cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of gamma-ray emissions from natural and manmade decorative stones

Decorative stones (32 natural and 18 manufactured) and five ceramic tiles that are used in home interiors were measured with gamma-ray spectrometry, to identify and quantify the naturally occurring radionuclides. Activity concentrations of the radioisotopes varied by more than two orders of magnitude across the stone samples, with maximal levels of 3380, 850, and 2130 Bq/kg, for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. A radiation index and measurements with a radiation meter established that the annual effective dose rates due to a 1 h/day exposure to gamma rays emitted by the granite samples were often low, but can occur as high as 1 mSv/year.
‘Top-down’ characterization of site-directed mutagenesis products of Staphylococcus aureus dihydroneopterin aldolase by multistage tandem mass spectrometry in a linear quadrupole ion trap

The gas-phase fragmentation reactions of a series of site-directed mutagenesis products of Staphylococcus aureus dihydroneopterin aldolase have been examined by multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS and MS3) in a linear quadrupole ion trap in order to explore the utility of this instrumentation for routine ‘top-down’ recombinant protein characterization. Following a rapid low resolution survey of the fragmentation behavior of the precursor ions from the wild type (WT) protein, selected charge states were subjected to detailed structural characterization by using high resolution ‘zoom’ and ‘ultrazoom’ resonance ejection MS/MS product ion scans. Dissociation of the [M + 18H]18+ charge state yielded a range of product ions from which extensive sequence information could be derived. In contrast, dissociation of the [M + 20H]20+ charge state resulted in a single dominant y96 product ion formed by fragmentation between adjacent Ile/Gly residues, with only limited sequence coverage. Further extensive sequence information was readily obtained however, by MS3 dissociation of this initial product. From the combined MS/MS and MS3 spectra an overall sequence coverage of 66.9%, with fragmentation of 85 of the 127 amide bonds within the WT protein, was obtained. MS/MS and MS3 of three of the four site-directed mutagenesis products (E29A), (Y61F) and (E81A) were found to yield essentially identical product ion spectra to the WT protein, indicating that these modifications had no significant influence on the fragmentation behavior. The specific site of modification could be unambiguously determined in each case by characterization of product ions resulting from fragmentation of amide bonds on either side of the mutation site. In contrast, MS/MS and MS3 of the K107A mutant led to significantly different product ion spectra dominated by cleavages occurring N-terminal to proline, which restricted the ability to localize the modification site to within only an 8 amino acid region of the sequence. This work highlights the need for further studies to characterize the charge state, sequence and structural dependence to the low energy collision induced dissociation reactions of multiply protonated intact protein ions.
The breakdown mechanism of diamond-like carbon coated nickel in chloride solution

Abstract The breakdown mechanism of chemical vapor deposited nickel (CVD Ni) coated with 5 micrometers of diamond-like carbon (DLC) produced by plasma source ion implantation (PSII) in chloride solution was investigated. PSII differs from traditional implantation techniques in that the targets are placed directly in a plasma source and then pulse biased to produce a non-line-of-sight process to complex-shaped targets without complex fixturing. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements indicated the presence of small pores in the DLC presumably formed in the deposition process. These pores were also observed in the scanning electron microscope. These pores exposed a layer of CVD Ni implanted with carbon (C). EIS results were analyzed within the context of an equivalent circuit model which incorporated three time constants representing the NiC implant layer, the DLC/solution interface, and the pore/solution interface. Good correlation between CNLS fitting of the impedance data and this circuit model was obtained. Upon immersion in chloride solution, the onset of breakdown of the DLC coating was rapid. Breakdown failed to initiate in chloride solution buffered with sodium borate. Mixed potential theory was used to describe these results and mechanisms for the initiation and propagation of coating failure in chloride solutions.
Phenomenology of the Chiral Phase Transition

Abstract If the chiral and deconfining phase transitions are essentially second order, the onset of critical behavior might be observable from prompt dilepton production in very hot fireballs by changes in the position and width of the ϱ-meson peak.
Is this the liberry

The importance of a library in the hospital setting is discussed. Suggestions on how to start a library, build library holdings, develop a story hour, and promote a library are provided.
Neurobehavioral actions of coumestrol and related isoflavonoids in rodents

