cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BlurFit: an application of functional programming to scientific analysis

Functional languages offer numerous advantages when applied to scientific programming. Significant reductions in the complexity of the problem expression are possible. The speed of execution is competitive with native C code. The use of a functional programming style allows the investigator to concentrate more on the scientific problem and less on its expression in a computer language. These characteristics were clearly demonstrated in our version of the BlurFit algorithm written in the OCaml language.
Improving the multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithm for hydropower reservoir operations in the California Oroville-Thermalito complex

This study demonstrates the application of an improved Evolutionary optimization Algorithm (EA), titled Multi-Objective Complex Evolution Global Optimization Method with Principal Component Analysis and Crowding Distance Operator (MOSPD), for the hydropower reservoir operation of the Oroville-Thermalito Complex (OTC) - a crucial head-water resource for the California State Water Project (SWP). In the OTC's water-hydropower joint management study, the nonlinearity of hydropower generation and the reservoir's water elevation-storage relationship are explicitly formulated by polynomial function in order to closely match realistic situations and reduce linearization approximation errors. Comparison among different curve-fitting methods is conducted to understand the impact of the simplification of reservoir topography. In the optimization algorithm development, techniques of crowding distance and principal component analysis are implemented to improve the diversity and convergence of the optimal solutions towards and along the Pareto optimal set in the objective space. A comparative evaluation among the new algorithm MOSPD, the original Multi-Objective Complex Evolution Global Optimization Method (MOCOM), the Multi-Objective Differential Evolution method (MODE), the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), the Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing approach (MOSA), and the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization scheme (MOPSO) is conducted using the benchmark functions. The results show that best the MOSPD algorithm demonstrated the best and most consistent performance when compared with other algorithms on the test problems. The newly developed algorithm (MOSPD) is further applied to the OTC reservoir releasing problem during the snow melting season in 1998 (wet year), 2000 (normal year) and 2001 (dry year), in which the more spreading and converged non-dominated solutions of MOSPD provide decision makers with better operational alternatives for effectively and efficiently managing the OTC reservoirs in response to the different climates, especially drought, which has become more and more severe and frequent in California. A new multi objective optimization algorithm, entitled MOSPD, is developed.Comparison study is carried out over eight complex test functions.MOSPD is effective and efficient in searching global Pareto optimal.A reservoir system model is built for Oroville-Thermalito complex in California.MOSPD provides flexible reservoir release strategies to support decision making.
Determination of the Average Aromatic Cluster Size of Fossil Fuels by Solid-State NMR at High Magnetic Field

We show that the average aromatic cluster size in complex carbonaceous materials can be accurately determined using fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR at a high magnetic field. To accurately quantify the nonprotonated aromatic carbon, we edited the 13C spectra using the recently reported MAS-synchronized spin–echo, which alleviated the problem of rotational recoupling of 1H-13C dipolar interactions associated with traditional dipolar dephasing experiments. The dependability of this approach was demonstrated on selected Argonne Premium coal standards, for which full sets of basic structural parameters were determined with high accuracy.
Is there a role for prophylactic subtotal colectomy among hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer germline mutation carriers

E xtraordinary advances in molecular genetics now enable the identification of germline carriers (hMSH2, hMLH1, hPMS1, hPMS2) in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) (.Lynch syndrome) families. A mutation in one of these genes has been identified in about 92 percent of Lynch syndrome kindreds. The penetrance of these genes is about 90 percent. Therefore, patients who are gene carriers can be told that they have a 90 percent likelihood of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Natural history of the Lynch syndrome indicates that CRC will occur at an average age of 45 years and that 70 percent of CRCs will occur in the proximal colon. Should a hemicolectomy or a segmental resection be performed, as opposed to a subtotal colectomy, there is a 45 percent risk for a second or third primary cancer of the colon over ten years. Because of proximal predilection to CRC, we recommend beginning colonoscopy among gene carriers by age 20 to 25 years (the youngest patient with CRC in HNPCC is age 13); we repeat this procedure every one to two years until age 35 years, and then annually thereafter. There is a considerable body of evidence that adenomas in HNPCC progress to carcinoma at a more
A microcomputer-controlled system of environmental chambers suitable for the study of thermoperiodic effects.

