cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Has the AICPA changed the accounting profession for better or worse?: The case of educational change

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine students who have recently graduated from the standard 120 credit accountancy program and compare and contrast their ethical perceptions with students who have recently graduated from the AICPA-mandated 150 credit accountancy program which includes 30 extra credits with a focus on ethics. Design/methodology/approach – Recent graduated accounting students from selected Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business were asked to fill out a cross-sectional survey based on Victor and Cullen's Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ) to determine whether a difference exists between the two groups' ethical perceptions. The nine hypotheses derived from the ECQ were tested using an independent sample t-test and Levene's test for the homogeneity of the variances between the two groups. Findings – Compared with graduates of the 120 credit program, 150 credit program graduates scored significantly higher in ethical perceptions on five domains: Company Profit, Frie...
Die Haftung Von Ratingagenturen Gegenüber Dem Anlegerpublikum (Liability of Rating Agencies)

Credit rating agencies (CRAs) are not subject to broad, negligence-based liability vis-a-vis third parties such as investors. As a consequence, incentives to take an optimistic, rather than a pessimistic-conservative approach in rating firms or financial products are strong. The EU-Commission aims at changing this situation and has proposed a statutory liability rule that would subject CRAs to third party liability. The proposal is a step in the right direction but needs to be improved. At the level of liability, it seems misguided to limit the exposure of CRAs to cases of intentional wrongdoing and gross negligence, both difficult to plead and prove. On the other hand, given that liability has been established, quantum should not be unlimited but rather be capped at a certain amount. The cap could be formulated either as a function of the volume of the issued securities or as the product of the fee earned by the CRA and a particular multiplier that needed to be fixed by the European lawmakers.
Africa Partnership Station: Coastal Processes

Abstract : The overreaching goal of this research is to assist with the development of research capabilities of Gulf of Guinea nations and to increase the ability of these nations to predict and mitigate coastal hazards. This is being accomplished through sponsoring and developing the coastal processes research capabilities of these nations and their university systems. This projects focuses on interactions with the research group within the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of Ghana (UG) in Accra, with a goal of not only increasing the capabilities of Ghana to monitor and manage their coast, but to develop UG as a center of research excellence for the Gulf of Guinea region.
MBO Withdrawals and Determinants of Stockholders’ Wealth

Not all firms that intend to go private do so successfully. A number of management buyouts are announced but subsequently withdrawn. It is documented in this study that the stock market reacts negatively to MBO withdrawal announcement. This adverse effect, however, is alleviated in firms where inside directors hold higher proportions of equity ownership and where boards of directors are dominated by independent directors. The results suggest that higher ownership by inside directors helps align management’s and shareholders’ interests whereas outside-dominated boards better monitor management, whose fiduciary duties to shareholders may be compromised by conflicts of interest inherent in management buyouts. Finally, there is evidence that firms that could have taken the offer by another bidder but decided in favor of the MBO, which subsequently fails, suffer more adverse market reactions when the MBO is withdrawn.
The Idiosyncratic, Playing, and Rorty’s Brand of Philosophizing

My entry into Jim Garrison’s essay focuses on three puzzling claims. First, Garrison claims, “Rorty retains a commitment to an atomistic individualism that Dewey spent his career trying to overcome.” Second, he claims that Richard Rorty’s liberal ironist is, “just so much pretentious, self-absorb[ed], dualistic nonsense.” Finally, he claims that Rorty’s notion of self-creation is “profoundly mistaken.” I agree with Garrison, “To create our selves, we must help others create their selves and by helping others, we create our own selves” is necessary. However, I find it is not sufficient. With Rorty, I believe self-creation also entails the private and the idiosyncratic moments of solitude to ruminate and to otherwise attend to those private loves that don’t interest other people.
Evidence of oxidative stress and in vivo neurotoxicity of β-amyloid in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: A chronic oxidative paradigm for testing antioxidant therapies in vivo

Abstract Increased expression of antioxidant enzymes and heat-shock proteins are key markers of oxidative stress. Such proteins are abnormally present within the neuropathological lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that oxidative stress may play significant but yet undefined roles in this disorder. To gain further insight into the role of oxidative stress in AD, we studied the expression of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), two established markers of oxidative stress, in a transgenic mouse model of AD. Immunohistochemistry with anti-SOD and anti-HO-1 antibodies revealed a very pronounced increase of these proteins only in aged transgene-positive mice. Interestingly, the distribution of the oxidative burden was largely overlapping with dystrophic neuritic elements in the mice as highlighted with anti-ubiquitin antibodies. Because the most conspicuous alterations were identified around amyloid (Abeta) deposits, our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that Abeta is neurotoxic in vivo and that such toxicity is mediated by free radicals. To obtain additional experimental evidence for such an interpretation (ie, a cause-effect relationship between Abeta and oxidative neurotoxicity), PC12 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of Abeta or to oxidative stress. In agreement with the in vivo findings, either treatment caused marked induction of SOD or HO-1 in a dose-dependent fashion. These results validate the transgenic approach for the study of oxidative stress in AD and for the evaluation of antioxidant therapies in vivo.
You have come a long way baby, but not far enough?

