cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introductory Remarks: Explaining Tort Law

This Symposium is about the intersections between law and morality. One way that the two can intersect is when moral principles are used to explain the law, that is, to describe and predict, in a fairly abstract way, what the law is like. There are at least two reasons to use moral principles when undertaking such an explanatory project. The first is that lawmakers usually claim to take morality into consideration when doing their job. We would therefore expect the law to track morality. Of course, we might be disappointed. We may find that no plausible set of moral principles can explain the law, but that something morally neutral--or even morally reprehensible--can. But to at least start with the considerations to which lawmakers themselves appeal seems like a good idea. The second reason to look to moral principles is that if they succeed in explaining the law, they might then be used to justify it. Trying to justify the law seems necessary, because the law is backed up by the coercive power of the state and coercion is the kind of thing that usually needs justification. Of course, that the content of the law overlaps with morality might, in the end, do little or nothing to justify state coercion. (Most people would certainly agree that it is not sufficient to justify coercion--just because you morally ought to cultivate your talents does not mean that anyone, even the state, may force you to do so.) But justifying the law certainly looks easier if the law requires people to do what they have a moral reason to do anyway. For the past forty years or so, tort law has proved to be an exceptionally fruitful area for this type of explanatory project. A good deal of moral theorizing about tort law has taken as its starting point a rejection of the economic approach to torts. On the one hand, these critics argue that the economic approach cannot justify tort law, because efficiency is not a moral value. Perhaps more important, however, they also argue that the economic approach is explanatorily inadequate, for it mispredicts the positive law of torts. They then offer sets of moral principles that can do a better job explaining, for example, why the duties of conduct in tort law have the content that they do, and why violations of these duties generate the particular duties of repair that we find in tort law, rather than some other--or no--form of reparation. Both of our essays are examples of this explanatory project. In Sleight of Hand, Ben Zipursky argues that Richard Posner's economic understanding of the negligence standard is explanatorily inadequate, for it cannot account for a number of aspects of the positive law of torts, including (1) liability for negligence that is the result of inadvertence rather than risk-taking, (1) (2) the employment of standards of care higher or lower than negligence, (2) and (3) the relational character of the duty of care--that is, the fact that the duty of care is a duty to the plaintiff. …
Dental practice: prices, production and profits.

ABSTRACT Background This article explores the relationship of dental fee increases, physicians' fee increases and overall price increases. The author uses the applicable consumer price indexes (CPIs) for the past 30 years to determine whether any similarities in behaviors exist. The relationship between office operating costs, production and net income also are explored. Conclusions Although there are quantitative differences, the CPIs move in parallel fashion. An abrupt change in the overall trend of all CPIs to a decrease in the degree of increases occurred in the 1980s and has continued. Increased production by dental offices is the key strategy being used to maintain office net income. Practice Implications Dentists would be wise to track the CPIs for trend information that could be useful to them as they manage their practices and devise strategies to maintain net income.
A role for γS-crystallin in the organization of actin and fiber cell maturation in the mouse lens

γS-crystallin (γS) is a highly conserved component of the eye lens. To gain insights into the functional role(s) of this protein, the mouse gene (Crygs) was deleted. Although mutations in γS can cause severe cataracts, loss of function of γS in knockout (KO) mice produced no obvious lens opacity, but was associated with focusing defects. Electron microscopy showed no major differences in lens cell organization, suggesting that the optical defects are primarily cytoplasmic in origin. KO lenses were also grossly normal by light microscopy but showed evidence of incomplete clearance of cellular organelles in maturing fiber cells. Phalloidin labeling showed an unusual distribution of F-actin in a band of mature fiber cells in KO lenses, suggesting a defect in the organization or processing of the actin cytoskeleton. Indeed, in wild-type lenses, γS and F-actin colocalize along the fiber cell plasma membrane. Relative levels of F-actin and G-actin in wild-type and KO lenses were estimated from fluorescent staining profiles and from isolation of actin fractions from whole lenses. Both methods showed a two-fold reduction in the F-actin/G-actin ratio in KO lenses, whereas no difference in tubulin organization was detected. In vitro experiments showed that recombinant mouse γS can directly stabilize F-actin. This suggests that γS may have a functional role related to actin, perhaps in ‘shepherding’ filaments to maintain the optical properties of the lens cytoplasm and normal fiber cell maturation.
SYNDROME OF OVARIAN AGENESIS (CONGENITALLY APLASTIC OVARIES) Short Stature, Multiple Congenital Abnormalities and High Urinary Gonadotropins in a Two Year, Eight Month Old Female

