cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Link Between Hospital Quality and Profitability of Outpatient Services Offered

The analysis studies the relationship between hospital quality and hospital profits for a sample of 94 Alabama hospitals. Quality is measured by four groups of procedures performed on newly-admitted patients as suggested by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Profit is measured for five outpatient services. We find that the quality of inpatient care predicts profits in three of the five outpatient services. We also find that the association is due primarily to an increase in outpatient volume in response to quality rather than to higher profit margins. The notable exception is for profit margins for cardiac and surgical care.
Sentence comprehension in preschool children: testing an adaptive egocentrism hypothesis.

A hypothesis proposing that preoperational egocentrism serves an adaptive function was used to predict the comprehension behavior of preschool children presented with sentences varying on a "personal" dimension. Personal sentences containing the subject's name were contrasted at 2 levels of syntactic complexity with impersonal sentences containing other familiar nouns. Significant effects were found for age, semantics, and syntax (all p's less than .001), with no sex effects or interactions. Personal sentences were better comprehended than impersonals at both levels of syntactic complexity. A second experiment was conducted to rule out "focusing of attention" as an alternative explanation. Variations in the likelihood of occurrence of the depicted event were added to the personal-impersonal contrast. High-probability personal sentences were significantly better understood than low-probability sentences, whether personal or impersonal (p less than .001). Results supported the adaptive egocentrism hypothesis in that sentence content describing the child and his personal experience facilitates the child's comprehension.
Xenopus laevis egg jelly contains small proteins that are essential to fertilization.

Abstract The eggs of Xenopus laevis are surrounded by investment layers of egg jelly that interact with the sperm immediately prior to fertilization. Components of these egg jelly layers are necessary for the fertilization of the egg by incoming sperm. Eggs which are stripped of their jelly layers are refractile to fertilization by sperm, but the addition of solubilized jelly promotes fertilization. We have shown previously that the egg jelly layers are composed of a fibrous network of glycoconjugates which loosely hold smaller diffusible components. Extracts of these diffusible components were prepared by incubation of freshly ovulated eggs in high-salt buffers for 12 h at 4°C. This diffusible component extract, when incubated with sperm, promoted the sperm's ability to fertilize dejellied eggs in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the high-molecular-weight “structural” glycoconjugates of jelly that remain after extraction of the diffusible components did not increase fertilization efficiency of dejellied eggs nor did nonspecific proteins, carbohydrate polymers, or organic polymers. The diffusible components, analyzed by SDS–PAGE, consisted of a mixture of proteins from 4 to 180 kDa. The protein responsible for fertilization rescue appeared to be
Realms of Oblivion: The Vienna Auschwitz Trial

On March 10, 1972, a little-known Auschwitz trial came to a rather unremarkable conclusion with the release of Fritz Ertl and Walter Dejaco. Both had served as SS architects in the Central Construction Directorate(ZBL)-Auschwitz. Both were part of a team responsible for designing and building the gas chambers of Birkenau. The District Attorneys' Office of Vienna had prepared the case against them with great ambition nearly a decade before. Prosecutors originally had in mind something like the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trial in the Federal Republic of Germany, which included more than twenty defendants. Such plans were speedily curtailed. The court had only grudgingly agreed to try three defendants and then readily granted a motion to dismiss charges against one (Hermann Tofferl, a construction foreman). That left only two. “The public interest for this monster trial appears to be slight. The benches in the great jury court remain empty,” the Wiener Zeitung reported upon the opening of the trial. Less than two months later, the paper recorded the defendants' release, and no public debate followed.
Preparation and Characterization of Neurotoxic Tau Oligomers

Tau aggregation is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Tau aggregates take on many forms, and their formation is a multistage process with intermediate stages. Recently, tau oligomers have emerged as the pathogenic species in tauopathies and a possible mediator of amyloid-β toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we use a novel, physiologically relevant method (oligomer cross-seeding) to prepare homogeneous populations of tau oligomers and characterize these oligomers in vitro. We show that both Aβ and α-synuclein oligomers induce tau aggregation and the formation of β-sheet-rich neurotoxic tau oligomers.
Modeling of thermally activated dislocation glide and plastic flow through local obstacles

Abstract A unified phenomenological model is developed to study the dislocation glide through weak obstacles during the first stage of plastic deformation in metals. This model takes into account both the dynamical responses of dislocations during the flight process and thermal activations while dislocations are bound by obstacle arrays. The average thermal activation rate is estimated using an analytical model based on the generalized Friedel relations. Then, the average flight velocity after an activation event is obtained numerically by discrete dislocation dynamics (DD). To simulate the dynamical dislocation behavior, the inertia term is implemented into the equation of dislocation motion within the DD code. The results from the DD simulations, coupled with the analytical model, determine the total dislocation velocity as a function of the stress and temperatures. By choosing parameters typical of the face centered cubic metals, the model reproduces both obstacle control and drag control motion in low and high velocity regimes, respectively. As expected by other string models, dislocation overshoots of obstacles caused by the dislocation inertia at the collisions are enhanced as temperature goes down.
The nuclear liquid-gas phase transition: Q.E.D

