section of copper at 9 MeV

Abstract A beam attenuation technique has been used to measure the reaction cross section of copper at an average proton energy of 9 MeV. Our result, 895±80 mb, is compared with other measurements.
Protein kinase C-regulated cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in cultured rat striatal neurons.

The transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) promotes target DNA transcription in response to cellular stimulation in brain neurons. Phosphorylation of CREB is regulated by a variety of extracellular and intracellular signals. In this study, protein kinase C (PKC)-regulated CREB phosphorylation was investigated in cultured rat striatal neurons. We found that PKC activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) produced a rapid and transient phosphorylation of CREB. The increase in CREB phosphorylation was dose-dependent and prevented by the two PKC selective inhibitors (chelerythrine and Go6983). Interestingly, the PMA-induced CREB phosphorylation was also blocked by a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KN93 and the two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126, but not by a p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. PMA activation of PKC markedly increased phosphorylation of MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 at a dose that completely blocked the PKA activator (8-br-cAMP)-induced CREB phosphorylation partially blocked the PMA-stimulated CREB phosphorylation. Furthermore, blockade of NMDA and AMPA glutamate receptors and L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels did not alter the ability of PMA to induce CREB phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that PKC is among the protein kinases that can positively modulate CREB phosphorylation in striatal neurons, and the PKC signals to CREB activation are mediated via signaling mechanisms involving multiple downstream protein kinases.
Cholinergic Agents Modulate Transport in the Isolated, Perfused Ileum

The mammalian small intestine is extensively innervated by cholinergic nerve fibers, including projections to the muscular and submucosal layers. This study tested the hypothesis that cholinergic agents modulate ileal transport independent of alterations in intestinal vascular resistance and motility. Ten-centimeter segments of rabbit ileum (n = 32) were vascularly perfused ex vivo with a physiologic electrolyte solution containing red cells. The lumen was perfused with an electrolyte solution containing [14C]polyethylene glycol. Net fluxes of water, sodium, and chloride were calculated during three 20-min periods: basal, drug infusion, and recovery. Agents infused at a final arterial concentration of 10-5 mole/liter included acetylcholine, atropine, and hexamethonium. Measured perfusion pressure reflected changes in vascular resistance. Recovery calculations controlled for motility effects. Acetylcholine caused significant secretion of water, sodium, and chloride (P < 0.05). The infusion of atropine or hexamethonium alone had no effect. Atropine but not hexamethonium prevented the prosecretory effect of acetylcholine. There were no significant changes in perfusion pressure or 14C recovery for any infused agent. Acetylcholine-induced ileal secretion is (1) mediated via atropine-sensitive muscarinic cholinergic receptors, (2) independent of extraintestinal neural pathways, and (3) independent of changes in vascular resistance or motility. These data support the hypothesis that acetylcholine influences ileal transport directly, independent of alterations in vascular resistance and motility.
Profiling Bacterial Diversity and Taxonomic Composition on Speleothem Surfaces in Kartchner Caverns, AZ

Caves are relatively accessible subterranean habitats ideal for the study of subsurface microbial dynamics and metabolisms under oligotrophic, non-photosynthetic conditions. A 454-pyrotag analysis of the V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to systematically evaluate the bacterial diversity of ten cave surfaces within Kartchner Caverns, a limestone cave. Results showed an average of 1,994 operational taxonomic units (97 % cutoff) per speleothem and a broad taxonomic diversity that included 21 phyla and 12 candidate phyla. Comparative analysis of speleothems within a single room of the cave revealed three distinct bacterial taxonomic profiles dominated by either Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, or Acidobacteria. A gradient in observed species richness along the sampling transect revealed that the communities with lower diversity corresponded to those dominated by Actinobacteria while the more diverse communities were those dominated by Proteobacteria. A 16S rRNA gene clone library from one of the Actinobacteria-dominated speleothems identified clones with 99 % identity to chemoautotrophs and previously characterized oligotrophs, providing insights into potential energy dynamics supporting these communities. The robust analysis conducted for this study demonstrated a rich bacterial diversity on speleothem surfaces. Further, it was shown that seemingly comparable speleothems supported divergent phylogenetic profiles suggesting that these communities are very sensitive to subtle variations in nutritional inputs and environmental factors typifying speleothem surfaces in Kartchner Caverns.
A variational formulation for a class of free boundary problems arising in hydrodynamic lubrication

