cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unbundling and measuring tunneling

Managers and controlling shareholders can extract wealth from firms in many different ways. We develop here a framework for analyzing different types of "tunneling" transactions. We divide tunneling into three broad groups: cash flow, asset, and equity tunneling. We model each type of tunneling as decomposable into a probability of tunneling and a magnitude. We present a simple model of how each type of tunneling affects share prices and financial metrics and provide two detailed case studies -- Gazprom in Russia and Coca-Cola in the United States -- to illustrate how these types of tunneling can occur in both emerging and developed markets. Finally, we explore a number of uses of our decomposition approach -- for empirical research into the nature and extent of tunneling; for asset pricing, especially in high-tunneling-risk environments; for legal regulation of tunneling; and for accounting rules.
SCAI core curriculum for adult and pediatric interventional fellowship training in continuous quality assessment and improvement

Keywords: percutaneous coronary intervention; structural heart disease intervention; congential heart disease; adults; congenital heart disease; pediatrics
Unequal burden of sleep-related obesity among black and white Americans.

Background This study ascertained whether individuals of the black race/ethnicity are unequally burdened by sleep-related overweight/obesity.
A feasibility study of time-lapse seismic monitoring of CO2 sequestration in a layered basalt reservoir

Abstract We investigate the potential of scattered seismic waves to remotely sense geological sequestration of CO 2 in basalt. Numerical studies in horizontally layered models suggest that strong scattering quickly complicates the wave fields, but also provides a sensitive tool to monitor physical changes in and around the reservoir. These results go hand-in-hand with recent laboratory work and rock-physics modeling that has shown significant changes in the seismic properties of a reservoir undergoing CO 2 sequestration, due to fluid substitution and mineral precipitation.
Penetration of electronic perturbations of dilute nitrogen impurities deep into the conduction band ofGaP1−xNx

The electronic structure consequences of the perturbations caused by dilute nitrogen impurities in $\mathrm{GaP}$ are studied by means of supercell calculations using a fully atomistic empirical pseudopotential method. We find that numerous localized states are introduced by a single $\mathrm{N}$ atom and $\mathrm{N}$ clusters, not only close to the band edge but also throughout the $\mathrm{GaP}$ conduction band, up to $\ensuremath{\sim}1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ above the conduction band edge. These localized states suggest an alternative interpretation for a previously puzzling observation of splitting of photoluminescence excitation intensity at the $\mathrm{GaP}$ ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{1c}$ energy into two features, one blueshifting and the other staying pinned in energy with increasing $\mathrm{N}$ concentration.
Assessing the Accuracy of Hospital Clinical Performance Measures

Objective. To control costs and improve quality, payers are designing new hospital reimbursement policies that link payment to quality. The authors determine the extent to which quality measures discriminate hospitals into tiers in 2 geographic areas.Data Sources. Administrative and medical record data for patients discharged with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 368 California and 81 Massachusetts hospitals.Methods. Through simulation, the minimum numbers of patients per hospital needed to identify highquality hospitals with sensitivity ranging from 75% to 95% under a variety of clinical scenarios are determined.Results. Massachusetts hospitals had twice the number of eligible patients per hospital than California hospitals. Regardless of state, few hospitals had sufficient sample size needed to achieve >85% sensitivity for high-variation quality measures.Clinical Implications. Reliability of quality-based reimbursement systems relies on the distribution of the hospital sample sizes within geographic...
Identity Style and Employment Histories among Women Receiving Public Assistance

Abstract This study examined the relation between identity styles and employment among 203 female public assistance recipients. Respondents provided employment and public assistance histories and were categorized into three preferred identity style orientations using the Identity Style Inventory (Berzonsky, 1992): informational (active searching and evaluation of information prior to decision making), normative (a passive approach to decision making relying upon the opinions of significant others), and diffuse/avoidant (decision making characterized by procrastination and avoidance). Information- and normative-oriented respondents reported over 1 year of public assistance (15.05 and 14.21 months, respectively), whereas the diffuse/avoidant-oriented respondents reported over 3 years (37.20 months) of assistance. Diffuse/avoidant-oriented respondents also reported changing jobs more frequently during the previous 12 months than information- and normative-oriented respondents, although no differences were found among the groups in total months employed. Results indicate that public assistance recipients differ in their identity styles; blanket interventions for employment skills will likely be less effective than those tailored to meet specific psychosocial needs.
Metanephric Neoplasms: The Hyperdifferentiated, Benign End of the Wilms Tumor Spectrum?

