cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing Earnings Surprises in the U.S. Versus 12 Other Countries

This paper examines whether managers in the U.S. manage earnings, profits and losses surprises to a greater extent than do managers in 12 other countries. We expect managers in the U.S. to be more likely to manage earnings, profits and losses surprises than do managers in other countries since U.S. managers have greater incentives to monitor current price performance. These incentives include greater equity ownership by top executives, more monitoring by institutional and large shareholders, a larger number of outside directors on their board of directors, a greater threat of external takeovers, and a more litigious environment. Consistent with our expectations, we find that managers in the U.S. manage earnings surprises relatively more than do managers in 12 other countries. More specifically, U.S. managers are more likely to manage profits surprises than do managers in all 12 other countries examined, and they are more likely to manage losses surprises than do managers in all other countries except Japan, the only country requiring managers to forecast earnings. We also expect U.S. managers to be more likely to manage analysts' estimates, given their extensive public relations departments and their greater incentives to manage earnings surprises. Our evidence bears out our contention.
The Effects of Donor Standing on Philanthropy: Insights from the Psychology of Gift-Giving

Societies have long struggled with contradictions between the ideals of philanthropy and the real motives of philanthropists. Cultural artifacts such as traditional Jewish legal codes and the legend of Saint Nicholas of Myra show that societies especially revere philanthropists who give anonymously, without expectation of repayment. But contrary to these ideals, donors often use philanthropy to obtain personal rewards, such as the wealthy patrons of ancient Greece whose opulent displays of benefactions were aimed at social status and political dominance. The gap between ideals and reality creates a dilemma: Societies wish to promote philanthropy but offering incentives taints the authenticity of the donor’s intent. This dilemma is central to the recent policy debate about the enforceability of donor-imposed gift restrictions. The law has traditionally allowed donors to pursue their personal charitable goals by imposing restrictions on the use of charitable gifts, but until recently, donors lacked legal standing to enforce their restrictions in court. In this Article, we describe the detrimental effects of donor enforcement rights on the public’s shared interest in charitable assets. We then investigate the issue of donor standing by reviewing and comparing economic and psychological models of gift-giving behavior. On the basis of research from experimental psychology, we propose the novel hypothesis that, contrary to the intended effect, donor standing is unlikely to promote charitable giving and may cause a decrease in charitable contributions.
Role of lysosomes in cancer therapy

Lysosomes are acidic organelles that are involved in cellular digestion by endocy- tosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. They contain more than 50 hydrolases that are capable of degrading all macromolecules. There is accumulating evidence that lysosomal enzymes can provoke apoptotic cell death. This has important implications for cancer, where proapoptotic genes are mutated and antiapoptotic genes are often overexpressed leading to chemoresistance. Lysosomes play a dual role in cancer development depending on their subcellular localization. When they are located extracellularly they can promote invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. However, when they are located intracellularly they can trigger apoptosis by leaking into the cytosol. In this review, we examine the pathways by which lysosomes can evoke both apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Although cancer cells have defects in their apoptotic machinery, they can still undergo lysosomal cell death. We offer several strategies to explain how targeting lysosomes can serve as a putative model for the development of novel anticancer agents. Furthermore, we propose that lysosomal cell death is an effective treatment against apoptosis-resistant can- cer cells and thus holds great potential as a therapeutic strategy for circumventing apoptosis deficiency in tumors.
Integrating Normative Theory in Teaching International Relations

Mansbach, Richard W. (2011) Integrating Normative Theory in Teaching International Relations.International StudiesPerspectives, doi: 10.1111/j.1528-3585.2011.00451.x © 2011 International Studies Association This essay outlines the ways in which the author presents normative theory to his students in his courses and textbook in international relations.
Women in Hospitality Management: An Exploratory Study of Major and Occupation Choice Variables

(1994). Women in Hospitality Management: An Exploratory Study of Major and Occupation Choice Variables. Hospitality & Tourism Educator: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 7-9.
Ginseng root extract inhibits calcium channels in rat sensory neurons through a similar path, but different receptor, as μ-type opioids

The effect of Panax ginseng root extract on Ca2+ current of adult rat trigeminal ganglion neurons was investigated using whole-cell patch-clamp methods. The application of P. ginseng root extract (100 micrograms/ml) produced rapid, reversible reduction of the Ca2+ current by 22 +/- 4%. Treatment with pertussis toxin (250 ng/ml) for 16 h reduced the inhibition to 4 +/- 1%. The continual presence of 1 microM DAGO, a selective mu-opioid agonist that inhibits Ca2+ channels, occluded further inhibition of Ca2+ current by P. ginseng root extract. Yohimbine, phaclofen, atropine, and naloxone--antagonists of alpha 2-adrenergic, GABAB, muscarinic, and opiate receptors, respectively--did not block the inhibitory effect on Ca2+ current of P. ginseng root extract. Thus, P. ginseng root extract acts on sensory neurons through a similar pathway as mu-type opioids: both inhibit Ca2+ channels through pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding proteins. However, the receptor for P. ginseng root extract is not an alpha 2-adrenergic, GABAB, muscarinic, or opioid receptor.
College Student Experiences with an LGBTQ Ally Training Program: A Mixed Methods Study at a University in the Southern United States