Abstract A variational formulation for hydrodynamic lubrication is presented. The free boundary problem associated with the Reynolds boundary condition is shown to arise naturally from this formulation. Methods for obtaining approximate solutions via direct methods (including the use of “finite element spaces”) are discussed.
A hybrid Lagrangian variational method for Bose–Einstein condensates in optical lattices

Solving the Gross–Pitaevskii (GP) equation describing a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) immersed in an optical lattice potential can be a numerically demanding task. We present a variational technique for providing fast, accurate solutions of the GP equation for systems where the external potential exhibits rapid variation along one spatial direction. Examples of such systems include a BEC subjected to a one-dimensional optical lattice or a Bragg pulse. This variational method is a hybrid form of the Lagrangian variational method for the GP equation in which a hybrid trial wavefunction assumes a Gaussian form in two coordinates while being totally unspecified in the third coordinate. The resulting equations of motion consist of a quasi-one-dimensional GP equation coupled to ordinary differential equations for the widths of the transverse Gaussians. We use this method to investigate how an optical lattice can be used to move a condensate non-adiabatically.
Poly(decyl methacrylate)-based fluorescent PEBBLE swarm nanosensors for measuring dissolved oxygen in biosamples

150–250 nm Poly(decyl methacrylate) (PDMA) fluorescent ratiometric nanosensors for dissolved oxygen have been developed. Platinum octaethylporphine ketone (PtOEPK), the oxygen-sensitive dye, and octaethylporphyrin (OEP), the oxygen-insensitive dye, have been incorporated into PDMA nanoparticles to make the sensors ratiometric. Based on the corresponding Stern–Volmer plot, these nanosensors exhibit almost complete linearity over the whole range of dissolved molecular oxygen from 0 to 42.5 ppm (deoxygenated to pure oxygen-bubbled water). The overall quenching response is up to 97.5%, the best so far for all dissolved oxygen optical sensors. These PEBBLE nanosensors also show very good reversibility and stability to leaching and photobleaching, as well as very short response times and no perturbation by proteins. In human plasma they demonstrate a robust oxygen sensing capability, little affected by light scattering and autofluorescence. Potential applications include intracellular oxygen imaging and microresolved pressure profiles in biological and other heterogenous environments.
Low-frequency variability and wavenumber selection in models with zonally symmetric forcing

The authors consider a two-layer quasigeostrophic model with linear surface drag and forcing that relaxes to a zonal baroclinically unstable equilibrium state consisting of a meridionally confined temperature gradient. It is observed that the most energetic wave in the time-mean climate has near zero frequency and is not driven by upscale nonlinear energy transfers. This wave has a zonal scale near the long-wave cutoff of the equilibrium state, and its energy balance is mainly between baroclinic generation and dissipation. This maintenance mechanism is different from that suggested by beta-plane, two-dimensional, and quasigeostrophic turbulence arguments and may be relevant to the dynamics of zonally asymmetric low-frequency variability in the atmosphere, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere.
Use of Redd Counts to Detect Trends in Bull Trout (Salvelinus conf luentus) Populations

Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) is a species of growing interest in the Pacific Northwest (J.S.). It was recently proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997); however, uncertainty and debate regarding the status of remaining populations continues. Biologists throughout the region have expressed concern regarding the loss of historical populations and the risks facing those that remain (Howell & Buchanan 1992; Rieman & McIntyre 1993), but published data demonstrating such problems are few. A variety of monitoring data are available from management agencies but, as with other species (e.g., Pechmann et al. 1991; Reed & Blaustein 1995), time series are often short or highly variable, potentially limiting the power of simple tests for trends in the data. As a result, in a recent public policy conference regarding the future management of bull trout and the lands influencing their habitats, some argued that there is little statistically supported evidence that populations are declining and therefore no clear risk of extinction. The most consistent and extensive monitoring information we could locate for bull trout is represented by redd (nest) counts maintained by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. We used the data provided by these agencies to determine whether the patterns within and among populations suggest any trends and to evaluate the difficulty of detecting potentially important trends. Bull trout associated with three large lake systems in the Clark Fork River basin of northern Idaho (Pend Oreille Lake) and northwestern Montana (Flathead and Swan lakes) exhibit a migratory life history (Rieman & McIntyre 1996) analogous to that of anadromous salmonids. Adults spawn and juveniles rear in tributary streams. Juveniles
Modeling static and dynamic thermography of the human breast under elastic deformation

