cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Whiter the Better? Racial Composition and Access to School Resources for Black Students

Rigorous courses are an important resource, distributed within schools, that merit attention as a central determinant of student achievement and future outcomes (Cook and Evans, J Labor Econ. 18(4):729–754, 2000; Rose and Betts, Rev Econ Stat. 86(2):497–513, 2004). Yet, black students are less likely to be enrolled in advanced courses in general (ex. Darity et al. 2001; Klopfenstein, Contemp Econ Pol. 23(3):416–28, 2005) and specifically Algebra 1 in middle school (Riley 1997). Debate exists around the potential benefits or drawbacks for black students attending highly integrated schools relative to highly segregated schools. This study examines which school characteristics are associated with large disparities in black student enrollment in Algebra 1 relative to white student enrollment in Algebra 1 in the same middle schools in North Carolina. Of particular interest is the relationship between access and the percentage of white students in a school. The study finds that: (1) black students are underrepresented in Algebra 1 in essentially all schools in North Carolina; (2) the largest disparities occur in schools that are highly integrated while the disparities are reduced in schools that are either large majority white or large majority non-white; (3) schools with a larger share of white teachers are related to larger disparities between black and white students; (4) the marginal effects of racial composition on the relative disparity in enrollment are significantly larger for black females than black males.
Electron-pair analysis for doubly excited ridge states.

The two-electron Schr\"odinger equation is analyzed in hyperspherical coordinates, with the electrons described throughout as a pair. In contrast to the current adiabatic hyperspherical method, which reverts at large distances to a description in terms of individual electrons, the pair aspect is preserved also asymptotically. Whereas the adiabatic potential wells converge to single-ionization limits, we develop potential wells converging to the double-ionization limit of the system, and doubly excited states are then viewed as eigenstates of the pair in these wells. At the simplest level, we get series converging to the double-ionization limit which are described analytically by the ``pair-Rydberg'' formula, with an effective charge that increases logarithmically with the principal quantum number.
Controversies Surrounding Mandatory Arrest Policies and the Police Response to Intimate Partner Violence

Since the early 1970s, the efforts of the battered women's movement have led to many changes in the criminal justice response to intimate partner violence (often referred to more broadly as ‘domestic violence’) in the USA. One important reform has been the implementation of policies that encourage or mandate the arrest of offenders. However, mandatory arrest policies have been hotly debated by scholars, activists, and criminal justice system officials. In this article, I review the recent changes to the ways in which police officers respond to intimate partner violence and discuss the controversies surrounding these changes in light of recent research. I briefly consider why the literature on this topic has produced such contradictory findings and I discuss several actions that need to be taken in order to improve police response to intimate partner violence and better meet the needs of battered women.
A system for knowledge-based process planning

Abstract We describe the application of problem solving, knowledge based methods in creating process plans in manufacturing. The planner presented - called TOLTEC - is designed for experiential domains and bases its operation on the use of cases in a dynamic memory environment. We will describe the way TOLTEC creates process plans by utilizing previous experiences, dynamic clustering of its memories and dynamic constraint generation and by shifting its focus of attention to different features of the workpiece by using importance values. Also, we will present how TOLTEC learns by modifying its memories according to new experiences and how it helps bridge some of the gap between design and manufacturing by detecting design errors. The emphasis in this paper is more on the application aspects of our system and the examples presented will demonstrate the abilities of TOLTEC to design process plans, detect design errors, predict manufacturing errors, recover from planning errors, handle multiple branching solutions and improve its performance by utilizing learning techniques.
Fractal kinetics in the luminescence decay of solids

Abstract The power-law time dependence of luminescence decay in solids is interpreted in terms of kinetic equations in which the rate constant is governed by the efficiency with which the reactants explore a discrete lattice. It is shown that the bimolecular reaction gives the best description for a substantial number of cases, but the power-law exponent does not have a universal value.
On Cohesion of Micron Scale Metal Particles in High Velocity Impact With a Metal Substrate

Impact of a single copper particle in cold gas dynamic spray is simulated by finite element method by including the effects of high strain rates and temperature on material plasticity and failure. In order to predict stick behavior of the particle, cohesive forces that act between the particle and the substrate are included in the model by defining an interfacial cohesive strength parameter. Effect of this parameter on the deformation and stick/rebound behavior of the particle is studied. It is found that significant particle deformation, large area of contact between particle and substrate is needed to generate enough cohesive force to absorb the rebound energy of the particle and achieve sticking. As the impact velocity and assumed interfacial cohesive strength increases, particle is more likely to stick on to the substrate. Critical velocities in the same range with experimental results are predicted.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection in Procurement Contracting