A computer-controlled system of eight environmental chambers was constructed. The system allows independent control of up to 10 photoperiods and smooth daily thermoperiods for each chamber. Within- and between-chamber temperature differences were small enough for estimation of population variance in development time and detection of small thermoperiodic effects on development time in pupae of Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth).
The economic ripple effects of operations ‘desert shield’ and ‘desert storm’

This paper analyses the effects of the Persian Gulf conflict on the level of economic activity, employment and inflation in the United States. Impacts on other countries are not examined in this study. Many of the impacts are difficult to quantify objectively. One factor that can be subjected to analysis is the increase in United States government expenditures associated with Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The analytical results of the investigation suggest that the method of financing the increase does make a difference in how the United States economy is affected. In two of the three cases considered (i.e., deficit financing and 80% financing by coalition partners), output, personal consumption expenditures, and disposable income increase but these increases are partly associated with higher prices (i.e., inflation). In the third case (i.e., tax offset scenario), output, personal consumption expenditures, and disposable income decline but prices actually fall. Moreover, the magnitude of the changes are directly proportional to the size of the expenditure increase.
Discoveries from integrating robots into SWAT team training exercises

This research discusses the results of two field evaluations associated with the integration of a ground robot within SWAT team operations. The results indicate that officers preferred having the robot in a Point (first man in) role to having the robot located in the Rear-Guard (last man in) role. The results indicate that the officers reported the robot to be more appealing, trustworthy, cooperative, and helpful in the Point role. They also expressed that they felt less stressed and pressured when the robot was in this role versus having the robot following the team. The robot serving in the Point role was viewed as more integrated with the team and the team liked the robot more than when it was in the Rear-Guard role. The survey results indicate that there were no differences in responses when comparing two different ground robots in the Point role; however during debriefing discussions and from anecdotal comments made by SWAT team officers, a strong preference was expressed for the more rugged, reliable, slower paced Husky A200 robot.
A Recurrence Principle for Stochastic Difference Inclusions

The invariance principle is extended to a recurrence principle and is developed for stochastic difference inclusions. For these systems, random solutions are not unique. Under appropriate Lyapunov-like conditions, it is established for every random solution that almost every complete sample path converges to the largest weakly totally recurrent set contained in a level set of the Lyapunov-like function. Such a set is not larger and is sometimes smaller than the largest weakly invariant set contained in the level set. The principle is useful for establishing robust, uniform asymptotic stability in probability or robust, uniform strong recurrence under weak Lyapunov conditions for stochastic, discrete-time control systems that employ discontinuous feedback laws. Examples demonstrate the achieved results.
On the equivalent circuit for the illuminated semiconductor electrolyte interface

Abstract Semiconductor electrolyte interface under illumination is studied by impedance technique. A new equivalent circuit is proposed which takes into account the sequence of events that occur at the interface. The number of surface states is calculated without any model assumption from the differential surface capacitance. It is shown that the surface states are induced by adsorbed ions.
Relative deficiency op kernel type estimators of quantiles based on right censored data

The problem of estimating the smooth quantile function Q(·) at a fixed point p, 0 < p < 1, is treated under a nonparametric smoothness condition on Q. The asymptotic relative deficiency of product-limit quantile with respect to kernel type estimators of the quantile is evaluated. The comparision is based on the mean square errors of the estimators. It is shown that the relative deficiency tends to infinity as the sample size n tends to infinity.
Biogeochemical Implications of Episodic Impoundment in a Restored Tidal Marsh of San Francisco Bay, California

Impounded tidal conditions often compromise coastal marsh restoration goals, through vegetation loss and other biogeochemical feedbacks. To determine if episodic marsh impoundments could be partially responsible for the observed cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) dieback at Crissy Field, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, we examined sulfur chemistry and plant stress along transects between and during tidal inlet closure events from 2007 to 2008. During closures, porewater sulfide (PW S2−) concentrations did not respond consistently among sites, nor did they increase to levels likely to cause stress damage to cordgrass (>1 mM). However, sediment solid-phase total reduced sulfur (TRS) concentrations did respond strongly to closures both at surface and subsurface depth intervals, and they were greatest in sites with high organic matter content (>5%). The temporal patterns of both PW S2− and TRS suggest that while sulfate reduction may be enhanced during closure events, the free sulfide produced is largely precipitated into solid-phase minerals. Even without millimolar levels of PW S2−, plant stress was observed during closures, as indicated by a buildup of ethanol in root tissues, a by-product of fermentative respiration brought on by limited oxygen availability. Further, enhanced sulfate reduction may be related to the higher relative concentrations of methylmercury in low intertidal surface sediments observed during closure events. These data suggest that, in support of vegetated tidal marsh restoration goals, tidal flows should be maintained actively to reduce the impact of impoundment events on marsh biogeochemistry and productivity.
Employment in Care-Giving Jobs for Mentally Disabled Young Adults: A Feasibility Study.