In recent years, many universities across the United States have instituted “ally” programs that have been designed to promote awareness and support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) persons. While such ally programs have emerged at many colleges and are certainly publicly visible, little empirical research has investigated the impact that ally programs have on college students. The current study explores college student experiences with an LGBTQ ally training program located at a large university in the southern United States. Using a mixed methods approach, I analyze both qualitative responses (N = 66) and quantitative survey data (N = 804) to examine ally training program experiences. Results indicate that both awareness of the program and participation in the ally training program are related to supportive attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals.
Product Selectivity Shifts in Clostridium thermocellum in the Presence of Compressed Solvents

Organic solvents have been shown to affect the activity and selectivity of enzymes and whole cells in biphasic and nearly anhydrous systems. The choice of supercritical solvents and operating conditions may be used to vary the rates and selectivities of enzymes. Experiments were conducted to assess the impact of compressed nitrogen, ethane, and propane on the product selectivity of whole cell biocatalysts. The anaerobic thermophilic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum, which produces ethanol, acetate, and lactate, was used in the biphasic incubations. Compressed solvents lead to an increase in the ratio of ethanol to acetate produced by the organism. Furthermore, lactate formation was decreased in the presence of compressed and liquid solvents. The reduction in lactate formation is associated with a simultaneous reduction in the rate of cellobiose uptake by the microorganism. These results support the claim that incompatible solvents may affect the membrane and membrane transport systems of the microorgani...
Dynamic Integration using Sampling in Fading Channels

In this paper, we demonstrate that the sampling property of a delta function can be used to quantify integration dynamically. The proposed approach reduces integration to a sampling. The sampling point is obtained in terms of a constant or fading parameter. We illustrate an example using Rayleigh fading channel. We investigate the dynamic behavior of the sampling error probability, relative error and sampling point error of the proposed integration. We extend the result to the general order rectangular QAM with Nakagami-n fading. The significance of the proposed method is that the dynamic integration can be used to find integrals with no available antiderivative.
Application of endochronic theory in dynamic viscoplasticity

Abstract This paper summarizes the work completed on a project concerned with engineering models in dynamic plasticity. The concept of the endochronic theory of viscoplasticity and its subsequent improvement are discussed briefly. Applications and extensions of the theory to various dynamic problems are presented. In particular, the strain-rate effect in the improved endochronic theory and its application to wave propagation problems are discussed. Comparing the numerical results with other calculations and experimental data, it appears that endochronic theory provides a promising representation of realistic material behavior. At the same time endochronic theory is often numerically more efficient than other formulations.
Path Relinking with Multi-Start Tabu Search for the Quadratic Assignment Problem

This paper introduces a new path relinking algorithm for the well-known quadratic assignment problem QAP in combinatorial optimization. The QAP has attracted considerable attention in research because of its complexity and its applicability to many domains. The algorithm presented in this study employs path relinking as a solution combination method incorporating a multistart tabu search algorithm as an improvement method. The resulting algorithm has interesting similarities and contrasts with particle swarm optimization methods. Computational testing indicates that this algorithm produces results that rival the best QAP algorithms. The authors additionally conduct an analysis disclosing how different strategies prove more or less effective depending on the landscapes of the problems to which they are applied. This analysis lays a foundation for developing more effective future QAP algorithms, both for methods based on path relinking and tabu search, and for hybrids of such methods with related processes found in particle swarm optimization.
Architecture, Design, and Nonlinear Optimization of Three-Element Biomimetic Antenna Arrays

The architecture, design, and nonlinear optimization process of a three-element biomimetic antenna array (BMAA) are presented and discussed. The array is composed of three λ/4 monopoles with λ/20 spacing. The optimization process is based on choosing the desired phase enhancement factor and output power level of the side elements and maximizing the output power of the center element. A design example in conjunction with numerical simulations and optimization are presented to illustrate the design process and theory of operation of the proposed array. The new array architecture addresses some of the shortcomings of the previously reported two-element BMAAs, and its architecture can be readily extended to arrays with more than three elements.
Natural killer dendritic cells proliferate and secrete IFN-gamma during sepsis

