cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal study of exporters and nonexporters

Abstract Many smaller manufacturing enterprises are reluctant to export even though, since the late 1960s, governments have attempted to stimulate them to export. Numerous studies have examined the reluctance to export as a point-in-time phenomenon. This study examines the differences between exporting and nonexporting smaller manufacturing enterprises over the past 20 years using the same research methodology and conceptual and theoretical foundation. The results of this study are encouraging and clearly indicate significant changes over the past 20 years between exporting and nonexporting SMEs. They suggest that over the past 20 years exporters in the study are externally oriented and nonexporters remain internally oriented. These findings have important implications for export development efforts of both governments and managers.
Quantum Electrodynamics and the Fundamental Constants

Abstract The values of the fundamental constants and the theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) are closely coupled. This is evident from the fact that the constants appear as parameters in the theoretical expressions that describe the physical properties of particles and matter, and most of these theoretical expressions are derived from QED. In practice, values of the constants are determined by a consistent comparison of the relevant measurements and theoretical expressions involving those constants. Such a comparison is being carried out in order to provide CODATA recommended values of the constants for 1997. This review describes some of the advances that have been made since the last set of constants was recommended in 1986. As a result of these advances, there is a significant reduction in the uncertainty of a number of constants included in the set of 1997 recommended values.
Thermal sensation of old vs young males at 12, 18, and 27°C for 120 min

Research in the field of aging has provided data that suggests that there are physiological changes that occur as one's biological age increases. The present investigation examined the age-related alteration and differential response between old (OLD) and young (YNG) individuals with respect to subjective thermal sensation (TS). Participants were all regularly active and of average percent body fat relative to their age. Subjects were exposed to three different temperature trials (12, 18, and 27°C) on three separate occasions (separated by 48 h) for 120 min, wearing only a bathing suit or shorts. Subjects were instructed to insert a rectal probe to monitor rectal temperature and were instrumented with four thermocouples to monitor skin temperature. Each subject rested for 30 min in a thermoneutral environment outside the environmental chamber, during which time baseline measures were taken. Following the completion of the baseline period, the subjects were wheeled into the environmental chamber. Each trial lasted 120 min or until rectal temperature was less than or equal to 35°C, at which point the subject was immediately removed from the environmental chamber. TS was assessed using both the Gagge and Modified Gagge TS scale. At the completion of each trial the subject was removed from the chamber and allowed to exercise on a cycle ergometer. Both the Gagge and Modified Gagge scale demonstrated main effects for time and trial. Neither scale exhibited significant differences between the groups or interactions relative to the experimental groups. These data suggest that when exposed to a thermal stressor OLD and YNG subjects do not demonstrate a differential response in TS during acute cold exposure.
Modeling and Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Coupled Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Magnetic resonance coupling (MRC) is a practical high efficient method for midrange wireless power transfer (WPT). In a MRC-WPT system, when the gap between transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) is shorter than the critical coupling distance, the strong coupling will result in two natural resonance frequencies (frequency splitting). When increasing the gap between Tx and Rx, the coupling becomes weaker, and the split resonance frequencies become closer to each other and eventually merge into a single natural resonance frequency. As long as frequency splitting exists, a near to constant maximum power transmission efficiency can be maintained. In this paper, commonly used four-loop and two-loop WPT system configurations are analyzed and compared based on the simplified circuit model. An example symmetrical system simulation shows that with the same Tx, Rx, source and load, the four-loop system has longer transmission distance with relatively lower efficiency compare to the two-loop system. A 3-D physical model of 5-turn, 400mm outer diameter spiral shape four-loop WPT system is designed and simulated by using ANSYS® HFSS®. Operation distance of 550mm with nearly constant maximum transmission efficiency of 92.3% is achieved.
Migratory flyway and geographical distance are barriers to the gene flow of influenza virus among North American birds

Despite the importance of migratory birds in the ecology and evolution of avian influenza virus (AIV), there is a lack of information on the patterns of AIV spread at the intra-continental scale. We applied a variety of statistical phylogeographic techniques to a plethora of viral genome sequence data to determine the strength, pattern and determinants of gene flow in AIV sampled from wild birds in North America. These analyses revealed a clear isolation-by-distance of AIV among sampling localities. In addition, we show that phylogeographic models incorporating information on the avian flyway of sampling proved a better fit to the observed sequence data than those specifying homogeneous or random rates of gene flow among localities. In sum, these data strongly suggest that the intra-continental spread of AIV by migratory birds is subject to major ecological barriers, including spatial distance and avian flyway.
Tobacco use and cessation for cancer survivors: An overview for clinicians