Metanephric neoplasms represent a spectrum of differentiated lesions that seem most likely to be related to Wilms tumor. These neoplasms include a pure stromal lesion, a pure epithelial lesion (MA), and a mixed epithelial-stromal lesion (MAF). The continuity of these lesions with Wilms tumor has been demonstrated best in the epithelial lesions. The relationship of Wilms tumor, MAF with mitoses or combined MA/Wilms tumor lesions, and usual MAF or usual MA may be viewed as analogous to that of neuroblastoma, differentiating neuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma, in which progressively more mature or differentiated counterparts of malignant embryonal lesions are associated with a greater probability of benign clinical behavior. Such a spectrum already is recognized for cystic ILNR-derived nephroblastic lesions, ranging from cystic Wilms tumor, cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma, and cystic nephroma. Although this concept implies that the more active lesions (Wilms tumor) mature with time into inactive ones (usual MAFs or MA), the converse (that an active Wilms tumor can arise within an inactive usual MAF or MA) remains possible.
Enhancement of lethal action of endotoxin in mice by triiodothyronine.

SummaryTriiodothyronine enhances the lethal action of endotoxin in mice. It is postulated that this enhancement is associated with anoxia, caused by vasoconstriction and subsequent hypotension that is induced by the endotoxin; and the increased demand for oxygen that is produced by triiodothyronine.
Nuclear and chloroplast transformation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: Strategies for genetic manipulation and gene expression

Transformation of the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes can now be accomplished inChlamydomonas reinhardtii. Many biosynthetic pathways are carried out in the chloroplast, and efforts to manipulate these pathways will require that gene products be directed to this compartment. Chloroplast proteins are encoded in either the chloroplast or nuclear genome. In the latter case they are synthesized in the cytoplasm and imported post-translationally into the chloroplast. Thus, strategies for expressing foreign genes or overexpressing endogenous genes whose products reside in the chloroplast could involve either genome. This paper reviews the present status of transformation methodology for the nuclear and chloroplast genomes inChlamydomonas. Considerations for expressing gene products in the chloroplast are discussed. Experimental evidence for homologous recombination during transformation of the nuclear genome is presented.
Response of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer to neoadjuvant therapy is not reflected by radiographic indicators

BACKGROUND: Experience with preoperative therapy for other cancers has led to an assumption that borderline resectable pancreatic cancers can be converted to resectable cancers with preoperative therapy. In this study, the authors sought to determine the rate at which neoadjuvant therapy is associated with a reduction in the size or stage of borderline resectable tumors. METHODS: Patients who had borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and received neoadjuvant therapy before potentially undergoing surgery at the authors' institution between 2005 and 2010 were identified. The patients' pretreatment and post-treatment pancreatic protocol computed tomography images were rereviewed to determine changes in tumor size or stage using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) (version 1.1) and standardized anatomic criteria. RESULTS: The authors identified 129 patients who met inclusion criteria. Of the 122 patients who had their disease restaged after receiving preoperative therapy, 84 patients (69%) had stable disease, 15 patients (12%) had a partial response to therapy, and 23 patients (19%) had progressive disease. Although only 1 patient (0.8%) had their disease downstaged to resectable status after receiving neoadjuvant therapy, 85 patients (66%) underwent pancreatectomy. The median overall survival duration for all 129 patients was 22 months (95% confidence interval, 14-30 months). The median overall survival duration for the patients who underwent pancreatectomy was 33 months (95% confidence interval, 25-41 months) and was not associated with RECIST response (P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic downstaging was rare after neoadjuvant therapy, and RECIST response was not an effective treatment endpoint for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The authors concluded that these patients should undergo pancreatectomy after initial therapy in the absence of metastases. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
DPAVP: A vasopressin analog with selective mcirovascular and res actions for the treatment of circulatory shock in rats

Abstract The present study indicates that: (a) local administration of low concentrations of an analog of vasopressin, 1-deamino-[2-phenylalanine, 8-arginine]-vasopressin (DPAVP), constricts venules in the rat splanchnic terminal vascular bed of normal animals, unlike that seen for catecholamines; (b) maximal concentrations of DPAVP narrow but do not occlude both arterioles and venules; (c) microscopic muscular venules (31–39 μ i.d.) do not narrow more than 20% in response to the vasopressin analog DPAVP; and (d) terminal arterioles (17–23 μ i.d.) do not narrow more than 50% in response to DPAVP. Systematic administration of DPAVP to rats subjected to hemorrhage or bowel ischemiashock more than doubles survival rates over control rats receiving Ringer solution. Infusion of DPAVP produces a dose-dependent effect on arterial blood pressure, microscopic capacitance vessels, large arterioles and small arteries. In addition, i.v. administration of DPAVP: (a) returns arterial hematocrit towards normal after shock; and (b) regenerates and sustains vasomotion and venular tone, decreases microvascular hyperreactivity characteristics of shock syndromes, restores constricted arteriolar lumen sizes towards normal, predisposes to a splanchnic microbed virtually free of stasis, petechiae and leukocytic sticking, and restores capillary perfusion and outflow to near-normal. Further, DPAVP effectively restores the early reticuloendothelial system (RES) phagocytic depression, characteristic of shock syndromes, to normal; the latter eventuating in RES hyper-phagocytic activity. These findings indicate it is possible to synthesize vasoactive molecules which: (a) exert selective microvascular and RES phagocytic effects; and (b) are highly beneficial in the therapy of low-flow states, at least in rats.
Buying a Home Versus Renting an Apartment: A Case Study