The authors describe a study of the feasibility of employing mildly mentally retarded persons as care givers in a day care center.
Are survival rates different for young and old patients with rectal cancer

Introduction: While it is generally believed that young patients with rectal cancer may have worse overall and stage-specific survival, no comprehensive analysis has been reported. Nearly all studies to date have reported the experiences of single institutions and may not be representative of the population. This study uses a national level population-based cancer registry to compare rectal cancer outcomes between the young versus older population. Methods: All patients with rectal carcinoma in the SEER cancer database from 1991–1999 were evaluated. A young group (20–40 y/o, n = 466) and an older group (60–80 y/o, n = 11,312) were compared for patient and tumor characteristics, patterns of treatment, and 5-year overall and stage-specific survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to predict hazard ratios for death. Results: Mean ages for the groups were 34.1 and 70.0 years; 60% were male (in both groups). The young group was comprised of fewer white, more black, and more Hispanic patients as compared to the older group (p < 0.001). Young patients presented with less stage I disease (17% vs. 23.7%, p < 0.001), and more stage III (27% vs. 20%, p < 0.001) and stage IV disease (17% vs. 13%, p < 0.02). The younger group also had worse grade tumors (poorly differentiated, 31% vs. 17%, p < 0.001). While 85% of both groups received surgical treatment, a significantly higher proportion of younger patients received appropriate stage-related radiation treatment (p < 0.001). Importantly, while the overall 5-year survival was significantly worse for the young group, no differences in stage-specific 5-year survival rates were identified between the young as compare to the older group (Table 1). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that young rectal cancer patients have poorer overall survival, but equivalent stage-for-stage survival. The observed difference in overall survival is likely due to the finding that younger patients present with more advanced stage disease. Future studies should continue to use data that is representative of the population when performing these types of epidemiologic and outcomes-related analyses.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DRUG COMBINATION THERAPY IN ONCOLOGY BY ANALYZING CLINICAL TRIAL DATA ON CLINICALTRIALS.GOV

Within the past few decades, drug combination therapy has been intensively studied in oncology and other complex disease areas, especially during the early drug discovery stage, as drug combinations have the potential to improve treatment response, minimize development of resistance or minimize adverse events. In the present, designing combination trials relies mainly on clinical and empirical experience. While empirical experience has indeed crafted efficacious combination therapy clinical trials (combination trials), however, garnering experience with patients can take a lifetime. The preliminary step to eliminating this barrier of time, then, is to understand the current state of combination trials. Thus, we present the first large-scale study of clinical trials (2008-2013) from ClinicalTrials.gov to compare combination trials to non-combination trials, with a focus on oncology. In this work, we developed a classifier to identify combination trials and oncology trials through natural language processing techniques. After clustering trials, we categorized them based on selected characteristics and observed trends present. Among the characteristics studied were primary purpose, funding source, endpoint measurement, allocation, and trial phase. We observe a higher prevalence of combination therapy in oncology (25.6% use combination trials) in comparison to other disease trials (6.9%). However, surprisingly the prevalence of combinations does not increase over the years. In addition, the trials supported by the NIH are significantly more likely to use combinations of drugs than those supported by industry. Our preliminary study of current combination trials may facilitate future trial design and move more preclinical combination studies to the clinical trial stage.
Thermal dose-response of magnetic-induction thermoradiotherapy

Sixty-three patients with advanced cancer underwent greater than or equal to 5,000 cGy combined with Concentric Coil magnetic-induction localized hyperthermia. Tumor regression (CR + PR) was compared to thermal dose received, incorporating the premise that hyperthermia response is a function of time as well as temperature. A computer program was developed (after Sapareto and Dewey [2]) which stored minimum tumor temperatures recorded spatially and temporally during treatment and correlated response with T43 (equivalent minutes at 43 degrees C during the first treatment) and CT43 (cumulative T43, computed by multiplying T43 by the actual number of identical subsequent treatments received during the course of therapy). Those who responded--N = 46 (73%)--had significantly higher median thermal doses than those who did not respond. Comparison of T43 and CT43 thermal dose values between responders and nonresponders was significantly different at p values of 0.05 and 0.04, respectively. The data indicate that magnetic-induction hyperthermia and high-dose XRT was an effective treatment combination in advanced disease and that tumor response improved as thermal dose increased.
Effects of Individual and Organizational Factors on Job Satisfaction and Intent to Stay in the Hotel and Restaurant Industry

While employee turnover has long been recognized as a critical factor to be effectively managed by the hospitality industry, there has been little effort aimed at developing a systematic model to address and predict employee intentions to stay. This research investigated the effects of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction and intent to stay of hotel and restaurant employees. Analysis of 221 responses obtained from a survey reveals that “job characteristics”, “participative decision-making”, and “pressure/stress”, can be good predictors of “job satisfaction”, while “supervisory leadership” and “intrinsic motivation” may not be a good predictors of “job satisfaction”. Somewhat unpredictably, both “intrinsic motivation” and “supervisory leadership” emerge as sound predictors of employee “intent to stay”. Based on the findings, several managerial implications are discussed.
On the control of certain interacting populations

Abstract We study the time optimal control of the system x 1 = x 1 ƒ 1 (x 1 , x 2 ) + u 1 (t) g 1 (x 1 ), x 2 = x 2 ƒ 2 (x 1 , x 2 ) + u 2 (t)g 2 (x 2 ) , where x1 is the size of the population of one species, x2 is the population size of the second species, ƒ1 and ƒ2 are the fractional growth rates of the respective species, g1 and g2 are nowhere vanishing functions of class C1(0, + ∞), and the control u(t) = (u1(t), u2(t)) takes on values in a closed rectangle. The functions ƒ1 and ƒ2 are chosen to represent prey-predator, competitive, and symbiotic interactions. We show, for the various interactions, that a time optimal control, if it exists, must be “bang-bang,” and give sufficient conditions for the controllability, and for the existence, of time optimal controls of the above system.
A flow cytometric method for the detection of the development of antibody to Orthoclone OKT3.