Approximately 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States are caused by tobacco use and smoking. Cancers of eighteen sites have been causally linked to smoking, the most common of which are the lung, head and neck, bladder, and esophagus. While quit rates and quit attempt rates are relatively high shortly after a cancer diagnosis, the recidivism rates are also high. Therefore, screening, treating, and preventing relapse to tobacco use is imperative among patients with and survivors of cancer. To date, research has consistently shown that a combination of pharmacologic and behavioral interventions is needed to achieve the highest smoking cessation rates, with a recent emphasis on individualized treatment as a most promising approach. Challenges in health care systems, including the lack of appropriate resources and provider training, have slowed the progress in addition to important clinical considerations relevant to the treatment of tobacco dependence (eg, a high degree of comorbidity with psychiatric disorders and other substance use disorders). However, continued tobacco use has been shown to limit the effectiveness of major cancer treatments and to increase the risk of complications and of developing secondary cancers. The authors recommend that oncology providers screen all patients for tobacco use and refer users to specialized treatment when available. Alternatively, oncology clinicians can provide basic advice on tobacco use cessation and pharmacotherapy and/or referral to outside resources (eg, quitlines). Herein, the authors summarize the current knowledge on tobacco use and its treatment, with a focus on the related available evidence for patients with and survivors of cancer.
Level of adherence and HIV RNA suppression in the current era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)

The need to achieve ≥95 % adherence to HAART for treatment effectiveness may be a barrier for universal initiation at early stages of HIV. Using longitudinal data collected from 2006 to 2011 from cohort studies of MSM (MACS) and IDUs (ALIVE study), we estimated the minimum adherence needed to achieve HIV RNA suppression (<50 copies/mL), defined as the level at which at least 80 % were virally suppressed, and the odds of suppression was not significantly different than that observed with ≥95 % adherence. In the MACS, ≥80 % suppression was observed with 80–84 % adherence and the odds ratio for suppression (vs. ≥95 % adherence) was 1.43 (0.61, 3.33). In the ALIVE study where <35 % were on newer drugs, only 71.4 % were suppressed among those who reported ≥95 % adherence. Although IDUs on older HAART regimens may need to be ≥95 % adherent, concerns related to non-adherence may be less of a barrier to initiation of modern HAART regimens.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-19, a Novel Factor That Inhibits Hepatic Fatty Acid Synthesis

Previous studies have shown that administration of fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) reverses diabetes, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia, and adipose accretion in animal models of obesity. To investigate the mechanism for this effect, we determined whether FGF-19 modulated hepatic fatty acid synthesis, a key process controlling glucose tolerance and triacylglycerol accumulation in liver, blood, and adipose tissue. Incubating primary hepatocyte cultures with recombinant FGF-19 suppressed the ability of insulin to stimulate fatty acid synthesis. This effect was associated with a reduction in the expression of lipogenic enzymes. FGF-19 also suppressed the insulin-induced expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), a key transcriptional activator of lipogenic genes. FGF-19 inhibition of lipogenic enzyme expression was not mediated by alterations in the activity of the insulin signal transduction pathway or changes in the activity of ERK, p38 MAPK, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In contrast, FGF-19 increased the activity of STAT3, an inhibitor of SREBP-1c expression and decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β), an activator of SREBP-1c activity. FGF-19 also increased the expression of small heterodimer partner (SHP), a transcriptional repressor that inhibits lipogenic enzyme expression via a SREBP-1c-independent mechanism. Inhibition of SREBP-1c activity by changes in STAT3 and PGC-1β activity and inhibition of gene transcription by an elevation in SHP expression can explain the inhibition of lipogenesis caused by FGF-19. In summary, the inhibitory effect of FGF-19 on insulin activation of hepatic fatty acid synthesis constitutes a mechanism that would explain the beneficial effect of FGF-19 on metabolic syndrome.
Provenance of a late Proterozoic–early Cambrian basin, Sierras de Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract Detrital zircons in metasedimentary rocks of Cambrian or older age in the Sierras de Cordoba provide information on sources of continental detritus on the western paleo-margin of Gondwana. Analysis of single zircon grains indicates dominant populations of Neoproterozoic (∼600–700 Ma) and Mesoproterozoic (950–1050 Ma) age, and a limited presence of Paleoproterozoic (∼1900 Ma) zircon. Additional constraints on provenance are provided by the Pb isotopic compositions of peraluminous granites derived from the metasedimentary section. These compositions fall within the distinctive 207 Pb -rich Gondwana provinces and therefore appear to rule out a Laurentian source such as the Argentine Precordillera. We interpret the sources of the Neoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic zircons to be Gondwanan, most likely derived from the cratonic regions of South America and/or the once contiguous cratons of southwestern Africa. The Mesoproterozoic population constitutes more than half the analyzed grains and could be derived from ∼1.0 Ga rocks exposed along the western margin of the Amazon craton (e.g. Sunsas belt, Colombian Andes) and/or its rifted equivalents (e.g. Arequipa Massif). We conclude that the metasedimentary rocks in the Sierras de Cordoba and related rocks to the north in the Puncoviscana Formation developed marginal to Gondwana when much of the locally exposed crust was composed of Mesoproterozoic rocks, although these rocks are now sparingly exposed. The most likely sources for Mesoproterozoic sediment are the Arequipa–Antofalla terrane, the Borborema Province and the Kalahari craton, all of which were proximal to the Sierras Pampeanas in late Neoproterozoic reconstructions. Additional constraints on the relative paleogeographic locations of the Arequipa–Antofalla terrane, the Kalahari craton and the Puncoviscana trough in the late Neoproterozoic are needed to distinguish among these potential sources.
Openness to Experience, Non-Conformity, and the Preference for Abstract Art