METHODS: We developed a model of hemorrhagic shock meant to mimic prolonged evacuation times to definitive medical care. Hemorrhagic shock was induced in splenectomized pigs to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 50 mm Hg ( 35% bleed). Pigs were randomized to receive resuscitation to one of three blood pressure endpoints (systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 90, 80, or 65 mm Hg; n 4 in each group) for 8 hours, then resuscitation to a normal SBP, or one of two control groups (instrumentation without hemorrhage and hemorrhage without resuscitation, n 4 in both groups). We recorded multiple physiologic parameters including MAP, tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2), and base excess (BE) at baseline, after 45 minutes of shock, and 8 hours after resuscitation. We evaluated neurologic function in each animal before hemorrhage and 36 hours after resuscitation using an animal Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) scale.
The solvent-induced interaction of spherical solutes in associated and non-associated liquids

We propose an efficient method for studying the solvent-induced interaction of two solvophobic particles immersed in a liquid solvent. The method is based on the combination of the probabilistic hydrogen bond model with the density functional theory. An analytic expression for the number of hydrogen bonds per water molecule near two spherical hydrophobes is derived as a function of the molecule distance to both hydrophobes, distance between hydrophobes, and their radii. Using this expression, one can construct an approximation for the distribution of fluid (liquid water) molecules in the system which provides a reasonably good (much faster and accurate enough) alternative to a standard iteration procedure. Such an approximate density distribution constitutes an efficient foundation for studying the length-scale and temperature dependence of hydrophobic interactions. The model is applied to the interaction of solvophobic solutes in both associated and non-associated liquids. Of these two cases, the model predictions for the solvent-induced potential of mean force between two solutes in associated liquids are closer to the results of molecular dynamics simulation of hydrophobic interactions in the SPC/E model water. Our results suggest that the hydrogen bonding ability of water molecules may play a major role in hydrophobic phenomena.
Total Synthesis of Isokidamycin

The synthesis of isokidamycin, which represents the first total synthesis of a bis-C-aryl glycoside natural product in the pluramycin family, has been completed. The synthesis features the use of a silicon tether as a disposable regiocontrol element in an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction between a substituted naphthyne and a glycosyl furan and a subsequent O→C-glycoside rearrangement.
Quality of information maximization in two-hop wireless networks

An information collection problem in a wireless network with random events is considered. Wireless nodes report on each event using one of multiple reporting formats. Each format has a different quality and uses a different number of bits. Delivering all data in the highest quality format can overload system resources. The goal is to make intelligent format selection and routing decisions to maximize time-averaged information quality subject to network stability. Lyapunov optimization theory can be used to solve such a problem by repeatedly minimizing the linear terms of a quadratic drift-plus-penalty expression. To reduce delays, a novel extension of this technique that preserves the quadratic nature of the drift minimization while maintaining a separable decision structure is proposed. Also, paths are restricted to 1 or 2 hops to avoid high queuing delay. The resulting algorithm can push average information quality arbitrarily close to optimum, with a trade-off in average delay. The algorithm compares favorably to the basic drift-pluspenalty scheme in terms of backlog and delay.
Sex- and age-specific differences in relaxin family peptide receptor expression within the hippocampus and amygdala in rats

Relaxin is an essential pregnancy-related hormone with broad peripheral effects mediated by activation of relaxin-like family peptide 1 receptors (RXFP1). More recent studies suggest an additional role for relaxin as a neuropeptide, with RXFP1 receptors expressed in numerous brain regions. Neurons in an area of the brainstem known as the nucleus incertus (NI) produce relaxin 3 (RLN3), the most recently identified neuropeptide in the relaxin family. RLN3 has been shown to activate both RXFP1 and relaxin-like family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3) receptor subtypes. Studies suggest wide-ranging neuromodulatory effects of both RXFP1 and RXFP3 activation, although to date the majority of studies have been conducted in young males. In the current study, we examined potential sex- and age-related changes in RLN3 gene expression in the NI as well as RXFP1 and RXFP3 gene expression in the dorsal hippocampus (HI), ventral hippocampus (vHI) and amygdala (AMYG) using young adult (9-12weeks) and middle-aged (9-12months) male and female rats. In addition, regional changes in RXFP1 and RXFP3 protein expression were examined in the CA1, CA2/CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) as well as within basolateral (BLA), central (CeA), and medial (MeA) amygdaloid nuclei. In the NI, RLN3 showed an age-related decrease in males. In the HI, only the RXFP3 receptor showed an age-related change in gene expression, however, both receptor subtypes showed age-related changes in protein expression that were region specific. Additionally, while gene and protein expression of both receptors increased with age in AMYG, these effects were both region- and sex-specific. Finally, overall males displayed a greater number of cells that express the RXFP3 protein in all of the amygdaloid nuclei examined. Cognitive and emotional processes regulated by activity within the HI and AMYG are modulated by both sex and age. The vast majority of studies exploring the influence of sex on age-related changes in the HI and AMYG have focused on sex hormones, with few studies examining the role of neuropeptides. The current findings suggest that changes in relaxin family peptides may contribute to the significant sex differences observed in these brain regions as a function of aging.
Management Practices to Minimize Tan Spot in a Continuous Wheat Rotation