When reflecting on the topic of employment and postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities over the past two decades, it is safe to say that the linkage of employment to transition has more recently become more common for teachers, adult service providers, families and students. Historically conversations about education, transition to adult life and employment were dealt with individually and not collectively reflecting on how programs were legislated, funded, or implemented. While some legislative initiatives called for better integration of services and supports across systems, the delivery of these was often done within the confines of an individual delivery system or in a silo. We had conversations about the ‘hand off’ of the student, often too late in the transition process, and not on the integration of programs and services to address the student’s evolving interests, preferences and needs. Recent legislative and administrative initiatives have moved the focus on transition from schools to the vocational rehabilitation system, linked the Department of Labor youth programs to school transition and are seeking to integrate services and supports across state service systems to reflect individual needs. Alignment of services across state and federal systems, using strategies such as resource mapping across those systems, can result in braided or blended funding to pay for
Preoperative β-blockers do not improve cardiac outcomes after major elective vascular surgery and may be harmful.

Objective Routine initiation β-blocker medications before vascular surgery is controversial due to conflicting data. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether prophylactic use of β-blockers before major elective vascular surgery decreased postoperative cardiac events or mortality. Methods The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS-VQI) data set was used to perform a retrospective cohort analysis of infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB), aortofemoral bypass (AFB), and open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair patients. Chronic (>30 days preoperatively) β-blocker patients were excluded, and comparisons were made between preoperative (0-30 day) and no β-blocker groups. Patients were risk stratified using a novel prediction tool derived specifically from the SVS-VQI data set. Propensity-matched pairs and interprocedural specific risk stratification comparisons were performed. End points included in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including myocardial infarction (MI; defined as new ST or T wave electrocardiographic changes, troponin elevation, or documentation by echocardiogram or other imaging modality), dysrhythmia, and congestive heart failure, and 30-day mortality. Results The study analyzed 13,291 patients (LEB, 68% [n = 9047]; AFB, 11% [n = 1474]; and open AAA, 21% [n = 2770]); of these, 67.7% (n = 8999) were receiving β-blockers at time of their index procedure. Specifically, 13.2% (n = 1753) were identified to have been started on a preoperative β-blocker, 54.5% (n = 7426) were on chronic β-blockers, and 32.3% (n = 4286) were on no preoperative β-blockers. Among the three procedures, patients had significant demographic and comorbidity differences and thus were not combined. A 1:1 propensity-matched pairs analysis (1459 pairs) revealed higher rates of postoperative MI with preoperative β-blockers (preoperative β-blocker relative risk, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.68; P = .05 vs no β-blocker), with no difference in dysrhythmia, congestive heart failure, or 30-day mortality. When stratified into low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups within each procedure, all groups of preoperative β-blocker patients had no difference or higher rates of MACEs and 30-day mortality, with the exception of high-risk open AAA patients, who had a lower rate of MI (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 011-0.87; P = .04). Conclusions Exclusive of high-risk open AAA patients, preoperative β-blockers did not decrease rates of MACEs or mortality after LEB, AFB, or open AAA. Importantly, exposure to prophylactic preoperative β-blockers increased the rates of some adverse events in several subgroups. Given these data, the SVS-VQI cannot support routine initiation of preoperative β-blockers before major elective vascular surgery in most patients.
Growth, Inequality and Negative Trickle Down

Neoliberal theory rationalizes inequality as both 1) necessary for growth and 2) offset by a trickle down to lower income groups. However, benefits from income growth failed to reach most of the population for the last several decades in the United States. Instead, a negative trickle down has lowered many people's wellbeing. The first aspect of negative trickle down is a new form of Veblen's conspicuous consumption with positional goods. The second is the effect on the provision of public goods. The third is the competition for limited resources, such as housing. We review how greater income inequality contributes to each.
Characterization and evaluation of C18 HPLC stationary phases based on ethyl-bridged hybrid organic/inorganic particles

The characterization and evaluation of three novel 5-μm HPLC column packings, prepared using ethyl-bridged hybrid organic/inorganic materials, is described. These highly spherical hybrid particles, which vary in specific surface area (140, 187, and 270 m2/g) and average pore diameter (185, 148, and 108 A), were characterized by elemental analysis, SEM, and nitrogen sorption analysis and were chemically modified in a two-step process using octadecyltrichlorosilane and trimethylchlorosilane. The resultant bonded materials had an octadecyl surface concentration of 3.17−3.35 μmol/m2, which is comparable to the coverage obtained for an identically bonded silica particle (3.44 μmol/m2) that had a surface area of 344 m2/g. These hybrid materials were shown to have sufficient mechanical strength under conditions normally employed for traditional reversed-phase HPLC applications, using a high-pressure column flow test. The chromatographic properties of the C18 bonded hybrid phases were compared to a C18 bonded sil...
A method for the analysis of complex avian song repertoires