Abstract Orthoclone OKT3 is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of transplant rejection. The development of anti-OKT3 antibodies after therapy with this drug is a side effect which must be monitored. The current ELISA test to detect these antibodies is difficult to standardize between laboratories and does not lend itself to frequent monitoring of small numbers of samples. This prompted us to develop a new method employing flow cytometry to detect the development of anti-murine antibodies. Comparing samples tested by both techniques, we found the flow cytometric method to be more sensitive and as specific as the ELISA methodology. This technique is adaptable to numerous serologic assays and could greatly expand the use of flow cytometry in the clinical laboratory.
Photoformation of hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide in aerosol particles from Alert, Nunavut: implications for aerosol and snowpack chemistry in the Arctic

Abstract We have studied oxidant photoformation in aqueous extracts of aerosol particles collected from Alert, Nunavut, Canada during springtime. Absorption spectra of the extracts reveal that Alert particles have tremendous light absorption coefficients (e.g., α 300 ∼100 cm −1 ) as a result of unidentified, pH-dependent, water-soluble chromophores. Illumination of the extracts leads to the rapid formation of both hydroxyl radical ( OH) and hydrogen peroxide (HOOH). Based on our laboratory results, the calculated rate of OH photoformation in Alert particles is very rapid, ∼1 mM h −1 (midday, 1 April, 248 K), with nitrate photolysis contributing only ∼10% of the total rate. Deposition of these aerosol particles, in conjunction with smaller contributions from gaseous chromophores, leads to estimated rates of OH photoformation in the quasi-liquid layer of surface snow of 20–40 μM h −1 ; approximately a third of this reactivity is from nitrate photolysis. The estimated 24-h-average rate of HOOH photoformation in Alert particles (∼9 mM h −1 on 1 April) is large enough to be a major source of HOOH to both the particles and the gas phase. In contrast, particle-derived reactions in the snow appear to be a minor source of HOOH to the surface snowpack. The effects of OH and HOOH photoformation in particles and snowpack likely include the oxidation of organic carbon, halides, and S(IV) species to yield products such as volatile aldehydes and carboxylic acids, photoactive halogens, and sulfuric acid. In addition, OH and HOOH photoformation within the snowpack might significantly alter snow and ice core records of HOOH and other trace gases.
Phonons and Crystal Field Levels in Dysprosium Garnets by Raman Scattering

Raman scattering from DyA1 and DyGa garnets at 80 K was investigated to determine the Raman-active phonons ($3{A}_{1g}+8{E}_{g}+14{T}_{2g}$) and the $^{6}H_{\frac{15}{2}}$ and $^{6}H_{\frac{13}{2}}$ crystal field levels. The frequencies and the symmetries of all the Raman-active phonons in DyGa garnets and all except one phonon in DyAl garnets were determined. The positions of the lowest four levels in the $^{6}H_{\frac{15}{2}}$ manifold and all seven levels in the $^{6}H_{\frac{13}{2}}$ manifold were measured in DyAl and DyGa garnets. For DyAl garnets, the $^{6}H_{\frac{13}{2}}$ manifold has hitherto not been observed. A full crystal field calculation was carried out using our Raman data on the $^{6}H_{\frac{15}{2}}$ and $^{6}H_{\frac{13}{2}}$ manifolds along with the absorption data of Gr\"unberg et al. and of Aoyagi et al. on the other higher-energy crystal field levels. The crystal field Hamiltonian appropriate for the ${D}_{2}$ symmetry of the rare-earth sites was used, and the mixing of the different $J$ states by the crystal field was included. The best-fit values for the nine crystal field parameters plus the free-ion energies were found. These values were similar to those obtained by Gr\"unberg et al. for the dilute garnets YAlG(Dy) YGaG(Dy). The relative electronic Raman intensities, measured for our selected combinations of incident and scattered polarizations, are listed. It is shown how these intensities are related to the Raman-scattering tensors, which in turn depend on the crystal field eigen-functions. In principle, the Raman intensity ratios can provide a good test of the crystal field analysis, analogous to the role of the $g$ tensor.
Effects of block length and solution-casting conditions on the final morphology and properties of disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) multiblock copolymer films for proton exchange membranes