Recent evolutionary theory has argued that what people find “beautiful” is not arbitrary, but rather has evolved over millions of years of hominid sensory, perceptual, and cognitive evolution. Sens...
The protective effect of early hypothermia on PTEN phosphorylation correlates with free radical inhibition in rat stroke

We recently showed that intraischemic moderate hypothermia (30 degrees C) reduces ischemic damage through the Akt pathway after permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. The only Akt pathway component preserved by hypothermia is phosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (p-PTEN), which suggests that p-PTEN may have a central role in neuroprotection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critically involved in mediating ischemic damage after stroke by interacting with signaling molecules, including Akt, PTEN, and delta-protein kinase C (PKC). We investigated the protective mechanisms of moderate hypothermia on these signaling proteins after transient focal ischemia in rats. Early moderate hypothermia (3 h) was administered 15 mins before reperfusion, and delayed moderate hypothermia (3 h) was applied 15 mins after reperfusion. Our results indicate that early hypothermia reduced infarction, whereas delayed hypothermia did not. However, both early and delayed hypothermia maintained levels of Mn-SOD (superoxide dismutase) and phosphorylated Akt and blocked delta-PKC cleavage, suggesting that these factors may not be critical to the protection of hypothermia. Nevertheless, early hypothermia preserved p-PTEN levels after reperfusion, whereas delayed hypothermia did not. Furthermore, ROS inhibition maintained levels of p-PTEN after stroke. Together, these findings suggest that phosphorylation levels of PTEN are closely associated with the protective effect of early hypothermia against stroke.
Spontaneous emission and absorption in model aggregates of π-conjugated oligomers

Spontaneous emission and absorption in an aggregate of π-conjugated oligomers are studied theoretically. Each oligomer is taken as a ring of N carbon atoms with average bond length a, and is treated using the Huckel Hamiltonian with bond alternation parameter δ. Coulombic interactions between rings are treated to first order using an effective Hamiltonian approach. For aggregates in which the oligomer planes are normal to the aggregate axis with in-phase bond alignment, intermolecular interactions cause a blue-shift in the absorption spectrum due to first order interchain excitation transfer. The average absorption frequency increases with N, peaks, and ultimately tends to a small value when the ring diameter Na/π greatly exceeds d, the nearest neighbor separation. At this point the entire spectrum for an aggregate is indistinguishable from the isolated oligomer spectrum. The radiative decay rate γ for an aggregate of M oligomers is superradiant, being M times faster than the decay rate of an isolated oli...
Cautionary Lessons from American Securities Arbitration: Litigation versus Arbitration

In the United States, it is now quite common for lawyers and others to bemoan what is often referred to as ‘the litigation crisis.’1 No less an authority than former Chief Justice Warren Burger has long complained that American courts ‘have become overburdened’ by too may lawsuits.2 Echoing other commentators, Burger recommends arbitration as ‘a better way to do it.’3 Just as the ‘carpenter's handsaw as replaced by the power saw,’4 so is arbitration the modern power tool to replace litigation in court. Similarly, the Report of the prestigious American Bar Association's Commission on Professionalism recommends expanded use of arbitration in lieu of a normal trial before a judge and lay jury.5 There should be no rush to judgment favouring arbitration. In the first place, it is not at all clear that there is a litigation crisis in the United States. Criticism of the so-called litigation explosion is based more on anecdotal evidence than careful empirical studies. The empirical studies that do exist show that the litigation rate in the United States during the 1970's, for example, is only about half of what it was during the nineteenth century.6 American courts may appear crowded to the average observer, but we should realise that there are fewer judges per capita in the United States compared to other western nations.7 For example, 28% of all German lawyers are judges, but only 4% of American lawyers are judges; while Germany, a country of 61 million people, has 17,000 judges, the United States, a country of 240 million people, has only 18,000 judges.8 If there is a litigation problem in the United States, the problem is not too many lawsuits; it is too few judges, overworked and underpaid. Nonetheless, it is quite common in the United …
Oxytocin administration selectively improves olfactory detection thresholds for lyral in patients with schizophrenia.