Abstract Isoflavonoids are plant estrogens that are increasingly advocated as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and are available as dietary supplements. As weak estrogen agonists/antagonists with a range of other enzymatic activities, the isoflavonoids provide a useful model for the actions of endocrine disruptors. This paper reviews the responses of rodents to diets containing coumestrol or an isoflavone supplement in comparison to animals fed the phytoestrogen-free AIN76A diet. Neural mechanisms were investigated by examining isoflavonoid effects on ERα-dependent (regulation of oxytocin receptor [OTR] binding in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus [VMN]) and ERβ-dependent (regulation of ERβ mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus [PVN]) endpoints. Activational as well as organizational effects on sexual behavior and gonadotropin secretion were observed for coumestrol. Treatment of rat dams with a 100-ppm coumestrol diet from birth to postnatal day (PND) 21 induced premature anovulation in female offspring, and treatment from birth to PND 10 suppressed sexual behavior in male offspring. One-week treatment of ovariectomized (OVX) female rats with the same coumestrol diet increased ERβ mRNA expression in the PVN, an effect opposite to that of estradiol. Ten days of treatment with a 200-ppm coumestrol diet increased LH secretion in OVX wild-type mice, an effect opposite to the normal negative feedback effects of estradiol. No effects were observed in ERα knockout (ERαKO)-OVX females, indicating that coumestrol's action on LH was mediated through ERα. Similar activational effects were observed for the isoflavone diet. The lordotic response to estrogen was significantly reduced by 2 days of treatment of OVX adult females with an isoflavone diet providing 13 ppm genistein and 33 ppm daidzein. One week of treatment with the same isoflavone diet produced an effect opposite to that of estradiol in the PVN, increasing ERβ mRNA expression above control levels. These investigations show that, in spite of their preferential affinity for ERβ, isoflavonoids act through both ERα and ERβ. Moreover, their neurobehavioral actions were antiestrogenic, either antagonizing or producing an action in opposition to that of estradiol. This work demonstrates that even small, physiologically relevant exposure levels can alter estrogen-dependent gene expression in the brain and complex behavior.
Tobacco smoking and its impact on corneal biomechanics.

investigated the effect ofdiabetes mellitus on various corneal biomechanical parame-ters, as measured by the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA;Reichert, Inc., Depew, NY). The rationale of their study is veryinteresting. To my surprise, the authors showed a decrease incorneal hysteresis (CH) rather than the expected increase.Several factors suggest that diabetes mellitus would actuallyenhance corneal biomechanics by an increase in the cross-linking rate: First, an earlier retrospective study showed alower incidence of keratoconus in diabetic patients, suggestingthat corneal biomechanics are enhanced in diabetic corneas.
On the arterial consequences of smoking

When the Spanish and Portuguese began to send tobacco from South America to Europe in the sixteenth century and John Rolfe did the same from Virginia in the next century, profit was the laudable motive. These early entrepreneurs could not have foreseen how pervasively lethal their new plant would be through the next three centuries. It has been estimated that 325,000 to 350,000 deaths caused by cigarette smoking occur annually in the United States, “more than all other drug and alcohol abuse deaths combined, seven times more than all automobile fatalities per year, more than one hundred times all recorded deaths caused by the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and more than all American military fatalities in World War I, World War II, and Vietnam put together.“l Although there has been a decline over the past decade in the number of adults who smoke, progress in treating the Tobacco Dependency Disorder (TDD), code 305.1 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III), is still inadequate. Although 50 years ago Pearl’ showed in a survey of 6813 subjects that smokers die prematurely and additional evidence has since accumulated to confirm that observation, about 60 million Americans keep smoking and adolescents assume the habit at high rates.3 Currently about 37% of the male population and 29% of the female population older than 17 years of age smoke. For 1980, when the total U.S. health care bill was $218 billion4 Kanne13 estimated that the medical care costs of smoking tobacco were $8.2 billion and the lost earnings were $19 billion, totaling 12.5% of health expenditures. In 1984, when the same total medical care bill was about $355 billion, the above-mentioned costs of smoking, assuming the same share, were $13.4 billion and $3 1 billion, respectively, dwarfing the approximately $4.8 billion in tobacco taxes collected annually. More than 3000 components are present in cigarette smoke, many of which are carcinogens
Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of Li4B4Si8O24

Abstract The new composition Li4B4Si8O24 has been synthesized as single crystals employing a hydrothermal recrystallization technique and studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with Z=2 and cell parameters a=5.0448(2), b=13.1688(4), c=13.3933(2) A, β=90.069(2)°. The structure is composed of (20 1 ) layers of corner connected B- and Si-centered tetrahedra forming four-, five- and six-membered rings. These units are then joined via Si–O–Si linkages to form a unique 3-D framework structure. The lithium atoms can be considered as forming part of a lithoborosilicate framework or to be well ordered within the pores formed by the borosilicate structure.
A three-component Mannich-type reaction for selective tyrosine bioconjugation.