In the central United States, practices that maintain residue in wheat (Tritricum aestivum L.) often lead to yield losses from tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) infections. Tillage, fungicides, N fertility, and resistant varieties may reduce tan spot severity. Studies were conducted over five location-years to determine wheat yields and tan spot severity across three residue levels (no-till, reduced till, and burned) and cultivar susceptibility to tan spot. Nitrogen fertilizer and fungicide treatments were also evaluated for their influence on tan spot severity and wheat yields. Tan spot severity ranged from 12 to 64%, based on leaf ratings at anthesis across four environments when second year wheat was no-till planted. Removing previous crop residue by burning or tillage, host plant resistance and fungicide applications reduced tan spot severity across four environments 49, 30, 58, and 93%, respectively. Severities were higher with the susceptible cultivar when planted no-till and with no fungicides applied. Fungicide applications on the susceptible cultivar improved yields 14%, compared with only a 3% in the resistant cultivar. Under a severe tan spot infection, fungicide applications improved yields 34% for the susceptible cultivar and 10% resistant cultivar. Fungicide applications had no effect in three of the five environments. Burning and tillage increased yields 11 and 2% compared with no-till, respectively. Kernel weight was the most commonly affected yield component because tan spot infections affect flag leaf health during grain fill. These results suggest that it may be possible to develop no-till rotations with wheat following wheat without significant risk to producers.
Relationship between availability of contraceptive products and pharmacists as information sources.

Objective To describe the relationship between the availability and accessibility of contraceptives in Iowa pharmacies and the extent to which pharmacists act as an information source regarding contraceptives. Design Descriptive, exploratory, nonexperimental study. Setting Iowa in fall 2008. Participants 282 pharmacists at Iowa community pharmacies. Intervention Cross-sectional survey. Main outcome measures Contraceptive availability score, contraceptive accessibility score, and total access score. Regression analyses tested the relationships between the pharmacist information source score and the contraceptive availability, accessibility, and total access scores, controlling for geography, ownership, staff size, and average number of prescriptions per day. Results Significant positive relationships between the pharmacist information source score and product accessibility, product availability, and total access were observed. The relationship appeared to be driven primarily by product availability, and all were significantly influenced by pharmacy type. Significant negative relationships were found between product accessibility and independent/small chain pharmacies and mass merchandiser/grocery store pharmacies relative to large chain pharmacies. A significant negative relationship was found between independent/small chain pharmacies and the product availability score. Conclusion Significant relationships were found between pharmacists' ability to act as sources of information for contraceptive products and the availability, accessibility, and overall access to contraceptives in the pharmacy.
A Framework for Valuing Web Site Personalization

ABSTRACT Web related initiatives are a viable method for many companies seeking to enhance their customer focus. Web personalization is a technique that can be used by firms to develop and foster relationships with their customers. Web personalization may not be suitable for all types of businesses. Web personalization is used to generate individualized content for each visitor. Personalization techniques include content filtering, collaborative filtering, and a rules-based engine approach. The scope and technique chosen for the personalization initiative determine the resources required for successful implementation. This paper presents a framework to help firms ascertain the value of web personalization. The components of the framework include the ability to classify the popular features of the website, the degree the product is considered personal, the competitiveness of the market, and the value customers place on personalization. A survey was conducted and results of the survey are presented to help ...
Tear Lipocalin: structure and Function

Lipocalins are a family of diverse low molecular weight proteins that act extracellularly. They use multiple recognition properties that include 1) ligand binding to small hydrophobic molecules, 2) macromolecular complexation with other soluble macromolecules, and 3) binding to specific cell surface receptors to deliver cargo. Tear lipocalin (TLC) is a major protein in tears and has a large ligand-binding cavity that allows the lipocalin to bind an extensive and diverse set of lipophilic molecules. TLC can also bind to macromolecules, including the tear proteins lactoferin and lysozyme. The receptor to which TLC binds is termed tear lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor (LIMR). LIMR appears to work by endocytosis. TLC has a variety of suggested functions in tears, including regulation of tear viscosity, binding and release of lipids, endonuclease inactivation of viral DNA, binding of microbial siderophores (iron chelators used to deliver essential iron to bacteria), serving as a biomarker for dry eye, and possessing anti-inflammatory activity. Additional research is warranted to determine the actual functions of TLC in tears and the presence of its receptor on the ocular surface.
Generalized Anisotropic Inverse Mechanics: Mechanical Anisotropy Correlates With Structural Anisotropy in Collagen Based Tissue Equivalents

Few elastographic methods handle both anisotropy and inhomogeneity. Much of the focus has been on inhomogeneous materials that are locally isotropic. However, most load-bearing tissues (heart, ligament, blood vessels) are highly anisotropic, and the underlying structure is distinct and essential for function. With disease or damage, this structure is altered, and hence the potential for an elastographic tool that identifies regional changes in anisotropy is high. In this study we present a generalized anisotropic inverse mechanics (GAIM) method that is applicable to soft tissues and demonstrate its performance on tissue equivalents which serve as a convenient test case due to their inhomogeneity and the ease of pre-specifying the fiber alignment pattern.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Faculty Governance and Effective Academic Administrative Leadership.