Abstract A model of procurement contracting is developed and tested in laboratory experiments. Market performance results are presented for both fixed-price and cost-sharing contracts. Contracts are awarded with first-price sealed-bid or second-price sealed-bid auctions. The environment contains post-auction cost uncertainty and opportunity for unmonitored effort in contract cost reduction. Cost-sharing contracts are found to reduce procurement expense but also to be inefficient because of their induced moral hazard waste and cost overruns. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C72, C92, D44, D61, D82, H57, L14.
Prostate-specific Antigen Doubling Time Predicts Clinical Outcome and Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Combined Radiation and Hormone Therapy

Purpose: To determine whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time predicts clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer that has been treated with combined radiation and hormone therapy. Methods and Materials: We reviewed the medical records of 621 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy and hormone therapy between 1989 and 2003. "Any" clinical failure was defined as any distant, nodal, or local failure, or the use of salvage therapy. "True" clinical failure was defined as any distant, nodal, or local failure. PSA doubling time was calculated by using the log PSA values from patients with a PSA failure as defined by the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology Oncology consensus statement. One hundred thirty-seven men were at intermediate risk for PSA failure (as determined by T2b, Gleason score of 7, or PSA 10.1–0 ng/mL) and 484 men were at high risk for failure (T2c-4; Gleason 8–10; or PSA >20 ng/mL). Pretreatment PSA value, Gleason score, tumor stage, timing and duration of hormone therapy, radiation therapy dose, and PSA doubling time were analyzed for any associations with time to clinical failure by using Cox regression analysis. Estimates of survival were calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Pairwise comparisons were made by using the log–rank test. Results: Sixty-two men experienced any clinical failure, and 22 men experienced true clinical failure. Multivariate analysis revealed that pretreatment PSA ( p = 0.013), Gleason score ( p = 0.0019), and a PSA doubling time (PSADT) ≤8 months ( p p = 0.008) and PSADT ≤8 months ( 8 months and 60.4% for men with a PSA doubling time ≤8 months ( p 8 months and 68.5% for men with a PSADT ≤8 months ( p 8 months and 29.7% for men with a PSADT ≤8 months. The median overall survival time for patients with a PSADT >8 months was not reached in this study. The median overall survival time for patients with a PSADT ≤8 months was 61.8 months ( p = 0.015). Conclusion: In men with prostate cancer that has been treated with combined hormone and radiation therapy, a posttreatment PSADT of ≤8 months is associated with worse clinical outcomes and may be an early surrogate marker for decreased survival. These patients should be considered for more aggressive salvage therapy protocols.
Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing 2 Flexible Digital Ureteroscopes: ACMI/Olympus Invisio DUR-D and Olympus URF-V

Objective To compare 2 digital flexible ureteroscopes in a randomized, prospective, clinical trial; the complementary metal oxide semiconductor–based Gyrus ACMI/Olympus Invisio DUR-D and the charged coupled device–based Olympus URF-V. Methods Patients scheduled for ureteroscopy were prospectively enrolled and randomized between the DUR-D and URF-V. Patient demographics, laser and total procedure time, laser energy, lower pole time, and difficulties encountered were recorded. The visibility and maneuverability were rated on a scale of 0-10. Results A total of 101 patients (58 women) with a mean age of 49.5 years (20-80 years) were enrolled. Laser lithotripsy (mean stone size, 11.8 mm) was performed in 88 patients, 10 underwent stone basketing, and 3 had diagnostic ureteroscopy. For the DUR-D and URF-V, the mean total operative time (26.5 vs 25 minutes), laser time (12.5 vs 13 minutes), lower pole time (9 vs 11 minutes), and basket time (14.5 vs 13 minutes) were comparable. In 3 of 45 (6.6%) and 6 of 56 (10.7%) cases, the stone could not be reached with the DUR-D and URF-V, respectively. A fiberoptic scope (URF-P5) reached the stone in all cases. On a scale of 0-10, the mean visibility was 6.86 and 8.73 ( P P Conclusion The URF-V offered better visibility and maneuverability compared with the DUR-D. Both had similar failure rates compared with the previous study with fiberoptic scopes.
Nanostructural transformations during the reduction of hollow and porous nickel oxide nanoparticles.

Size-dependent nanostructural transformations occurring during the H2-mediated reduction of hollow and porous NiO nanoparticles were investigated for controlled nanoparticle sizes of ∼10 to 100 nm. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the location and number of reduction sites strongly depend on the nanoparticle size and structure.
Placement of the Structural Proteins in Sindbis Virus