ABSTRACT An excellent way to apply the fundamental concepts of engineering economy is to evaluate the question of buying a home versus renting an apartment. Depending upon certain conditions, either alternative may be economically advantageous. Some of the variables include the mortgage and inflation rates, movements in house and apartment prices, and income tax effects. The decision is evaluated in terms of both personal and business use of the home. Plots of the present worth of the cash flow versus years lived in the home will be used to show the sensitivity of the breakeven point to each variable. The most important variables are the cash difference between the monthly mortgage payment and the apartment rent, the inflated interest rate, and the house price inflation rate. Based on our results, the decision to use part of the house as a business should not affect the decision to purchase the house.
Discrete fractal fracture mechanics

Abstract A modification of the classical theory of brittle fracture of solids is offered by relating discrete nature of crack propagation to the fractal geometry of the crack. The new model incorporates all previously considered theories of fracture processes, in particular the Griffith [Griffith AA. The phenomenon of rupture and flow in solids. Philos Trans Roy Soc Lond 1921;A221:163–398] theory, its contemporary extension known as LEFM and the most recently developed Quantized Fracture Mechanics (QFM) by Pugno and Ruoff [Pugno N, Ruoff RS. Quantized fracture mechanics. Philos Mag 2004;84(27):2829–45]. Using an equivalent smooth blunt crack for a given fractal crack, we find that assuming that radius of curvature of the blunt crack is a material property, the crack roughens while propagating. In other words, fractal dimension at the crack tip is a monotonically increasing function of the nominal crack length, i.e., the presence of the Mirror–Mist–Hackle phenomenon is analytically demonstrated.
Effects of high and low protein diets on sheep renal function and metabolism.

Effects of high and low protein diets on sheep renal function and metabolism. Ewes were fed high protein (14% protein) and low protein (4.9% protein) diets. Renal concentrating ability, the fractional excretion of urea and methylurea- 14 C during anti-diuresis, glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, Tm glucose and Tm p-aminohippuric acid were greater in the high protein than the low protein state. Activities of ornithine trans-carbamylase, arginase, and arginine synthetase (medulla), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (cortex and medulla) were higher in the high protein than the low protein state. No difference was found in glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6-diphosphatase or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities. Acute urea administration had no effect on concentrating ability in the low protein or high protein animal. Clearance data and tissue concentration profiles of sodium and urea on sheep fed a low protein diet suggest impaired sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle and increased urea permeability of the terminal collecting duct. It is proposed that the effects of altered dietary protein intake on renal function are secondary to their effects on renal intermediary metabolism. Effets de regimes riches et pauvres en proteines sur la fonction et le metabolisme renale du mouton. Des brebis ont ete alimentees avec des regimes riches en proteines (14% de proteines) et pauvres en proteines (4.9% de proteines). Le pouvoir de concentration du rein, l'excretion fractionnelle de l'uree et de la methyluree 14 C au cours de l'antidiurese, la filtration glomerulaire, le debit plasmatique renal, le T m du glucose et le T m de l'acide para -amino hippurique etaient superieurs au cours du regime riche en proteines. L'activite de l'ornithine transcarbamylase, de l'arginase, de l'arginine synthetase (medullaire) de la transaminase glutamo oxalo acetique (cortex et medullaire) etaient superieures au cours du regime riche en proteines. Aucune difference n'a ete trouvee pour les activites de la glucose 6 phosphatase, de la fructose 1,6 diphosphatase et de la phosphoenolpuryvate carboxykinase. L'administration aigue d'uree n'a eu d'effet sur le pouvoir de concentration ni au cours du regime riche ni au cours du regime pauvre en proteines. En fonction des clearances et des profils de concentrations tissulaires du sodium et de l'uree, une alteration de la reabsorption du sodium dans l'anse de Henle et une augmentation de la permeabilite a l'uree du canal collecteur terminal au cours du regime pauvre en proteines sont postules. Il est suggere que les effets d'une modification de l'ingestion de proteines sur la fonction renale sont secondaires a l'action sur le metabolisme intermediaire renal.
Preparation of monodisperse porous polymethacrylate microspheres and their application in the capillary electrochromatography of macrolide antibiotics

Monodisperse poly(glycidyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) microspheres were prepared by a simple one-step dispersion polymerization process. Examination of the polymeric microspheres showed that they had a mean particle diameter of 3 microm and dual pore size distribution with mean pore diameters of 300 and 800 A. The microspheres were functionalized by introducing quaternary ammonium/octadecyl groups to obtain positively charged beads in a wide pH range. The functionalized beads were packed into fused-silica capillary having 50 microm inner diameter and used to separate erythromycin derivatives by capillary electrochromatography (CEC). These samples require gradient elution when separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or micro-HPLC, but with the new columns isocratic elution suffices for their separation by CEC. The column efficiency ranged from 40,000 to 50,000 theoretical plates.
Degree of corona saturation for HVDC transmission lines