Summary Background Olfaction plays an important role in mammalian social behavior. Olfactory deficits are common in schizophrenia and correlate with negative symptoms and low social drive. Despite their prominence and possible clinical relevance, little is understood about the pathological mechanisms underlying olfactory deficits in schizophrenia and there are currently no effective treatments for these deficits. The prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin may affect the olfactory system when administered intranasally to humans and there is growing interest in its therapeutic potential in schizophrenia. Methods To examine this model, we administered 40 IU of oxytocin and placebo intranasally to 31 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum illness and 34 age-matched healthy control participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. On each test day, participants completed an olfactory detection threshold test for two different odors: (1) lyral, a synthetic fragrance compound for which patients with schizophrenia have specific olfactory detection threshold deficits, possibly related to decreased cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) signaling; and (2) anise, a compound for which olfactory detection thresholds change with menstrual cycle phase in women. Results On the placebo test day, patients with schizophrenia did not significantly differ from healthy controls in detection of either odor. We found that oxytocin administration significantly and selectively improved olfactory detection thresholds for lyral but not for anise in patients with schizophrenia. In contrast, oxytocin had no effect on detection of either odor in healthy controls. Discussion Our data indicate that oxytocin administration may ameliorate olfactory deficits in schizophrenia and suggest the effects of intranasal oxytocin may extend to influencing the olfactory system. Given that oxytocin has been found to increase cAMP signaling in vitro a possible mechanism for these effects is discussed.
Increased sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoshells compared to that of gold solid colloids in response to environmental changes.

Gold nanoshells have been synthesized by reacting aqueous HAuCl4 solutions with solid templates such as silver nanoparticles. The morphology, void space, and wall thickness of these hollow nanostructures were all determined by the templates, which were completely converted into soluble species during the replacement reaction. The surface plasmon peaks of these gold nanoshells were considerably red-shifted as compared to gold solid colloids having approximately the same dimensions. In addition, the surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoshells exhibited a much more sensitive response toward environmental changes even when compared with solid colloids with a mean size much smaller than that of gold nanoshells. For example, the sensitivity factor (i.e., the shift in peak position per unit change in the refractive index of the surrounding medium) was 408.8, 60.0, and 70.9 nm per refractive index unit for gold nanoshells with a mean diameter of 50 nm and wall thickness of 4.5 nm, gold solid colloids of 50 nm in...
Cancellation for two-dimensional unique factorization domains

Abstract We show that if A and B are finitely generated two-dimensional unique factorization domains over an algebraically closed field, then A [ x ] ≅ B [ x ] implies A ≅ B . The proof is an application of an algebraic technique involving the AK invariant which has previously been used to obtain other cancellation theorems.
Optimal relay UAV guidance-a new differential game

A new differential game which admits a “closed form” solution is analyzed. In this paper guidance laws are developed to optimally position a relay Micro-UAV (MAV) to provide an operator at the base with real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) by relaying communication and video signals when the rover MAV performing the ISR mission is out of radio contact range with the base. The ISR system is comprised of two MAVs, the Relay and the Rover, and a Base. The Relay strives to minimize the radio frequency (RF) power required for maintaining communications, while the Rover performs the ISR mission, which may maximize the required RF power. The optimal control of the Relay MAV entails the solution of a differential game.
Construction Project Cash Flow Planning Using the Pareto Optimality Efficiency Network Model

Abstract Cash flow is crucial for ensuring the viability of a project. It consists of a complete history of all cash disbursement, cash shortage, loans, cost of money, and all earnings received. Although significant research work has been conducted on cash flow forecast, planning, and management, the objective is constantly the maximization of profit/final cash balance, or minimization of total project cost. Moreover, cash flow forecasting needs to be effective and fast. The paper develops multiple-objective cash flow planning model – Pareto optimality efficiency network model, which considers typical banking instruments, the constraints of the financial market, the budget constraints, and retention of money. A case study illustrates the multi-objective project cash flow management approach by applying the proposed model to a real world problem. A what-if-analysis depicts the tradeoff between profitability and loan interests, which are major issues in project cash flow planning and management. The model p...
A robust watermarking scheme using self-reference image

In this paper, a robust watermark scheme for copyright protection is proposed. By modifying the original image in transform domain and embedding a watermark in the difference values between the original image and its reference image, the proposed scheme overcomes the weak robustness problem of embedding a watermark in the spatial domain. Besides, the watermark extraction does not require the original image so it is more practical in real application. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme provides not only good image quality, but is also robust against various attacks, such as JPEG lossy compression, filtering and noise addition.
Antagonist binding at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the rabbit: High correlation with the profile for the human receptors