The structure of the lipid-enveloped Sindbis virus has been determined by fitting atomic resolution crystallographic structures of component proteins into an 11-A resolution cryoelectron microscopy map. The virus has T=4 quasisymmetry elements that are accurately maintained between the external glycoproteins, the transmembrane helical region, and the internal nucleocapsid core. The crystal structure of the E1 glycoprotein was fitted into the cryoelectron microscopy density, in part by using the known carbohydrate positions as restraints. A difference map showed that the E2 glycoprotein was shaped similarly to E1, suggesting a possible common evolutionary origin for these two glycoproteins. The structure shows that the E2 glycoprotein would have to move away from the center of the trimeric spike in order to expose enough viral membrane surface to permit fusion with the cellular membrane during the initial stages of host infection. The well-resolved E1-E2 transmembrane regions form alpha-helical coiled coils that were consistent with T=4 symmetry. The known structure of the capsid protein was fitted into the density corresponding to the nucleocapsid, revising the structure published earlier.
The Role of Vocational Training in Pathways toward Desistance

This essay explores the relationship between vocational training and prisoner entry, a process that attempts to facilitate and support formerly incarcerated people's (FIP's) efforts to establish lives free from crime. I draw from a review of existing programs and an analysis of the relationship between work and crime to derive the conclusion that vocational training should take innovative steps in order to prepare FIP to compete effectively in the contemporary labor market. Training should address the barriers to long-term employment that are particular to FIP. It should also enable these individuals to treat their work as a transformative moment in the path toward desistance. I close by evaluating the potential of two innovative models of vocational programs, both of which appear to satisfy the criteria established above.
Elevated methionine-tRNA synthetase activity in human colon cancer.

SummaryMethionine-tRNA synthetase catalyzes the formation of methionine-tRNA (Met-tRNA) which is necessary for the initiation of protein biosynthesis. This study compares Met-tRNA synthetase activity in extracts of human colon cancer and normal colonic mucosa.Particle-free supernatants were prepared from homogenates of tumors and adjacent normal mucosa. These preparations were incubated with ATP, a mixture of yeast tRNAs, Mg2+, K+, dithioerythritol, and [3H]methionine. Specific activities (nano-moles of [3H]Met-tRNA per milligram of protein) of Met-tRNA synthetase from tumors and normal mucosa were measured and compared.Five patients were studied and in each the tumor sample had a higher specific activity than its normal counterpart. The mean specific activity of Met-tRNA synthetase in the tumor tissue was approximately four times that of the normal mucosa. Methioninyla-denylate, when added to the assay tubes, proved to be a potent inhibitor of Met-tRNA synthetase.Since protein biosynthesis begins with th...
Superconvergent consistency conditions for the πN P33 partial-wave amplitude☆

Abstract The sum rule obtained from a superconvergent πN partial wave dispersion relation is discussed. Reggeism is seen to be of little use in solving the ambiguities connected with high energy behavior.
Sufficiency in Finite Parameter and Sample Spaces

Sufficiency and minimal sufficiency are examined in settings in which the parameter space and the sample space are both finite, where these properties can be presented in terms of linear algebra. Minimal sufficient partitions are identified constructively. This provides direct, hands-on treatment of these topics at a level accessible to a wide audience.
Ontogeny of pituitary regulation of growth in the developing rat: comparison of effects of hypophysectomy and hormone replacement on somatic and organ growth, serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II levels, and IGF-binding protein levels in the neonatal and juvenile rat.

We investigated pituitary regulation of growth during two critical stages of development in the rat, using hypophysectomy (Hx) with replacement of GH and/or T4. In the neonatal period (Hx on day 6), body weight and tail length were inhibited by 60% and 50%, respectively, while these parameters were inhibited by 80% and 85% by Hx in the juvenile period (Hx on day 45). Administration of T4 alone significantly increased skeletal growth (tail length) in neonatal Hx rats, while T4 alone proved ineffective in promoting somatic growth in juvenile Hx rats. GH effects were greater on body weight than on tail length at both stages of development. Replacement of both GH and T4 restored somatic growth to normal values during both time periods. The brain was the sole organ whose growth appeared to be independent of the pituitary. Hx reduced serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and -II in both age groups, and GH alone restored IGF-I and -II levels to the control range. The major IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) were...
A microwave multiplex system for the New York city police department

The New York City Police Department, as do other large Communications Systems users, requires multiple telephone tie lines to its communication terminals. A public safety agency has to respond immediately to all emergencies involving the public, business, institutions, and other governmental entities. The communication system is the media for information exchange and response. Reliability has to approach 100%. In the case of the New York City Police Department, telephone tie lines were experiencing failures at critical times. The line costs of terminal equipment were escalating. The solution appears to be a multiplex microwave system designed to be fail safe, expandable and automatically shift into a redundant system. The design of this system is discussed in this paper.
Activation of adenosine A1 receptors underlies anticonvulsant effect of CGS21680