A new selective bioconjugation reaction is described for the modification of tyrosine residues on protein substrates. The reaction uses imines formed in situ from aldehydes and electron-rich anilines to modify phenolic side chains through a Mannich-type electrophilic aromatic substitution pathway. The reaction takes place under mild pH and temperature conditions and can modify protein substrates at concentrations as low as 20 μM. Using an efficient fluorescence-based assay, we demonstrated the reaction using a number of aldehydes and protein targets. Importantly, proteins lacking surface-accessible tyrosines remained unmodified. It was also demonstrated that enzymatic activity is preserved under the mild reaction conditions. This strategy represents one of the first carbon−carbon bond-forming reactions for protein modification and provides an important complement to more commonly used lysine- and cysteine-based methods.
The standard enthalpy of formation of potassium sulfide (K2S) by fluorine bomb calorimetry

Abstract The standard energy of combustion in fluorine of potassium sulfide K 2 S has been measured by bomb calorimetry. The standard enthalpy of formation ΔH f o (K 2 S, c) = −(406.2±2.9) kJ mol −1 was derived. This value is compared with literature values obtained by reaction calorimetry.
Processing and analyzing the mouse temporal bone to identify gross, cellular and subcellular pathology

A technique has been developed for preparing the mouse temporal bone for histopathological examination: first, as a whole mount to detect any gross malformations of the bony or membranous labyrinths; second, in dissected segments to localize damage in the different sensory organs and to quantify sensory- and supporting-cell losses; and finally, in semi-thick and thin sections to identify and characterize subcellular pathology. Examples are given of the successful application of this technique to mice with very different inner-ear problems, including those with an abnormally short cochlear spiral, a defective lateral semicircular canal, abnormal otoliths over the saccular macula, an increased susceptibility to noise damage and those which lack fibroblast growth factor receptor 3.
Membrane invaginations facilitate reversible water flux driving tunable iridescence in a dynamic biophotonic system

Squids have used their tunable iridescence for camouflage and communication for millions of years; materials scientists have more recently looked to them for inspiration to develop new “biologically inspired” adaptive optics. Iridocyte cells produce iridescence through constructive interference of light with intracellular Bragg reflectors. The cell’s dynamic control over the apparent lattice constant and dielectric contrast of these multilayer stacks yields the corresponding optical control of brightness and color across the visible spectrum. Here, we resolve remaining uncertainties in iridocyte cell structure and determine how this unusual morphology enables the cell’s tunable reflectance. We show that the plasma membrane periodically invaginates deep into the iridocyte to form a potential Bragg reflector consisting of an array of narrow, parallel channels that segregate the resulting high refractive index, cytoplasmic protein-containing lamellae from the low-index channels that are continuous with the extracellular space. In response to control by a neurotransmitter, the iridocytes reversibly imbibe or expel water commensurate with changes in reflection intensity and wavelength. These results allow us to propose a comprehensive mechanism of adaptive iridescence in these cells from stimulation to color production. Applications of these findings may contribute to the development of unique classes of tunable photonic materials.
Electron-phonon interactions in energetic displacement cascades

The role of electron-phonon interactions in energetic displacement cascades in metals is evaluated by considering the diffusion of electrons in a localized heat spike. It is found that the electronic system in this region always falls out of equilibrium with the lattice at long times and that whether electronic equilibrium is achieved at short times depends almost catastrophically on the parameters that describe the electron-phonon interaction. Neglect of the electron-phonon coupling may lead to overestimates of thermal spike temperatures in many metals.
Increased incidence of symptomatic peripheral neuropathy among adults receiving stavudine- versus zidovudine-based antiretroviral regimens in Kenya

The incidence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing stavudine (d4T) versus zidovudine (ZDV) is not well described. We compared 1-year incidence between d4T- and ZDV-based regimens in adults initiating ART in a programmatic setting in Kenya. Of 1,848 adults on ART, 1,579 (85 %) initiated d4T-based and 269 (15 %) initiated ZDV-based regimens. One-year incidence of symptomatic PN per 100 person-years was 21.9 (n = 236) among d4T users and 6.9 (n = 7) among ZDV users (P = 0.0002). D4T was associated with 2.7 greater risk of PN than ZDV (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.7, P = 0.009). In settings with continued d4T use, such as Africa, the effects of d4T on PN compared to ZDV should be considered when choosing ART regimens.
Predicting potentially preventable hospital readmissions following bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Using hospital readmissions as a quality of care measure predicates that some readmissions were preventable. Objectives: This study identifies predictors of potentially preventable readmissions (PPR) within 30 days of bariatric surgery discharge. Setting: New York State acute care hospitals. Methods Adult inpatient surgical discharges, during 2012, with a principal diagnosis of overweight or obesity and a principal procedure for bariatric surgery were identified. Logistic regression was used to evaluate surgical approach, sex, age, race/ethnicity, payor, body mass index, complications and co-morbidities recorded during the surgical admission. Results There were 10,448 surgeries studied for readmission of which 552 were followed by a PPR, for a statewide rate of 5.3 per 100 surgeries. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) was the most common surgical approach (46.0%), then Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) (41.3%), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) (8.1%), and Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) (4.6%). RYGB had the highest PPR rate (8.8), followed by LRYGB (6.1), SG (4.3) and LAGB (3.3). Compared to LAGB, the odds of a PPR in patients with RYGB, LRYGB, and SG increased by 2.4 fold, 1.8 fold and 1.2 fold respectively. Black, non-Hispanic patients were at a greater risk of PPR (odds-ratio 2.0, P Conclusions Taking all patient risk factors into account, the most significant predictors of a PPR were surgical approach, race and the presence of a surgical complication.
Toe transfer for congenital hand defects