Abstract For the past decade, intense experimental effort has been devoted to the search for a liquid-gas phase transition in highly excited nuclei. Now, synthesis of the large body of existing multifragmentation data provides a strong case for identification of this phenomenon. In this presentation we discuss several salient features of the data that support their interpretation in terms of a spinodal liquid-gas phase transition.
Indoor RF-channel characterization of nano-through femto-cell ambient at millimeter-wave/THz frequencies in LTE contexts

RF channel characterization in forging conceivable short-range wireless links in nano-through femto-cells applications of WLAN/WPAN in long term evolution (LTE) context is considered. Relevant next-generation wireless-based indoor services are required to support multi-gigabit information transfer rates. As such, the associated electromagnetic (EM) spectral needs warrant accommodating almost unlimited wireless channels each shouldering enormous bandwidth. Relevant wireless transport requirements can be met with the span of EM spectra that currently remain unclaimed and unregulated. They exist as prospective resources in the frontiers of mm-wave range (spanning 30 GHz to terahertz band). Addressed in this study thereof is the feasibility of conceiving “inferential prototypes” of RF channel-models in the 30+ GHz through THz spectrum of indoor ambient by judiciously sharing the “similarity” of details pertinent to already existing (known) “models” of traditional, lower-side EM spectrum, (namely, VLF through micro-/mm-wave); and, an approach based on the principle of similitude due to Edgar Buckingham is invoked toward model-to-(inferential) prototype transformations. Examples on indoor path-loss estimation for line-of-sight (LoS) case is presented for the spectral range of interest and the efficacy of the proposal is outlined.
Quantitative measurement of tissue perfusion and diffusion in vivo

Magnetic resonance imaging techniques designed for sensitivity to microscopic motions of water diffusion and blood flow in the capillary network are also exceptionally sensitive to bulk motion properties of the tissue, which may lead to contrast artifact and large quantitative errors. The magnitude of bulk motion error that exists in human brain perfusion/diffusion imaging and the inability of cardiac gating to adequately control this motion are demonstrated by direct measurement of phase stability of voxels localized in the brain. Two methods are introduced to reduce bulk motion phase error. The first, a postprocessing phase correction algorithm, reduces coarse phase error but is inadequate by itself for quantitative perfusion/diffusion MRI. The second method employs orthogonal slice selection gradients to define a column of tissue in the object, from which echoes may be combined in a phase-insensitive manner to measure more reliably the targeted signal attenuation. Applying this acquisition technique and a simplistic model of perfusion and diffusion signal attenuations yields an estimated perfusion fraction of 3.4 +/- 1.1% and diffusion coefficient of 1.1 +/- 0.2 x 10(-5) cm2/s in the white matter of one normal volunteer. Successful separation of perfusion and diffusion effects by this technique is supported in a dynamic study of calf muscle. Periods of normal blood flow, low flow, and reactive hyperemia are clearly distinguished in the quantitative perfusion results, whereas measured diffusion remained nearly constant.
Unrecorded Intangible Assets: Abnormal Earnings and Valuation

We use the unique banking industry setting to demonstrate the impact of unrecorded intangible assets on abnormal earnings and equity valuation in the context of the residual income valuation model. We show that the persistence of bank abnormal earnings and, consequently, the pricing multiples on bank abnormal earnings, vary with the level of unrecorded intangible assets. Our evidence suggests that unrecorded intangible assets are important in understanding the persistence and valuation of abnormal earnings in the banking industry. The analysis framework introduced in this paper could also be used to examine the valuation impacts of intangible assets in other industries.
Sterol synthesis: medium-pressure chromatography of C27 sterol precursors of cholesterol on alumina-silver nitrate columns.

Abstract A chromatographic method involving medium-pressure liquid chromatography on alumina impregnated with silver nitrate is described for the separation of a series of closely related C27 sterol precursors of cholesterol differing only in the number and location of olefinic double bonds. The features of the described system are compared with those of previously described thin-layer, gas-liquid, gravity column, and high-pressure liquid chromatographic methods.
Inhibition of gastric mucosal regeneration by tyrphostin : Evaluation of the role of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase

Abstract Although induction of mucosal cell proliferation is a crucial event in gastric mucosal regeneration after injury, intracellular regulatory processes have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesize that tyrosine kinases (Tyr-k)—specifically the enzyme associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R)—play an important role in mucosal regeneration. Utilizing tyrphostin—a Tyr-k inhibitor with a greater specificity for EGF-R Tyr-k than for other Tyr-ks—we have examined the role of EGF-R Tyr-k in gastric mucosal regeneration after injury. Gastric mucosal injury in 3-to 4-month-old rats was induced by orogastric administration of 2 mol/L NaCl, whereas the control animals received an equivalent volume of water. The animals were killed 24 hours later. During this 24-hour experimental period (reparative phase), one of the groups was also injected (IP) with tyrphostin-51 (0.65 mg/kg in 30% dimethyl sulfoxide), whereas the control group received the vehicle. In the absence of tyrphostin, the gastric mucosa showed signs of extensive regeneration, whereas in its presence the degree of regeneration was greatly attenuated. These changes were accompanied by parallel alterations in the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen—immunoreactive cells and the Tyr-k activity of EGF-R. In water-fed control animals, tyrphostin also caused a significant 30% reduction in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-immunoreactive cells. In these animals, the Tyr-k activity of EGF-R was also decreased by 30%. At 24 hours after injury, EGF-R mRNA levels were increased 36-fold over the water-fed controls, and this increase was not significantly affected by tyrphostin. Our current data suggest that activation of EGF-R is an important event in mucosal regeneration.
Classic theories of failure of anisotropic materials

Abstract A discussion of some of the classic theories of failure of anisotropic materials and their individual advantages and disadvantages is presented. The predictions of uniaxial and biaxial stress failures from these theories are given in mathematical and graphical form and compared to published experimental data. A modification of Marin's criterion that includes six constants, five of which are evaluated from four uniaxial loading conditions and a pure shear condition, is introduced. The sixth constant is a “floating constant” that is evaluated at a different biaxial stress condition in each stress quadrant. The modified theory is compared to the classic theories and it is found to yield more accurate biaxial stress failure predictions for the cases considered.
Uraninite oxidation and dissolution induced by manganese oxide: A redox reaction between two insoluble minerals

Abstract The longevity of subsurface U(IV) produced by reduction of U(VI) during in situ bioremediation can be limited by reoxidation to more mobile U(VI) species. Coupling of the biogeochemical cycles of U and Mn may affect the fate and transport of uranium. Manganese oxides can act as a powerful oxidant that accelerates the oxidative dissolution of UO2. This study investigated the physical and chemical factors controlling the interaction between UO2 and MnO2, which are both poorly soluble minerals. A multi-chamber reactor with a permeable membrane was used to eliminate direct contact of the two minerals while still allowing transport of aqueous species. The oxidation of UO2 was not significantly enhanced by MnO2 if the two solids were physically separated. Complete mixing of MnO2 with UO2 led to a much greater extent and rate of U oxidation. When direct contact is not possible, the reaction slowly progresses through release of soluble U(IV) with its adsorption and oxidation on MnO2. Continuously-stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) were used to quantify the steady-state rates of UO2 dissolution induced by MnO2. MnO2 dramatically promoted UO2 dissolution, but the degree of promotion leveled off once the MnO2:UO2 ratio exceeded a critical value. Substantial amounts of U(VI) and Mn(II) were retained on MnO2 surfaces. The total production of Mn(II) was less than that of U(VI), indicating that the fate of Mn products and their impact on UO2–MnO2 reaction kinetics were complicated and may involve formation of Mn(III) phases. At higher dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations, UO2 oxidation by MnO2 was faster and less U(VI) was adsorbed to MnO2. Such an inverse relationship suggested that U(VI) may passivate MnO2 surfaces. A conceptual model was developed to describe the oxidation rate of UO2 by MnO2. This model is potentially applicable to a broad range of water chemistry conditions and is relevant to other environmental redox processes involving two poorly soluble minerals.
Negative feedback maintenance of heme homeostasis by its receptor, Rev-erbα

Intracellular heme levels must be tightly regulated to maintain proper mitochondrial respiration while minimizing toxicity, but the homeostatic mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report a novel negative feedback mechanism whereby the nuclear heme receptor Rev-erbα tightly controls the level of its own ligand. Heme binding to Rev-erbα recruits the NCoR/histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) corepressor complex to repress the transcription of the coactivator PGC-1α, a potent inducer of heme synthesis. Depletion of Rev-erbα derepresses PGC-1α, resulting in increased heme levels. Conversely, increased Rev-erbα reduces intracellular heme, and impairs mitochondrial respiration in a heme-dependent manner. Consistent with this bioenergetic impairment, overexpression of Rev-erbα dramatically inhibits cell growth due to a cell cycle arrest. Thus, Rev-erbα modulates the synthesis of its own ligand in a negative feedback pathway that maintains heme levels and regulates cellular energy metabolism.
Fourier power spectra of the geomagnetic field for circular paths on the Earth's surface.