A new method for the analysis of complex avian song repertoires is introduced. The method consists of sending a tape-recorded bird-song signal through five narrow band-pass filters and then to a five-channel high-speed pen recorder. A coding method that allows a researcher to convert the output from the pen recorder to numbers for later analysis by computer is described.
c-Abl Activation Regulates Induction of the SEK1/Stress-activated Protein Kinase Pathway in the Cellular Response to 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine

Previous work has shown that treatment of cells with the antimetabolite 1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) is associated with induction of the c-jun gene. The present studies demonstrate that ara-C activates the c-Abl non-receptor tyrosine kinase. We also demonstrate that activity of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAP kinase/JNK) is increased in ara-C-treated cells. Using cells deficient in c-Abl (Abl-/--/-) and after introduction of the c-abl gene, we show that ara-C-induced c-Abl activity is necessary for the stimulation of SAP kinase. Other studies using cells transfected with a SEK1 dominant negative demonstrate that ara-C-induced SAP kinase activity is SEK1-dependent. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of truncated c-Abl results in activation of the SEK1/SAP kinase cascade.
Methods for the numerical integration of Hamiltonian systems

To compute an infinite horizon optimal controller for a linear periodic system via an invariant subspace method, the computation of the period map associated with the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations is required. In this paper we discuss methods for the numerical integration of such Hamiltonian systems. Two numerical integration techniques are introduced. A method is developed whereby symplectic invariants associated with the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations are preserved. Also, a shifting scheme is introduced that in effect swaps the roles of the stable and unstable invariant subspaces by using the semigroup property of state transition matrices. A shift is introduced into the resultant initial value problem ensuring that the eigenvalues of a differential equation reside in the region of absolute stability for an appropriate numerical integration routine. These techniques are then compared to standard numerical integration routines to ascertain their efficiency and accuracy.
Methods for calculating flow from observed or simulated hydraulic head

Abstract A computer program has been developed to calculate hydraulic and topographic gradients for two-dimensional surfaces. Flow rates are calculated for saturated and unsaturated conditions based upon application of Darcy's law and the exponential hydraulic conductivity equation. The central difference and Horn methods were incorporated into the program to evaluate the gradient of the total hydraulic head between grid points. The FLOWNET program can be applied to evaluate flow in saturated and unsaturated porous media based upon observed pressure head data. In addition, the program can be used to evaluate slope direction and magnitude from topographic elevation data. Heterogeneity and anisotropy can be incorporated into the analysis by inputting variable saturated hydraulic conductivity and a variable alpha exponent in the exponential hydraulic conductivity function. FLOWNET was developed to analyze flow paths and magnitudes in porous media. Example problems illustrate the applicability of the program for building a better understanding of hydraulic processes. © 1997 Elsevier Science Limited
Bullying in the life of German pupils and teachers: basics, facts and measures to cope with the problem at schools

The problem of bullying at German schools is looked into from a pupil-centred and a teacher-centred perspective. A systematic inventory of publications on the subject in the last 20 years in Germany is reported introductorily, followed by a determination of the phenomenon in terms of labelling, definition, systematization of possible behaviour forms and parties regularly involved. Subsequently, the prevalence of bullying in the life of German pupils and teachers as well as research on its impact is considered. Approaches and measures in use are focused on before the investigation arrives at some final considerations.
Phospholipid asymmetry during erythrocyte deformation: maintenance of the unit membrane.

Abstract To assess the red blood cell (RBC) membrane's ability to maintain normal phospholipid orientation in the face of deforming stress, we examined RBC subjected to elliptical, tank-treading deformation. As determined by accessibility to phospholipase digestion and by labeling with fluorescamine, normal RBC are able to fully preserve their phospholipid asymmetry despite attaining over 96% of their maximal possible deformation. Phospholipid orientation is unchanged during deformation even for RBC that are ATP-depleted or vamadate-treated and for RBC that already have destabilized phospholipids due to treatment with t -butyl hydroperoxide. These data indicate that maintenance of phospholipid organization during marked deforming stress and tank-treading motion of the membrane is ascribable predominantly to the passive stabilizing effect of membrane proteins. This provides additional evidence for the concept of a unit membrane characterized by intimate associations between lipid and protein.
Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk localized prostate cancer.