Faculty members desiring administrative roles can find the structure and function of shared governance a fertile ground for growth through practical experience in institutional decision making.
On Spatial Visualization in College Students

Summary This study investigated two questions: (a) Do individuals with distinct career orientations have different spatial reasoning abilities? (b) Is there a sex difference in the spatial reasoning abilities of people with a similar career orientation? A spatial visualization test was administered to university students enrolled in four different types of mathematics courses: calculus (n = 37), business statistics (n = 72), remedial mathematics (n = 58), and mathematics for elementary school teachers (n = 56). The examination covered four forms of spatial visualization. Comparisons of performance between groups and within groups (male vs. female) were made. The unexpected sex enrolled in the course (e.g., males in elementary education) scored higher than the expected sex on a majority of the variables. Sex differences were observed within each of the courses. On three of the four variables students in the calculus courses scored higher than students in the other courses.
Protein-catalyzed exchange of phosphatidylcholine between sonicated liposomes and multilamellar vesicles

Phospholipid exchange protein from beef heart or beef liver does not catalyze the transfer of phosphatidylcholine from multilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholine. Certain combinations of phospholipids, however, do yield multilamellar vesicles that will exchange phosphatidylcholine with liposomes in the presence of exchange protein. Multilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylethanolamine:cardiolipin (70:25:5, mol%) can be used in place of mitochondria or erythrocyte ghosts as an improved acceptor particle in the study of liposome structure with phospholipid exchange proteins. These multilamellar vesicles act as a well-defined reservoir of unlabeled phosphatidylcholine with 7% exchangable phospholipid. When the distribution of phosphatidylcholine in liposomes is studied by the exchange protein technique, results can be influence by the choice of phospholipid acceptor particle. With mitochondria as acceptor particle, the percentage of phosphatidylcholine in the outer monolayer of a liposome appears to be 60%, whereas a value of 70% is obtained when multilamellar vesicles are the acceptor. The discrepancy can be explained by a heterogeneity in liposomes prepared by sonication. A size-dependent fusion or adsorption process occurs between liposomes and mitochondria; the very small liposomal vesicles, obtained by gel filtration, combine nearly quantitatively with the natural membrane. This phenomenon is not seen with multilamellar vesicles. Thus by using multilamellar vesicles one obtains a less biased estimate of phospholipid distribution between inner and outer layers of liposomes.
Solution structure of Fe(II) cytochrome c551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as determined by two-dimensional 1H NMR.

The solution structure of Fe(II) cytochrome c551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on 2D{sup 1}H NMR data is reported. Two sets of structure calculations were completed with a combination of simulated annealing and distance geometry calculations: one set of 20 structures included the heme-peptide covalent linkages, and one set of 10 structures excluded them. The main-chain atoms were well constrained within the two structural ensembles (1.30 and 1.35 {angstrom} average RMSD, respectively) except for two regions spanning residues 30-40 and 60-70. The results were essentially the same when global fold comparisons were made between the ensembles with an average RMSD of 1.33 {angstrom}. In total, 556 contraints were used, including 479 NOEs, 53 volume constraints, and 24 other distances. This report represents the first solution structure determination of a heme protein by 2D {sup 1}H NMR and should provide a basis for the application of these techniques to other proteins containing large prosthetic groups or cofactors.
Matrices associated with arithmetical functions

Let f be an arithmetical function and S={x 1,x 2,…,xn } a set of distinct positive integers. Denote by [f(xi ,xj }] the n×n matrix having f evaluated at the greatest common divisor (xi ,xj ) of xi , and xj as its i j-entry. We will determine conditions on f that will guarantee the matrix [f(xi ,xj )] is positive definite and, in fact, has properties similar to the greatest common divisor (GCD) matrix [(xi ,xj )] where f is the identity function. The set S is gcd-closed if (xi ,xj )∈S for 1≤ i j ≤ n. If S is gcd-closed, we calculate the determinant and (if it is invertible) the inverse of the matrix [f(xi ,xj )]. Among the examples of determinants of this kind are H. J. S. Smith's determinant det[(i,j)].
Estimating the work in integer partitioning