The DC electric field and ion density are two of the electrical quantities of interest that characterize the electrical environment of HVDC (high-voltage direct-current) transmission lines. The author presents an overview of the electric field and ion environment of HVDC transmission lines and introduces the concept of degree of corona saturation. It is shown that the use of the degree of corona saturation along with the electrostatic (corona-free) and corona-saturated conditions as lower and upper limits allows the DC electric field and ion density can be simply and quickly calculated for a variety of weather conditions and line configurations. The proposed method is simple and straightforward, is fast and easy to use, and allows the electric fields and small air ion densities to be calculated for complex line designs and right-of-way cross sections. >
New advanced lithography tools with mix-and-match strategy

Nikon has developed cutting-edge lithography tools, and its product lineup encompasses all exposure wavelengths. They are: the NSR-S307E ArF scanner for the 90nm node; the NSR-S207D KrF scanner for the 110nm node; the NSR-SF130 i-line stepper for the middle layer and the new concept NSR-SF200 KrF stepper, which offers unparalleled productivity and cost performance. In addition, a powerful support system is provided, the Lithography Equipment Engineering System, which will allow its customers to use all of these exposure tools simultaneously and derive the maximum benefit of the mix-and-match strategy. The use of this system will increase the uptime and enable their combined performance to exceed that of a stand-alone tool.Latest actual performance data from each of the tools and the result of the optimization performed using application software will be reported.
Opportunities for community mental health training within the residential college campus context

The utilization of college campuses as a setting for providing training in community mental health offers an exciting prospect. If the possibilities available are to be realized, however, training programs within the mental health professions will need to be geared to provide course work which both precedes and accompanies student practicum experiences in the campus settings. In addition, postgraduate training opportunities in community mental health for all of the mental health professions will need to be greatly increased. This becomes vital in order that mental health professionals who work in college settings enlarge their own professional identifications to include community mental health concepts.
Controlled Separation and Trapping of Particles Using Two-frequency DEP

We present numerical simulations and experiments on dielectrophoretic (DEP) separation and trapping performed in a titanium-based microchannel linear electrode array. The use of electric fields and in particular dielectrophoresis (DEP) have a great potential to help miniaturize and increase the speed of biomedical analysis. Precise control and manipulation of micro/nano/bio particles inside those miniaturized devices depend greatly on our understanding of the phenomena induced by AC electric fields inside microchannels and how we take advantage of them. The studied DEP devices are composed of two parts: the inter-digitated titanium electrodes and the channel. The electrode substrate is constituted of two layers to form 4-phase traveling wave. Each electrode is 20 μm wide and separated from the other by a gap of 20 μm. The channel is 200 μm wide, 50 μm deep and 6 mm long. The device is designed to generate inhomogeneities in electric-field magnitude. This allows positive and negative DEP (p-DEP and n-DEP). Moreover, it can also produce inhomogeneities in electric-field phase, hence authorizing traveling wave DEP (twDEP). It is also capable of inducing two-frequency DEP, in contrast with most of the previous, single-frequency, designs. The advantages of two-frequency DEP were shown by theoretical work (Chang et al. 2003) and permit precise and optimal control of particles movements. We show that fluid flow effects are substantial and can affect the particle motion in a positive (enhanced trapping) and negative (trapping when separation is desired) way. We discuss the effects of AC-electroosmosis, electrothermal and dielectrophoresis combined. We discuss the advantages of two-frequency dielectrophoretic handling of bioparticles. We investigate the limits of particle size that can be accurately controlled.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Schumann-Runge absorption bands of 16O18O in the wavelength region 175–205 nm and spectroscopic constants of isotopic oxygen molecules

Abstract High-resolution absorption spectra of 16 O 18 O have been photographed, at 300 and 78 K, throughout the region 175–205 nm, in the first order of a 2400 lines/mm grating in a 6.65-m vacuum spectrograph at a dispersion of 0.06 nm/mm. Precise wavelength measurements and rotational analyses of the Schumann-Runge bands (2,0)-16,0) have been completed. Spectroscopic constants of the B 3 Σ u − state of 16 O 18 O for 2 ≤ v ≤ 16 have been determined. Rotational perturbations are observed in the (16,0) band. The concept of mass-reduced vibrational quantum numbers, μ − 1 2 (v + 1 2 ) , has been used to combined isotopic molecular constants from 16 O 2 , 16 O 18 O, and 18 O 2 . It has been shown that the functions of the vibrational spacings, μ 1 2 Δ G v+ 1 2 , rotational constants μB v , and μ 2 D v , spin-spin constants, λ v , and spin-rotation constants, μγ v , are isotopically invariant functions of μ − 1 2 (v + 1 2 ) . The isotopic dependence of the spin-spin constants λ v is discussed in terms of the unique perturber approximation. Values of γ v and λ v have been obtained by interpolation for the levels v = 2–8, which correspond to bands of 16 O 18 O with unresolved triplet structure. In a theoretical investigation, the calculations of level shifts and perturbations have been reexamined. Excellent agreement between calculated and experimental level shifts has been obtained for all three isotopic molecules.
Widespread seed limitation affects plant density but not population trajectory in the invasive plant Centaurea solstitialis