The optimal treatment strategy for patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer remains unknown. Definitive local treatments such as radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy cure only a minority of these patients. Recent efforts have been made to reduce the risk of recurrence and delay progression to symptomatic hormone-refractory disease by using chemotherapy before, during, or after definitive local therapy. Chemotherapy is an effective modality in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Studies have established its role in the palliation of symp-toms in patients with hormone-refractory disease, though a survival benefit remains to be demonstrated. Prospective randomized trials are underway to test the hypothesis that neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival rate in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer. The data currently available from nonrandom-ized trials have not yet established the exact role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant che-motherapy and its potential impact on survival. However, preliminary data suggest that chemotherapy, when administered in concert with definitive local therapy, may be promising in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Randomized clinical trials are ongoing to see if neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy will translate into an improved clinical benefit for the patient, and participation by patients is para-mount. We review the recent literature regarding the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer.
The National Cancer Data Base: Past, Present, and Future

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) contains information on over 25 million cancer patients diagnosed and treated in cancer centers across the USA since 1985. The NCDB collects data on patient demographics, tumor stage and histopathology, treatment, and outcomes on more than 70% of the cancer cases diagnosed in the USA annually. Reporting centers range from small community hospitals to large academic medical centers and National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Since its inception in 1988 the NCDB has been cofunded by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The programmatic focus of the NCDB, since its founding, has been to support quality improvement at the local level.
Interaction of tyrosine 151 in norepinephrine transporter with the 2β group of cocaine analog RTI-113

Cocaine binds and inhibits dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter. The residues forming cocaine binding sites are unknown. RTI-113, a cocaine analog, is 100× more potent at inhibiting DAT than inhibiting NET. Here we show that removing the hydroxyl group from residue Tyr151 in NET by replacing it with Phe, the corresponding residue in DAT, increased the sensitivity of NET to RTI-113, while the reverse mutation in DAT decreased the sensitivity of DAT to RTI-113. In contrast, RTI-31, another cocaine analog having the same structure as RTI-113 but with the phenyl group at the 2β position replaced by a methyl group, inhibits the transporter mutants equally well whether a hydroxyl group is present at the residue or not. The data suggest that this residue contributes to cocaine binding site and is close to the 2β position of cocaine analogs. These results are consistent with our previously proposed cocaine-DAT binding model where cocaine initially binds to a site that does not overlap with, but is close to, the dopamine-binding site. Computational modeling and molecular docking yielded a binding model that explains the observed changes in RTI-113 inhibition potencies.
Energy-flow response models for evaluation of altered riparian vegetation in three southeast alaskan streams

Abstract First approximation production-response models to riparian vegetation alteration for loworder southeast Alaskan streams are presented. The models reflect negative and positive production responses with respect to estimated maximum production values (kcal). Using the models we predict the response of autochthonous of allochthonous production, benthic and terrestrial macroinvertebrate production, and potential salmonid tissue elaboration to variation in riparian cover, riparian composition and stream nutrients. Higher amounts of net usable allochthonous input are predicted with increasing riparian cover and percentage deciduous composition. Autochthonous production and net usable allochthonous production form the primary energy base of the stream ecosystem and are linked via energy transfer coefficients to higher trophic levels, e.g. benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) production. Like the energy transfer coefficients derived for autochthonous and allochthonous production, the terrestrial invertebrate and salmonid production estimates are first approximations and require validation. These models provide resource managers with criteria to assess probable consequences of different riparian management strategies on fisheries resources in S.E. Alaska.
Structure of indole-3-acetic acid myoinositol esters and pentamethyl-myoinositols

Abstract GC-MS properties of three isomeric esters of indole-3-acetic acid and myoinositol, three esters of indole-3-acectic acid and myoinositol arabinoside and three esters of indole-3-acetic acid and myoinositol galactoside are presented. MS fragmentation patterns for the four possible pentamethyl myoinositols are also shown. These data indicated that the arabinose, and galactose of the glycosides were in the pyranose form and that C-1 of the sugar was linked to the 5 hydroxyl of myoinositol. Homologies in fragmentation patterns for the esters and the glycoside esters, together with knowledge of the properties of 2-O-indole-3-acetyl-myoinositol, permitted identification of one of the arabinosides as 5-O- l -arabinopyranosyl-2-O-indole-3-acetyl-myoinositol and one of the galactosides as 5-O- d - galactopyranosyl-2-O-indole-3-acetyl-myoinositol. The remaining two GLC peaks observed for the arabinoside were then, most likely, the two mixtures of diastereoisomers 1 d - and 1 l -5-O- l -arabinopryranosyl-1-O-indole-3-acetyl myoinositol and 1 d - and 1 l -5-O- l -arabinopyranosyl-4-O-indole-3-acetyl-myoinositol. The remaining two GLC peaks observed for the galactoside would then be the 1 d and 1 l -5-O- d -galactopyranosyl-1-O-indole-3-acetyl-myoinositol and 1 d - and 1 l -5-O- d - galactopyranosyl-4-O-indoleacetyl-myoinositol.
Nanofabrication and electrostatic operation of single-crystal silicon paddle oscillators