The authors developed an approach for estimating the work done by the best-known integer-partitioning methods for a given data set, and it works without running the partitioning program itself. This method can also estimate the number of perfect partitions in a given data set.
An Improved Shear Lag Model for Broken Fibers in Composite Materials

A shear lag model is formulated to predict the stresses in a unidirectional fiber reinforced composite. The model is based on assumptions consistent with the finite element method and the principle of virtual work by assuming that the matrix displacements can be interpolated from the fiber displacements. The fibers are treated as one-dimensional springs and the matrix is modeled as three-dimensional finite elements. The resulting finite element equations for the system are transformed into differential equations by taking the discretization length to approach zero. The governing ordinary differential equations are solved using Fourier transformations and an influence function technique. The technique is used to solve for the stresses around a single fiber break in an infinite square or hexagonal array of fibers. The results are compared with previous shear lag models and finite element results. The model predicts stress concentrations that are in good agreement with more detailed finite element analyses.
Polymer films as permselective coatings for H2O2-sensing electrodes

Abstract The performance of amperometric biosensors based on oxidation of the H2O2 generated by an oxidase suffers frequently from interference due to electrooxidizable species in a sample. For example, an effective biosensor of this type for the neurotransmitter, glutamate, in brain extracellular fluid (ECF) should show little or no amperometric response to readily oxidizable dopamine (DA) and ascorbate (AA), which are common constituents of ECF. In this work, platinum electrodes treated with four different polymeric, permselective films are compared quantitatively in terms of sensitivity to H2O2, DA and AA; and selectivity for H2O2 relative to either interferent. Here, the selectivity is defined as the ratio of the H2O2 sensitivity to the interferent sensitivity. Platinum electrodes coated with electrodeposited, overoxidized polypyrrole (OPP) and polyphenylenediamine films display H2O2 selectivities relative to AA of ⩾130 and ⩾240, respectively, and relative to DA of ⩾100 and 80, respectively. The impressive rejection of DA by OPP films observed in this study contrasts with published results showing enhanced DA permeability of polypyrrole electrode coatings. Nafion- and polyaniline-coated electrodes give inferior selectivity performance. The OPP-treated electrodes are judged superior overall given the best combination of H2O2 sensitivity (390 nA μM−1 cm−2), detection limit (0.5 μM), response time (∼5 s), and stability (>2 weeks), in addition to high H2O2 selectivities.
Oxidation of inorganic contaminants by ferrates (VI, V, and IV)--kinetics and mechanisms: a review.

Inorganic contaminants are found in water, wastewaters, and industrial effluents and their oxidation using iron based oxidants is of great interest because such oxidants possess multi-functional properties and are environmentally benign. This review makes a critical assessment of the kinetics and mechanisms of oxidation reactions by ferrates (FeVIO42−,FeVO43−,andFe(IV)). The rate constants (k, M−1 s−1) for a series of inorganic compounds by ferrates are correlated with thermodynamic oxidation potentials. Correlations agree with the mechanisms of oxidation involving both one-electron and two-electron transfer processes to yield intermediates and products of the reactions. Case studies are presented which demonstrate that inorganic contaminants can be degraded in seconds to minutes by ferrate(VI) with the formation of non-toxic products.
Regulation of lignin formation in reed canarygrass in relation to disease resistance.

Lignin content and enzymes involved in lignification were measured in leaf discs of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) inoculated with Helminthosporium avenae and floated on water or solutions of cycloheximide (25 μg/ml). Fungal germ tubes did not penetrate localized lignified swellings, which formed beneath penetration sites, in the outer epidermal wall of discs floated on water. Within 18 hours, inoculated discs on water had higher lignin content and higher activity of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase, tyrosine ammonia lyase, hydroxycinnamate-CoA ligase and peroxidase than noninoculated discs on water. When inoculated tissues were floated on cycloheximide solutions, increases in lignin content and enzyme activities associated with lignin biosynthesis were inhibited, and the tissue was susceptible to fungal penetration. Lignin biosynthesis at the site of attempted fungal penetration may play an important role in the resistant response of reed canarygrass to leaf-infecting fungi.
Cell Adhesion: A FERM Grasp of the Tail Sorts Out Integrins

Summary As well as modulating integrin activation, a conserved NPxY motif in integrin cytoplasmic tails that binds the FERM-domain-containing proteins kindlin and sorting nexin 17 plays pivotal roles in integrin recycling and degradation.
System functioning as a basis for sustainable management of deltaic ecosystems