The effects of block length and solution-casting conditions on the final microstructures and properties of disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) multiblock copolymer (BPSH100–BPS0) films for proton exchange membranes were investigated based on the basic principles of microstructure formation of block copolymers. Morphological studies using transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering demonstrated that as the block length increased, the inter-ionic-domain distance increased, with a subsequent increase in lamellar ordering and long-range continuity. Further enhancement in morphological order was achieved by simply utilizing a selective solvent, dimethylacetamide, which is good and marginal for the sulfonated and unsulfonated blocks, respectively, rather than a neutral solvent, N-metyl-2-pyrrolidone. These morphological enhancements led to higher proton conductivity and water uptake. Drying temperature and/or solvent removal rate were observed to have considerable effects on water uptake and swelling behavior, being coupled with solvent selectivity. Also, the multiblock copolymer consisting of longer blocks was found to be more sensitive to the variation of the processing conditions such as solvent type and film drying temperature.
Validation Schemes for Tropical Cyclone Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts: Evaluation of Operational Models for U.S. Landfalling Cases

Abstract A scheme for validating quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) for landfalling tropical cyclones is developed and presented here. This scheme takes advantage of the unique characteristics of tropical cyclone rainfall by evaluating the skill of rainfall forecasts in three attributes: the ability to match observed rainfall patterns, the ability to match the mean value and volume of observed rainfall, and the ability to produce the extreme amounts often observed in tropical cyclones. For some of these characteristics, track-relative analyses are employed that help to reduce the impact of model track forecast error on QPF skill. These characteristics are evaluated for storm-total rainfall forecasts of all U.S. landfalling tropical cyclones from 1998 to 2004 by the NCEP operational models, that is, the Global Forecast System (GFS), the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) hurricane model, and the North American Mesoscale (NAM) model, as well as the benchmark Rainfall Climatology and Persi...
The Influence of the Base-paired Flanking region on Structure and Function of the Ferritin mRNA Iron Regulatory Element

Ferritin and transferrin receptors are co-ordinately regulated by the same RNA-protein interaction: the conserved iron regulatory element (IRE) in mRNA and the IRE-binding protein (IRE-BP/IRP/FRP/P-90). The 28 nucleotide IRE in ferritin mRNA is a single copy, with base-paired flanking regions (FL), located near the 5' cap. In the transferrin receptor mRNA, the IRE is located in the 3' untranslated region, as five variable copies and lacking predicted base-paired flanking regions; an alternate predicted structure without IREs has similar stability. When iron is scarce, ferritin mRNA does not form polyribosomes whereas the transferrin receptor mRNA is translated; when iron is abundant, ferritin mRNA forms polyribosomes and the transferrin receptor mRNA is degraded. To investigate structures which contribute to differences in the regulation of the two mRNAs, the effect of mutation of the ferritin FL was studied. Changes in structure (changes in reactivity with RNase V1 and RNase S1. Fe-bleomycin) and changes in function (translation in rabbit reticulocyte extracts) were compared for mutant and wild-type FL sequences in ferritin mRNA. The disruption of a triplet of base-pairs in the FL had diminished regulation; a second mutation to restore the triplet base-pairs conferred wild-type translational regulation. Conformation of the mutant RNA-IRE-BP complex was also different. We show that the triplet of base-pairs is conserved; the triplet is also the location of IRE-BP-dependent conformational changes in the FL structure previously observed. Increasing FL base-pairs had no effect on function. Structural changes associated with altered function included bleomycin sites in the IRE, suggesting an alternate conformation of the hairpin, and different base-stacking (V1 sensitivity) in the FL. The function of the FL, which is altered by mutation of phylogenetically conserved triplet base-pairs, may be enhancement of formation of a particular IRE stem-loop-protein interaction.
Ontogenetic changes in the response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Centrarchidae, Perciformes) to heterospecific alarm pheromones

Juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) undergo an ontogenetic niche shift from invertebrate feeding members of the cyprinid prey guild to piscivory during their first year of growth. We conducted laboratory and field trials to determine whether juvenile bass show a similar ontogenetic shift in their response to the alarm pheromone of finescale dace (Phoxinus neogaeus, Cyprinidae). When exposed to dace skin extract (with alarm pheromone), juvenile bass exhibited a significant positive relationship between standard length and horizontal and vertical area use and time spent moving. Small bass ( 50 mm standard length) increased area use and time spent moving (indicating a foraging response). Bass exhibited no change in behaviour when exposed to swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) skin extract, which lacks Ostariophysan alarm pheromone. During field trials, small (30-45 mm standard length) and medium (46-60 mm standard length) bass actively avoided areas labelled with dace alarm pheromone and exhibited a significant increase in dashing behaviour. Large bass (61-80 mm standard length) were attracted to such areas and exhibited a significant increase in approach behaviour. These data suggest that largemouth bass undergo an ontogenetic shift in response to heterospecific chemical alarm signals.
Isopropanol enhancement of cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase activities and its effects on carbon tetrachloride intoxication