The Fourier power spectra of geomagnetic component values, synthesized from spherical harmonic models, have been computed for circular paths on the Earth's surface. They are not found to be more useful than is the spectrum of magnetic energy outside the Earth for the purpose of separating core and crustal sources of the geomagnetic field. The Fourier power spectra of north and east geomagnetic components along nearly polar great circle paths exhibit some unusual characteristics that are explained by the geometric perspective of Fourier series on spheres developed by Y. K. Yee.
Heterosexism in High School and Victimization Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning Students

This study examined relationships between perceived heterosexism in high school policies and programs, social environments, and victimization rates among lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning (LGBQ) students. Secondary analyses of Internet survey data from a large cohort of LGBQ students (N = 2037; 76% male, 82% White; mean age = 16.07; 56% gay or lesbian; 28% bisexual; 16% questioning) yielded moderate correlations between perceptions of non-discrimination and harassment policies, inclusive programs, and the prevalence and tolerance of anti-LGBQ harassment. The perceived availability of inclusive programs was more closely associated with perceptions of the prevalence and tolerance of harassment in schools than were perceived policies. Victimization was related to perceived policies, programs, and harassment. Perceived harassment partially mediated effects of programs on victimization, but perceived programs also predicted victimization even after controlling for perceived harassment. Moderating effects of demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race, sexual orientation, and outness) were explored.
The structure of the signal receiver domain of the Arabidopsis thaliana ethylene receptor ETR1

Abstract Background: In Arabidopsis thaliana , ethylene perception and signal transduction into the cell are carried out by a family of membrane-bound receptors, one of which is ethylene resistant 1 (ETR1). The large cytoplasmic domain of the receptor showed significant sequence homology to the proteins of a common bacterial regulatory pathway, the two-component system. This system consists of a transmitter histidine kinase and a response regulator (or signal receiver). We present the crystal structures of the first plant receiver domain ETR RD (residues 604–738) of ETR1 in two conformations. Results: The monomeric form of ETR RD resembles the known structure of the bacterial receiver domain. ETR RD forms a homodimer in solution and in the crystal, an interaction that has not been described previously. Dimerization is mediated by the C terminus, which forms an extended β sheet with the dimer-related β -strand core. Furthermore, the loop immediately following the active site adopts an exceptional conformation. Conclusions: The three-dimensional structure of ETR RD shows the expected conformational conservation to prokaryotic receiver proteins, such as CheY and CheB, both of which are part of the chemotaxis signaling pathway. ETR RD provides the first detailed example of a dimerized receiver domain. Given that the dimer interface of ETR RD coincides with the phosphorylation-dependent interfaces of CheY and CheB, we suggest that the monomerization of ETR RD is phosphorylation-dependent too. In the Mg 2+ -free form of ETR RD , the γ -loop conformation does not allow a comparable interaction as observed in the active-site architectures of Mg 2+ -bound CheY from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium .
Standards for Scholarship in JPI Papers

The ASCE Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice ~hereafter JPI! covers a wide range of topics that may not traditionally be considered research. Technical papers address educational issues, professional practice issues, history and heritage, legal issues ~recently added!, and possibly others. As a result, many writers and reviewers are unsure of what constitutes good scholarship in a JPI paper. In many respects, the standards of scholarship for a JPI technical paper are the same as for any other peer-reviewed papers published by ASCE. A partial listing of those standards follows: 1. The topic selected should be of interest to a reasonably broad readership of educators and practicing engineers. Papers that focus too narrowly, for example a description of a course likely to be offered at only one or two institutions, are not appropriate. 2. The paper should be supported by a reasonably thorough review of the literature. If the author does not provide any references, or very few references, that calls the quality of
Micromechanisms of Creep–Fatigue Crack Growth in a Silicide-Matrix Composite with SiC Particles

An experimental study has been conducted to examine the cyclic fatigue crack growth characteristics in 1200oC air of a MoSi2-50 mol% Wsi2 alloy the unreinforced condition and with 30 vol% SiC particles. For comparison purposes, crack growth experiments under sustained loads were also carried out in the silicide-matrix composite. Particular attention is devoted to developing an understanding of the micromechanisms of subcritical crack-tip damage. The results indicate that enhanced viscous flow of glass films along interfaces and grain boundaries imparts pronounced levels of subcritical crack growth in the composite material; the composite exhibits a higher fatigue fracture threshold and a more extended range of stable fracture than the unreinforced alloy. The effects of glass phase in influencing fatigue crack growth in the silicide-based material are compared to the influence of in situ-formed and preexisting glass films on high-temperature cyclic fatigue crack growth in ceramics and ceramic composites. The paper concludes with a comparison of present results with the high-temperature damage tolerance of a variety of intermetallic alloys and ceramic materials.
Do you Queue

Created for computing professionals, Queue is an innovative, successful magazine available free to ACM members. If you are a professional and don't subscribe, what are you waiting for?
Does primary stroke center certification change ED diagnosis, utilization, and disposition of patients with acute stroke?☆☆☆