Deltas are very important ecologically and economically, and much of the world's coastal wetlands are located in deltas. These areas are in crisis because various human impacts have led to deterioration of deltas. In this article, we address the functioning of deltas, human impacts in deltas, and the concept of sustainable management of deltas. It is implicit in this discussion that only management that is based on the functioning of deltas is sustainable. In spite of sea‐level rise and subsidence, deltas have greatly increased in area because of riverine sediment delivery over the past several thousand years. Recently, human impacts have altered natural pulsing energies and sediment distribution. It is clear that deltas are not being managed in a sustainable manner and there is a need to move toward more sustainable management. Such management must be based on a carefully controlled return to the natural functioning of deltas by utilizing, rather than diminishing, beneficial natural pulsing energies. We ...
Interventions for the Family with Diabetes

This article demonstrates that families can make a difference in diabetes outcomes and nurses can make a difference in how families organize and interact around the person with diabetes. Highlighted are key findings from the research on families and diabetes across different phases of the lifespan. Recommendations for general practice with families that might be adapted by nurses to different settings in which they care for families with diabetes are included.
Stented Lich–Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy: Case series report and cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Extravesical ureteroneocystostomy to reestablish urinary tract continuity in renal transplantation has been examined through a meta-analysis of more than 14,000 kidney transplants leading to the finding that stented anastomosis was associated with a lower urologic complication rate compared with nonstented anastomoses. Fourteen stents must be used to prevent one urologic complication. We now report the urologic complication rate in our case series in which a stented Lich–Gregoir anastomosis was routinely utilized. We present a cost-effectiveness analysis regarding the usage of ureteral stents. Methods The records of 395 consecutive renal transplants were reviewed. Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. The standard anastomosis was a Lich–Gregoir with a 6- or 8-F 12- or 14-cm J–J stent. Monitored urologic complications included postoperative vesicoureteral leak or ureteral necrosis, obstruction or stricture, or clinically significant hematuria. Charges in 2004 US dollars were reported by the hospital accounting office. Results Four urologic complications were noted—three leaks and one stricture (complication rate of 1.0%). There were no stent-related complications requiring reoperation. There were no cases in which the urologic complication led to graft loss or patient death. Total charges associated with stent use were $1,087 per patient, or $15,218 per urologic complication prevented. Conclusions The urologic complication rate in this case series is similar to the five previously published randomized trials, as well as our previously published meta-analysis. These results support the routine use of a ureteral stent. Our analysis suggests that stent use is cost effective.
A comparison of cytotoxicity, ouabain-resistant mutation, sister-chromatid exchanges, and nascent DNA synthesis in Chinese hamster cells treated with dihydrodiol epoxide derivatives of benzo[a]pyrene.

Abstract Chinese hamster V79 cells were treated with either (±)-7 β ,8 α -dihydroxy-9 α , 10 α -epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P-diol epoxide I) or (±)-7 β , 8 α -dihydroxy-9 β ,10 β -epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P-diol epoxide II) and the nascent DNA was labeled with [ Me - 3 H]thymidine. The cells were harvested for determination of cytotoxicity, sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE), ouabiin-resistant (O r ) mutations and the size of newly synsthesized daughter-strand DNA. Both isomers caused dose-dependent decreases in survival of cells and in the size of nascent DNA. Increases in the frequencies of SCE and of O r mutation were found in cells treated with either isomer. However, B[ a ]P-diol epoxide I caused 10–20-fold more O r mutations and 50–100% more SCE than did B[ a ]P-diol epoxide II at equal molar dose levels. In contrast to the marked difference in the frequencies of both SCE and O r mutations caused by both compounds, the isomers induced similar reductions in the size of the nascent DNA at equal dose levels. In comparing the molecular and biological effects of the two isomers the reduction in the size of nascent DNA was more closely related to cytotoxicity than to the induction of SCE or O r mutations.
A comparative experimental and computational study of methanol, ethanol, and n-butanol flames

Laminar flame speeds and extinction strain rates of premixed methanol, ethanol, and n-butanol flames were determined experimentally in the counterflow configuration at atmospheric pressure and elevated unburned mixture temperatures. Additional measurements were conducted also to determine the laminar flame speeds of their n-alkane/air counterparts, namely methane, ethane, and n-butane in order to compare the effect of alkane and alcohol molecular structures on high-temperature flame kinetics. For both propagation and extinction experiments the flow velocities were determined using the digital particle image velocimetry method. Laminar flame speeds were derived through a non-linear extrapolation approach based on direct numerical simulations of the experiments. Two recently developed detailed kinetics models of n-butanol oxidation were used to simulate the experiments. The experimental results revealed that laminar flame speeds of ethanol/air and n-butanol/air flames are similar to those of their n-alkane/air counterparts, and that methane/air flames have consistently lower laminar flame speeds than methanol/air flames. The laminar flame speeds of methanol/air flames are considerably higher compared to both ethanol/air and n-butanol/air flames under fuel-rich conditions. Numerical simulations of n-butanol/air freely propagating flames, revealed discrepancies between the two kinetic models regarding the consumption pathways of n-butanol and its intermediates.
The Manin conjecture for x0y0+⋯+xsys=0☆