Toe-to-hand transfer is a well-established reconstructive option for certain congenital hand anomalies. It is the only technique which can add growth potential to the immature skeleton. Toe transfer is best suited for constriction ring amputations, which have relatively normal proximal anatomy. Transfers should be performed early in life to avoid lack of cortical integration of the new part. Anatomic variations of both hand and foot are often encountered, which influence both operative approach and functional prognosis. Indications, techniques, and complications are reviewed.
Endoscopic anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa

Traditional approaches to the pterygopalatine fossa have required invasive techniques that result in significant patient morbidity. The advent of endoscopic endonasal surgery overcomes many of the limitations needed to reach the relatively inaccessible pterygopalatine fossa. We describe our endoscopic technique to access this region, particularly noting the neurovascular anatomy encountered intraoperatively. A medial-to-lateral dissection to approach the pterygopalatine fossa appears to be simpler to perform and offers shorter operating times when compared with a lateral-to-medial approach. Careful dissection of the greater palatine nerve from its bony canal allows its lateral mobilization, and minimizes potential injury and postoperative palatal hypesthesia. Sacrifice of the vidian nerve may result in minimal deficits.
Some examples of polymorphism in algae

Abstract Examples of morphological variability in microalgae, including diatoms, green, and blue-green algae, are cited. The possible influence of structural variation on the distribution of these forms, and the need for consideration of the phenomenon in our approach to phycology, are discussed.
Influence of subsurface cracks on laser-induced surface damage

Cracks can affect laser damage susceptibility in three ways. These are field intensification due to interference, enhanced absorption due to trapped material in the cracks, and increased mechanical weakness. Enhanced absorption is the most important effect.
Stumbling Blocks on the Religious Road: Fractured Relationships, Nagging Vices, and the Inner Struggle to Believe

Religion, although often a powerful source of comfort, can also become a source of sadness, stress, or confusion in people's lives. Given the many demonstrated links between religiosity and well-being, some people may turn to religion with the primary aim of seeing how religion might help or profit them. Granted, religious belief and involvement can provide many benefits, including social support, a sense of meaning, purpose, and direction for one's life, an environment that fosters the development of virtue, and perhaps even a close, personal relationship with God. However, problems can arise in any of these areas, creating stumbling blocks that can create personal distress and weaken religious interest or commitment. This article considers four major stumbling blocks associated with religion: interpersonal strains, negative attitudes toward God, inner struggles to believe, and problems associated with virtuous striving.
Estimating functionals of one-dimensional Gibbs states

Some estimators of maximum likelihood type are constructed for estimating functionals of one-dimensional Gibbs states. We also show that those estimators are strongly consistent, asymptotically normal and asymptotically efficient.
Managing finished-goods inventory under capacitated delayed differentiation

Abstract Delayed differentiation or postponement is widely advocated to mitigate conflicts between product diversity and inventory cost savings. Manufacturers practicing postponement often suffer from severely constrained finishing capacities and noticeable finishing lead times. Therefore, inventories are still needed for finished products. Using the concept of inventory shortfall, this paper studies base-stock inventory models with and without demand forecasting and provides a computationally efficient method to set optimal inventory targets for finished products under capacitated postponement. Computations show inventory-saving benefit quickly vanishes after the capacity reaches a certain level. The value of forecasted advance-demand information (ADI) to postponement is justified, but can easily be overstated. Finishing capacities usually force manufacturers to build ahead according to demand forecast. When capacity limitation becomes severe, intuitions often guide producers to build to forecast even more than finishing lead times ahead. Results of this research indicate that these intuitions may be invalid and build to forecast more than finishing lead times ahead may not be a good practice. Further studies reveal that under capacitated postponement the forecasted advance-demand information is useful only when the variance of demand forecast errors is less than that of demands, and show that the optimal forecast lead time can be obtained in the same way as if the capacity is unlimited.
Substituting bonding for monitoring in technology-intensive ventures going public? A two edged sword

Abstract Prior research grounded in institutional economics recommends bonding strategies that managers of new ventures can pursue to minimize both the percentage equity these firms need to give away and the percentage of board seats they need to relinquish to venture capitalists in exchange for equity capital. Grounded in entrepreneurship and venture capital (VC) research, this paper questions the wisdom of pursuing these strategies and shows their potentially detrimental effect on firm performance.
The interaction of water with the Pt(111) surface

Abstract The interaction of water with a platinum (111) surface has been examined by thermal desorption (TDS), ultraviolet photoemission (UPS), and X-ray photoemission (XPS) spectroscopies. UPS and XPS results indicate that water adsorbs molecularly at 100K. TDS studies show that water desorbs with approximately zero order kinetics and that a monolayer of water has a maximum desorption rate at 180 K. Heavier coverages exhibit additional desorption from multilayer water (ice) which peaks at temperatures near 165 K. The coadsorption of atomic oxygen with water leads to an increase in the desorption temperature of water of about 30 K. XPS studies of this surface indicate that adsorbed OH species are involved in the reaction mechanism which increases the water desorption temperature.
Political Obligations and Derivative Duties