Abstract Acute or chronic treatment of rats with isopropanol caused a significant increase in hepatic cytochrome P -450 content and a two- to threefold increase in aniline hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin O -deethylase activities, but no significant change in ethylmorphine N -demethylase or benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity. In rats treated with isopropanol and challenged with CCl 4 , liver toxicity of CCl 4 was characteristically potentiated, as assessed by elevation of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels. Isopropanol pretreatment also potentiated CCl 4 -induced damage to the hepatic monooxygenase system. In addition to a decrease in cytochrome P -450, rats treated with isopropanol and challenged with CCl 4 showed a nonspecific decrease not only in aniline hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin O -deethylase activities, but also in ethylmorphine N -demethylase, benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activities. These results were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of solubilized microsomes. The electrophoretic results showed that isopropanol pretreatment markedly potentiated the CCl 4 -caused destruction of cytochrome P -450 hemeproteins. The data strongly suggest that isopropanol increases one or more forms of cytochrome P -450 which selectively enhance the metabolism of CCl 4 to an active metabolite. This active metabolite then causes a nonselective damage to the microsomal mixedfunction oxidase system.
Parsimonious principle of GARCH models: a Monte‐Carlo approach

Purpose – This paper is intended to test the robustness of the fitness of nested GARCH models.Design/methodology/approach – Both Monte‐Carlo simulation data and real‐world data are used in the paper. Likelihood‐family tests are used to test in‐sample fitness, while mean‐squared prediction error is employed for out‐sample prediction tests.Findings – The paper finds that, generally, the parsimonious principle is found to work well for both criteria. However, it is found that conflict exists between the two criteria: in‐sample likelihood‐family tests pay more attention to conditional distributions or are more sensitive to fat tail effects; while the out‐sample criteria focus more on the accuracy of parameter estimation.Originality/value – The paper shows that complexity does not necessarily mean good fitness; sometimes, the simpler model can fit better, especially for real‐world data.
Surf or turf: A shift from feed to food cultivation could reduce nutrient flux to the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The extensive use of nitrogen fertilizer on the central U.S. croplands contributes to nitrogen loading by the Mississippi River and the development of seasonal hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of grains cultivated on central U.S. croplands are used as animal feed, rather than directly as human food. In this study, the IBIS-THMB nitrogen modeling system is used to demonstrate how a shift away from meat production from Mississippi Basin crops could reduce total land and fertilizer demands by over 50%, without any change in total production of human food protein. The change would return nitrate-nitrogen export by the Mississippi River to levels at which the Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” has been small or non-existent. An analysis of future land use scenarios and other mitigation proposals, including the construction of riparian wetlands, indicates that a reduced focus on beef production may need to be a part of nitrogen management policy in the Mississippi Basin.
The Effect of Police Personnel Levels on Crime Clearance Rates: A Cross-National Analysis

A recent upsurge in governmental concern about police efficiency has produced a plethora of evaluative studies. Most of these studies have assumed a relationship between police activity and crime that has been, during the past eight years, seriously questioned. The present study investigates this relationship by employing a cross-national sample to resolve past methodological problems. Based on previous literature, the social conflict, economic, and political factors that confound the relationship between police personnel levels and crime clearance effects are identified and then controlled through regression analysis. The findings indicate that the number of police has a negative effect on clearance rates. However, its effect is minimal. In addition, the social structural characteristics of nations explain more variance in clearance rates than do the levels of police, as well as attenuate the observed relationship between the police personnel and crimes cleared by arrest. Of special interest is the findi...
Gonadal steroid modulation of neurotransmitter-stimulated cAMP accumulation in the hippocampus of the rat.

Abstract We have investigated the influences of gonadal and adernal hormones on neurotransmitter-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′-phosphate (cAMP) formation in hippocampal slices from male and female rats. We found that castration of male rats specifically decreases histamine-stimulated cAMP accumulation, as does administration of estradiol plus progesterone to ovariectomized female rats. In ovariectomized females, activation of cAMP accumulation by isoproterenol was also reduced by estradiol plus progesterone treatment. Although neither of these endocrine manipulations significantly affected stimulation of cAMP accumulation by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), regulation of VIP-stimulated cAMP generation by glucocorticoids was found in female rats. However, the direction of the effect of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone in females was opposite to its previously demonstrated action in males. These results suggest that gonadal and other steroids may specifically modulate the responsiveness of components of the adenylate cyclase system to certain neurotransmitters, and that such regulation may differ between the sexes and may occur in telecephalic brain regions such as the hippocampus.
Need for neutron diffraction instruments.