Abstract Focal injection of the adenosine A 2A receptor agonist CGS21680 (2-[ p -(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5′- N -ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine) in the rat prepiriform cortex produced a reduction in the severity of bicuculline methiodide-induced motor seizures. The anticonvulsant effect of CGS21680 exhibited dose-dependency and modest potency (ED 50 =605±47 pmol/rat). Pharmacological characterization of the anticonvulsant response in the prepiriform cortex revealed a significant correlation between the potency of adenosine analogs as anticonvulsants and their respective affinities for adenosine A 1 receptors in vitro. These results indicate that the low affinity of CGS21680 for adenosine A 1 receptors is sufficient to account for the anticonvulsant activity of this compound in the rat prepiriform cortex.
Residential Segregation and Access to Surgical Care by Minority Populations in US Counties

Background Minority groups in the US have comparatively poorer access to a range of health care services. Access can be considered a function of opportunity and use and can vary with the level of segregation within a county. We hypothesized that with varying levels of segregation, increasing the proportion of the minority population within a county was accompanied by decreasing levels of access to surgical care. Study Design A cross-sectional analysis was performed on data from the 2004 Area Resource File. Each county in the US was categorized into one of three levels: most, moderately, or least segregated, using the Isolation Index. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to examine the association between access to surgical services and proportion of minority population with varying levels of segregation adjusting for socioeconomic and health characteristics. Results In the most segregated counties, each percentage point increase in Hispanic or African-American population was associated with a statistically significant decrease in outpatient surgery volume (p Conclusions In the most segregated counties, an increase in the African-American or Hispanic population was associated with a decrease in the availability and use of surgical services and an increase in emergency visits after adjustment for socioeconomic and health characteristics.
Microbiology of chronic frontal sinusitis

Objectives: To determine bacterial and fungal organisms that are present in patients undergoing surgery for chronic frontal sinusitis. Study Design: Retrospective, nonrandomized study. Methods: Retrospective, nonrandomized bacterial and fungal cultures were performed on 46 sinus aspirates obtained by frontal sinus trephination performed on 30 consecutive patients with chronic frontal sinusitis. Results: Six patients were having sinus surgery for the first time, 19 patients had undergone prior functional endoscopic sinus surgery without instrumentation of the frontal sinus/recess, and the third group included 5 patients who had undergone prior frontal sinus/ recess surgery. Preoperative computed tomography scan of the frontal sinuses revealed complete opacification in 63% (29/46 frontal sinuses) and partial opacification in 22% (10/46), and no data were available for 15% (7/46). Aerobic cultures revealed that 38% (13/35 cultures) had no growth, 21% (7/35) grew Staphylococcus aureus, 21% (7/35) grew coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 9% (3/35) grew Haemophilus influenzae, and 26% (9/35) grew a variety of other organisms. Anaerobic cultures were positive in 3% (1/32) of sinuses, and fungal cultures were positive in 4% (1/24). Haemophilus influenzae was most common in primary cases, whereas coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was most common in patients undergoing revision frontal sinus surgery. There were no other significant differences between cultures from patients undergoing revision frontal sinus surgery, revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery without prior frontal surgery, and primary surgery. Conclusions: This study suggests that organisms involved in chronic inflammatory disease of the frontal sinus may change after previous sinus surgery. The study failed to support a significant role for anaerobes. The role for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus as a potential pathogen or a contaminating agent remains unclear.
The 4d delta states of the hydrogen molecule

Abstract Born-Oppenheimer (BO) potential energy curves for the S 1 Δ g and s 3 Δ g states of the hydrogen molecule have been computed using explicitly correlated wavefunctions in elliptic coordinates. The energies of the vibrational levels and rotational constants for both states have been computed. The results are compared with the available experimental data, and it appears that the discrepancy between theory and experiment is mainly mass-dependent. This indicates that the adiabatic and nonadiabatic effects are mainly responsible for it. In addition, the previously published BO energy for j 3 Δ g state of H 2 at R = 1.2 Bohr, which has been found to be wrong, is corrected in this paper.
Ginzburg-Landau theory of a supersolid.

We develop a simple Ginsburg-Landau theory to study all the possible phases and phase transitions in {sup 4}He, analyze the condition for the existence of the supersolid (SS) and map out its global phase diagram from a unified framework. If the condition favors the existence of the SS, we use the GL theory to address several experimental facts and also make some predictions that are amenable to experimental tests. A key prediction is that the x-ray scattering intensity from the SS ought to have an additional modulation over that of the normal solid. The modulation amplitude is proportional to the nonclassical rotational-inertial observed in the torsional oscillator experiments.
Fatiguing exercise enhances hyperalgesia to muscle inflammation