An abnormal thermogram has been shown to be a reliable indicator of increased risk of breast cancer. Numerical modeling techniques for thermography are proposed to quantify the complex relationships between the breast thermal behaviors and the underlying physiological/pathological conditions. Previous thermal modeling techniques did not account for gravity-induced elastic deformation arising from various body postures, nor did they suggest that a dynamic thermal procedure may be used to enhance clinical diagnosis. In this paper, 3D finite element method (FEM)-based thermal and elastic modeling techniques are developed to characterize comprehensively both the thermal and elastic properties of normal and tumorous breast tissues during static and dynamic thermography. In the steady state, gravity-induced breast deformation is found to cause an upper-lower asymmetric surface temperature contrast for sitting/standing up body posture, even though all the thermal and elastic properties are assumed uniform. Additionally, the tumor-induced surface temperature alterations are found to be caused primarily by shallow tumors and to be less sensitive to tumor size than to tumor depth. In the dynamic state, the breast exhibits distinctive temporal patterns that are associated with distinct thermal events: cold stress and thermal recovery induced by changes in the ambient temperature. Specifically, the tumor-induced thermal contrast shows an opposite initial change and delayed peak as compared with the deformation-induced thermal contrast. These findings are expected to provide a stronger foundation for, and greater specificity and precision in, thermographic diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.
Cauchy's equation on Δ+: Further results

In a previous paper [Cauchy's equation on Δ+, Aequationes Math.41 (1991), 192–211], we began the study of Cauchy's equation on Δ+, the space of probability distribution functions of nonnegative random variables. In this paper we continue this study and extend our previous results to triangle functions of the formτ T, L , whereT is a continuous Archimedean t-norm andL a binary operation onR+, which is iseomorphic to a strict t-conorm. We again use a lattice theoretic approach, and introduce first a theorem on the powers and roots of certain elements of Δ+ underτ T,L . Under certain additional restrictions we obtain a representation of sup-continuous solutions, similar to the one found in the first paper.
The Optimal Consumption of Depletable Natural Resources

I. Introduction, 371. — II. The simple model, 372. — III. Market equilibrium in the simple model, 375. — IV. The extended model — optimal and equilibrium allocation with nonzero extraction costs, 377. — V. Equilibrium with uncertain future demand, 381. — VI. Monopoly behavior, 387. — VII. Summary and conclusion, 389. — Appendix: proof of the optimality of the N-period market equilibrium under uncertainty if suppliers are risk-neutral, 390.
Hormone specific regulation of natural killer cells by cortisol Direct inactivation of the cytotoxic function of cloned human NK cells without an effect on cellular proliferation

Corticosteroids have previously been reported to partially inhibit the natural cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, since only a few percent of peripheral lymphocytes are natural killer (NK) cells, it has not been possible to determine whether corticosteroids directly inhibit NK cells or mediate this effect via other cell types. This report documents direct functional inactivation, but unimpeded proliferation, of cloned human NK cells by subphysiologic levels of cortisol. In contrast, high concentrations of testosterone, progesterone or estradiol had no significant effect on proliferation or cytotoxic activity of the cloned NK cells. The kinetics of inhibition of NK function by cortisol are consistent with a transcription-dependent mechanism.
Help-seeking for intimate partner violence and forced sex in South Carolina.

Purpose: In this population-based, random-digit-dial, cross-sectional survey, we assessed the lifetime victimization of intimate partner violence (IPV) and forced or coerced sex among 556 women and men in South Carolina, and the help-seeking behaviors of victims. Results: Among women, 25.3% experienced IPV (sexual, physical, or emotional violence) compared with 13.2% of men. Although women were significantly more likely to report physical or sexual IPV (17.8%) than were men (4.9%), men (8.3%) were as likely as women (7.4%) to report perceived emotional abuse without physical or sexual IPV. One half of men and women with annual incomes <$15,000 reported IPV. Among women experiencing physical or sexual IPV, 53% sought community-based or professional services for IPV; women with higher education levels and those experiencing more severe violence were most likely to seek services. Conclusions: These data show that IPV is common and that most victims do not receive services to address this violence.
1,4-Bis(4-nitro-styr-yl)benzene.