A proved case of the syndrome of ovarian agenesis, short stature, multiple congenital abnormalities and high urinary gonadotropins in a 2 year, 8 month old female is presented. Congenital anomalies included webbed neck, abnormalities of the feet, a moderate degree of cubitus valgus and defects of the vertebrae. Only slight retardation of epiphyseal development was present by the fourth year of life. Because of the marked variations in the levels of urinary gonadotropins in this patient, it is suggested that more than one assay should be performed in a preadolescent girl before it is concluded that the gonadotropins are not increased.
The cost of excellence: The financial implications of institutional rankings

Purpose – To examine the relationship between financial resources and variables associated with institutional rankings in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between endowment funds and variables associated with rankings as determined by the U.S. News & World Report.Findings – College costs continue to increase faster than per capita income. Institutions are relying more on endowment funds to meet their needs. Endowment was positively associated with almost all the variables used for ranking top national doctoral universities with the largest endowment amounts. When endowment per student was used, the association became even stronger with these ranking variables. Endowment was weakly associated with almost all the variables used for ranking top national doctoral universities with the lowest endowment amounts. Relationships of endowment and ranking variables were stronger at medical research schools, business schools,...
Immune compromise and prevalence of Candida vulvovaginitis in human immunodeficiency virus—Infected women

Objective: To investigate the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on vaginal yeast colonization and symptomatic vulvovaginitis and to explore the effects of immune compromise on these conditions in HIV-positive women. Methods: Between September 1991 and May 1993, 223 HIV-positive women without AIDS-defining conditions were enrolled for prospective follow-up and compared with 289 HIV-negative women enrolled in a concurrent study. Standardized gynecologic assessment was carried out. Results: Cultures from 81 of 223 (36%) HIV-positive women and 72 of 289 (25%) HIV-negative women were positive for any yeast. The most commonly isolated yeasts were Candida albicans and Torulopsis glabrata ; the proportion of non- C albicans isolates (26%) did not differ by serostatus. The rates of C albicans colonization and vulvovaginitis among immunocompetent (CD4 count at least 500 cells/mm 3 ) HIV-positive women did not differ from those among HIV-negative women. Among HIV-positive women, risks for colonization and for symptomatic vulvovaginitis were increased approximately threefold and fourfold, respectively, in women with CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm 3 compared with either immunocompetent HIVpositive women or HIV-negative women. Conclusion: The yeast species isolated from HIV-positive and HIV-negative women were similar. Rates of vaginal colonization and vaginitis were similar among nonimmunocompromised HIV-positive women and HIV-negative women. Elevated rates of yeast colonization and vaginitis were not seen among this population of HIV-infected women before immune compromise. Both vaginal colonization and symptomatic vaginitis increased with immune compromise among HIV-positive women, especially at CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm 3 .
Exploring the relationship between calibration and self-regulated learning

The calibration and self-regulated learning literatures were reviewed. Calibration is a measure of how accurately individuals assess their confidence in their own knowledge. Self-regulated learning is a process of developing goals, using strategies, and monitoring performance in order to complete tasks. Individual characteristics, self-testing, and feedback are common components of both calibration and self-regulated learning; however, the specific aspects of these components often differ. Different levels of calibration might suggest different applications of self-regulated learning or different phases in task completion or learning. Certain types of self-regulation might impact calibration. These reciprocal effects between calibration and self-regulation are unclear and should be evaluated. Determining whether self-regulated learners can and should become well calibrated also is an important instructional design issue. Suggestions for research are presented.
Density-Functional Theory of Spin Polarization and Spin Coupling in Iron—Sulfur Clusters

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses recent progress toward the development of a unified picture of the electronic structures and spin interactions of iron–sulfur and related systems; these concepts provide a close connection between a spin Hamiltonian description and a more detailed orbital picture of the electron distribution. The iron–sulfur proteins and synthetic analogs are challenging systems for quantum mechanical methods because they contain a large number of electrons and because spin polarization and spin coupling are essential features of the complexes. Standard approaches of ab initio quantum chemistry start from a spin-restricted picture, which is poorly adapted to problems involving high-spin transition metal centers. For this reason, a combination has been developed of broken symmetry and spin-unrestricted methods that is particularly well adapted to study spin-polarized and spin-coupled systems. These ideas are well adapted for use with density-functional methods. In the chapter, the basic ideas are developed of this approach, using a perturbation theory formalism to rationalize the spin Hamiltonian and energy-splitting formulas that should be appropriate for spin-coupled transition metal clusters.
Nonlinear optical balance

Suppression of photoionization, fluorescence, amplified spontaneous emission, and nonlinear optical conversion have all been reported in the presence of resonant multiphoton excitation.1 At first glance, the nonlinear phenomena manifesting this suppression and the order of the nonlinear processes appear to be quite distinct. In some cases, this suppression has been shown to result from a destructive interference (alternatively, a competition) between alternative excitation pathways to the resonant intermediate state.2
Digest: Strauss v. Horton