The idea of tacit consent has long been regarded as indispensable in accounting for the political obligations of all but a handful of citizens. If we have such obligations, they must be rooted not in the act of signing (however metaphorically) a social contract but in something quite different, namely, the fact that we have accepted and enjoyed the benefits that political society provides. Acceptance and enjoyment are thought to constitute a kind of consent-tacit consent-hence, to provide moral grounds for claiming that an obligation to the state has been freely undertaken. But the prevailing view among political philosophers today is that such an approach is seriously flawed and that in Rawls's words, "there is... no political obligation, strictly speaking, for citizens generally." My purpose here is to revisit some of the relevant arguments about tacit consent-involving notions of "obligation," "ought," and "duty"-and to defend an account of political obligation based on a distinction between what I sha...
Speed-of-sound measurements for liquid n-pentane and 2,2-dimethylpropane under pressure

Abstract Speeds of sound c have been measured on isotherms between 263 K and 433 K and at pressures to 210 MPa for n -pentane and to 54 MPa for 2,2-dimethylpropane. Measurements were carried out at 3 MHz using a pulse-echo-overlap technique. Rational polynomials were used to fit the ( p , c , T ) results, with root-mean-square deviations of 0.036 and 0.046 per cent for n -pentane and 2,2-dimethylpropane, respectively.
Biomechanical Determination of Distal Level for Fusions across the Cervicothoracic Junction

Study Design In vitro testing. Objective To determine whether long cervical and cervicothoracic fusions increase the intradiscal pressure at the adjacent caudal disk and to determine which thoracic end vertebra causes the least increase in the adjacent-level intradiscal pressure. Methods A bending moment was applied to six cadaveric cervicothoracic spine specimens with intact rib cages. Intradiscal pressures were recorded from C7–T1 to T9–10 before and after simulated fusion by anterior cervical plating and posterior thoracic pedicle screw constructs. The changes in the intradiscal pressure from baseline were calculated and compared. Results No significant differences where found when the changes of the juxtafusion intradiscal pressure at each level were compared for the flexion, extension, and left and right bending simulations. However, combining the pressures for all directions of bending at each level demonstrated a decrease in the pressures at the T2–T3 level. Exploratory analysis comparing changes in the pressure at T2–T3 to other levels showed a significant decrease in the pressures at this level ( p = 0.005). Conclusions Based on the combined intradiscal pressures alone it may be advantageous to end long constructs spanning the cervicothoracic junction at the T2 level if there are no other mitigating factors.
Rainfall interception and fog precipitation in a tropical montane cloud forest of Guatemala

Abstract Tropical montane cloud forest hydrology is complex because of the presence of epiphytic life-forms that increase canopy surfaces and fog persistency. Fog precipitation is a hydrological input common to cloud forests, and forms when fog droplets are intercepted by the canopy and fall to the forest floor. Interception and fog precipitation was determined for a 2100 m site and a 2550 m site in a first-order tributary of the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala by calculating the difference between throughfall and gross precipitation for a 44-week period. Both sites were situated within closed-canopy cloud forests. The 2100 m site was on the windward slope of Montana de Miranda near the lower boundary of the cloud forest and the 2550 m site was at the summit. Fog precipitation was found during periods in which throughfall exceeds gross precipitation. Fog precipitation was greater at 2550 m than at 2100 m. Data collected by precipitation and throughfall gauges demonstrate the existence of seasonal fog precipitation with the greatest fog precipitation occurring in the dry season (November–April). Fog precipitation contributes approximately 1 mm per day to the hydrological budget of the cloud forest at 2550 m during the dry season, and 0.5 mm per day during the rainy season (May–October).
Regulation of hepatic FAD levels by thyroid hormone.

Abstract In thyroid hormone deficient rats, the hepatic concentration of FAD was significantly reduced. This reduction appeared to be due to decreased activity of hepatic flavokinase, which was also observed under these conditions. Administration of large doses of riboflavin to hypothyroid rats restored the concentration of FAD to normal, probably by producing greater saturation of the enzyme with its substrate. Riboflavin also had a slightly stimulatory effect upon flavokinase activity. Similarities between riboflavin deficiency and thyroid hormone deficiency were noted with respect to the hepatic levels of FAD, the activity of several flavoprotein enzymes, and the response to correction of the deficiency. The feature common to both conditions appears to be reduced formation of FAD from riboflavin. In hyperthyroid animals, hepatic FAD levels were not increased above normal, despite a substantial increase in flavokinase activity. The results provide further evidence for an apparent upper limit in the hepatic concentration of FAD. The increase in flavokinase produced by thyroxine, like increases in activity of certain flavoprotein enzymes, was not blocked by treatment with actinomycin-D. Flavokinase was shown to be markedly stabilized against inactivation in vitro by its substrates, riboflavin and ATP, and by several other nucleotides. The extent to which stabilization modifies enzyme activity in vivo is unknown. Control of the rate of coenzyme synthesis by thyroid hormone may represent an important mode of regulation of the activities of a number of flavoprotein enzymes.
Prior Offense Type and the Probability of Incarceration: The Importance of Current Offense Type and Sentencing Jurisdiction