Abstract Through the use of the classical circle method, we provide a new proof of the Manin–Peyre conjecture for the variety x 0 y 0 + ⋯ + x s y s = 0 in P s ( Q ) × P s ( Q ) for s ⩾ 2 .
Phase II study of alpha-interferon and 13-cis-retinoic acid in metastatic melanoma

The combination of alpha-interferon and 13-cis-retinoic acid has shown significant activity against a number of human tumors. We conducted a phase II trial to test whether the combination would have a major response rate of 30% or more in patients with refractory, metastatic melanoma. Eleven patients were treated on the study. Alpha-interferon was administered subcutaneously three times a week at a dose of 10 million U/m2 and 13-cis-retinoic acid was administered orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day. No patient achieved a partial or complete remission. The combination of alpha-interferon and 13-cis-retinoic acid is unlikely to have significantly higher therapeutic activity than alpha-interferon alone.
Small stories as resources for performing teacher identity: Identity-in-interaction in an urban language arts classroom

This paper sets out to (a) Theorize teacher identity as fluid, dynamic, interactionally emergent in situ, (b) Operationalize a dialogic narrative approach for the study of teacher identity on these terms, and (c) Account for the locally unfolding process of teacher identity, over short periods of time, in relation to curricular content. We pursue the inquiry through multi-layered small story analysis of a narrative, “My Worst Mistake,” told by a veteran English language arts teacher in the Midwestern United States.
Human sex hormone-binding globulin binding affinities of 125 structurally diverse chemicals and comparison with their binding to androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, and α-fetoprotein.

One endocrine disruption mechanism is through binding to nuclear receptors such as the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in target cells. The concentration of a chemical in serum is important for its entry into the target cells to bind the receptors, which is regulated by the serum proteins. Human sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is the major transport protein in serum that can bind androgens and estrogens and thus change a chemical’s availability to enter the target cells. Sequestration of an androgen or estrogen in the serum can alter the chemical elicited AR- and ER-mediated responses. To better understand the chemical-induced endocrine activity, we developed a competitive binding assay using human pregnancy plasma and measured the binding to the human SHBG for 125 structurally diverse chemicals, most of which were known to bind AR and ER. Eighty seven chemicals were able to bind the human SHBG in the assay, whereas 38 chemicals were nonbinders. Binding data for human SHBG are compared with that for rat a-fetoprotein, ER and AR. Knowing the binding profiles between serum and nuclear receptors will improve assessment of a chemical’s potential for endocrine disruption. The SHBG binding data reported here represent the largest data set of structurally diverse chemicals tested for human SHBG binding. Utilization of the SHBG binding data with AR and ER binding data could enable better evaluation of endocrine disrupting potential of chemicals through AR- and ER-mediated responses since sequestration in serum could be considered.
Salmonella Contamination in a Commercial Poultry (Broiler) Processing Operation

Abstract The results of these studies indicate that the number of broiler chickens entering a processing plant that harbor Salmonella is generally low. In the processing operation, mechanical spread of the Salmonella organisms apparently readily occurs so that as much as 90% of the dressed product is contaminated with Salmonella organisms. A limited number of carcasses from the same processing plant but examined at the retail level were all found to be contaminated with Salmonella. The use of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) at levels of less than 8 p.p.m. in the processing plant chill water did not reduce the levels of Salmonella or the number of bacteria on the surface of processed chicken carcasses. Similarly, laboratory studies utilizing chicken skins revealed no effect by ClO2 on the test organism, S. typhimurium.
An Extended Concept of Universality in a Statistical Mechanics Model

Nature uses phase transitions as powerful regulators of processes ranging from climate to the alteration of phase behavior of cell membranes, building on the fact that thermodynamic properties of a solid, liquid, or gas are sensitive fingerprints of intermolecular interactions. The only known exceptions from this sensitivity are critical points, where two phases become indistinguishable and thermodynamic properties exhibit universal behavior: systems with widely different intermolecular interactions behave identically. Here we report a new, stronger form of universality, in which different members of a family of two-dimensional systems—the discrete p-state clock model—behave identically both near and away from critical points, if the temperature exceeds a value Teu ('extended universality). We show that all thermal averages are identical to those of the continuous planar rotor model (p = ∞) above Teu, that phase transitions above Teu are identical to the Berezinskii-Kosterlita-Thouless (BKT) transition, and that transitions below Teu are distinctly non-BKT. The results generate a comprehensive map of the three phases of the model and, by virtue of the discrete rotors behaving like continuous rotors, an emergent symmetry, not present in the Hamiltonian. This symmetry, or many-to-one map of intermolecular interactions onto thermodynamic states, demonstrates previously unknown limits for macroscopic distinguishability of different microscopic interactions.