Issues (1) Whether under the California Constitution, Proposition 8 is permissible as a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California Constitution. (2) Whether Proposition 8 violates the separation of powers doctrine under the California Constitution. (3) Whether and to what effect, if not unconstitutional, Proposition 8 would have on same-sex marriages prior to its passage on November 4, 2008.
Engineering Intelligent Materials for the Interrogation of Bio-robotic Architectures and Regulatory Networks

Cells serve as culminating examples of integrated sensors and actuators, or biological robots, inspired by nature. Their membranes and internal regulatory networks are composed of a plethora of molecular machines, such as membrane and signalling proteins that drive a highly intelligent series of coordinated events, from metabolism to motility. Biostructures such as cells and membrane proteins serve as compelling fabrication materials for next-generation applications in medicine, energy, as well as micro/nanorobotics that can harness the intrinsic mechanisms of biology for practical applications. The interfacing of biotic with abiotic systems is expected to take advantage of the inherent evolution-perfected architectures of biology by using them to functionalize nonliving elements towards the fabrication of intelligent materials. Our work offers a strategic approach of intelligent material fabrication by interfacing the collagen Type I cellular adhesion factor with robust biomimetic copolymer membrane films that can be UV-crosslinked for enhanced durability and possess abilities to achieve high Langmuir-Blodgett deposition surface pressures for increased surface area coverage of the composite films. These films in turn serve as candidate modalities to interact directly with cell membrane-bound mechano-sensors that can use topographical or chemical cues to induce higher-order behavior within the cell such as architectural rearrangement, etc. Here, we report the use of a biocompatible ABA triblock copolymer to serve as a molecular buoy on a Langmuir film air/water interface for thin film depositions of collagen, a large structural protein amongst its many other biological functions. Immunofluorescence studies have been used to confirm collagen transfer onto solid substrates while surface pressure analysis was used to assess the dynamic nature of collagen interaction with the ABA triblock copolymer. In addition, in vitro C2C12 mouse myoblast culture atop these composite materials has revealed substrate-mediated influences on cellular morphology and architecture. Using these hybrid collagen-copolymer films to functionalize a wide array of surfaces may offer useful strategies for engineering bio-inspired integrated devices based on inherent cellular/molecular function, as well as the interrogation of biorobotic/cellular behavior and regulatory networks governing their architectural patterning based upon cell-matrix interactions
Democracy, citizenship education and inclusion: a multi-dimensional approach

Both democratic citizenship education and inclusion share a common ethos and language based on concerns for human rights, social justice, and a sense of community. Both aim at the building of democratic relationships. But it is fair to say that for a long time citizenship educators and advocates of inclusion have either spoken past each other, or have not communicated or articulated their arguments. This essay offers a multi-dimensional framework under which citizenship educators and advocates of inclusion can share a common agenda, seeking socially just and democratic schools.
The behavior in flow of the morphologically variable seaweed Hedophyllum sessile (C. Ag.) Setchell

Drag force was measured on individual specimens of Hedophyllum sessile in a variable-speed flow tank. Those from sheltered localities, which are broad, bullate blades, experience greater drag at a given water velocity than ones from localities more exposed to the action of waves, which have smooth, deeply dissected blades. All specimens rearranged their blades as water velocity increased, resulting in a decrease in effective drag at higher water speeds, but individuals with smooth, dissected blades assumed a more compact shape at high current speeds and thus reduced their effective drag over that of broad-bladed individuals at the same speed. In habitats chronically exposed to strong wave action, drag reduction may be an important survival mechanism; in calm habitats the turbulence induced by lack of such streamlining may enhance mixing of the water in the immediate vicinity of a plant.
High-power ferromagnetic resonance without a degenerate spin-wave manifold.

The nonlinear dynamics of the main magnetoexchange branch of a circular thin (0.45 \ensuremath{\mu}m) film of yttrium iron garnet are investigated at perpendicular resonance. Distinct ``fingers of auto-oscillation'' arise from each magnetoexchange mode in the low-power spectrum. A set of equations of motion derived from a microscopic Hamiltonian are integrated to compare with experiment. In the first finger, the model predicts the power for onset of auto-oscillation to within 1 dB of the experiment and the frequency to within 15%.
Determining optimal growth paths in logistics operations

This paper considers a logistics system modelled as a transportation problem with a linear cost structure and lower bounds on supply from each origin and to each destination. We provide an algorithm for obtaining the growth path of such a system, i. e., determining the optimum shipment patterns and supply levels from origins and to destinations, when the total volume handled in the system is increased. Extensions of the procedure for the case when the costs of supplying are convex and piecewise linear and for solving transportation problems that are not in “standard form” are discussed. A procedure is provided for determining optimal plant capacities when the market requirements have prespecified growth rates. A goal programming growth model where the minimum requirements are treated as goals rather than as absolute requirements is also formulated.
Improving the efficacy of appearance-based sun exposure interventions with the terror management health model