Since many people with chronic fatigue present with pain and many people with chronic pain present with fatigue, we tested if fatigue would enhance the response to pain in male and female mice. We further tested for the activation of brainstem nuclei by the fatigue task using c-fos as a marker. Fatigue was induced by having mice spontaneously run in running wheel for 2 h. Carrageenan (0.03%) was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle either 2 h before or 2 h after the fatigue task. The mechanical sensitivity of the paw (von Frey filaments), muscle (tweezers), grip force and running wheel activity was assessed before and 24 h after injection of carrageenan. Both male and female mice that performed the fatigue task, either before or after intramuscular injection of carrageenan, showed an enhanced mechanical sensitivity of the paw, but not the muscle. Ovariectomized mice showed a similar response to male mice. There was a decrease in running wheel activity after carrageenan injection, but no change in grip force suggesting that mice had no deficit in motor performance induced by the carrageenan. C-fos expression was observed in the nucleus raphe pallidus, obscurus, and magnus after the fatigue task suggesting an increased activity in the raphe nuclei in response to the fatigue task. Therefore, widespread hyperalgesia is enhanced by the fatigue response but not hyperalgesia at the site of insult. We suggest that this effect is sex-dependent and involves mechanisms in the brainstem to result in an enhanced hyperalgesia.
Synthesis and separation of diastereomers of deoxynucleoside 5’– 0(l–thio)triptaosphates

Treatment of unprotected nucleosides with an excess of phosphorous acid and stoichiometric proportions of N,N'-di-p-tolylcarbodiimide in anhydrous pyridine gives predominantly deoxynucleoside monophosphites and minor amounts of 5' :3'-diphosphites; for deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine, the monophosphite products are exclusively 5'-phosphites, whereas for deoxycytidine and thymidine, the yields of the 5'-phosphites are 85% and 92% respectively. Sulfurization of these deoxynucleoside monophosphites with sulfur in the presence of trialkylamines and trimethylsilyl chloride in dry pyridine nearly quantitatively produces deoxynucleoside phosphorothioates. Condensation of these phosphorothioates with pyrophosphate forms diastereomers of the alpha-thio-derivatives of deoxynucleoside triphosphate. The individual diastereomers of each deoxynucleoside 5'-O-(1-thio)triphosphate can be separated, on a preparative scale, by ion exchange chromatography.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: the Issue of Separability and Subsequence

Article 7 of the "Statement of Fundamental Truths" in the constitution and by-laws of the General Council of the Assemblies of God reveals: All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; I Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).
Dividend Policy: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract Starting with the “partial adjustment model” suggested by Lintner [10, 11], this paper examines the dividend policies of individual firms. The Lintner model, in which the change in dividends from year t-1 to year t is regressed on a constant, the level of dividends for t-1, and the level of profits for t, explains dividend changes for individual firms fairly well relative to other models tested. But a model in which the constant term is suppressed and the level of earnings for t-1 is added, provides the best predictions of dividends on a year of data not used in fitting the regressions. Though the dividend policy of individual firms is certainly a subject of economic interest, perhaps much of the novelty of the paper is methodological: specifically, the way in which a validation sample, simulations, and prediction tests are used to investigate results obtained from a pilot sample. To avoid spurious results that could follow from the extensive data-dredging involved in finding “good-fitting” divid...
The use of confocal microscopy in evaluating corneal wound healing after excimer laser keratectomy

Corneal wound healing following excimer laser keratectomy is the major cause of regression of treatment results. The amount of anterior stromal haze that develops may be influenced by topical medications. Over a period of 6 months, we followed 15 New Zealand white rabbit eyes that underwent excimer laser keratectomy with the VISX 193-nm ArF laser at a fluence of 150 mJ/cm2 for a depth of 130 microns. Eyes were randomized to treatment with prednisolone acetate, diclofenac sodium (Voltaren), a combination of both, and a control group. Drops were administered four times a day for 1 week, two times a day for 3 weeks, and the drops were then tapered. All eyes were reepithelialized by 5 to 7 days. The tandem scanning confocal microscope (TSCM) was used to evaluate the corneal wound in vivo weekly for a month and monthly for 6 months. During the early postoperative period, the TSCM revealed significant anterior stromal keratocyte activation with cell elongation and the spindle-shaped appearance of fibroblasts in all groups. Collagenous stromal scarring was evident initially, then slowly decreased in all treatment groups. This study shows that TSCM is clinically useful for successive in vivo examinations of corneal wounds after excimer laser keratectomy and for comparing the effects of various topical medications.
ARID5B SNP rs10821936 is associated with risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in blacks and contributes to racial differences in leukemia incidence

ARID5B SNP rs10821936 is associated with risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in blacks and contributes to racial differences in leukemia incidence
Mandatory vs. contractual disclosure in securities markets: Evidence from the 1930s *

This paper studies mandatory disclosure documents filed during the period 1933-35 in response to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our sample companies are all listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and therefore subject to the NYSE’s disclosure requirements at the time of the regulatory filings. We ask whether the additional disclosures contained in the filed documents constitute information. Using newly-available daily price, volume, and bid and ask quotation data, we test whether the filings are associated with changes in bid-ask spreads, return autocovariance, turnover, volatility, or no-trade days. We find almost no evidence that the new disclosures required by the securities laws—principally having to do with management compensation and large shareholdings—reduced informational asymmetry. We also find no evidence that earnings reports were more informative after enactment of the securities laws.
Ultrahigh-Resolution L(Y)SO Detectors Using PMT-Quadrant-Sharing for Human & Animal PET Cameras