Abstract Background and Purpose We examined the impact of primary stroke center (PSC) certification on emergency department (ED) use and outcomes within an integrated delivery system in which EDs underwent staggered certification. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 30 461 patients seen in 17 integrated delivery system EDs with a primary diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA), intracranial hemorrhage, or ischemic stroke between 2005 and 2008 was conducted. We compared ED stroke patient visits across hospitals for (1) temporal trends and (2) pre- and post-PSC certification—using logistic and linear regression models to adjust for comorbidities, patient characteristics, and calendar time, to examine major outcomes (ED throughput time, hospital admission, radiographic imaging utilization and throughput, and mortality) across certification stages. Results There were 15 687 precertification ED visits and 11 040 postcertification visits. Primary stroke center certification was associated with significant changes in care processes associated with PSC certification process, including (1) ED throughput for patients with intracranial hemorrhage (55 minutes faster), (2) increased utilization of cranial magnetic resonance imaging for patients with ischemic stroke (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.60), and (3) decrease in time to radiographic imaging for most modalities, including cranial computed tomography done within 6 hours of ED arrival (TIA: 12 minutes faster, ischemic stroke: 11 minutes faster), magnetic resonance imaging for patients with ischemic stroke (197 minutes faster), and carotid Doppler sonography for TIA patients (138 minutes faster). There were no significant changes in survival. Conclusions Stroke center certification was associated with significant changes in ED admission and radiographic utilization patterns, without measurable improvements in survival.
Comments on "Time-symmetric, approximately relativistic particle interactions and radiation"

It is argued that recent conclusions concerning the Cerenkov effect in a slightly relativistic plasma are incorrect. It is shown that the error resides in the use of the Darwin Hamiltonian to describe interactions in the medium. When the modifications to the Darwin Hamiltonian by the medium are taken into account, the reported effect disappears.
Comparison of calcium scores from thick– and thin image slice–computed tomography scanning in predicting future coronary events

Computed tomographic image slices between 2.5 and 3.0 mm are commonly used for coronary calcium scanning. To evaluate the comparative accuracy of thicker image slices (5 to 6 mm) for predicting coronary events, we acquired both types of scans in 280 research participants and clinically followed them up for 7 years. We found that thick-slice image scanning and image assessment ranked calcium scores similarly and that measurements from both scanning methods predicted coronary heart disease events equally.
Magic sandwich echo relaxation mapping of anisotropic systems.

Abstract The main objective of this article was (i) to refocus the residual dipolar and quadrupolar interactions in anisotropic tissues employing magic sandwich echo (MSE) imaging and to compare the results with that of conventional spin-echo (SE) imaging, and (ii) to quantify MSE relaxation and dispersion characteristics in bovine Achilles tendon and compare with spin-lattice relaxation time constant in the rotating frame (T1ρ). Magic sandwich echo weighted images are ∼75–100% higher in signal-to-noise ratio than the corresponding T2-weighted images. Magic sandwich echo relaxation times varied from 13±2 to 19±3 ms (mean±S.D.), depending upon the structural location of tendon. T2 relaxation times only varied from 4±1 to 10±3 ms (mean±S.D.) on the same corresponding locations. Magic sandwich echo provides ∼100% enhancement in relaxation times compared to T2. Preliminary results based on bovine Achilles tendon and cartilage specimens suggest that the MSE technique has potential for refocusing residual dipolar as well as quadrupolar interactions in anisotropic systems and yields higher intensities than conventional SE imaging as well as T1ρ-encoded imaging, especially at low-burst pulse amplitudes (250 and 500 Hz).
Polynitroalkanes, Nitroazoles and Oximes in Electroorganic Synthesis

Electrochemical oxidation of anions of polynitroalkanes (PNA) proceeds via one-electron transfer and results in the formation of unstable radicals. The radicals undergo fragmentation, abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the solvent, and reaction with aromatic compounds to form aryl-PNA. The yield of aryl-PNA depends on the structure of the radicals and on the electron donating properties of the aromatic substrates. Due to their electrophilic properties, PNA-radicals also react with compounds containing heteroatoms with unshared electron pairs resulting in formation of dinitromethylides. Under anodic electrolysis conditions dinitromethylides which have a carbanionic structure can effectively transfer the dinitromethyl group to other organic substrates. Electrochemical oxidation of anions of nitroazoles also proceeds via one-electron transfer to generate nitroazolyl radicals. Their principal reaction is abstraction of hydrogen from the solvent. However, electrolysis of nitroazoles in the presence of aromatic compounds results in formation of N-aryl derivatives in good yield. It has been shown that electrooxidation of mono oximes leads to formation of unstable nitroso dimers, while electrooxidation of vicinal dioximes results in formation of furoxans in high yield.
Mutagenicity of the phenolic microsomal metabolites of 3-nitrofluoranthene and 1-nitropyrene in strains of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract The environmental pollutant 3-nitrofluoranthene is metabolized in vitro and in vivo to several products including the phenolic metabolites 3-nitrofluoranthen-6-ol (3NF-6-ol), 3-nitrofluoranthen-8-ol (3NF-8-ol), and 3-nitrofluoranthen-9-ol (3NF-9-ol). Similarly, 1-nitropyrene is metabolized to the phenolic metabolites 1-nitropyren-3-ol (1NP-3-ol), 1-nitropyren-6-ol (1NP-6-ol), and 1-nitropyren-8-ol (1NP-8-ol). The mutagenicity of these compounds was investigated using strains of Salmonella typhimurium deficient in either certain nitroreductase or the aryl hydroxylamine O -esterificase. In TA98, 3-nitrofluoranthene and 3NF-8-ol were equally mutagenic at approximately 10 3 revertants/nmole while 3NF-6-ol and 3NF-9-ol were 10-fold less mutagenic. 1-Nitropyrene and 1NP-3-ol likewise were equally mutagenic at approximately 700 revertants/nmole and 1NP-6-ol and 1NP-8-ol were 100-fold less mutagenic. The mutagenicity of 1-nitropyrene was dependent on the ‘classical nitroreductase’ which is absent in TA98NR, and that of 3-nitrofluoranthene, 3NF-8-ol, and 1NP-3-ol was less dependent on this nitroreductase. Using TA98/1,8DNP 6 , it was determined that the mutagenicity of 3-nitrofluoranthene, 3NF-8-ol, and 1NP-3-ol but not 1-nitropyrene was dependent on the presence of the O -esterificase. 3-Nitrofluoranthene and 3NF-8-ol were mutagenic in TA100, while 3NF-6-ol and 3NF-9-ol were considerably less mutagenic. 3-Nitrofluoranthene was not mutagenic in TA100NR nor in TA100-Tn5-1,8-DNP1012. None of the phenolic metabolites of 3-nitrofluoranthene were mutagenic in TA100-Tn5-1,8DNP1012 indicating a strong dependence for mutagenicity of the O -esterificase of the 1,8-dinitropyrene nitroreductase which is absent in this strain. These results are discussed in view of possible mechanisms for the differences in the mutagenicity of the phenolic metabolites of these two nitrated arenes.
The stereochemistry of organosulfur compounds. XIX. The crystal and molecular structure of 10-(1,3-dithiolan-2-ylidene)-10H-indeno[1,2-f]-1,2,3,4,5-pentathiepin