The complete molecule of the title compound, C22H16N2O4, is generated by a crystallographic centre of inversion. The plane of the central aromatic ring is tilted by 11.85 (4)° with respect to the outer aromatic ring. The crystal packing is determined by van der Waals inter­actions, with stair-like stacking between adjacent aromatic rings. The stacks are staggered and each layer is approximately 3.8 A from the next. The closest inter­molecular contact (approximately 2.42 A) is between an O atom and a vinyl H atom.
Gaining Vascular access in pediatric patients : Use of the P.D. access Doppler needle

This article describes our initial experience with the P.D. Access Doppler needle for obtaining vascular access in pediatric patients. Patients were considered for use of the P.D. Access Doppler needle (Escalon Vascular Access, New Berlin, WI) if they had a history of difficult access or body habitus limitations to vascular access. An 18-, a 20-, or a 22-gauge bare needle with an inserted Doppler stylet was utilized. The time from initial subcutaneous entry of the Doppler needle until wire placement into the vessel lumen was recorded. Initial attempts to cannulate were performed with standard Seldinger technique. If attempts with the standard technique were unsuccessful, then P.D. Access was utilized. However, P.D. Access was used primarily in small children for internal jugular vein cannulation or in patients with coarctation who had absent/diminished femoral pulses. P.D. Access cannulation was attempted 39 times (31 patients). Median age is 23 months (range, 1 day to 15 years). Median weight is 10.5 kg (range, 1.7-57 kg). These patients had a mean of two prior cardiac catheterizations and/or surgeries (range, 0-6 procedures). Use of P.D. Access resulted in successful cannulation in 35/39 (90%) attempts. In successful outcomes, the time from initial subcutaneous entry to cannulation is 6.5+/-4.9 min. In unsuccessful outcomes, failure was due to prior hematoma formation, operator inexperience, or prior vessel occlusion. Successful use of P.D. Access shortens the duration of vascular access in difficult pediatric patients. In our cardiac catheterization laboratory, this technique has become the preferred initial entry technique for cannulation of the internal jugular vein in small children. In addition, this technique was particularly useful for femoral artery cannulation in patients with coarctation of the aorta with absent/diminished femoral pulses.
Volume transmission of dopamine over large distances may contribute to recovery from experimental parkinsonism

Administration of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to cats results in a parkinsonian syndrome that spontaneously recovers by 6 weeks after induction. Striatal dopamine depletions in these animals are heterogenous with more extensive damage dorsolaterally than ventromedially. Measures of extracellular dopamine levels by in vivo microdialysis showed that dopamine released from a relatively preserved ventral striatal innervation can diffuse over a distance of 5.5 mm to 7.0 mm to the more extensively denervated dorsolateral striatum, where it may influence sensorimotor activities and contribute to functional recovery. Diffusion of dopamine through a large volume of striatal tissue was observed in cats 6 weeks after an MPTP-induced lesion and in normal cats with pharmacologically induced dopamine reuptake inhibition, but not in normal animals without reuptake inhibition. In cats recovered from MPTP-induced parkinsonism, a greater amount of dopamine was recovered from the extracellular fluid in the dorsolateral caudate following stimulated release of dopamine from the ventromedial striatum than after stimulated release locally in the dorsolateral caudate. These results suggest volume transmission of dopamine over large distances is possible and perhaps an important contributor to functional recovery from a large dopamine-depleting lesion. These results may also form the basis for understanding how limited reinnervation of the striatum by grafts or trophic factor therapies may lead to significant functional improvement.
Ammines of iridium(O)