The terror management health model (TMHM) suggests that when thoughts of death are accessible people become increasingly motivated to bolster their self-esteem relative to their health, because doing so offers psychological protection against mortality concerns. Two studies examined sun protection intentions as a function of mortality reminders and an appearance-based intervention. In Study 1, participants given a sun protection message that primed mortality and shown a UV-filtered photo of their face reported greater intentions to use sun protection on their face, and took more sunscreen samples than participants shown a regular photo of their face. In Study 2, reminders of mortality increased participants' intentions to use facial sun protection when the UV photo was specifically framed as revealing appearance consequences of tanning, compared to when the photo was framed as revealing health consequences or when no photo was shown. These findings extend the TMHM, and provide preliminary evidence that appearance-based tanning interventions have a greater influence on sun protection intentions under conditions that prime thoughts of death. We discuss implications of the findings, and highlight the need for additional research examining the applicability to long-term tanning behaviour.
Some practical issues for assessment of computer-aided diagnostic schemes

Computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) schemes have been developed for assisting radiologists in the detection of various lesions in medical images. The reliable evaluation of CAD schemes is an important task in the field of CAD research. In the past, many evaluation approaches, such as the resubstitution, leave-one-out, cross-valiation, and hold-out methods have been used for evaluating the performance of various CAD schemes. However, some important issues in the evaluation of CAD schemes have not been systematically analyzed, either theoretically or experimentally. The first important issue is the analysis and comparison of various evaluation methods in terms of some characteristics, in particular, the bias and the generalization performance of the trained CAD schemes. The second includes the analysis of pitfalls in the incorrect use of various evaluation methods and the effective approaches to the reduction of the bias and variance caused by these pitfalls. We attempt to address the above important issues in this article. We believe that this article would be useful to researchers in the field of CAD research for selecting appropriate evluation methods and for improving the reliability of the estimated performance of their CAD schemes.
Electrode kinetics studies using faradaic rectification

Abstract A few fast-metal-ion/metal-amalgam electrode reactions in several indifferent electrolytes at the equilibrium potential and in absence of dc polarization have been studied by the faradaic rectification method at radio frequencies (1 MHz to 8 MHz). The values of transfer coefficients obtained are generally close to 0·5 except for Pb 2+ , 1 M KI/Pb(Hg), a reaction in which PbI 2 is specifically adsorbed at the interface. The method was potentialities for the determination of rate constants an order of magnitude higher than by the other relaxation methods. The rate constants measured are of the order of 10 cm/s. Wherever possible the double-layer correction has been applied. The kinetic parameters obtained are comparable to those obtained by the zero-point method for those reactions in which complexation or specific adsorption is not much involved.
Subnanosecond Breakdown in Argon at High Overvoltages

Volume breakdown and surface flashover in quasi homogeneous applied fields in 10-5 to 600 torr argon are investigated, using voltage pulses with 150 ps risetime, 100 torr, indicating the role of runaway electrons during breakdown. Maximum X-ray emission coincides with fastest current risetimes at several 10 torr, which is probably related to an efficient feedback mechanism from gaseous amplification to field enhanced electron emission from the cathode.
Mechanism Of IKr Loss In Mutant T421M-hERG Expressing Rat Ventricular Myocytes

The human ether a-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in heart. Missense mutations in hERG lead to loss in IKr in patients with type 2 long QT (LQT2) syndrome. In native adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs), which intrinsically lack IKr, we studied hERG current (IhERG) by expressing WT or T421M mutation-hERG protein using an adenoviral infection system. The T421M mutation was identified in the S1 transmembrane region of hERG in a 32-yr-old woman with LQT2. Isolated ARVMs were infected with WT or T421M-expressing adenovirus and IhERG was recorded from infected myocytes 4 days after infection. Expression of WT or T421M-hERG in ARVMs produced IhERG with peak tail current (prepulse to 50 mV, tail current recorded at -50 mV) of 9.9 ± 1.7 and 1.6 ± 0.1 pA/pF (mean ± SEM) respectively. Western blot analysis shows that T421M-hERG protein traffics similar to WT-hERG indicated by the presence of 135 and 155 kDa protein. The voltage dependence of activation for the T421M-hERG showed a marked positive shift of 38 mV (V1/2, 24.5 ± 2.3 mV) compared to WT (-13.5 ± 3.0 mV, p<0.05). The deactivation time constants were derived by fitting tail current decay as a double exponential at hyperpolarizing potentials and were 5-10 fold faster for T421M than WT-hERG. We conclude that in native ventricular myocytes, T421M channels traffic normally and undergo minimal voltage-dependent activation during cardiac action potential repolarization, which is a novel mechanism for loss of IKr. Our results emphasize the importance of S1 region in modulating gating properties of hERG channels. Our adenoviral-mediated, over- expression ARVM model may be exploited to study the changes in cardiac action potential waveforms in cardiomyocyte's native background.
Manufacturers' Distribution Strategy in the Presence of the Electronic Channel