The molecular structure of 10-(1,3-Dithiolan-2-ylidene)-10H-indeno[1,2-f] -1,2,3,4,5-pentathiepin S7C12H89 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are triclinic, space group PI, with two molecules in a unit cell of dimensions α = 8.931(2), b = 9.387(2), c = 10.175(2) A, α = 75.73(2), β = 73.35(1), γ = 64.37(2)°. The structure was solved by direct methods, and refined to a final R value of 3.3% for 1925 independent reflections. The molecule consists of an indene core with a nearly co-planar dithiolane and a fused pentasulfide chain. The S5C2 ring is in the chair configuration, with an average SS distance of 2.052 A. There is no variation of bond lengths as is frequently seen in multi-sulfur chains. The indenone ring shows no evidence of any delocalization, while the dithiolane ring is disordered at the two methylene positions. No attempt was made to resolve the disorder, since it is frequently seen and has been thoroughly investigated previously.
The inactivation of catalytically active thermal polyanhydro-α-amino acids

Inactivation of thermal catalytically active polyanhydro-alpha-amino acids by heating in buffered solution, noting hydrolysis of cyclic imide bonds
Accumulation of cultural and social capital: The differing college careers of prep school and public school graduates

Beginning in the 1920s, and continuing through the 1950s, research indicated that in college (and especially at Harvard) public school graduates were higher academic achievers than were prep school graduates. After the Second World War, however, admissions to prestigious colleges became much more competitive; graduates of the most elite boarding schools were no longer assured entry to the college of their choice. Therefore, this series of three studies was designed to update and extend the earlier research. It was found that at Wesleyan University, Yale University, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, public school graduates were significantly more likely than prep school graduates to be elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In contrast, the private school graduates were significantly more likely than the public school graduates to be selected as members of the two most prestigious senior societies at Wesleyan and Yale (The Mystical Seven at Wesleyan and Skull and Bones at Yale). Pierre Bourdieu's (1977) theory...
Novel copolymer networks via the combination of polyaddition and anionic polymerization

A two-step synthetic route to novel copolymer networks, consisting of polymethacrylate and polyacetal components, was developed by combining the polyaddition and anionic polymerization techniques. The functional polymethacrylates containing hydroxyl or vinyloxyl side groups were used as crosslinkers. They were anionically synthesized as follows: the copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was prepared by the anionic copolymerization of 2-(trimethylsiloxy)ethyl methacrylate and MMA, followed by hydrolysis. The copolymer poly(HEMA-co-MMA) thus obtained possessed a hydroxyl group in each of its HEMA units. Another kind of vinyloxyl-containing (co)polymer was prepared by the anionic homopolymerization of 2-(vinyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (VEMA) or its copolymerization with MMA. The resulting (co)polymer possessed reactive vinyloxyl side groups. The copolymer networks were obtained by reacting each of the above-mentioned (co)polymers with a polyacetal prepared via the polyaddition between a divinyl ether and a diol. Three divinyl ethers (ethylene glycol divinyl ether, 1,4-butanediol divinyl ether, and 1,6-hexanediol divinyl ether) and three diols (ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol) were employed as monomers in the polyaddition step, and their combinations generated nine kinds of polyacetals. When a polyaddition reaction was terminated with a divinyl ether monomer, a polyacetal with two vinyloxyl end groups was obtained, which could further react with the hydroxyl groups of poly(HEMA-co-MMA) to generate a copolymer network. On the other hand, when a diol was used as terminator in the polyaddition, the resulting polyacetal possessed two hydroxyl end groups, which could react with the vinyloxyl groups of poly(VEMA) or poly(VEMA-co-MMA), to generate a copolymer network. All the copolymer networks exhibited degradation in the presence of acids. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 117–126, 2001
Do voters really care about political parties anymore? A response to Craig