Abstract The reduction of hexammineiridium(III) ion with potassium in ammonia at −33·5° has been shown to provide pentammineiridium(O); this confirms the existence of the ammine previously reported to result from the reduction of bromopentammineiridium(III) ion. The reduction of potassium hexabromoiridate(III) and the corresponding chloro compound has been shown most probably to result in lower ammines of iridium(O). Under the same conditions, potassium hexacyanoiridate(III) is not reduced. An efficient and convenient procedure for the recovery of iridium is described.
Development and Evaluation of a Contemporary Topics in Pharmacy Practice Course Integrating Multiple Active Learning Strategies

ABSTRACTA two-credit Contemporary Topics in Pharmacy Practice course for Pharm.D. students is described and evaluated. The course was developed to increase students' understanding of current trends, issues, and developments in contemporary pharmacy practice. The content of the course lends itself well to the development of many of the curricular outcomes outlined by the AACP Commission to Implement Change in its Background Paper II. Multiple active learning strategies are employed to require students to think critically about contemporary issues and to communicate their viewpoints and evaluations in both written and oral form. Teaching strategies used include minimal lecturing, assigned literature readings, student presentations, classroom discussions, and group and individual projects. The students contract for grade desired using a performance proposal. They are also required to keep a written journal of activities and perspectives on the issues discussed.
Reading Progress Monitoring for Secondary-School Students: Reliability, Validity, and Sensitivity to Growth of Reading-Aloud and Maze-Selection Measures

The validity and reliability of curriculum-based measures in reading as indicators of performance and progress for secondary-school students were examined. Thirty-five grade 8 students completed reading aloud and maze-selection measures weekly for 10 weeks. Criterion measures were the state standards test in reading and the Woodcock–Johnson III Test of Achievement. Different time frames for each measure were compared. Most alternate-form reliability coefficients were above .80. Criterion-related validity coefficients ranged from .77 to .89. No differences related to time were found. Only maze selection reflected significant growth, with an average increase of 1.29 correct choices per week. Maze growth was related to the reading performance level and to change on the Woodcock–Johnson III from pre- to posttest.
Choosing career paths: The outputs of VTASI teams

Young people in high schools and colleges make critical decisions regarding what to study and which career path to pursue. For various reasons, many of them end up switching to other majors. Such changes are wasteful in time and resources and they produce emotional and economical stresses.
The Radiation Chemistry of CMPO: Part 2. Alpha Radiolysis

Octylphenyl-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) was irradiated using 60Co γ-rays, and post-irradiation samples were analyzed for the decrease in CMPO concentration, the appearance of degradation products, and the effects on americium solvent extraction. The –G-value for the radiolytic degradation of CMPO depends on the presence of nitric acid and oxygen during irradiation, with both providing protection from radiolytic degradation. The –G-value does not depend on the γ-ray dose rate or the CMPO concentration. Effects on solvent extraction performance were independent of the change in CMPO concentration, but rather related to the nature of the degradation products. The main products were identified by ESI-MS and were different for irradiation in the presence of nitric acid.
Tolerancing techniques: the state-of-the-art

Abstract The intense global competition to produce quality products at a low cost has led many industrial nations to consider mechanical tolerances as a key factor to bring about cost saving as well as to remain competitive. In the last two decades, some work has been done in the area of tolerance techniques. In this paper a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art and the projection of future trends in tolerancing techniques is presented to describe improved techniques available today and to aid in guiding research for the future. This paper reviews the status of theory and practice of how manufacturing and assembly processes are characterized for relating tolerancing to process or production cost. The specification of tolerancing on the dimension of the manufactured part has a significant impact on the final production cost. Tight tolerances can result in excessive process cost, while loose tolerances may lead to increased waste and assembly problems. This paper systematically reviews the state-of-...
Private Voluntary Support to Public Universities in the United States: Late Nineteenth-century Developments

The early history of private support to state universities in the United States followed an inconsistent pattern. From the chartering of the first state university in 1785 through the antebellum period, state universities followed patterns of raising support established by the colonial colleges and relied on a combination of public and private support. This inconsistent pattern improved after the Civil War due to the intersection of powerful social and political forces. This study explores this second stage in the history of private voluntary support of public research universities in the United States during the latter part of the nineteenth century. During this period several factors affected the state institution's ability to attract private funds. These factors include changing social and educational aims, a redefinition of stewardship, and the changing Federal interest in higher education. The emergence of a more responsive American university in the late nineteenth century further stabilized levels of support and created a more consistent pattern of fund raising for state colleges and universities.
Modeling Variation in Paternal Encouragement and Monitoring Among African American Adolescents Living in Urban Public Housing: A Latent Profile Analytic Approach