In some plant populations, the availability of seeds strongly regulates recruitment. However, a scarcity of germination microsites, granivory or density-dependent mortality can reduce the number of plants that germinate or survive to flower. The relative strengths of these controls are unknown for most plant populations and for exotic invaders in particular. We conducted a seed addition experiment with a granivore exclusion treatment in a field setting to explore how these factors interact to regulate populations of the widespread invader Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle) at three study sites across the plant’s range in California. We coupled the experimental approach with observational studies within established C. solstitialis populations to estimate seed rain, recruitment and mortality at natural densities. Seed limitation occurred in both experimental and observational plots in all populations. Although vertebrate granivores were active at each site, they had no effect on C. solstitialis recruitment. Density increased mortality, but the effect was variable and weak relative to its effect on fecundity. The seed limitation that was evident at the seedling stage persisted to flowering. Seed-limited populations such as these ought to be highly sensitive to losses to seed predators, and many biological control agents, including those established for C. solstitialis, are seed predators. However, flowering plant density was decoupled from seed production by a strong compensatory response in the surviving plants; seed production was nearly constant in plots across all seed addition levels. Thus, flowering plant density is reduced by the established biocontrol agents, but seed production compensates to replace the population every generation, and no long-term decline is predicted.
Visualizing the World-Wide Web with the navigational view builder

Abstract Overview diagrams are one of the best tools for orientation and navigation in hypermedia systems. However, constructing effective overview diagrams is a challenging task. This paper describes the Navigational View Builder, a tool which allows the user to interactively create useful visualizations of the information space. It uses four strategies to form effective views. These are binding, clustering, filtering and hierarchization. These strategies use a combination of structural and content analysis of the underlying space for forming the visualizations. This paper discusses these strategies and shows how they can be applied for forming visualizations for the World-Wide Web.
Italy at Home and Abroad After 150 Years: The Legacy of Emigration and the Future of Italianità

Shortly after unification in the Risorgimento, mass emigration stretched Italy in unforeseen ways, changing its culture, economics, and politics, and even its state, territory, language, and population. This enforced globalization polarized Italy and radically changed Italy as a nation-state and as a national culture. Controversies over emigration sharply divided Italian Liberals from the Nationalists and Fascists. The ideals of the nation-state, articulated by Mazzini, have been transformed by emigration in ways that have anticipated the twenty-first century global world. Today Italy faces similar challenges with rising immigration, together with the potential for constructive solutions.
Developmental Course of Auditory Processing Interactions: Garner Interference and Simon Interference

Abstract Previous research suggests that with increasing age children become more efficient in inhibiting conflicting responses and in resisting interference from irrelevant information. We assessed the abilities of 100 children (ages 3–16 years) and 20 adults to resist interference during the processing of 2 auditory dimensions of speech, namely the speaker's gender and spatial location. The degree of interference from irrelevent variability in either dimension did not vary with age. Apparently, young children do not have more difficulty in resisting interference when the nontarget and the target are both perceptual attributes. We also assessed the participants' abilities to inhibit conflicting task-irrelevant information from spatial location and to resist interference from spatial variability in the context of conflict. In the presence of conflicting task-irrelevant information, both interference effects declined significantly with age. Developmental change in auditory processing seems to vary as a function of (1) the nature of the target–nontarget combination and (2) the presence/absence of conflicting task-irrelevant information.
Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of CoCrTa Thin Films

The addition of Ta into thin sputtered films of CoCr greatly affects the microstructure and magnetic properties. Grain size, crystallographic preferred orientation and hysteresis parameters have been studied using transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, polar Kerr effect and vibrating sample magnetometry techniques. Crystallographic preferred orientation is enhanced and is accompanied by increased perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. An extremely fine-grained microstructure is produced giving rise to films which show no morphological growth features. Thus the observed magnetocrystalline anisotropy is not attributed to columnar growth. Orientation in these films can be further increased by using under-layers of non-ferromagnetic CoCrTa alloys. The mechanism by which this occurs is discussed.
Nitric oxide-induced mutations in the HPRT gene of human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells and in Salmonella typhimurium.