Abstract This study examined the binding of serotonin receptor antagonists at the 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptors of the rabbit's cerebral cortex. The 5-HT 2A receptor was characterized by the binding of [ 3 H]MDL 100,907 ( R (+)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidine-methanol) to cortical membranes and the 5-HT 2C receptor by the binding of [ 3 H]mesulergine in the presence of the selective 5-HT 2A receptor ligand spiperone. Both [ 3 H]MDL 100,907 and [ 3 H]mesulergine demonstrated high affinity binding to single sites in rabbit membranes. Based on Scatchard plots of [ 3 H]MDL 100,907 binding, the mean B max was 8.5±0.7 fmol/mg tissue and the mean K d was 33.1±3.5 pM. For [ 3 H]mesulergine binding the mean B max was 3.70±0.58 fmol/mg tissue and the mean K d was 0.35±0.05 nM. Binding of [ 3 H]MDL 100,907 to the 5-HT 2A receptor and of [ 3 H]mesulergine to the 5-HT 2C receptor was confirmed by displacement studies with highly selective 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptor ligands. The pharmacological profile of these ligands in rabbits correlated highly with published values for 5-HT 2A ( r =0.91, P 2C ( r =0.94, P 2C receptor ( r =0.92, P 2A receptors ( r =0.53, P >0.10). It was concluded that the rabbit provides an appropriate animal model for studies attempting to predict the pharmacology of human 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptors.
Selection of a slow-release theophylline product

Abstract Slow-release formulations of theophylline, if absorbed completely, consistently, and at a sufficiently slow rate, provide more stable serum concentrations at longer dosing intervals than plain uncoated tablets or liquids and thus have the potential to improve efficacy, safety, and compliance. However, clinically important differences in extent and rate of absorption exist among the 15 slow-release formations available under 29 different brand names or as generic products in the United States. Moreover, food has different effects on the various formulations. Whereas some formulations are little affected by food with only a slight delay in absorption, others undergo malabsorption in either the presence or absence of food, depending on as yet unidentified but specific formulation factors. Because fluctuations in serum concentrations at any selected dosing interval are a function of the rate of elimination of theophylline from the patient and the rate of absorption of theophylline from the formulation, selection of a product and dosing interval needs to be an individualized clinical decision independent of marketing or regulatory influences. Most formulations with claims for twice-daily dosing cannot reliably maintain fluctuations in serum concentration whereby the peak will not exceed twice the trough. Moreover, of the three products approved for once-a-day dosing, fluctuations in serum concentration are more likely to be larger than are clinically optimal, and malabsorption occurs with two of the three approved formulations unless taken after food; one, in fact, has such a large increase in rate and extent of absorption when taken with food that its postprandial absorption characteristics are aptly described as dose-dumping.
A symmetry-based approach to the effective Hamiltonian for symmetric top molecules in degenerate vibronic states

The effective Hamiltonian for a symmetric top molecule in a degenerate vibronic state is obtained. Included in this Hamiltonian are the rotational, spin-rotational, spin-orbit coupling and electronic spin-spin interactions. The terms of the Hamiltonian are expressed as the product of molecular ‘constants,’ rotational angular momentum operators, and symmetry operators. A formalism is derived, and tables included, to determine whether or not a symmetry operator vanishes for a given vibronic state of a particular molecular symmetry. In this way, one can easily obtain all the non-vanishing Hamiltonian terms for a particular application.
Doubling the diffusivity measurement efficiency in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) via a bi-sensor electrochemical cell

Abstract To improve the efficiency of the diffusivity measurement in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a bi-sensor electrochemical cell is proposed and analyzed. The cell consists of an oxygen pump and two oxygen sensors. This bi-sensor cell doubles the efficiency of binary diffusivity measurements in both porous anodes and cathodes in SOFCs. The design provides an efficient platform to estimate the electrode limiting current density (LCD) and concentration polarization (CP) in SOFCs. Mechanism of measuring the CP with different electrode configurations was discussed in depth. The design was verified by studying the effect of electrode thickness on the CPs at different operating temperatures.
Luminescence Dating in Less Than Ideal Conditions: Case Studies from Klasies River Main Site and Duinefontein, South Africa

Abstract Luminescence dating results are reported for two South African archaeological sites where changes in the dose rate through time are apparent. A subtraction procedure involving analysis of both quartz and potassium-feldspar extracts is applied to detect and correct for these changes. At the Middle Stone Age site of Klasies River, the dose rate changes inferred from geologic evidence for shell dissolution turn out not to be significant, having occurred rapidly after deposition. The dates here range from 50–115 ka, in broad agreement with other evidence. The important Howiesons Poort component here appears to date somewhat later (about 55–60 ka) than at several other sites in South Africa. At the Acheulian site of Duinefontein, the dose rate changes, also thought to be caused by shell dissolution, are, on the other hand, very significant. The subtraction ages here (125–300 ka) agree with independent chronological assessments.
Additional antibiotic use is associated with preterm birth among women with GBS bacteriuria