The Internet provides an additional channel for manufacturers to provide information about and sell their products. The electronic channel has the advantage of reduced search cost and its reach is increasing, but it has limited capability to provide product information. This paper examines how Internet technology affects a monopoly manufacturer's distribution problem in an environment where product information is important for consumers to identify their ideal product. The model suggests that a manufacturer uses the electronic channel in addition to the physical channel when the product information is very valuable and product information is largely about digital attributes, or when the product information is not valuable. The model also suggests that when the manufacturer chooses to sell through both channels, there is an increase in price competition between the two channels such that the manufacturer need not sell through the electronic retailer with the highest reach. Also, when a large proportion of consumers have access to both channels, the manufacturer may sell through only one channel. The paper also examines the case where the manufacturer operates in the electronic channel and the case where the retailers are integrated.
A multiwire secondary emission beam profile monitor with 20 μm resolution

Abstract A 20 μm resolution multiwire beam profile monitor has been designed for the Fermilab antiproton source. The monitor consists of closely packed wires operating by secondary emission (SEM).
P-77: Novel Reflectors for LCD Backlights

A new reflector film has been developed for LCD backlights. The performance advantages of this new film are described including higher reflectivity, improved color and higher blue reflectivity. The higher performance of this new reflector film allows new approaches to backlight design leading to higher performance and light utilization. Improved performance of this reflector in commercial direct-view and edgelit backlights is discussed and excellent environmental stability is described.
Economic Impact of Aluminum‐Intensive Vehicles on the U.S. Automotive Recycling Infrastructure

Summary The use of aluminum alloys in automobile production is growing as automakers strive to lower vehicle fuel consumption and reduce emissions by substituting aluminum for steel. The current recycling infrastructure for end-of-life vehicles is mature, profitable, and well suited to steel-intensive vehicles; increased use of cast and wrought aluminum, however, will present new challenges and opportunities to the disassembler and shredder, who now comprise the first stages of the vehicle recycling infrastructure. Using goal programming techniques, a model of the auto recycling infrastructure is used to assess the materials streams and process profitabilities for several different aluminum-intensive vehicle (AIV) processing scenarios. The first case simulates the processing of an AIV in the current recycling infrastructure. Various changes to the initial case demonstrate the consequences to the disassembler and shredder profitabilities whenever the price of nonferrous metals changes; greater fractions of the vehicle are removed as parts; the parts removed by the disassembler have increased aluminum content; the quantity of polymer removed by the disassembler is increased; the disassembly costs increase; the disposal costs for shredder residue and hazardous materials increase; the shredder processing costs increase; and different AIV designs are considered. These profits are also compared to those achieved for a steel unibody vehicle to highlight the impact of introducing AIVs into the existing infrastructure. Results indicate that the existing infrastructure will be able to accommodate AIVs without economic detriment.
Enhancing privacy in cloud computing via policy-based obfuscation

In this paper, we describe a privacy manager for cloud computing that controls policy-based obfuscation and de-obfuscation of personal, sensitive, or confidential data within cloud service provision. By these means, cloud computing users may reduce the risk of their private data being stolen or misused, and in addition assistance may be given to cloud computing providers in helping them conform to privacy law. We describe different possible architectures for such privacy management in cloud computing, give an algebraic description of obfuscation features provided by the privacy manager, and describe how policies may be defined to control such obfuscation. Furthermore, we assess the performance and scalability of this approach and consider mechanisms to enhance usability. Several examples of how the privacy manager might be used are given, including protection of private metadata associated with online photos and of confidential information contained within share portfolios.
King Coal vs. Reclamation Federal Regulation of Mountaintop Removal Mining in Appalachia

This research focuses on the regulatory politics of mountaintop removal mining for coal within the Appalachian states of West Virginia and Kentucky. Based on Administrative Presidency concepts suggesting that chief executives seek more control and influence over agency program decisions, this article analyzes President George W. Bush’s efforts to promote the development of coal resources within these states despite statutory constraints posed by federal environmental laws. The analysis demonstrates that President Bush effectively achieved his energy production goals by combining the use of discretionary authority with staff controls, executive orders, and regulatory initiatives to lessen industry compliance costs with environmental regulatory requirements.
"Tall oaks fallen": three pioneers of chromosome science.