Characterization of mutations induced by NO in different experimental systems will facilitate elucidation of mechanisms underlying its genotoxicity. The mutagenic specificity of NO in human cells is of particular interest in view of its potential role in inflammation-associated carcinogenesis. We compared mutagenesis in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells and in Salmonella typhimurium induced by exposure to NO delivered into the medium at rates approximating its production by activated macrophages. Exposure of TK6 cells continuously for 60 min decreased viability by 88%, and survivors exhibited a sixfold increase in mutant fraction in the hprt gene. Independent mutants were isolated and mutations characterized by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. Among a total of 68 mutants analyzed, RT-PCR products were obtained in 41 (60%), and cDNA sequencing revealed that 26 (63%) of them contained mutations located in the hprt coding region. Base substitutions were present in 18 mutants, 12 occurring at A:T base pairs. Seven mutants contained deletions of 1-27 bp and one a 13-bp insertion; the 15 remaining RT-PCR products contained whole-exon deletions, 14 involving single exons. Six tester strains of S. typhimurium, each containing one of the six possible point mutations in the target codon of a gene in the histidine biosynthetic pathway, were similarly treated with NO and induction of mutation was detected by reversion to histidine auxotrophy. Significant increases were observed in frequencies of each of the six possible base mutations, with the highest occurring in G:C --> A:T transitions. The pattern of NO-induced hprt mutations in TK6 cells was similar to a recently published spectrum in spontaneous mutants, suggesting that reactive species derived from NO may contribute to spontaneous mutagenesis of the endogenous hprt gene in human cells.
The Organization of Hazardous Waste Production in the U.S.: Social and Ecological Performance

Hazardous waste is seen as a major environmental issue by the American public, yet the social and environmental problems created by the high levels of generation and accumulation of this waste have not been seriously addressed. In this paper, it is shown that the relationship between social/ecological performance and the production of hazardous waste is a commons. A focus on this dynamic of the hazardous waste domain is essential to the elimination, reduction, and disposal of waste. Current organizational strategies for addressing the conflict between performance and production are reviewed., The strengths and limits of attempting to maintain both adequate health/environmental protection and economic growth through joint organization of the principal actors from government, business, environmental, and other organizations is examined.
Making distinctions: reflections on learning, knowing and evaluating

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer some reflections on “making distinctions”, which in contrast to “separating”, the author views as unifying rather than dividing. The author remarks follow the theme of the conference, “Acting-Learning-Understanding”, and characterise making distinctions as inherently cybernetic both conceptually and in practice. The classic cybernetic principle of error detection and correction, for example, typically has a lopsided focus on “error”. The author treats it as the on-going single act of distinguishing between “error” and “correct”, where to determine the degree to which a system is in error is simultaneously to determine the degree to which it is correct. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a viewpoint though conceptual analysis, reflection, and critique, drawing on examples form the research (employing ethnography, case studies, observation, and participant observation) and consulting. Findings – In practice we detect “correct” no less than “erro...
A practical method for code generation based on exhaustive search

An original method for code generation has been developed in conjunction with the construction of a compiler for the C programming language on the DEC-10 computer. The method is comprehensive, determining evaluation order and doing register allocation and instruction selection simultaneously. It uses exhaustive search rather than heuristics, and is table-driven, with most machine-specific information isolated in the tables. Testing and evaluation have shown that the method is effective, that the search process is not too time consuming, and that the compiler is capable of producing code as good as that of other optimizing compilers.
Does Q beta replicase synthesize RNA in the absence of template

Q beta replicase, in the absence of added template, will synthesize RNA autocatalytically. A variety of small RNa species, termed '6S RNAs' are generated. As this reaction purportedly occurs in the absence of template, it has been termed 'de novo' RNA synthesis. The question of whether Q beta replicase can polymerize replicatable RNA molecules, without instruction from a template, has important evolutionary implications. The finding that Q beta replicase was able to synthesize RNA de novo was based on (1) failure to find contaminating RNA in Q beta replicase preparations; (2) differences in the sizes of products of apparently identical reactions; and (3) kinetic differences between template-instructed and de novo reactions. Here wer describe a procedure for production of Q beta replicase lacking one of its subunits, ribosomal protein S1, involving column chromatography in the presence of a low concentration of urea. We show that the resulting highly purified enzyme will not synthesize detectable RNA in the absence of added template. We show also that the ability to perform a reaction kinetically indistinguishable from the de novo synthesis reaction can be restored to the highly purified enzyme by adding a heat-stable, alkali-labile component of Q beta replicase preparations. Thus our findings suggest that, in the novo reaction, Q beta replicase is replicating previously undetected contaminating RNA molecules.
Effect of the phase velocity and spatial overlap of spherical resonances on sum-frequency generation in droplets

The spectrum of the third-order sum-frequency generation (TSFG) that results from the electric fields of the laser E(ωL) and of the first-order Stokes stimulated Raman scattering E(ω1s) is dependent on the droplet radius. In addition to the amplitude and spatial overlap of the three generating E(ω)'s and of the generating and resultant waves, phase matching between the generating and TSFG waves is an important parameter. We discuss the range of phase velocities of the generating and TSFG waves, which must be tuned to coincide with spherical resonances in order to be guided waves circumnavigating the droplet rim.
The peak in the thermal conductivity of Cu-O superconductors: Electronic or phononic origin?