We report the fabrication and characterization of paddle oscillators featuring nanometer-scale supporting rods. The devices show two resonances in the 1–10 MHz range, which we attribute to the translational and torsional modes of motion. While the frequency response of the translational motion shows evidence of nonlinear behavior, the torsional response remains symmetric throughout the range of excitation. We present a model for the electrostatic excitation of the two modes. Torsional motion is induced via asymmetries of the system, and amplified by a modulation of the effective torsional constant. The model of the translational motion predicts a nonlinear behavior for displacements as small as 15 nm. Analysis of both modes of motion consistently suggests structures softer than expected from bulk silicon. Quality factors approaching 103 are measured.
How many Tests do we Really Need

Through a review of the literature on the test-frequency effect, we identified several underlying factors that may determine student learning outcome beyond the number of tests administered in a course. A realignment of the conceptual framework of the test-frequency effect with these variables is therefore proposed for future research. However, the accumulated research on the test-frequency effect does provide some practical guidelines. An optimal classroom practice for a typical semester-long course may be a schedule of monthly tests combined with effective posttest feedback to the students.
Molecular optical imaging: applications leading to the development of present day therapeutics.

A number of advances in the molecular imaging field have led to the sensing of specific molecular targets and pathways in living animals. In the optical imaging field, these include the designing of biocompatible near-infrared fluorochromes, development of targeted and activatable “smart” imaging probes, and engineering of activatable fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins. The current advances in molecular optical imaging will help in early disease diagnoses, functioning of a number of pathways and finally help speed drug discovery. In this review, we will describe the near infrared fluorescent and bioluminescence imaging modalities and how these techniques have been employed in current research. Furthermore, we will also shed some light on the use of these imaging modalities in neurotherapeutics, for example imaging different parameters of vector-mediated gene expression in glioma tumors and stem cell trackingin vivo.
Differential expression of genes in the calcium-signaling pathway underlies lesion development in the LDb mouse model of atherosclerosis.

Objective Atherosclerosis is influenced by the interaction of environmental and genetic susceptibility risk factors. We used global microarray expression profiling to investigate differentially regulated genes in aorta during development of atherosclerosis in a susceptible genetically modified mouse model in response to the interaction between risk factors including hyperlipidemic genotype, shear stress, diet, and age.
Inverse Raman scattering and the 3 dB noise limit of a fiber Raman amplifier

The fundamental 3 dB noise limit of a fiber Raman amplifier can be understood by a combination of RamanStokes gain from zero point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field, anti-Stokes absorption, and Stokes and anti-Stokes generation by zero-point fluctuations of the glass.PACS NO.: 42.55Ye
Response of Russet Norkotah clonal selections to nitrogen fertilization.

The low vine vigor and high N requirement of Russet Norkotah may lead to N loss and groundwater contamination on coarse-textured soils. Recent clonal selections from Texas have produced strains that have larger and stronger vines, which may alter N requirements. This twoyear study examined the N use efficiency (NUE), yield, and quality of Russet Norkotah strain selections fertilized with different N levels on a Hubbard loamy sand in central Minnesota. The selections, Texas Norkotah Strain (TXNS) 112, TXNS 223, and TXNS 278 were grown with standard Russet Norkotah under irrigated conditions and received total N levels of 28, 112, 224, or 336 kg ha-1. Total, marketable, and large (>340 g) tuber yields increased linearly (P>0.05) with rate of N application in 1998 but not in 1997. The genotype main effect was not significant for any of the tuber yield parameters measured based on fresh weight. Vine, tuber, and total dry biomass yields were 116%, 5.8%, and 13.2%, respectively, higher with the selections than Russet Norkotah. Harvest index (HI), or the proportion of total dry matter partitioned to tubers, was 7% greater for Russet Norkotah than the TXNS selections, reflecting the larger vine growth of the selections. The selections accumulated significantly higher N in the vines (0.113 kg kg-1 N) than the standard clone (0.053 kg kg-1 N) as N rate increased from 28 to 336 kg ha-1, and the difference between the selections and the standard clone was larger at higher N rates than at lower N rates. Russet Norkotah partitioned 10% more N to tubers than did the TXNS selections, reflecting the difference in HI between the standard cultivar and its clones. Nitrogen recovered from fertilizer N applied in addition to the 28 kg ha-1 starter N (NUE28) averaged 36% and varied little with genotype, N rate, or cropping year. Biomass accumulation from similar N additions (AUE), however, was significantly higher for the selections than Russet Norkotah at 112 kg N ha-1 in 1997 only. At low N rate (112 kg ha-1), the selections had higher physiological use efficiency (PUE28) (mean 45.9 g g1) than Russet Norkotah (25.9 g g1). Results from this study demonstrate that, although N recovery was similar for the four genotypes, the Texas Norkotah strains produced greater biomass than Russet Norkotah per kg N applied at low rate in 1997 and per kg of fertilizer N absorbed by the plant in both years. However, under the conditions of this study, higher biomass of the selections did not translate into a marketable yield advantage over the standard cultivar.
(R,S)-anti-1-Amino-2-[18F]Fluorocyclopentyl-1-carboxylic Acid: Synthesis from Racemic 2-Benzyloxycyclopentanone and Biological Evaluation for Brain Tumor Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography

(R,S)-anti-1-Amino-2-fluorocyclopentyl-1-carboxylic acid (2-FACPC, 4b) was radiolabeled in 39% yield starting from cyclic sulfamidate 12. The 9L gliosarcoma cells assays showed that 4b is mainly a substrate for the L-type amino acid transport with some affinity to the A-type. In rats bearing 9L gliosarcoma tumors, 4b displayed high tumor to brain ratio (10:1) at 120 min after injection. FACPC is an attractive candidate for imaging brain tumors with PET, and its isolated enantiomers are under investigation.
Moving serenades: Hearing the Sinophonic in MP & GI's Longxiang Fengwu

ABSTRACTAs the first full-coloured film-musical produced in Hong Kong, Longxiang fengwu/Calendar Girl (Tao Qin, 1959) is known for its restaging of 1930s Shanghai oldies and its resulting box office success. This article traces the transpacific and transmedial meaning-making processes the restaged tunes (lyric and sound) offer so to hear the social spaces, geographies and identities that the intersection of music and cinema can enable, reflect and prophecy. In particular, it discusses the ways the restaged Shanghai oldies in the film ‘move’ technologically, spatially and affectually. That is, in addition to tracking the geopolitics of the musical numbers’ audiospatiality, I listen closely to the ‘structures of feeling’ that shift and mutate through the songs’ travels through time, place and medium. Gesturing towards a ‘Sinophone Geography of Affect’, I argue that it is precisely through these ‘movements’ that the tunes are able to create spaces in which discourses of national and cultural nativity get bot...
Surface Roughness and Growth Texture of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 Thin Films Formed by MOCVD

Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has been used to grow (Ba, Sr)TiO3 thin films on Ir/SiO2/Si substrates. β-diketonates of Ba, Sr, and Ti were used as the precursors, and delivered to the reactor via direct-liquid injection. Growth rate and film thickness were monitored byin-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry, and determined after growth. Film growth was studied as a function of film thickness, composition, substrate temperature, and mixture of O2 and N2O with and without microwave plasma enhancement. Dense, mirror-like films were obtained under all conditions except when pure oxygen plasma enhancement was used. Surface roughness of the films appears strongly dependent on film thickness and composition. Film composition and growth temperature determine growth texture of the films. This paper describes these results as well as the correlation between these results and dielectric properties.
The mode of innervation of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar of the rabbit by axons arising from the visual cortex

Sections prepared by the Nauta method were used to study the fiber degeneration in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar of the rabbit after lesions in the visual cortex, and sections processed by the Golgi and the Cajal methods provided the material needed to study the normal fiber architecture of these nuclei. Two distinct systems of fibers are recognizable in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and in the pulvinar. One is a transverse system formed by the fiber bundles which run within these nuclei oriented in parallel with the optic tract; some of these bundles mingle with the fibers of the optic tract. The other is a longitudinal system whose fibers course perpendicularly to those of the transverse system. Lesions in the visual cortex produce degeneration within both of these fiber systems, in the geniculate nucleus as well as in the pulvinar. The degenerating transverse fibers are corticopretectal and corticotectal axons, and these send collateral branches into the longitudinal systems of these nuclei. The degenerating longitudinal fibers are of two types. One type consists of fibers which are fine in caliber, give rise to numerous short terminal branches, and degenerate early (undegenerated fibers showing this same morphology are identified in the Golgi preparations). These longitudinal fibers are the collateral branches of the degenerating transverse fibers and at the same time they represent the terminal portions of the fibers which provide the visual cortical input to the geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar. It is noteworthy that within the geniculate nucleus these terminal fibers run along the lines of projection for individual points on the visual field. The second type of degenerating longitudinal fibers is found in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus but not in the pulvinar. Its fibers are coarser and degenerate later than the longitudinal fibers described above, and they are probably geniculocortical axons undergoing retrograde degeneration.
Compatibility of Gd-DTPA perfusion and histologic studies of the brain.

Abstract Histology, including immunohistochemistry, and magnetic resonance imaging microscopy (μMRI) are complementary techniques for the analysis of brain structure. Therefore, μMRI analysis, often of formalin-fixed tissue, precedes histologic evaluation of the same experimental animal in many studies. However, the application of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA), while of value for MRI studies, has an unknown effect on subsequent histology. We demonstrate here that for the mouse brain, histology with Nissl staining and immunostaining for microtubule-associated protein 2, using standard techniques for tissue preparation, are unaffected by prior perfusion of the tissue with Gd-DTPA. This conclusion was based on qualitative morphologic comparisons of stained sections, as well as quantification of mean immunofluorescence pixel intensities from Gd-treated (mean±S.D.=131.2±28.4; n=3) as compared to nontreated specimens (116.2±34.7; n=3, P=.7). Therefore, Gd-DTPA may be applied as a μMRI contrast agent in formalin-fixed brain tissue prior to histologic studies.
Cysteine residues as catalysts for covalent peptide and protein modification: a role for thiyl radicals?