The goal of this study is to develop lower-cost ultrahigh resolution detectors for PET systems, using the PMT-quadrant-sharing (PQS) decoding technology on L(Y)SO scintillation crystals. For this work, L(Y)SO PQS block detectors for both animal and human PET cameras were developed and studied. Both simulation and experimental detector design studies were carried out to achieve efficient light distribution and crystal decoding. The effects of crystal finishes and reflector patterns on light distribution, light output and energy resolution were investigated and used to derive the highest resolution PQS-L(YSO) block-detector. The PQS-L(Y)SO detector performance was measured on the best performing blocks. For performance evaluation, list-mode data from the detectors were acquired and analyzed to extract light-collection efficiency, energy-resolution distribution, and pulse height distribution for individual crystals. The potential PET imaging resolution performance was investigated using Monte Carlo simulation studies with the GEANT4/GATE software for both detectors developed for small animal PET and human PET applications. From these studies, we have the following findings: 1) For light distribution studies on the crystal surface finish, 4 mum lapping was found to be the preferred finish for achieving the best position decoding together with good overall light output for all the crystals in both, the human and animal detector arrays; 2) Intricate reflector patterns between crystals can be made from the ESR mirror film (3M Inc.) for optimally controlling the light sharing between crystals and to the four decoding PMT's, with high packing fractions on the PQS-blocks; 3) For the PQS-LYSO detector block for animal PET systems, using 19-mm circular photomultipliers (PMT), we achieved decoding a 14 times 14 arrays with a crystal pitch of 1.27 times 1.27 mm2. This animal detector has a packing fraction of 95.6%, an energy resolution ranging between 12.9%~15.8% for individual crystals (average energy resolution of 14%), the pulse height for the least favorable crystal is 63.5% of the most favorable crystal; 4) For PQS-LSO detector block for human PET systems using very large circular 51-mm PMT, we achieved decoding a 15 times 15 array with a crystal pitch of 3.25 times 3.25 mm2. The human PET detector has packing fraction of 98.2%, an energy resolution range 12.9%~15.8% (average energy resolution 14%). The pulse height of least favorable crystals is 80% of the most favorable crystal. 5) From Monte Carlo simulations for LSO small animal PET, a spatial resolution of 1.1-1.2 mm may potentially be achieved using low cost 19-mm circular PMT. For human PET systems, 3-mm spatial resolution may potentially be achieved using very large 51-mm circular PMT for cost reduction.
Amyloid Histology Stain for Rapid Bacterial Endospore Imaging

Bacterial endospores are some of the most resilient forms of life known to us, with their persistent survival capability resulting from a complex and effective structural organization. The outer membrane of endospores is surrounded by the densely packed endospore coat and exosporium, containing amyloid or amyloid-like proteins. In fact, it is the impenetrable composition of the endospore coat and the exosporium that makes staining methodologies for endospore detection complex and challenging. Therefore, a plausible strategy for facile and expedient staining would be to target components of the protective surface layers of the endospores. Instead of targeting endogenous markers encapsulated in the spores, here we demonstrated staining of these dormant life entities that targets the amyloid domains, i.e., the very surface components that make the coats of these species impenetrable. Using an amyloid staining dye, thioflavin T (ThT), we examined this strategy. A short incubation of bacillus endospore suspensions with ThT, under ambient conditions, resulted in (i) an enhancement of the fluorescence of ThT and (ii) the accumulation of ThT in the endospores, affording fluorescence images with excellent contrast ratios. Fluorescence images revealed that ThT tends to accumulate in the surface regions of the endospores. The observed fluorescence enhancement and dye accumulation, coupled with the sensitivity of emission techniques, provide an effective and rapid means of staining endospores without the inconvenience of pre- or posttreatment of samples.
Molecular architecture of a dynamin adaptor: implications for assembly of mitochondrial fission complexes

Recruitment and assembly of some dynamin-related guanosine triphosphatases depends on adaptor proteins restricted to distinct cellular membranes. The yeast Mdv1 adaptor localizes to mitochondria by binding to the membrane protein Fis1. Subsequent Mdv1 binding to the mitochondrial dynamin Dnm1 stimulates Dnm1 assembly into spirals, which encircle and divide the mitochondrial compartment. In this study, we report that dimeric Mdv1 is joined at its center by a 92-A antiparallel coiled coil (CC). Modeling of the Fis1–Mdv1 complex using available crystal structures suggests that the Mdv1 CC lies parallel to the bilayer with N termini at opposite ends bound to Fis1 and C-terminal β-propeller domains (Dnm1-binding sites) extending into the cytoplasm. A CC length of appropriate length and sequence is necessary for optimal Mdv1 interaction with Fis1 and Dnm1 and is important for proper Dnm1 assembly before membrane scission. Our results provide a framework for understanding how adaptors act as scaffolds to orient and stabilize the assembly of dynamins on membranes.
Plant–soil feedbacks contribute to an intransitive competitive network that promotes both genetic and species diversity