“As when, upon a tranced summer-night, Those green-robed senators of mighty woods, Tall oaks, branch-charmed by the earnest stars, Dream, and so dream all night without a stir.” William Butler Yeats The past 12 months saw the loss of three “tall oaks”—pioneers in the molecular and cell biology of chromosomes: David Prescott, Paul Doty and Oscar Miller. Here I offer remembrances of each of them, not as definitive memoirs but simply with the goal of informing the next generation about pioneers whose names they may hardly know today.
Enthalpies of Formation and Group Additivity of Alkyl Peroxides and Trioxides

Alkyl peroxides, trioxides, and the corresponding radicals are important in atmospheric chemistry, photochemical smog formation, and combustion processes, but accurate and widely accepted enthalpy data for these species are not available. In this work we verify enthalpy data for several compounds and derive the corresponding group values for use in the group additivity method. Isodesmic reactions and ab initio calculations (MP4SDTQ/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G* and G2) are used to determine enthalpies of formation for the following compounds (in kcal mol-1): CH3OOH (−31.8), C2H5OOH (−39.9), iPrOOH (iPr = (CH3)2CH−, −49.0), (CH3)3COOH (tBu = (CH3)3C−, −58.4), iPrOO• (−15.1), tBuCOO• (−25.2), CH3OOCH3 (−31.0), C2H5OOC2H5 (−47.2), iPrOOiPr, (−65.4), tBuOOtBu (−84.2), HOOOH (−23.0), CH3OOOH (−22.2), CH3OOOCH3 (−21.4). Our results on isodesmic reactions indicate that group additivity is an accurate method to estimate enthalpies (ΔHf°298 ) of alkyl peroxides and trioxides. Bond enthalpies are determined as follows: HOOO...
Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals and infant neurobehavior.

Objective To assess the impact of prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) on early infant neurobehavior. Study design In a cohort of 349 mother/infant pairs, we measured maternal serum concentrations during pregnancy of PBDEs, including BDE-47 and other related congeners, as well as 2 common PFCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. When the infants were 5 weeks of age, we measured their neurobehavior by using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). Results Neither PBDE nor PFC exposures during gestation were associated with the 11 individual NNNS outcomes included in our study; however, when we used latent profile analysis to categorize infants into neurobehavioral profiles based on performance on the NNNS (social/easygoing, high arousal/difficult, or hypotonic), a 10-fold increase in prenatal PFOA concentrations significantly increased the odds of being categorized as hypotonic compared with social/easygoing (aOR 3.79; 95% CI 1.1-12.8). Conclusions Infants of mothers with greater serum concentrations of PFOA during pregnancy were more likely to be categorized as hypotonic. No association between PBDE concentrations and hypotonia was found. Additional studies should further investigate possible associations of prenatal PFC exposure and muscle tone in infants and children.
Optical dielectric function and infrared absorption of hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride films: Experimental results and effective-medium-approximation analysis.

The optical dielectric function \ensuremath{\epsilon} (1.5--6.5 eV), ir absorption (400--4000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$), and film density have been measured for a series of hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{H}}_{\mathit{z}}$) films deposited at 400 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C via rf plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for varying [${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$]/[${\mathrm{SiH}}_{4}$] ratios R. From a detailed analysis of the ir and density results, the concentrations of Si-N, N-H, Si-H, and Si-Si bonds and of Si, N, and H atoms have been obtained for the films studied. An effective-medium-approximation analysis of the measured \ensuremath{\epsilon} based on the Si-centered tetrahedron model presented in the preceding paper has provided a more sensitive means of determining the concentration of Si-Si bonds in the films and has demonstrated that careful measurements of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{1}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{2}$ can serve as a useful probe of the bonding in these alloys. Approximately 9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{20}$ Si-Si bonds/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ have been found in N-rich films which are close in composition to silicon diimide, Si(NH${)}_{2}$, and these Si-Si bonds have been found to have a significant influence on both the optical energy gap ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{opt}}$ and the refractive index n of the films. New results obtained from the ir absorption measurements include the identification of (1) a shoulder near 1030 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ on the main 880-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ Si-N(s) band and (2) a weak absorption feature near 640 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ which is not hydrogen related. It has been found that the N-rich diimidelike films prepared here have very low porosities and are thermally stable up to 700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, properties which will be important for their future applications.
The effects of immobilization stress on serum triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol in male rats after dietary modifications.