Although prior record has consistently been shown to be a significant factor in the decision to incarcerate, little attention has been paid to the multidimensional nature of prior record and how the importance given to these dimensions by judges vary in relation to the current offense type and sentencing jurisdiction. This article first examines the multidimensional nature of prior record, revealing dimensions related to risk and stakes as measured by prior offense type, aggregate prior events, and prior disposition. The analysis then demonstrates how the effects of these dimensions and other variables are dependent on the current offense type and sentencing jurisdiction. Methodological, theoretical, and political implications are discussed.
A randomized controlled trial of total colonic decompression after colonoscopy to improve patient comfort.

A randomized controlled trial of total colonic decompression after colonoscopy to improve patient comfort
Appending limited clinical data to an administrative database for assessing institutional quality outliers for AMI care: does it matter?

Abstract Background The major objective of this study was to determine whether individual hospital performance would be assessed differently if clinical data were added to an administrative dataset. Methods Patients in the 2004 New York State AMI Registry (AMI registry) who could be matched to patients in the New York State Hospital Discharge Database (SPARCS model) comprised the study sample ( n =3153). Stepwise logistic regression models were developed (SPARCS model, SPARCS/AMI registry model). Risk-adjusted mortality rates (RAMR) for each hospital in the matched dataset were determined and compared for the SPARCS and the SPARCS/AMI registry model. The RAMR for each hospital was determined by dividing its observed mortality rate by its expected mortality rate and multiplying by the overall mortality rate for the state of New York. Hospitals were considered outliers if they had a RAMR significantly higher or lower than the overall statewide mortality rate. Hierarchical Models were also used to identify hospital outliers. Results The SPARCS logistic model identified two high hospital outliers; the SPARCS/AMI registry model identified one of those outliers and no others. When Hierarchical Models were used, the SPARCS model also identified two high outliers (one in common with the logistic model) and the SPARCS/AMI registry model identified one high outlier (the same as identified in the logistic model). Conclusion It is worth exploring the impact of the addition of a small number of clinical data elements to administrative datasets on hospital outlier status.
Generation of Standard EM Fields Using TEM Transmission Cells

A new technique developed at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) for establishing standard, uniform, electromagnetic (EM) fields in a shielded environment is described. The technique employs transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission cells that operate as 50 ? impedance-matched systems. A uniform TEM field is established inside a cell at any frequency of interestbelow that for which higher order modes begin to propagate. Standard field strength levels from 10 ?V/m to 500 V/m can be established with uncertainties of less than 1.0 dB to 2.0 dB inside the NBS cells for frequencies from dc to 500 MHz. The cells are especially useful for calibrating EM radiation hazard meters, for emission and susceptibility testing of small to medium sized equipment, and for special low level calibration of very sensitive field strength meters.
Failure of high dietary fat to influence serum prolactin levels during the estrous cycle in female Sprague-Dawley rats.

AbstractThe influence of a 20% high-fat and a 4.5% control fat diet on circulating prolactin levels was determined during the estrous cycle of intact female rats, and during a progesteroneinduced surge of prolactin in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats. An indwelling right atrial cannula was implanted into each rat to facilitate repeated blood sampling in conscious, undisturbed animals. No differences in serum prolactin levels were observed at any time during the estrous cycle or in the progesterone-induced surge of prolactin in rats fed either the high-fat or control fat diet. There also were no differences in the estrous cycles of rats on high- or low-fat diets. It is concluded that high dietary fat promotes mammary tumor development by a mechanism that does not involve alterations in circulating prolactin levels or of estrous cycles.
Sorting by parallel insertion on a one-dimensional subbus array

We consider the problem of sorting on a one-dimensional subbus array of processors, an architecture that communicates using a segmentable bus. The subbus broadcast operation makes possible a new class of parallel sorting algorithms whose complexity we analyze with the parallel insertion model. We give per-input lower bounds for sorting in the parallel insertion model and demonstrate sorting strategies that are optimal by matching those lower bounds. For each of our sorting strategies, we discuss the issues involved in implementing them on subbus machines. Finally, we empirically evaluate the performance of our sorting strategies by applying them to shearsort, a common two-dimensional mesh sorting algorithm. Our results suggest that for sorting the subbus broadcast capability gives at most a slight advantage over using only nearest neighbor communication.
Developing real-world programming assignments for CS1

