cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic association of replicating DNA fragments with the nuclear matrix of regenerating liver.

Abstract Approx. 1–2% of the total nuclear DNA remains anchored to the proteinaceous nucleoskeletal matrix following endogenous DNA cleavage in isolated regenerating rat liver nuclei. The matrix-attached DNA fragments have an average size of 1.6 kilobases compared with 0.8 kilobases for total nuclear DNA, and are initially enriched with in vivo pulse-labeled, replicating DNA. Use of protease inhibitors during nuclear matrix isolation results in a several-fold enhancement of matrix-attached, newly replicating DNA. The percentage of replicating DNA which is anchored to the matrix rapidly declines from approx. 50% (one min pulse) to 5% after a 10 min pulse. The replicating DNA fragments are remarkably sensitive to release from the matrix structure by exogenous nucleases including pancreatic DNase I and micrococcal nuclease. Moreover, a preferential release of replicating as opposed to non-replicating DNA fragments is measured as long as substantial amounts of replicating DNA are matrix-attached. These findings suggest that the DNA replicational sites are continuously bound to the nuclear matrix. Two alternative mechanistic views termed the fixed and sliding matrix models are proposed to describe this association. In both models it is proposed that the DNA of the rat liver nucleus consists of ~ 125 000 matrix-attached DNA loops with an average size of 80 kilobases. The replication of DNA in replicon subunits then follows as a natural consequence of this inherent spatial organization.
The effect of individual, network, and collaborative competencies on the supply chain management system

The role of human capital as a source of competitive advantage has long been recognized; however, there has been little research into the competencies required in the supply chain management system. This paper strengthens the ties between supply chain and human resource management by examining the competencies inherent in successful supply chain management systems. Using structural equation modeling we assess the linkages between individual, network and inter-organizational competencies, investment in strategic partnership and firm performance. The findings reveal that both organizational awareness (competency at the individual level) and supply network competency (competency at the organizational level) have significant and positive effects on collaborative awareness. The importance of inter-organizational competencies is supported by the significant positive effect that collaborative awareness has on investment in strategic planning. Implications for human resource managers and supply chain managers are also provided.
Experimental Investigation of Self-Induced Transparency and Pulse Delay in Ruby

We have investigated the self-induced transparency effect in ruby over a range of input energies which range from linear absorption to full transparency. The transmission, pulse delay, and pulse broadening were studied as a function of input energy. The transition region is narrower than that found in similar studies of the CO2/SF6 system; this is consistent with predictions based on ensembles of two-level systems. Included are the first pulse-delay and pulse-broadening curves to be obtained for the ruby system.
Probabilities, Odds, and Forecasts of Rare Events

Abstract Several issues related to the mode of expression of forecasts of rare events (RSEs) are addressed in this paper. These issues include the correspondence between forecasters' judgments and their forecasts, the problem of overforecasting, and the use of forecasts as a basis for rational decision making. Neither forecasters nor users are well served by current practices, according to which operational forecasts of RSEs are generally expressed in a categorical format. It is argued here that sound scientific and economic reasons exist for expressing forecasts of RSEs in terms of probabilities. Although quantification of uncertainty in forecasts of RSEs–-and the communication of such information to users–-presents some special problems, evidence accumulated from a multitude of operational and experimental probabilistic weather forecasting programs suggests that these problems involve no insurmountable difficulties. Moreover, when a probabilistic format is employed, forecasts of RSEs can correspond to f...
Specific binding of non-glycosylated IgE to Fcε, receptor

Abstract Biosynthetically-labeled carbohydrate-deficient rat IgE myeloma protein was obtained from IgE-producing IR 162 cells cultured in the presence of tunicamycin. Carbohydrate-deficient IgE molecules were purified by sequential use of fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography, and gel filtration. Lectin-Sepharose immunoadsorbents were used to separate carbohydrate-deficient IgE into a non-glycosylated IgE fraction and a partially-glycosylated IgE fraction. Both non-glycosylated and partially-glycosylated IgE were eluted later than native IgE upon gel filtration, and their epsilon chains each demonstrated faster mobility in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis than the native epsilon chain. Both non-glycosylated and partially-glycosylaled IgE possessed the ability to specifically bind to IgE receptorbearing RBL-1 cells. Additional macromolecules comprised of one non-glycosylated epsilon-Iike chain with or without one disulfide-linked light chain were isolated from IgE-producing cells cultured with tunicamycin but did not bind to IgE receptors.
Spermatogenesis in testis xenografts grafted from pre-pubertal Holstein bulls is re-established by stem cell or early spermatogonia.