Abstract The effects of acute immobilization stress on triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and total cholesterol were determined in serum samples obtained by indwelling jugular catheters from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Stress was evaluated in three groups of rats: (1) those maintained on a regular Purina Chow diet and then fasted for 24 hours; (2) those maintained on this same diet but not fasted (nonfasted) before experimentation; and (3) those maintained on a Purina Chow diet supplemented with cholesterol (1%) and fat (10%) for 6 weeks and nonfasted prior to experimentation. Samples were taken by catheter in the home cage prior to, four times during a one hour stress/nonstress period and thirty minutes after being returned to the home cage for recovery. Nonstressed rats remained in the home cage during the entire 90 minute period. In each dietary state studied, stress affected serum triglycerides and NEFA but not total cholesterol levels. Triglyceride levels in fasted rats increased during the stress period. On the other hand, triglycerides decreased in response to stress in nonfasted rats. In stressed, nonfasted high cholesterol-fed animals, triglycerides were elevated in comparison to their nonstressed counterparts. In both fasted, regular diet-fed and nonfasted, cholesterol-fed rats, NEFA sharply declined from baseline after 5 minutes of stress; NEFA did however increase after fifteen minutes. NEFA levels in both stressed and nonstressed, nonfasted rats also rapidly decreased from baseline and never recovered throughout the session. Total cholesterol did not change in response to stress or dietary modifications. The rats maintained on a high cholesterol diet showed only a diet-induced increase in total cholesterol. Thus, acute immobilization stress affected serum triglyceride and NEFA values and these affects were diet-and time-dependent. Total cholesterol levels were unaffected by stress.
Emergency airway management: Training and experience of chief residents in otolaryngology and anesthesiology†‡§

Background Resident training in emergency airway management is not well described. We quantified training and exposure to airway emergencies among graduating Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Anesthesiology residents. Methods The methods used for this study were a national web-based survey of chief residents. Results The response rate was 52% (otolaryngology) and 60% (anesthesiology). More otolaryngology residents rotated on anesthesiology than anesthesia residents on otolaryngology (33% vs 8%). More anesthesiology chiefs never performed an emergency surgical airway than otolaryngology (92% vs 18%). The most common self-rating of competency was “9,” with 82% overall self-rating “8” or higher (10 = “totally competent”). Conclusion Otolaryngology and anesthesiology emergency airway management experience/training is heterogeneous and nonstandardized. Many chief residents graduate with little exposure to airway emergencies, especially surgical airways. Resident confidence levels are high despite minimal experience. This high confidence-low experience dichotomy may reflect novice overconfidence and suggests the need for improved training methods. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Stability Issues of Concentric Pipes Containing Steady and Pulsatile Flows

In this paper, we study both the static and dynamic instabilities of submerged and inclined concentric pipes conveying fluid. The governing equation for the inner tubular beam is derived under small deformation assumptions. We obtain the discretized dynamical equations using spatial finite-difference schemes. In the case of steady flow, both buckling and flutter instabilities are investigated. In the case of pulsatile flow, we compute the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix derived from the discretized linear system with periodic coefficients, and deduce the dynamical stability information. In addition, for a special case, in which the concentric pipes have the same length, we compare the dynamic stability results with the corresponding solutions obtained with the Bolotin method.
Extreme all-cause mortality in JUPITER requires reexamination of vital records.

Objective: To compare all-cause mortality in JUPITER with other statin trials at 21 months of follow-up. Background: Outcome advantages including all-cause mortality reduction yielded from the JUPITER trial support aggressive use of rosuvastatin and, perhaps by extension, other statins for primary prevention. Despite enrolling apparently healthy subjects and early trial termination at 21 months of mean follow-up, JUPITER revealed very high all-cause mortality in both the placebo (2.8%) and rosuvastatin (2.2%) arms. Methods: Comparison of all-cause mortality prorated for 21 months in 10 primary prevention studies and 1 acute coronary syndromes statin trial. Findings: The all-cause mortality in JUPITER was more than twice that of the average of primary prevention studies, matching well only with specific trials designed in diabetics (ASPEN or CARDS), early hypertension studies (ALLHAT-LLT) or a trial in patients with acute coronary syndromes (PROVE IT). Since the ‘play of chance’ is unlikely to explain these discrepancies due to excellent baseline match, excess death rates and all-cause mortality rates in both JUPITER arms must be questioned. It may be important that the study sponsor self-monitored sites. Conclusions: Excess all-cause mortality rates in the apparently relatively healthy JUPITER population are alarming and require independent verification. If, indeed, the surprising outcomes in JUPITER are successfully challenged, and considering established harm of statins with regard to rhabdomyolysis as well as, potentially, diabetes, millions of patients may find better and safer options for primary prevention of vascular events.
Biodistribution of antibody-targeted and non-targeted iron oxide nanoparticles in a breast cancer mouse model