Summary 1. Plant communities are generally thought to follow strict competitive hierarchies, in which species can be linearly ordered according to their ability to compete for a few limiting resources. Such strict hierarchies should lead to reduced diversity, since the single best competitor will eventually exclude the other species. However, more complex dynamics may emerge if different plant species or genotypes compete in different ways, such as through the release of toxic allelochemicals or the alteration of soil microbial communities. 2. Brassica nigra genotypes and their competitor species show a ‘rock-paper-scissors’ like dynamic, in which no one type is competitively superior to all others. This intransitive dynamic can maintain both species diversity and genetic variation in an allelochemical trait of B. nigra. 3. Here we show that feedbacks with soil biota, probably involving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, facilitate these dynamics. Brassica nigra genotypes that invest heavily in the allelochemical sinigrin reduce mycorrhizal abundance of surrounding soils, which reduces the growth of heterospecific competitors. Since B. nigra is non-mycorrhizal, investment in sinigrin does not improve a genotype’s ability to compete with other conspecifics. 4. Synthesis. These results highlight the importance of complex soil communities for the maintenance of both genetic and species diversity in plant communities.
Serum concentrations of α tocopherol, β carotene, and retinol preceding the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES Because oxidative damage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, this study was designed to see if serum concentrations of α tocopherol, β carotene, and retinol, substances believed to be involved in the prevention or repair of oxidative damage, might be lower among persons who develop rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus than among those who do not. METHODS For this prospective case-control study, persons with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus that developed two to 15 years after donating blood for a serum bank in 1974 were designated as cases. For each case, four controls were selected from the serum bank donors, matched for race, sex, and age. Stored serum samples from cases and controls were assayed for α tocopherol, β carotene, and retinol. RESULTS Cases of both diseases had lower serum concentrations of α tocopherol, β carotene, and retinol in 1974 than their matched controls. For rheumatoid arthritis, the difference for β carotene (−29%) was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS These findings support those of a previous study that low antioxidant status is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis. They suggest a similar association for systemic lupus erythematosus.
Canis latrans (Coyote)

Skin biopsies of the two animals from the State of Washington, USA were kindly provided by Dr. H. V. Thuline. The karyotypes are indistinguishable from various races of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
Periodic and Bounded Solutions of the Coulomb Equation of Motion of Two and Three Point Charges with Equilibrium in the Line

Periodic and bounded solutions of the Coulomb equation of motion in the line are obtained for two and three identical negative point charges in the fields of two and three symmetrically located fixed point charges. The systems possess equilibrium configurations. The Lyapunov, Siegel, Moser, and Weinstein theorems are applied.
Attributional style, depressive features, and self-esteem: Adult children of alcoholic and nonalcoholic parents

Undergraduate adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs; N=57) were compared to children of nonalcoholic parents (CONAs; N=100) on measures of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), selfesteem, and attributional style. ACOA status was determined using the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (Jones, 1981). ACOAs were found to have significantly higher scores on the BDI and to have significantly lower self-esteem, as measured by the Index of Self-Esteem, than CONAs. ACOAs were also more likely to have a depressive attributional style, in that they perceived failure as more internal, stable, and global than CONAs. Further, females had significantly higher BDI scores than males.
Effective annotation of noncoding RNA families using profile context-sensitive HMMs

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that function without being translated into proteins. Systematic research on ncRNAs has shown that there exist many ncRNAs that are actively involved in various biological processes, playing key roles in controlling them. As the annotation of ncRNAs is still at an early stage, developing efficient computational tools for finding ncRNAs is of great importance. One effective way for finding new ncRNAs is to look for new RNAs that resemble the RNAs that have already been identified. Recently, a new model called the profile context-sensitive HMM (proflle-csHMM) has been proposed, and it has been shown that they can provide a convenient framework for finding RNA homologues. In this paper, we give a brief review of proflle-csHMMs and their application in RNA similarity search. We also introduce a number of recent advances related to proflle-csHMMs and proflle-csHMM based search.
Disparities in Work Conditions Among Early Career Special Educators in High- and Low-Poverty Districts