WOMEN WITH GBS BACTERIURIA BRENNA ANDERSON, HYAGRIV SIMHAN, KATHRYN SIMONS, HAROLD WIESENFELD, Brown University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Providence, Rhode Island, University of Pittsburgh, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania OBJECTIVE: Use of antibiotics among unselected pregnant populations has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Our objective was to determine the risk of preterm birth related to antibiotic use among women with Group B Streptococcal (GBS) bacteriuria. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed. All women with GBS bacteriuria who registered with a hospital-wide research registry were included. Controls were women with negative urine cultures. The impact of the use of any antenatal antibiotics in addition to those used to treat GBS bacteriuria was assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk of preterm birth among bacteriuric women who received ‘‘other antibiotics’’. RESULTS: There were 423 women included in the analysis. 203 women with GBS bacteriuria and 220 women with negative cultures were included. There were no differences in most demographic characteristics between the groups. The women with GBS bacteriuria tended to have higher body mass indices and later gestational age at collection of urine sample. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.3 weeks among all study subjects. There were no differences in rates of preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, or endometritis between the bacteriuric and non-bacteriuric groups. The frequency of preterm birth was 16% (35/185) in the non-bacteriuric controls, 16% (19/120) in those with GBS bacteriuria not receiving additional antibiotics, and 28% (23/83) among those with GBS bacteriuria who received antibiotics for ‘‘other indications’’. In a stratified analysis, among women with GBS bacteriuria, the risk of preterm birth was increased with the use of ‘‘other antibiotics’’, independent of treatment for bacteriuria and potential confounding variables (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.1). CONCLUSION: Among women with GBS bacteriuria, the risk of preterm birth is increased with exposure to additional antibiotics independent of treatment for bacteriuria. This may be related to alteration in vaginal flora.
Pattern and chance in the use of the genetic code

The use of triplet code words inE. coli,ФX174, MS2, and rabbit globin was examined. A significant deficiency of purines in the third position of fourfold degenerate codons was noted, although its significance is not understood. There has been no consistent selection against uracil in pyrimidine restricted codons. For many amino acids the choice between code words appears random, while for arginine, isoleucine, and probably glycine, distinct biases exist which can be explained in terms of tRNA availability.
Microlens fabrication using HEBS glass for compact high-resolution IR imaging system

Under the DARPA COMP-I (Compressive Optical MONTAGE Photography Initiative) program, the goal of this project is to significantly reduce the volume and form factor of infrared imaging systems without loss of resolution. The approach taken is to use an array of small lenses with extremely short focal lengths rather than the conventional approach of a single aperture lens system with large diameter and focal length. The array of lenses creates multiple copies of the scene on a single focal plane detector array, which are then used to reconstruct an image with resolution comparable to or higher than that of the conventional imaging system. This is achieved by a computational method known as super-resolution reconstruction. Work at the University of Delaware towards this end includes participation in the design and optimization of the optical system along with fabrication of some of the optical elements. Grayscale lithography using a high-energy beam sensitive (HEBS) glass photomask and proportional dry etch pattern transfer are the key techniques enabling the fabrication process. In this paper we will discuss the design of the imaging system while focusing on the fabrication aspects of the project.
5,535 Hours of Impact: Effects of Olympic Media on Nationalism Attitudes

Past studies have shown how international events such as the Olympic broadcast tend to favor athletes from a home nation in terms of both the amount of time devoted and the descriptions ascribed to home-nation athletes. This study highlights the ramifications of this focus on nationalism within the 2012 London Olympic telecast. A survey of 342 respondents at three different points in time (immediately before the Olympics, immediately after, and one month after) was conducted to determine the relationship between Olympic media exposure and nationalistic attitudes. Results showed that heavy viewers of the Olympics displayed significantly higher levels of nationalism, patriotism, internationalism and smugness than light viewers of Olympic media. Moreover, regarding differences between measurements before and after the Olympics, only smugness increased over time. Theoretical extrapolations of cultivation effects are offered, as are directions for future research.
Stereoselectivity of isoflurane in adhesion molecule leukocyte function-associated antigen-1.

Background Isoflurane in clinical use is a racemate of S- and R-isoflurane. Previous studies have demonstrated that the effects of S-isoflurane on relevant anesthetic targets might be modestly stronger (less than 2-fold) than R-isoflurane. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the immunological target, leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) with racemic isoflurane suggested that only S-isoflurane bound specifically to this protein. If so, the use of specific isoflurane enantiomers may have advantage in the surgical settings where a wide range of inflammatory responses is expected to occur. Here, we have further tested the hypothesis that isoflurane enantioselectivity is apparent in solution binding and functional studies. Methods First, binding of isoflurane enantiomers to LFA-1 was studied using 1-aminoanthracene (1-AMA) displacement assays. The binding site of each enantiomer on LFA-1 was studied using the docking program GLIDE. Functional studies employed the flow-cytometry based ICAM binding assay. Results Both enantiomers decreased 1-AMA fluorescence signal (at 520 nm), indicating that both competed with 1-AMA and bound to the αL I domain. The docking simulation demonstrated that both enantiomers bound to the LFA-1 “lovastatin site.” ICAM binding assays showed that S-isoflurane inhibited more potently than R-isoflurane, consistent with the result of 1-AMA competition assay. Conclusions In contrast with the x-ray crystallography, both enantiomers bound to and inhibited LFA-1. S-isoflurane showed slight preference over R-isoflurane.
Illusory control and motives for control: The role of connection and intentionality