The thermal conductivityК of hole-doped Cu-O plane high-T c perovskites exhibits a dramatic increase belowT c which results in a pronounced peak nearT c /2. The origin of this peak was initially thought to arise from an enhancement in the mean-free path of phonons as the charge carriers undergo condensation. Indeed, excellent fits to the data can be obtained with physically reasonable parameters using the conventional theory of lattice conduction in superconductors. In contrast, a recently observed sharp decrease in the quasiparticle scattering rate of YBCO single crystals belowT c has motivated proposals for an electronic origin of the thermal conductivity peak. We shall critically examine experimental evidence and highlight relative advantages and shortcomings of the two contrasting interpretations. Furthermore, we shall draw attention to recently available data on the relaxation time of out-of-equilibrium carriers in Cu-O superconductors obtained using pump-probe femtosecond laser studies and what new light they shed on the controversy.
Tech forecasting an empirical perspective

Introduction In inviting these perspectives, Hal Linstone wrote that technology forecasting (TF) seems to have peaked around 1970 with a decline in methodological advance thereafter. That stimulated me to conduct a bibliometric analysis of TF activity over the past dozen years. Results support Hal’s contention, but also point toward “next wave” possibilities. Before digging into the data, it is worth considering what is different today from the earlier “heydey” periods for TF. In the 1950s and 1960s, TF was driven by military competition with the Soviet Union. TF was initiated primarily as a tool to help anticipate military technology needs and to help plan and prioritize R&D and systems development. Many of these technologies had long development times (for example, anti-ballistic missile program, new fighter planes). Today, military technology development has been supplanted by commercial technological competition as the primary motivator for TF. Competitive technological intelligence—a remarkable growth area of the 1990s—conjures images of companies, more than intelligence agencies, most actively trying to find out “who’s doing what.” This interest in tracking and forecasting others’ technology development has been heightened by tendencies to constrain corporate R&D to more immediate and more applied targets. In addition, both industry and government (even in the United States) evidence interest in trying to plan, prioritize, and evaluate their R&D programs, placing a premium on information about relative prospects and performance metrics. National technology foresight initiatives and industry or product technology road maps are important emerging forms of TF [30]. The defining characteristic of today’s technology is that we are in the Information Age. While cases could be made for various emerging technologies (for example, advanced materials, biotech) as flowering, it is clearly IT—information technology—that defines our era. That poses a challenge for TF in that typical IT life cycles are much shorter than military systems technology life cycles of 40 years ago. In addition to targeting rather different technological targets these days, TF draws on different resources. The availability of electronic information in several forms pro-
Average consensus on Riemannian manifolds with bounded curvature

Consensus algorithms are a popular choice for computing averages and other similar quantities in ad-hoc wireless networks. However, existing algorithms mostly address the case where the measurements live in a Euclidean space. In this paper, we propose distributed algorithms for averaging measurements lying in a Riemannian manifold. We first propose a direct extension of the classical average consensus algorithm and derive sufficient conditions for its convergence to a consensus configuration. Such conditions depend on the network connectivity, the geometric configuration of the measurements and the curvature of the manifold. However, the consensus configuration to which the algorithm converges may not coincide with the Frechet mean of the measurements. We thus propose a second algorithm that performs consensus in the tangent space. This algorithm is guaranteed to converge to the Frechet mean of the measurements, but needs to be initialized at a consensus configuration. By combining these two methods, we obtain a distributed algorithm that converges to the Frechet mean of the measurements. We test the proposed algorithms on synthetic data sampled from manifolds such as the space of rotations, the sphere and the Grassmann manifold.
Encoding specificity: Fact or artifact.

Two experiments are reported which examined the concept of encoding specificity. The encoding specificity principle suggests that subjects can retrieve information from memory only via cues encoded for retrieval at the time of study. Contrary to the encoding specificity hypothesis both experiments suggested that subjects are able to make use of semantic cues which were not likely to have been encoded at time of study. Contrasts of recognition and recall were also examined. Several theoretical problems were noted in such comparisons, and it was concluded that differences between recall and recognition provide no measure of support for encoding specificity.
Evidence for the participation of activated oxygen species and the resulting peroxidation of lipids in the killing of cultured hepatocytes by aryl halides.