In response to a critique of his work by Stephen C. Craig (1985), the author marshals additional evidence that in regard to the relationship between voters and the two major parties in the U.S., it is not so much that people's confidence in the parties has eroded, but rather that the prominence of individual candidates has turned voters' attention away from the parties, making their attitudes toward the parties neutral rather than negative.
A cautionary note for population health: disproportionate emphasis on personal responsibility for health and wellbeing

By investing in healthy human life we are investing in our social capital, the primary treasure of a modern technologically advanced society. In rethinking the definition of health from a new interdisciplinary viewpoint, I argue that health can be measured by satisfaction with life fulfillment and by abilities that permit an individual to perform tasks demanded by a society. While considering health as a property of a dynamic system governed by social and environmental determinants, a balance between societal and personal responsibility for health and wellbeing has to be maintained to protect those who have limited opportunities to "use their biologically given and personally acquired potentials" or to entertain their rights of healthy living standards. Instead of separating the biologically given and personally acquired potentials, I suggest capitalizing on emerging information, technologies, and materials aiming to enhance human potentials, both physical and intellectual.
Gravity Wave-driven Flows in the Solar Tachocline. II. Stationary Flows

The effects of gravity waves on the mean radial differential rotation profile in the solar tachocline are studied, including the effect of a uniform, toroidal magnetic field. Vertical transport of horizontal momentum arises from the radiative damping of inwardly traveling waves that are generated by low-frequency, convective fluid motions. By considering two-wave and one-wave interactions, the radiatively damped gravity waves are shown to accentuate the shear in the mean radial differential rotation. In the presence of a strong horizontal magnetic field, internal gravity waves become nearly Alfvenic and cannot propagate downward through the tachocline. For a magnetic field that is weak enough to permit wave propagation, the mean shear profile is shown to be smoother than that obtained in the case of purely hydrodynamic waves. The implications of our results for gravity-wave forcing of the internal solar rotation are discussed.
Individual investors’ attitudes toward the acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards in the United States

Abstract As of this writing, non-U.S. companies using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are permitted to list their securities on U.S. stock exchanges without reconciling those statements to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently considering a proposed rule that would require all U.S. issuers to employ IFRS by 2015. SEC Commissioner Elisse Walter has emphasized that IFRS should be incorporated into U.S. capital markets only if the change benefits U.S. investors. Current Chairperson Mary Schapiro more recently echoed this statement. Accordingly, this paper reports on the results of a survey of individual investors’ attitudes toward this potential change. It concludes that U.S. investors are satisfied with the current U.S. accounting model and do not desire a movement toward the adoption of IFRS.
Aberrations of diffracted wave fields. I. Optical imaging.

The concept of aberrations of diffracted waves is revisited by using the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld theory of diffraction, and it is pointed out that these aberrations are in a class by themselves; they are only deceptively similar to the aberrations of a rotationally symmetric imaging system. Although an exact Fourier-transform expression can be written for the diffracted wave field, its numerical calculation is cumbersome because of the dependence of the aberrations of the diffracted wave on the observation point. This is true regardless of whether the diffracted wave field is observed on a plane or a hemisphere. It is shown that the Fresnel and Fraunhofer approximations, which neglect these aberrations and thereby simplify the calculations, are valid in imaging applications.
Nanostructured optics and optoelectronics for dense optical interconnects

Quantum well structures in germanium and nanophotonic structures in dielectrics and metals promise future optics, optoelectronics and electronics, all possibly combined in one silicon compatible platform. Challenges, approaches and recent progress are summarized.
Digital image analysis as a tool to assess the effects of imatinib on trabecular bone in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia

Summary Skeletal integrity is sustained by osteoblast-osteoclast interactions, controlled by several signaling pathways that include tyrosine kinases. Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with an extended therapeutic range based on its ability to differentially bind to receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. In this study, we used digital image analysis to assess changes in trabecular bone surface area within bone marrow biopsy specimens of 34 patients with chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with single-agent imatinib. These patients were 25 men and 9 women with a median age of 59 years. We selected representative areas of paired bone marrow biopsy specimens obtained at baseline and within the subsequent 48 months. Computer-assisted analysis was performed to calculate trabecular bone area (TBA) within the sample by using the equation TBA% = sum of trabecular area/total biopsy specimen area. Percentage changes were defined as ΔTBA% and were arbitrarily subdivided into marked (>50%), moderate (10%-50%), and mild ( P = .02). No correlation was found between changes in trabecular bone area and either clinical or cytogenetic response ( P = .25). The results show that imatinib therapy can alter trabecular bone in bone marrow biopsy specimens of chronic myelogenous leukemia patients, most often resulting in an increase in TBA%.
Capping the Inflamed Pulp under Different Clinical Conditions