An experiment was done to examine the control heuristic perspective on illusory control and the effects of motives on control judgments, using a computer task similar to the “light onset” task used in previous research. Desire for the outcome and reinforcement were manipulated. As predicted from a control heuristic perspective, the effect of level of reinforcement on judgments of personal control was mediated by the measure of perceived connection: the perception of the number of positive confirming cases. Motives increased illusions of control, but only in the high reinforcement condition. A mediational analysis that examined how motives affect control judgments found that when the motive to get the outcomes was high, participants had higher estimates of having acted intentionally and these estimates partially mediated the relationship between the motivation manipulation and judgments of control. It appears that perceptions of connection mediate the relationship between reinforcement and illusory control, while judgments of intentionality partially mediate the effect of motives for control and illusory control.
Human tyrosine hydroxylase natural allelic variation: influence on autonomic function and hypertension.

The catecholamine biosynthetic pathway consists of several enzymatic steps in series, beginning with the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, and eventuating in the catecholamines norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). Since the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; tyrosine 3-mono-oxygenase; EC 1.14.16.2; chromosome 11p15.5) is generally considered to be rate-limiting in this pathway, probed as to whether common genetic variation at the TH gene occurred, and whether such variants contributed to inter-individual alterations in autonomic function, either biochemical or physiological. We began with sequencing a tetranucleotide (TCAT) repeat in the first intron, and found that the two most common versions, (TCAT)6 and (TCAT)10i, predicted heritable autonomic traits in twin pairs. We then conducted systematic polymorphism discovery across the ~8 kbp locus, and discovered numerous variants, principally non-coding. The proximal promoter block contained four common variants, and its haplotypes and SNPs (especially C-824T, rs10770141) predicted catecholamine secretion, environmental stress-induced BP increments, and hypertension. Finally, we found that two of the common promoter variants, C-824T (rs10770141) and A-581G (rs10770140), were functional in that they differentially affected transcriptional activity of the isolated promoter, disrupted recognition motifs for specific transcription factor binding, altered the promoter responses to the co-transfected (exogenous) factors, and bound the endogenous factors in the chromatin fraction of the nucleus. We concluded that common variation in the proximal TH promoter is functional, giving rise to changes in autonomic function and consequently cardiovascular risk.
Queueing analysis of an ATM switch with multichannel transmission groups

The discrete-time D[A]/D/c/B queueing system is studied. We consider both a bulk arrival process with constant bulk inter-arrival time (D) and general bulk-size distribution (A) and a periodic arrival process (D1 + ··· + DN). The service/transmission times are deterministic (D) and the system provides for a maximum of c servers with a buffer size B. The motivation for studying this queueing system is its application in performance modeling and analysis of an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch with multichannel transmission groups.
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION AND METABOLISM OF AFLATOXIN B1‐14C IN LAYER CHICKENS

The effects of administering low levels of aflatoxin B1-14C by crop intubation daily for 14 days to layer chickens were determined. Studies on the distribution of 14C in the blood, selected organs, tissues, eggs and excreta were conducted. No toxic effects were observed in layer chickens during the course of the experiment. The layer chickens excreted 92.15% of the 14C administered. Of the 14C retained, 19.5, 16.1, 3.9, 7.2, 26.4 and 26.9% were detected in the blood, liver, heart, gizzard, breast and leg, respectively. No radioactivity was detected in egg samples collected. Chemical assay of those samples demonstrating radioactivity revealed that 81.2% of the radioactivity in these substrates was soluble in aqueous extracts while approximately 10% was ex tractable by classical extraction procedures. Treatment of the aqueous extracts for conjugated steroids by treatment with Beta-glucuronidase revealed that 31.5% of the 14C detected in the aqueous extract was a liberated glucuronide conjugate of aflatoxin M1−14C
Oxylipin Pathway in Rice and Arabidopsis

Plants have evolved complex signaling pathways to coordinate responses to developmental and environmental information. The oxylipin pathway is one pivotal lipid-based signaling network, composed of several competing branch pathways, that determines the plant's ability to adapt to various stimuli. Activation of the oxylipin pathway induces the de novo synthesis of biologically active metabolites called “oxylipins”. The relative levels of these metabolites are a distinct indicator of each plant species and determine the ability of plants to adapt to different stimuli. The two major branches of the oxylipin pathway, allene oxide synthase (AOS) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) are responsible for production of the signaling compounds, jasmonates and aldehydes respectively. Here, we compare and contrast the regulation of AOS and HPL branch pathways in rice and Arabidopsis as model monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous systems. These analyses provide new insights into the evolution of JAs and aldehydes signaling pathways, and the complex network of processes responsible for stress adaptations in monocots and dicots.
The subcellular distribution of physiological doses of vitamin D3