Abstract Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were used to explore the mechanisms of the toxicity of aryl halides. The sensitivity of the hepatocytes to chloro-, bromo-, and iodobenzene was enhanced by inhibition of glutathione reductase with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). In each case, the increased cell killing depended on the metabolism of the toxicant, a result shown by the protective effect of SKF-525A, an inhibitor of mixed function oxidation. BCNU decreased the metabolism of [ 14 C]bromobenzene and the covalent binding of its metabolites by 20%. Chelation by deferoxamine of a cellular source of ferric iron prevented the cell killing in the presence or absence of BCNU. Deferoxamine had no effect on the metabolism or the covalent binding of [ 14 C]bromobenzene. Similarly, the antioxidant N,N′ -diphenyl- p -phenylenediamine (DPPD) reduced the cell killing and had no effect on the metabolism of [ 14 C]bromobenzene. Thus, the toxicity of the three aryl halides was manipulated in ways that modify the sensitivity of hepatocytes to an oxidative stress, and the changes in cell killing occurred without parallel changes in the metabolism of [ 14 C]bromobenzene or the covalent binding of its metabolites.
IMPORTANCE OF INCOME PATTERN IN ECONOMIC DECISION MAKING

Project-appraisal has long been a difficult task in that a number of methods of worth assessment have been proposed which do not necessarily lead to the same conclusion. The purpose of this paper is to bring forth an assessment technique which is theoretically appealing to the manager and is at the same time easy to calculate It is felt that one of the disadvantages of conventional assessment techniques is that they neglect the fact that income is not generated as an end of period, lump sum amount but rather that it is distributed over time in some pattern. The method developed in this paper is sensitive to the time variable earning pattern of the project. This is accomplished by utilizing the concepts of a time variable earning rate and continuous compounding A number of examples are provided to illustrate the use of the method in cases of uniform, increasing, decreasing and cyclic earning rates, and comparisons are made with the conventional analyses.
A marginal level of dystrophin partially ameliorates hindlimb muscle passive mechanical properties in dystrophin-null mice.

Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine whether a minimal level of dystrophin expression improves the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle in the murine Duchenne muscular dystrophy model. Methods: We compared the elastic and viscous properties of the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) in mdx3cv and mdx4cv mice at 6, 14, and 20 months of age. Both strains are on the C57Bl/6 background, and both lose the full-length dystrophin protein. Interestingly, mdx3cv mice express a near full-length dystrophin at ∽5% of the normal level. Results: We found that the stress–strain profile and the stress relaxation rate of the EDL in mdx3cv mice were partially preserved in all age groups compared with age-matched mdx4cv mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a low level of dystrophin expression may treat muscle stiffness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Statutory Stones and Regulatory Mortar: Using Negligence Per Se to Mend the Wall Between Farmers Growing Genetically Engineered Crops and Their Neighbors

Table of ContentsI. Introduction 654A. The Gene Flow Problem 655B. Negligence Per Se as a Possible Solution 656II. Background of Genetically Engineered Crops 658III. Gene Flow and the Law 662A. Regulation of GE Crops 662B. StarLink Corn 667C. LibertyLink Rice 672D. Negligence Per Se 6741. Overview 6742. The Johnson Grass Statute 6763. Negligence Per Se in Cases of Gene Flow 6784. Shortcomings of Negligence Per Se 679IV. Possibilities for Future Regulation 681A. State Versus Federal Regulation of GE Crops 681B. Which Agency Should Establish the Standards of Care to Prevent Gene Flow? 683C. Regulations Reflecting Biological Realities 684V. Conclusion 691I. IntroductionIn his 1914 poem Mending Wall, Robert Frost questions the wisdom of the adage "good fences make good neighbors."1 The speaker in the poem tells the tale of a yearly ritual, performed by him and his neighbor, of restoring a wall between his apple orchard on one side, and the neighbor's pine grove on the other.2 Questioning the need for the wall, the speaker comments that his apples will not cross to eat the pinecones beneath his neighbor's trees.3But what if one farmer's crops could harm those of her neighbor? Would a fence be in order? If so, what would that fence look like? The reality in today's agricultural world is that there are, indeed, situations where crops can cause harm beyond the boundaries of the fields in which they are grown.4 This Note takes an example of such a harm - gene flow from genetically engineered (GE)5 crops to organic or conventionally bred crops - and proposes one type of fence that could be employed to help demarcate the limits of the responsibility that growers of GE crops have to their neighbors. This legal fence would assist such growers in keeping their transgenes safely corralled, and facilitate restitution if the transgenes escape and cause harm. Ideally, it would be the type of boundary that does, indeed, good neighbors make.A. The Gene Flow ProblemIncreased specialization in crops and reduced tolerances for genetic variation in general, and for transgenic material in particular, have led to a greater need to segregate GE crops from their conventionally bred and organic counterparts.6 The entire value of a farmer's crop may depend on the ability to ensure its genetic purity.7 The adventitious presence of undesirable genetic material, such as DNA derived from GE technology, can result in rejection or destruction of crops or products made from them.8At the same time that tolerances for GE traits have been tightening, GE crop production has been expanding.9 As GE crop production has increased, it has become clear that the agricultural industry in the United States is not prepared to keep GE crops separate from conventional or organic crops.10 The statutes and regulations dealing with GE crops have failed to prevent contamination of non-GE crops or to provide adequate remedies for those who have been harmed by such contamination. …