Instructors have struggled to generate good programming assignments for the CS1 course. In attempting to deal with this issue ourselves, we have generated two real-world programming assignments that can be solved by most students yet generate challenges for advanced students. We present our overall criteria for a quality programming assignment in CS1, details of the two example assignments, and other issues stemming from the generation and management of these assignments.
Why not WhyWhere: The need for more complex models of simpler environmental spaces

Abstract WhyWhere has recently been introduced by Stockwell as a new tool for ecological niche modeling or species distribution modeling. I address two features of WhyWhere and its presentation: (1) the assertion that hundreds of environmental data layers are necessary to summarize ecological variation across environments, and (2) the idea that species’ ecological needs can be summarized in just 2 or 3 dimensions. I present evidence that neither idea is valid, effectively arguing that environmental spaces are simpler than Stockwell envisages, but that more complex and dimensional models are necessary to describe species’ ecological niches. Beyond these conceptual problems, WhyWhere suffers from several more practical problems, which render it little useful for any practical application.
Neuroprotective κ-Opioid Receptor Agonist BRL 52537 Attenuates Ischemia-Evoked Nitric Oxide Production In Vivo in Rats

Background and Purpose— κ-Opioid receptors (KOR) have been implicated in neuroprotection from ischemic neuronal injury. We tested the effects of a selective and specific KOR agonist, BRL 52537 hydr...
Implant-Confined Photonic Crystal VCSELs for High-Speed Digital Communication

Photonic crystals are etched into the top facet of VCSELs to stabilize optical modes and improve performance. 15 Gb/s operation of an implant-confined photonic crystal VCSEL is demonstrated.
Cholesterol operational process specifications for assuring the quality required by CLIA proficiency testing.

Current U.S. governmental regulations and requirements for the quality of laboratory tests do not provide a consistent form, comparable numbers, or practical specifications for the routine operation of laboratory testing processes. For cholesterol, as an example, the Health Care Financing Administration provides an analytical performance criterion for proficiency testing to enforce the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), whereas the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) provides clinical guidelines for test interpretation, as well as analytical goals for imprecision and inaccuracy. Routine operating process specifications for imprecision, inaccuracy, and quality control can be derived from the analytical and clinical requirements for quality. Use of an analytical "total error" model and a clinical "decision interval" model provides logically consistent and numerically comparable specifications. Studies with these coherent models indicate that a cholesterol testing process properly planned to satisfy the CLIA analytical requirement will also satisfy the NCEP clinical requirement. To provide 90% assurance of detecting systematic shifts of a magnitude that would cause the CLIA analytical requirement to be exceeded, the operational specifications for a cholesterol testing process are an allowable CV of less than or equal to 2%, an allowable bias of less than or equal to 1%, and a control procedure with two measurements per run interpreted by 1(3)s, 1(2.5)s, or 1(3)s/2(2)s/R4s control rules.
Quantitative analysis with IQAM for business decision support

In this paper we introduce the original IQAM system (intelligent quantitative analyzer for business management) that we have designed. It can help the managers make the right decisions by examining various business and financial factors involved through a unique process, which is based on the fuzzy reasoning and probabilistic inference. It's one of the first system tools that can be used to analyze the impacts of a business decision. Moreover, it can analyze the business needs of the company and evaluate the risks involved as well. The IQAM can be used independently or integrated with some other systems such as the company-wide management information system (MIS), the executive information system (EIS), and the enterprise resource planning system (ERP).
Case Management Issues in Rural Long-Term Care Models:

This article reviews research on some of the more visible long-term care case-management systems. In particular, the two generations of the Social Health
Lateralizing signs in intractable partial epilepsy: Blinded multiple‐observer analysis

We evaluated the accuracy and interobserver variability of selected ictal and postictal behavioral changes. Three observers, blinded to clinical history, EEG, and side of surgical resection, analyzed videotapes of 166 seizures in 38 patients, looking for lateralizing signs. Twenty-seven patients with temporal lobe resections were seizure-free for ≥1 year postoperatively, and 11 with extratemporal resections had at least 90% reduction in seizures ≥1 year postsurgery. The epileptogenic region (ER) was lateralized by analyzing lateralizing signs in 78% of patients; positive predictive value (PPV) was 94% (90% CI = 87% to 100%). Overall kappa was 0.68. Signs were considered present if seen by two or more observers. Forty-five percent had version, ie, forced and sustained head deviation (kappa = 0.76, PPV = 94%); 37% had dystonic posturing of the upper extremity (kappa = 0.47, PPV = 93%); and 34% had unilateral mouth deviation (kappa = 0.83, PPV = 92%). These signs indicated a contralateral ER. Twenty-one percent had unilateral upper extremity automatisms, all ipsilateral to the ER (kappa = 0.65, PPV = 100%); 21% had postictal dysnomia, indicating a dominant-hemisphere ER (kappa = 0.89, PPV = 100%); and 16% had ictal speech, usually indicating a nondominant-hemisphere ER (kappa = 0.75, PPV = 83%). Dystonic posturing, postictal dysnomia, ictal speech, and unilateral upper extremity automatisms may indicate a higher probability of temporal lobe epilepsy. Analysis of lateralizing signs shows good interobserver agreement and provides useful clinical information.
Effects of Hypothetical Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Testing on Parents’ Efforts to Prevent Diabetes in Children