Background A great deal of controversy exists regarding the reliability of capping the inflamed pulp. In particular, the use of calcium hydroxide as a capping agent has come into question. In this study, hard tissue barrier formation after inflamed pulps were capped directly or after partial pulpotomy was compared with calcium hydroxide or bonded resin and with no additional seal or an IRM surface seal. Seventy teeth in five dogs were used. Ten untreated teeth were used as negative controls. In 60 teeth, pulpal inflammation was induced by preparing a cavity close to the pulp and sealing a cotton pellet soaked in plaque in it for 1 to 2 weeks. The cavities were then re-entered and extended to expose the pulps. Materials and methods In half the teeth (n = 30) a partial pulpotomy was performed and in the other half (n = 30) pulpal treatment was performed on the superficial exposed pulp. Both pulpal treatment groups received the same restorative procedures: (1) calcium hydroxide + amalgam + IRM surface seal; (2) OptiBond Solo, Prodigy with IRM surface seal; or (3) OptiBond Solo, Prodigy without IRM surface seal. The presence, absence, and quality of a hard tissue barrier were evaluated histologically. Results The calcium hydroxide groups were statistically superior to all other groups. The IRM surface seal resulted in significantly better healing. Although there was no statistically significant difference between direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy with the numbers in this study, power statistics indicated that in clinical practice a partial pulpotomy would be preferable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The results of this study suggest that a partial pulpotomy, calcium hydroxide medicament, and a bacteria-tight coronal restoration represent a viable technique for capping the inflamed pulp.
Impingement and Entrainment of Fishes Within a High Volume-Low Velocity Deep Water Intake System on Lake Michigan

ABSTRACT We determined the extent of fish entrainment and impingement for a low velocity-high volume Lake Michigan water intake system where the entrance of the intake system occurred in deep waters. There was no evidence of any fish entrainment probably because of the location of the entrance to the water intake system. Fish impingement was also low and comparable to the lowest impingement found for power plant intakes. The number of impinged fish was 93 fishes for 58 sampling dates from April 23 to November 13. Of the 93 fishes, 61 were alewives, 11 were yellow perch, an the remainder included black crappie, black bullhead, bloater, bluegill, emerald shiner, johnny darter, pumpkinseed, slimy sculpin, and spotfin shiner. The impact of this intake systemon the fish community was insignificant, since the estimated total of impinged fishes during the operating season of the intake was 280.
The spatial pattern of air seeding thresholds in mature sugar maple trees

Air seeding threshold ( P a ) of xylem vessels from current year growth rings were measured along the vertical axis of mature sugar maple trees ( Acer saccharum Marsh.), with sampling points in primary leaf veins, petioles, 1-, 3-, and 7-year-old branches, large branches, the trunk and roots. The air seeding threshold was taken as the pressure required to force nitrogen gas through intervessel pit membranes. Although all measurements were made on wood produced in the same year, P a varied between different regions of A. saccharum , with distal organs such as leaves and petioles having lower P a than basal regions. Mean (SE) P a ranged from 1.0 ( ± 0.1) MPa in primary leaf veins to 4.8 ( ± 0.1) MPa in the main trunk. Roots exhibited a P a of 2.8 ( ± 0.2) MPa, lower than all other regions of the tree except leaf veins and petioles. Mean xylem vessel diameter increased basipetally, with the widest vessels occurring in the trunk and roots. Within the shoot, wider vessels had greater air seeding thresholds, contrasting with trends previously reported. However, further experimentation revealed that differences in P a between regions of the stem were driven by the presence of primary xylem conduits, rather than differences in vessel diameter. In 1-year-old branches, P a was significantly lower in primary xylem vessels than in adjacent secondary xylem vessels. This explained the lower values of P a measured in petioles and leaf veins, which possessed a greater ratio of primary xylem to secondary xylem than other regions. The difference in P a between primary and secondary xylem was attributed to the greater area of primary cell wall (pit membrane) exposed in primary xylem conduits with helical or annular thickening.
Binary De Bruijn cycles under different equivalence relations

Abstract De Bruijn cycles are cyclic binary strings of length n where all substrings of length i are distinct. We present a generalization called (≃, i )-De Bruijn cycles that are defined for an equivalence relation ≃ on substrings of length i. In this paper, binary (≃, i )-De Bruijn cycles under the equivalences of cyclic rotation, inverses, and flipping are examined. For the first two equivalences, we present exact solutions for all pairs ( i , n ) for which (≃, i )-De Bruijn cycles of length n exist; for the last equivalence a conjecture is made about which pairs hold.