At its inception, research on African American families living in urban public housing focused narrowly on single-female-headed households with children. The perceived near absence of African American fathers in public housing households may have contributed to the lack of interest in assessing the effects of paternal behavior on the well-being of their children. Consequently, there is a dearth of research investigating the role that fathers play in the lives of their children in public housing communities. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this gab in knowledge by modeling variations in paternal caregivers’ behavior based on the perceptions on their children. Using a sample of 549 African American youth living in public housing, we employed latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression to identified paternal typologies and assessed how youth were correctly classified in paternal typologies based on the youths’ attitudes and behaviors. The overall model significantly distinguished youth by paternal class membership. The model correctly classified 55 % of the cases. Implications to practice are discussed.
Inducing soft mode transitions by interaction with radiative fields and possible relevance to microwave effects in biological materials

Abstract We suggest that soft mode transitions may be induced by irradiating materials with infrared or lower frequency electromagnetic radiation. We suggest that such a mechanism may be operating in inducing biologically significant effects upon microwave irradiation.
A nucleate boiling model for structured enhanced surfaces

Abstract Flow visualization experiments were used to establish the mechanism of boiling on enhanced surfaces having sub-surface tunnels with surface pores. Based on this mechanism, a semi-analytical model for nucleate boiling is proposed. The model is validated for data covering a range of tunnel and pore dimensions and supporting bubble dynamics data. The model assumes the tunnel is vapor filled, except liquid menisci in the corners. By analyzing meniscus thickness, bubble departure diameter, and bubble growth, this dynamic model accounts for the temporal evaporation rate variation inside tunnels, and the dynamic nature of convection heat transfer outside the tunnels. The model uses two empirical constants. It predicts the heat transfer coefficient for the R-11, R-123, R-134a and R-22 pool boiling data with MSD = 20%. It also predicts bubble departure diameter and bubble frequency with MSD = 7 and 15% respectively.
Ion drift meter calibration and photoemission correction for the C/NOFS satellite

[1] The Ion Drift Meter (IDM) onboard the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) measures ion arrival angles transverse to the satellite path and requires precise attitude determination for proper conversion to ambient ion drift. Low ionospheric densities during the 2008/9 solar minimum restricted quality measurements to altitudes near perigee, limiting the daily local time coverage of the satellite. As the primary ionospheric boundary condition available to calibrate the IDM requires that the integral of meridional (vertical) ion drifts be zero over all local times and longitudes, the limited daily local time coverage necessitated a new calibration procedure. A procedure is presented that utilizes the median meridional drift over all local times determined over a 67 day perigee precession period to calibrate the instrument. Offsets are isolated for both measurement directions by exploiting the different symmetry relationships that the spacecraft orientation has with respect to the meridional direction as a function of magnetic latitude. The low ionospheric densities along with the equatorial orbit of C/NOFS also allowed photoemission currents within the instrument to be detected. A numerical model of photoemission within the drift meter is presented in detail and used to generate a first order software correction to remove a large portion of this error from measurements. Both the photoemission correction and the drift meter calibration procedure are supported by a comparison to vertical ion drifts measured by the Jicamarca Radar Observatory.
A comparison of induced mutation at homologous alleles of the tk locus in human cells

Abstract Using a restriction fragment length polymorphism which can distinguish the two copies of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene in the TK6 human lymphoblastoid cell line, we have identified heterozygous subclones with alternate active alleles. Quantitative mutagenesis studies with X-rays revealed a markedly different response, depending on which homolog carried the active allele. The slopes of the dose-response curves differed by approximately 10-fold for mutation of the two alleles and this relationship held true for several independently isolated cell lines. Only one of the cell lines showed a different response to ethyl methanesulfonate. There were no differences among any of the cell lines at the X-linked hprt locus. Analyses of TK − mutants recovered from these cell lines indicated that the reduced yield of mutants from the one allele may be due, at least in part, to a lack of a specific class of TK − mutant, that is, the slow-growing mutants which have been associated with large-scale mutagenic events.