The News Focus article by Robert F. Service “Wiggling and undulating out of an x-ray shortage” (27 Aug., p. [1342][1]) highlights the shortage of hard x-ray sources that has occurred after an explosion in demand from structural biologists. A greater shortage for U.S. structural biologists,
The Incidence of Home Grounds and Experiential Networks Some Implications

Approximately 40% of 210 residents interviewed on two streets in different localities of New York City felt a distinction between Lee's socio-spatial "neighborhood" and their "home gound": the mental form and geographical extent of those places that evoke a feeling of being near home. Only residents of blocks 460 feet or less in length were able to think of their home ground form as an "experiential network": a street network without continuous boundaries. These findings suggest that cognition of an experiential network may be influenced by a mental time limit; that the concept of home ground may be a useful adjunct to Lee's concept of neighborhood; and that residents' cognitions of familiar places may not be hierarchically ordered.
Organosilane polymers: Formable copolymers containing dimethylsilylene units

Formable silane copolymers that contain dimethylsilylene units were synthesized and characterized. These polymers have high molecular weights and appreciable solubility in common solvents, can be molded or cast into films or drawn into fibers, and are photoactive.
Vaccination practices among North American trauma surgeons in splenectomy for trauma.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine trama surgeons' practice patterns regarding immunization of splenic injury patients. Methods: Data were analyzed from surgeons responding to a survey sent to 557 adult trauma surgeons in the United States and Canada. The survey queried the timing and use of vaccinations in splenic injury patients. Results: Three hundred four (54.6%) surgeons responded to the survey, with 43 no longer active. Of the 261 active surgeons, 99.2% immunize their splenectomized patients, whereas 15.7% immunize those who undergo splenorrhaphy and 8.4% immunize those managed nonoperatively. Vaccines are administered anywhere from the immediate postoperative period to as long as 6 weeks later. All but two responding surgeons provide the pneumococcal vaccine, 62.8% also advocate meningococcal vaccination, 72.4% add the Haemophilus influenzae vaccine, and 56.7% give all three. Thirteen of the responding surgeons reimplant splenic tissue, most frequently in the omentum, and in quantities varying from two slices to the entire spleen. Revaccination practices are extremely varied-ranging from nothing at all to annually-and seldom follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Conclusion: With the exception of immunizing splenectomized patients against pneumococcal infection, little consensus exists among surgeons regarding the immunization of patients sustaining splenic injury.
Optical transmittance and microgravimetric studies of the oxidation of 〈100〉 single crystal films of copper

Abstract Thin single crystal copper films have been grown and oxidized on (100) faces of cleaved sodium chloride discs suspended from a vacuum ultramicrobalance. Optical transmittance measurements between 400–800 nm and electron microscopic investigations were also used to characterize the oxidation process. Polycrystalline copper films grown at room temperature are substantially the same as those grown previously on glass substrates. Single crystalline growth at 325 ° C on rock salt produces a characteristic transmittance curve due to the “island” nature of the films. These curves compare favorably with other previously published results. Single crystal copper films oxidized to CuO 0.67 at temperatures of 117–159°C in 100 Torr of oxygen for films less than 500 A thick. For films 378 to 1000 A thick, compositions of CuO 0.52 to CuO 0.62 were obtained between 123–176°C. The oxidation to less than CuO 0.67 is attributed to the existence of islands in these films which are thicker than the average film thickness, and require higher temperatures or thinner films to permit oxidation to CuO 0.67 before the nucleation of CuO sets in.
Neural activity in the dorsal hippocampus during paradoxical sleep, slow wave sleep and waking.

Abstract Dorsal hippocampal single cell activity was recorded from chronically implanted electrodes in unrestrained rats during naturally occurring episodes of quiet waking, sleep with slow waves and paradoxical sleep. A clear differentiation of cellular activity is seen between those areas of Cajal's regio superior, regio inferior and fascia dentata. During paradoxical sleep the regio superior shows its lowest level of activity, while regio inferior and fascia dentata show their highest levels. It is suggested that apparent discrepancies between previous studies of hippocampal activity during paradoxical sleep might be due to differences in recording site. The data also imply the existence of a previously undescribed inhibitory pathway, probably via the fimbria, which is differentially active during paradoxical sleep.
Imaging traumatic and nontraumatic neck emergencies in the adult

Many traumatic and nontraumatic conditions affecting the adult neck may present emergently. A prompt and accurate imaging assessment is vital to patient management in many of these conditions. In this review we will discuss the imaging assessment of both penetrating and blunt vascular and laryngeal trauma, infectious neck emergencies such as supraglottitis and septic thrombophlebitis, and nontraumatic airway conditions that may present emergently such as subglottic stenosis and angioneurotic edema.
Some Issues of Particular Concern to Sociologists As Academic Administrators

As a sociologist who has served in deanships and other university administrative positions in the past 15 years, the author has been particularly concerned with race/class/gender issues in academia. This paper identified some of the issues and discussed the relevance of sociological training in addressing them.
One step synthesis of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane from succinonitrile

Abstract Bromine trifluroide (BrF 3 ) reacts with succinonitrile (NCCH 2 CH 2 CN) to form 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane as the major product. A minor amount of bromo-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane (∼5% of total trapped products) was also formed. BrF 3 reacts with succinonitrile to form these hexafluorobutanes at ambient temperature or higher, in the absence of a moderating solvent, and in the absence of a catalyst. These results demonstrate that BrF 3 directly converts nitriles to trifluoromethyl moieties and is useful in the synthesis of bis-trifluoromethyl containing compounds.
Molecular cloaking of H2A.Z on mortal DNA chromosomes during nonrandom segregation.