Cysteine thiyl radicals engage in reversible intramolecular hydrogen-transfer reactions with amino acid residues in peptides and proteins. These reactions can be experimentally demonstrated through covalent hydrogen–deuterium exchange when experiments are carried out in 2 H 2 O. To this end, hydrogen-transfer reactions have been observed between cysteine thiyl radicals and glycine, alanine, serine, valine and leucine in both model peptides and a protein, insulin. The relevance of such reactions for protein oxidation under conditions of oxidative stress is discussed.
Autotransfer of Day 4 embryos from oviduct to oviduct versus oviduct to uterus in the mare.

Abstract Embryo autotransfer is defined as the collection of an embryo from and the transfer of this embryo into the same animal. The objectives of this study were to: 1) test the hypothesis that oviduct transport of the equine embryo from the oviduct into the uterus is not dependent on a unilateral embryo-corpus luteum interaction, 2) develop an embryo autotransfer technique for the mare and 3) compare the success rates of Day 4 embryos surgically autotransferred from the oviduct ipsilateral to ovulation to either the oviduct (n=10 mares) or the uterine horn (n=10 mares) contralateral to ovulation. Seventy percent ( 7 10 ) of the Day 4 embryos which were autotransferred to the oviduct contralateral to ovulation were transported through the oviduct and subsequently developed into embryonic vesicles detectable by ultrasonography between 10 and 21 days postovulation. This finding supported the hypothesis that oviductal embryo transport is not dependent upon the ipsilateral corpus luteum. Overall, sixty percent ( 12 20 ) of the autotransfers were successful. The success rate of uterine-transferred embryos was not significantly less (P>0.3) than that of oviductal-transferred embryos ( 5 10 vs 7 10 , respectively). Therefore, the Day 4 equine embryos were apparently mature enough to survive in the mare's uterus.
The Plastid Ribosomal Proteins IDENTIFICATION OF ALL THE PROTEINS IN THE 30 S SUBUNIT OF AN ORGANELLE RIBOSOME (CHLOROPLAST)

We have completed identification of all the ribosomal proteins (RPs) in spinach plastid (chloroplast) ribosomal 50 S subunit via a proteomic approach using two-dimensional electrophoresis, electroblotting/protein sequencing, high performance liquid chromatography purification, polymerase chain reaction-based screening of cDNA library/nucleotide sequencing, and mass spectrometry (reversed-phase HPLC coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry). Spinach plastid 50 S subunit comprises 33 proteins, of which 31 are orthologues of Escherichia coli RPs and two are plastid-specific RPs (PSRP-5 and PSRP-6) having no homologues in other types of ribosomes. Orthologues of E. coli L25 and L30 are absent in spinach plastid ribosome. 25 of the plastid 50 S RPs are encoded in the nuclear genome and synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes, whereas eight of the plastid RPs are encoded in the plastid organelle genome and synthesized on plastid ribosomes. Sites for transit peptide cleavages in the cytosolic RP precursors and formyl Met processing in the plastid-synthesized RPs were established. Post-translational modifications were observed in several mature plastid RPs, including multiple forms of L10, L18, L31, and PSRP-5 and N-terminal/internal modifications in L2, L11 and L16. Comparison of the RPs in gradient-purified 70 S ribosome with those in the 30 and 50 S subunits revealed an additional protein, in approximately stoichiometric amount, specific to the 70 S ribosome. It was identified to be plastid ribosome recycling factor. Combining with our recent study of the proteins in plastid 30 S subunit (Yamaguchi, K., von Knoblauch, K., and Subramanian, A. R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 28455–28465), we show that spinach plastid ribosome comprises 59 proteins (33 in 50 S subunit and 25 in 30 S subunit and ribosome recycling factor in 70 S), of which 53 areE. coli orthologues and 6 are plastid-specific proteins (PSRP-1 to PSRP-6). We propose the hypothesis that PSRPs were evolved to perform functions unique to plastid translation and its regulation, including protein targeting/translocation to thylakoid membrane via plastid 50 S subunit.
Impacts of wetness enhancement measures on the hydrology of a Lowland wetland: Marsh gibbon case study