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) hyperthermia is a novel therapeutic strategy currently under consideration for the treatment of various cancer types. Systemic delivery of IONP followed by non-invasive activation via a local alternating magnetic field (AMF) results in site-specific energy deposition in the IONP-containing tumor. Targeting IONP to the tumor using an antibody or antibody fragment conjugated to the surface may enhance the intratumoral deposition of IONP and is currently being pursued by many nanoparticle researchers. This strategy, however, is subject to a variety of restrictions in the in vivo environment, where other aspects of IONP design will strongly influence the biodistribution. In these studies, various targeted IONP are compared to non-targeted controls. IONP were injected into BT-474 tumor-bearing NSG mice and tissues harvested 24hrs post-injection. Results indicate no significant difference between the various targeted IONP and the non-targeted controls, suggesting the IONP were prohibitively-sized to incur tumor penetration. Additional strategies are currently being pursued in conjuncture with targeted particles to increase the intratumoral deposition.
The Sirtuin 2 Inhibitor AK-7 Is Neuroprotective in Huntington’s Disease Mouse Models

Summary Inhibition of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) deacetylase mediates protective effects in cell and invertebrate models of Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease (HD). Here we report the in vivo efficacy of a brain-permeable SIRT2 inhibitor in two genetic mouse models of HD. Compound treatment resulted in improved motor function, extended survival, and reduced brain atrophy and is associated with marked reduction of aggregated mutant huntingtin, a hallmark of HD pathology. Our results provide preclinical validation of SIRT2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target for HD and support the further development of SIRT2 inhibitors for testing in humans.
Prevention of cigarette smoking: three-year follow-up of an education program for youth.

We reported previously on the success of an innovative approach to cigarette smoking prevention in seventh-grade students. The present report describes a 3-year follow-up of three schools and 1081 sutdents initially involved in the research program. The curriculum emphasizes the shortterm influences which affect smoking in youth, particularly social and peer influences. In the school which received this curriculum from likeaged peer leaders, the incidence of smoking remained low compared to that in a control school. Those who did smoke in this school consumed significantly fewer cigarettes. In the school where the curriculum was adult taught, smoking rates were initially lower but rose in the later years, ultimately differing little from those in the control school. Reported smoking behavior was confirmed by saliva ihiocyanate measurement in all students. Cigarette smoking behavior appears significantly inhibited by a peer-taught curriculum and that effect is retained for several years after the education program.
'Mutational SURF': a strategy for improving lead compounds identified from combinatorial libraries.

Abstract Synthesis and testing of mixtures of compounds in a combinatorial library offers the potential of much greater throughput than the ‘one compound, one well’ approach. When mixtures of compounds are screened, however, pooling and deconvolution strategies must be employed to identify the most active compound in the library. The possibility exists that the most active compound will not be identified. We have developed a theoretical model of library deconvolution using the well characterized properties of nucleic acid hybridization to calculate activities of individual molecules in libraries of more than 250,000 compounds. Calculations using this model have been employed to evaluate strategies for pooling and deconvolution. In the presence of errors in synthesis and testing, iterative deconvolution or position scanning sometimes identified a compound with sub-optimal activity. We describe a procedure called ‘mutational SURF’ in which ‘mutants’ of the selected compound are individually synthesized and tested. Simulations of mutational SURF using our model libraries suggest that mutational SURF provides an efficient method for improving the activity of lead compounds identified from combinatorial libraries.
Characterization of prenatal growth and development in the crab-eating macaque (macaca fascicularis) by ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is a valuable tool for the examination of various anatomical structures in vivo. Improvements in technology have increased its effectiveness and provided a noninvasive method for the in utero observation of a variety of structural and functional events. Ultrasound is utilized in our laboratory to monitor a variety of studies during embryonic and fetal development. Basic to these evaluations is the ability to assess normal growth and development. The cynomolgus, or crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), has been observed in utero by ultrasound from early gestation to term. The earliest detection of implantation is by the identification of a developing gestational sac (GS), which may be visualized on gestational day (GD) 14-15. Positive identification of the GS on GD 16-18 and appearance of the embryo, yolk sac, and cardiac motion on GD 21-25 confirms pregnancy. Once the embryo is evident, measurements of the greatest length (GL) may be used to assess normal growth or to aid in the prediction of gestational age. During the fetal period, a variety of growth parameters aid in fetal evaluation. The gender of the fetus can be accurately identified as early as GD 70-75. An assessment of viability and condition can be determined by the observation of embryonic and fetal heart rates and gross body movement.
Feedback control applications in artificial hearts

Artificial hearts are a commercially interesting technology which relies heavily on feedback control, particularly with centrifugal pump implementations using magnetic bearings. Several examples of feedback control in these pumps were explored in this paper, including parameter estimation for position sensing, observer based motor commutation, position control of the rigid impeller subjected to highly uncertain fluid dynamic forces, and pump discharge rate regulation (physiological control) to achieve uncertain objectives (due to insufficient experience) using difficult measurements on an extremely complex plant. Such problems are typical of an expanding range of biomedical applications for automatic control.