Although nonrandom sister chromatid segregation is a singular property of distributed stem cells (DSCs) that are responsible for renewing and repairing mature vertebrate tissues, both its cellular function and its molecular mechanism remain unknown. This situation persists in part because of the lack of facile methods for detecting and quantifying nonrandom segregating cells and for identifying chromosomes with immortal DNA strands, the cellular molecules that signify nonrandom segregation. During nonrandom segregation, at each mitosis, asymmetrically self-renewing DSCs continuously cosegregate to themselves the set of chromosomes that contain immortal DNA strands, which are the oldest DNA strands. Here, we report the discovery of a molecular asymmetry between segregating sets of immortal chromosomes and opposed mortal chromosomes (i.e., containing the younger set of DNA template strands) that constitutes a new convenient biomarker for detection of cells undergoing nonrandom segregation and direct delineation of chromosomes that bear immortal DNA strands. In both cells engineered with DSC-specific properties and ex vivo-expanded mouse hair follicle stem cells, the histone H2A variant H2A.Z shows specific immunodetection on immortal DNA chromosomes. Cell fixation analyses indicate that H2A.Z is present on mortal chromosomes as well but is cloaked from immunodetection, and the cloaking entity is acid labile. The H2A.Z chromosomal asymmetry produced by molecular cloaking provides a first direct assay for nonrandom segregation and for chromosomes with immortal DNA strands. It also seems likely to manifest an important aspect of the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for nonrandom sister chromatid segregation in DSCs. STEM CELLS 2011;29:1620–1627
Science, universities, and national defense, 1945-1970.

THE HISTORY OF UNIVERSITIES AND THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE have been closely intertwined throughout the twentieth century. Their common strands became all the more tangled after World War II, when the federal government began sponsoring the preponderant share of academic research.' Federal support of academic science in fact represents a multitude of relationships. The funding of agricultural research in universities has a history extending back to the Hatch Act of 1887. Patronage of biomedical research began in earnest when the Public Health Service assumed wartime contracts. It expanded greatly during the years that James Shannon directed the National Institutes of Health (NIH; 1956-1968) so that approximately half of federally supported academic research is in this area.2 The National Science Foundation (NSF), which Vannevar Bush had proposed as the conduit for federal support for science, was not enacted into law until 1950, and only became the pillar of support for basic academic research outside of biomedical fields in the early 1960s. Yet another source of funds for university scientists was the defense establishment-the armed services, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and its successors, and later the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).3 The link between defense and the university has been most problematic for both contemporaries and historians. Immediately after the war, aside from the Department of Agriculture, virtually all federal support for university research was supplied by the armed services. Most of this support consisted of funds and projects that were "in the pipeline," including the massive Manhattan District Project, which was transmuted in 1947
Molecular dynamics simulations of DNA curvature and flexibility: helix phasing and premelting.

Recent studies of DNA axis curvature and flexibility based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on DNA are reviewed. The MD simulations are on DNA sequences up to 25 base pairs in length, including explicit consideration of counterions and waters in the computational model. MD studies are described for ApA steps, A-tracts, for sequences of A-tracts with helix phasing. In MD modeling, ApA steps and A-tracts in aqueous solution are essentially straight, relatively rigid, and exhibit the characteristic features associated with the B′-form of DNA. The results of MD modeling of A-tract oligonucleotides are validated by close accord with corresponding crystal structure results and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and residual dipolar coupling (RDC) structures of d(CGCGAATTCGCG) and d(GGCAAAAAACGG). MD simulation successfully accounts for enhanced axis curvature in a set of three sequences with phased A-tracts studied to date. The primary origin of the axis curvature in the MD model is found at those pyrimidine/purine YpR “flexible hinge points” in a high roll, open hinge conformational substate. In the MD model of axis curvature in a DNA sequence with both phased A-tracts and YpR steps, the A-tracts appear to act as positioning elements that make the helix phasing more precise, and key YpR steps in the open hinge state serve as curvature elements. Our simulations on a phased A-tract sequence as a function of temperature show that the MD simulations exhibit a premelting transition in close accord with experiment, and predict that the mechanism involves a B′-to-B transition within A-tracts coupled with the prediction of a transition in key YpR steps from the high roll, open hinge, to a low roll, closed hinge substate. Diverse experimental observations on DNA curvature phenomena are examined in light of the MD model with no serious discrepancies. The collected MD results provide independent support for the “non-A-tract model” of DNA curvature. The “junction model” is indicated to be a special case of the non-A-tract model when there is a Y base at the 5′ end of an A-tract. In accord with crystallography, the “ApA wedge model” is not supported by MD. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 73: 380–403, 2004