Abstract Impacts of artificial enhancement schemes on the hydrology of the River Ray at Marsh Gibbon near Bicester, Oxfordshire in the UK are examined. The measures will aim to raise the water levels, or retain the flood waters, with the intention of enhancing the status of the wetland vegetation. However, this must be achieved within the constraints of the existing patterns of land use, land tenure, and infrastructure. The use of hydrological models to predict the flows in the catchment, and the construction of a hydraulic model to define the height of the flood waters, is described, and the impacts on the floodplain then mapped. Crucial to such studies is the collection of detailed topographic information. Experience with the use of GPS surveying systems in this environment is described.
Exploring edge complexity in remote-sensing vegetation index imageries

Spatial heterogeneity is a fundamental characteristic of all landscapes. There is a large collection of methods on heterogeneity measurement accumulated in the past several decades, but most of them largely depend on categorical data as a primary input. However, the production of spatially and/or temporally extensive land-cover maps can be extremely time-consuming and sometimes prohibitively expensive. Edge number is closely related to spatial heterogeneity and could be identified by edge detection image processing techniques. The widely used edge detectors were tested to evaluate their performances on continuous remote-sensing vegetation index imageries. The results indicate edge features estimated by a Canny–Deriche filter that outperforms other detectors, as validated by a reference land-cover data set. This study uncovers the potential of Canny–Deriche edge detection to be a cost-efficient and time-saving method in remote-sensing applications, that is, to identify and measure edges in a landscape and ...
Evolution of Small Periodic Disturbances into Roll Waves in Channel Flow with Internal Dissipation

This paper concerns the asymptotic behavior of small disturbances subject to periodic boundary conditions as they evolve in time to produce the quasi-steady pattern of roll waves. The mathematical problem is rather interesting as solutions of the linearized equations are unstable. We use a combination of perturbation and Fourier series methods to derive evolution equations for asymptotic solution, which corresponds to a single mode initially. Due to the nonlinear wave and wave interactions higher modes are generated at higher order. We show that by including the interactions between the first and second modes, these evolution equations turn out to be a system of one first-order real equation and two second-order complex equations. We present asymptotic and numerical results to show that our theory predicts the solution accurately for both transient and quasi-steady traveling wave phases.
Progressive parallel coordinates

Progressive refinement is a methodology that makes it possible to elegantly integrate scalable data compression, access, and presentation into one approach. Specifically, this paper concerns the effective use of progressive parallel coordinates (PPCs), utilized routinely for high-dimensional data visualization. It discusses how the power of the typical stages of progressive data visualization can also be utilized fully for PPCs. Further, different implementations of the underlying methods and potential application domains are described. The paper also presents empirical results concerning the benefits of PPC with regard to efficient data management and improved presentation, indicating that the proposed approach is able to close the gap between data handling and visualization.
Nature of optical remote sensing coefficient

The remote sensing coefficient or radiance reflection coefficient is a principal product of atmospheric correction algorithms applied to the remotely measured optical images of the ocean. This coefficient contains information about angular structure of light radiance, roughness of the ocean surface, and optical properties of the water. This presentation analyses remote sensing coefficient and presents it as a product of three physically different values or factors. The first factor depends on geometrical parameters of illumination and atmospheric optical properties, the second factor depends on roughness of the ocean surface, and the third one depends on the optical properties of seawater. The approach used to derive the third in-water factor is valid for all levels of water turbidity - from the clearest open waters to the most turbid waters of river mouths and extremely scattering waters of Yellow Sea type.
Calculation of thermodynamic properties and phase diagrams of binary transition-metal alloys.

A model tight-binding Hamiltonian including off-diagonal disorder and Hartree-Fock electronic self-consistency is used to calculate the enthalpies of formation of the Mo-Cr, Mo-Nb, and Mo-Ta alloys. The approach combines the coherent-potential approximation, the generalized perturbation method, and the cluster-variation method. The model is also used to calculate the phase diagram and the equilibrium activities for the Mo-Cr system.
Technological innovation's impact on market structure and industry profitability

Abstract Technological innovation can be a potent factor in determining the nature of the competitive environment. This paper develops a framework to test the effects of technological innovation on market structure and industry profitability. Specifically, a model is proposed in which various types of innovation (revolutionary, incremental, process, and product) are said to have various impacts on two competitive market structure variables and industry profitability. Propositions for these relationships are advanced as well as suggestions for testing. The model highlights gaps in strategic management and evolutionary economic theory and suggests that a finer-grained analysis is needed to understand the changing dynamics of competition following technological innovation.
Ultrafast Spin-Motion Entanglement and Interferometry with a Single Atom

We report entanglement of a single atom's hyperfine spin state with its motional state in a time scale of less than 3 ns. We engineer a short train of intense laser pulses to impart a spin-dependent momentum transfer of ± 2 ħk. Using pairs of momentum kicks, we create an atomic interferometer and demonstrate collapse and revival of spin coherence as the motional wave packet is split and recombined. The revival after a pair of kicks occurs only when the second kick is delayed by an integer multiple of the harmonic trap period, a signature of entanglement and disentanglement of the spin with the motion. Such quantum control opens a new regime of ultrafast entanglement in atomic qubits.