The authors used teacher data from the Study of Personnel Needs in Special Education to compare the district and school supports, work manageability, professional development, and induction of early career special educators in high- and low-poverty districts. Teachers in high-poverty districts reported less desirable work conditions than their counterparts in more affluent districts. When compared to teachers in low-poverty districts, those in less affluent districts viewed their principals and colleagues as less supportive, perceived less involvement in school decisions, reported having fewer materials, and indicated higher and more diverse caseloads. By contrast, the two teacher groups reported similar professional development and induction opportunities.
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS. PART I - SELECTED COMMERCIAL POLYMERS,

The He—Ne laser has greatly reduced the problem of fluorescence which has in the past almost completely obscured conventionally excited (mercury arc) Raman spectra of all except the simplest and purest polymers. In many instances it is now possible to record Raman spectra of polymers without any prior purification whatever. Reported here are laser-excited Raman spectra of twelve selected commercial polymeric materials and their infrared counterparts. The complementary nature of Raman and infrared spectroscopy is apparent from vibrations such as C=C stretching (in polybutadiene) and S-S and C-S stretching (in polysulfide rubber) which give rise to strong Raman lines but produce weak infrared absorption bands. Conversely, the C=O group of polycarbonates and polyesters is a strong infrared absorber which produces a weak Raman line.
Social Capital and Organizational Performance: Evidence from Urban Public Schools

In this paper we examine social capital and its relationship with performance at the organizational level. We predict that both internal and external social capital will have a positive effect on organizational performance. We test our hypotheses in 88 urban public schools where we collected data from principals, teachers, parents, and students. Results indicate that both internal social capital (relations among teachers) and external social capital (relations between the principal and external stakeholders) predict student achievement in mathematics and reading. These effects were sustained over time for reading achievement, providing support for a causal relationship between social capital and performance. We provide evidence that social capitals impact on student achievement in mathbut not readingis mediated by the quality of instruction provided by teachers. These results underscore the importance of context in studies of social capital.
Distinctive Clinical Profile of Blacks Versus Whites Presenting With Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Background—Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major contributor to mortality, but data are limited among nonwhites. Identification of differences in clinical profile based on race may provide opportunities for improved SCA prevention. Methods and Results—In the ongoing Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (SUDS), individuals experiencing SCA in the Portland, OR, metropolitan area were identified prospectively. Patient demographics, arrest circumstances, and pre-SCA clinical profile were compared by race among cases from 2002 to 2012 (for clinical history, n=126 blacks, n=1262 whites). Incidence rates were calculated for cases from the burden assessment phase (2002–2005; n=1077). Age-adjusted rates were 2-fold higher among black men and women (175 and 90 per 100 000, respectively) compared with white men and women (84 and 40 per 100 000, respectively). Compared with whites, blacks were >6 years younger at the time of SCA and had a higher prearrest prevalence of diabetes mellitus (52% versus 33%; P<0.0001), h...
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic function of novel highly dispersed tungsten oxide catalysts on mesoporous silica

The physical and chemical properties of tungsten oxide supported on SBA-15 mesoporous silica prepared by a controlled grafting process through atomic layer deposition (ALD) were studied using complementary characterization methods. X-ray diffraction, optical absorption, and transmission electron microscopy showed that tungsten oxide species are highly dispersed on SBA-15 surfaces, even at 30 wt% WOx content (surface density, 1.33 WOx /nm 2 ). ALD methods led to samples with much better thermal stability than those prepared via impregnation. Dehydration reactions of 2-butanol and methanol dehydration were used as probe reactions. Differences in reaction rates between the samples prepared by ALD and conventional impregnation may reflect the sintering resistance of catalysts prepared by ALD. Notably, temperature-programmed oxidation of spent catalysts showed that carbon formation was not responsible for the different dehydration rates in samples prepared by ALD and impregnation.
Variant Upstream Regulatory Region Sequences Differentially Regulate Human Papillomavirus Type 16 DNA Replication throughout the Viral Life Cycle

While the central role of the viral upstream regulatory region (URR) in the human papillomavirus (HPV) life cycle has been well established, its effects on viral replication factor expression and plasmid replication of HPV type 16 (HPV16) remain unclear. Some nonprototypic variants of HPV16 contain altered URR sequences and are considered to increase the oncogenic risk of infections. To determine the relationship between viral replication and variant URRs, hybrid viral genomes were constructed with the replication-competent HPV16 prototype W12 and analyzed in assays which recapitulate the different phases of normal viral replication. The establishment efficiencies of hybrid HPV16 genomes differed about 20-fold among European prototypes and variants from Africa and America. Generally, European and African genomes exhibited the lowest replication efficiencies. The high replication levels observed with American variants were primarily attributable to their efficient expression of the replication factors E1 and E2. The maintenance levels of these viral genomes varied about fivefold, which correlated with their respective establishment phenotypes and published P 97 activities. Vegetative DNA amplification could also be observed with replicating HPV16 genomes. These results indicate that efficient E1/E2 expression and elevated plasmid replication levels during the persistent stage of infection may comprise a risk factor in HPV16-mediated oncogenesis.