Objective. To examine the effect of hypothetical genetic susceptibility test results on diabetic parents’ intention to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D) in their children. Methods. Parents with T2D indicated their intention to prevent T2D in their youngest child at baseline and after a hypothetical positive and negative T2D genetic test result. We calculated mean/median “preventive intention scores” for each scenario and examined the association between parents’ score change and parent/child characteristics. Results. A total of 63% of parents reported that their child had “almost no risk” or “slight risk” of developing T2D. Parents’ median baseline preventive intention score was 8. It increased to 10 after a positive test result and decreased to 5 after a negative test result. Conclusions. Negative T2D genetic susceptibility test results may decrease diabetic parents’ intentions to prevent T2D for their children. Future research studies in a real-life clinical context should examine this phenomenon.
Creating An Executive Compensation Plan: A Corporate Tax Planning Case

ABSTRACT: In this case, the student takes on the role of a compensation committee team member in a publicly traded corporation. The case task is to create a compensation plan for the company's CEO using past data regarding CEO compensation and specific incentives from proxy statements, along with financial statement performance data. To develop a comprehensive plan for the executive, students must incorporate numerous issues and course topics, both tax and nontax, applying them to the particular fact pattern. Pre- and post-case responses from students confirm that this case furthers their understanding of the interplay between corporate tax rules and executive compensation while cultivating critical thinking skills. The case has been used in both graduate tax and graduate accounting courses. To accommodate different teaching philosophies and course emphasis (tax or accounting), three variations of the project are provided.
Frequency and determinants of pneumonia and urinary tract infection during stroke hospitalization.

Background: Patients with acute stroke are at risk for pneumonia and urinary tract infection (UTI). Identifying patients with stroke at high risk for common infections could enhance timely treatment and improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of pneumonia and UTI during stroke hospitalization. Methods: We analyzed the frequency of pneumonia and UTI and their influence on outcomes during hospitalization in patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke in the California Acute Stroke Prototype Registry. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors and outcomes independently associated with pneumonia and UTI. Results: Overall, 663 patients were admitted with acute ischemic stroke at 11 hospitals. Pneumonia occurred in 66 (10%) and UTI in 84 (13%). Older age, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure were independently associated with greater risk for developing pneumonia, whereas a history of dementia was associated with lesser risk. Women and patients with a history of cerebrovascular events were significantly more likely to experience a UTI. Both pneumonia and UTI were associated with significantly greater length of stay, but only pneumonia was independently associated with higher inpatient mortality and poorer discharge ambulatory status. Conclusions: Several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing pneumonia and UTI during ischemic stroke hospitalization. Early identification and treatment of these patients may improve clinical outcomes.
Ion-Pair and Charged Hydrogen-Bond Interactions between Histidine and Aspartate in a Peptide Helix†

The effect on helix stability of placing a single pair of His−Asp or Asp−His residues, spaced (i, i + 3), (i, i + 4), or (i, i + 5), in an alanine-based peptide has been determined. The peptides have identical amino acid compositions, intrinsic helix propensities, and closely similar charge−helix dipole interactions, but they have different side chain interactions. Their helix contents are measured by circular dichroism over the pH range of 2−9, and the strength of a particular side chain interaction is determined from the increase in helix content over the reference peptide with the (i, i + 5) spacing. Side chain interactions are found for both the (i, i + 3) and (i, i + 4) spacings but only in the His−Asp orientation. Charged hydrogen-bond interactions occur at extreme pH values, and they are almost as strong as the ion-pair interactions at pH 5.5; but only the (i, i + 4) His−Asp peptide forms a strong hydrogen bond at pH 2, and only the (i, i + 3) peptide forms a strong hydrogen bond at pH 8.5. The ion...
Primary Prevention of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect: Gaps and Promising Directions

Reviews on primary prevention have identified effective strategies to prevent child maltreatment but have ignored potentially promising interventions that have not yet been evaluated as well as gaps in the development of programs. The goal of this review was to identify these gaps and recommend future directions for developing interventions from a public health perspective. To this end, a systematic review of the literature for 1980-2004 utilizing existing databases and found 188 primary prevention interventions that addressed a broad range of risk factors was conducted. However, few had been rigorously evaluated, and only a handful demonstrated impact on child maltreatment or its risk factors. From a public health perspective, interventions that target prevalent and neglected risk factors such as poverty, partner violence, teenage pregnancy, and social norms tolerating violence toward children need to be developed and evaluated. In addition, more attention should be given to low cost interventions delivered to the public, by society, or that require minimal effort from recipients.