Abstract When physiological doses of tritiated vitamin D3 are administered to rachitic chicks, the small intestine accumulates a large portion of the dose. The subcellular distribution of the 3H-vitamin D3 within the intestinal mucosa cells shows the radioactivity to be primarily associated with the nuclear fraction. The radioactivity is retained in this fraction when it is purified by sedimentation in 2 m sucrose. In vitro incubation of 3H-vitamin D3 with homogenates of vitamin D-deficient and normal chick mucosa cells indicates a selective binding of the vitamin to the nuclear fraction derived from the rachitic chicks.
Dynamics in isolator-free injection-locked lasers

Dynamical behavior in injection-locked lasers without optical isolation between master and slave lasers is investigated. A uniquely new laser theory, that treats the two lasers on equal footing, predicts considerable modification to modulation response.
Estimation of homogeneous nucleation flux via a kinetic model

The proposed kinetic model for condensation under homogeneous conditions, and the onset of unidirectional cluster growth in supersaturated gases, does not suffer from the conceptual flaws that characterize classical nucleation theory. When a full set of simultaneous rate equation is solved, a characteristic time emerges, for each cluster size, at which the production rate, and its rate of conversion to the next size (n + 1) are equal. Procedures for estimating the essential parameters are proposed; condensation fluxes J(kin) exp ss are evaluated. Since there are practical limits to the cluster size that can be incorporated in the set of simultaneous first-order differential equations, a code was developed for computing an approximate J(th) exp ss based on estimates of a 'constrained equilibrium' distribution, and identification of its minimum.
Regulation of Ribosome Detachment from the Mammalian Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane

In current models, protein translocation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) occurs in the context of two cycles, the signal recognition particle (SRP) cycle and the ribosome cycle. Both SRP and ribosomes bind to the ER membrane as a consequence of the targeting process of translocation. Whereas SRP release from the ER membrane is regulated by the GTPase activities of SRP and the SRP receptor, ribosome release from the ER membrane is thought to occur in response to the termination of protein synthesis. We report that ER-bound ribosomes remain membrane-bound following the termination of protein synthesis and in the bound state can initiate the translation of secretory and cytoplasmic proteins. Two principal observations are reported. 1) Membrane-bound ribosomes engaged in the synthesis of proteins lacking a signal sequence are released from the ER membrane as ribosome-nascent polypeptide complexes. 2) Membrane-bound ribosomes translating secretory proteins can access the translocon in an SRP receptor-independent manner. We propose that ribosome release from the ER membrane occurs in the context of protein translation, with release occurring by default in the absence of productive nascent polypeptide-membrane interactions.
The Anatomy of Blasphemy: Passion and the Trial of Dorota Nieznalska

What is the relationship of an artwork to the sociopolitical context in which that work was created? James Westcott discusses how Thomas Hirschhorn in Superficial Engagement reproduces the violence of war propaganda. Magda Romanska analyzes the trial in Poland of Dorota Nieznalska, accused of “offending religious feelings” with her work Passion. Ilka Saal reports on the 15th International Istanbul Theater Festival where emerging artists break with both the state and aging Western notions of the avantgarde.
Reducing the magnet switching time for AMS at PRIME Lab

Abstract At the Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement Laboratory, we are cycling magnets to obtain isotope ratios. Minimizing cycle time increases the precision of those measurements. The magnet change time is a significant fraction of the total cycle time since the magnets must be steady to within a few hundred ppm before measurements can begin. PRIME Lab's goal was to obtain isotope ratios to a precision of 1% or better given sufficient counting statistics. A conventional PID controller was implemented. This reduced the magnet switching time for the injector magnet by approximately 50% and the analyzer magnet by approximately 10%. A dual controller was then implemented. The dual controller consists of an optimization algorithm, called the settling-time optimizer, and a fuzzy logic controller. The settling-time optimizer reduces the settling-time with every cycle based on the history of previous cycles and the fuzzy logic controller compensates for any disturbances in the system. This controller gave a much better performance by reducing the switching times for both magnets by approximately 75%.
Intrinsic motivation and norms about payment.

Several previous studies have shown that rewarding individuals for preforming an interesting task may have an inhibitory effect on tast satisfaction and persistence. In this experiment, an extrinsic reward decreased task satisfaction and persistence when a norm for no payment existed, but the inhibitory effect was not found when a norm for payment was associated with the task. This result is discussed in terms of the “means-ends” theoretical perspective developed by Calder and Straw (1975b) as well as other dcompeting explanations.