Abstract Xenografting of testis explants into recipient mice has resulted in successful restoration of spermatogenesis in several species. Most studies have utilized neonatal donor tissue, although a few have used prepubertal testes. In Holstein bulls, prepubertal development of the testis occurs between 16 and 32 weeks of age. The purpose of the present study was to determine the optimal age during prepubertal development of Holstein bulls for testis grafting. Explants of testis tissue from Holstein bulls between 12 and 32 weeks of age (2 bulls/age; 6 ages) were subcutaneously grafted into castrated or intact immunocompromised mice ( n = 8/age), then recovered after 75 and 173 days ( n = 4 mice/grafting period) and evaluated histologically for spermatogenic progression. Seminiferous tubules were assigned a score based on the most advanced type of germ cell present within the tubule and the average for all tubules scored ( n = 25) within an explant was calculated. Scores for all explants per mouse ( n = 6) were averaged to give a single spermatogenic progression score per mouse. No difference in spermatogenic progression of grafts between intact and castrated recipients was observed. Spermatocytes were observed in testis grafts from bulls of all ages 75 days post-grafting. At 173 days, the spermatogenic progression score for explants derived from 20 weeks bulls was greater than all ages except 12 weeks donors ( p
Oral Effectiveness of Androgens in Fowls

Abstract THE stimulation of the growth and development of the comb of fowls by means of inunction or injection of male hormones into baby chicks or capons has been recognized as one of the best methods for the assay of androgenic hormones. The relative effectiveness of many compounds when so administered has been reported (Parkes and Emmens, 1944). The effectiveness of androgens when administered orally has received less attention. Emmens (1939) determined the amounts of various androgens required to produce an average increase of 5 mm. in length plus height in the combs of groups of five Brown Leghorn capons, when administered in three daily doses in oily solution by (a) intramuscular injection, (b) unction on to the comb, or (c) mouth. The results are shown in Table 1. Riley and Hammond (1942) fed day-old Rhode Island Red chicks for a period of 28 days on a chick starter feed to . . .
Effects of nitric oxide on the thermal decomposition of methyl nitrite: Overall kinetics and rate constants for the HNO + HNO and HNO + 2NO reactions

The effects of NO on the decomposition of CH3ONO have been investigated in the temperature range 450–520 K at a constant pressure of 710 torr using He as buffer gas. The measured time-dependent concentration profiles of CH3ONO, NO, N2O, and CH2O can be quantitatively accounted for with a general mechanism consisting of various reactions of CH3O, HNO, and (HNO)2. The results of kinetic modeling with sensitivity analyses indicate that the disappearance rate of CH3ONO is weakly affected by NO addition, whereas that of the HNO intermediate strongly altered by the added NO. In the presence of low NO concentrations, the modeling of N2O yields leads to the rate constant for the bimolecular reaction, HNO + HNO N2O + H2O (25): In the presence of high NO concentrations (PNO > 50 torr), the modeling of CH2O yields gives the rate constant for the termolecular radical formation channel, HNO + 2NO HN2O + NO2 (35): Discussion on the mechanisms for reactions (25) and (35), and the alkyl homolog of (35), RNO + 2NO, is presented herein. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Density of states and Wannier-Stark levels of superlattices in an electric field.

The density of states is calculated for superlattices in the presence of an electric field, using the concept of a generalized transmission probability. Various ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$As-based quantum-well structures with up to 200 periods are examined for electric fields ranging from 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{2}$ V/cm to 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ V/cm. Different field effects are observed in the below- and above-barrier regions of the density-of-states spectra. In the below-barrier region the spectra embody the occurrence of Wannier-Stark localization. The above-barrier region is dominated by two kinds of structures, one similar to Franz-Keldysh oscillations, and another resembling a Wannier-Stark-ladder behavior.
"Entrepreneurial Experience, Metacognitive Experience, Metacognitive Knowledge and Persistence"

We use threshold theory to examine the extent to which individuals’ entrepreneurial experience, metacognitive experience, and metacognitive knowledge moderate the influence that certain aspects of ...
The interconversion of multiple forms of tyrosine aminotransferase.

Summary Previous publications from this laboratory demonstrated that tyrosine aminotransferase from rat liver could be separated into three or four molecular forms by hydroxyapatite chromatography. The storage of soluble tyrosine aminotransferase for 60 hours at 4° caused a marked decrease in form II and consequent increase in form III and/or form IV while no change in total enzyme activity was seen. This effect was more marked when the liver homogenate was prepared in phosphate buffer, pH 6.9, than at pH 7.6. The pattern of multiple forms was altered by varying or changing the pH of the liver homogenate. The incubation of soluble tyrosine aminotransferase with components from the particulate fraction of a liver homogenate results in a pH dependent conversion of the multiple forms similar to that seen on storage. In addition, incubation of soluble tyrosine aminotransferase with a microsomal fraction of liver shows a similar, but less marked, effect. It is suggested, therefore, that a microsomal component whose catalytic action is dependent on pH is responsible for the interconversion of the multiple forms of tyrosine aminotransferase.
Sesquiterpene lactones. Some new constituents of Ambrosia species: A. psilostachya and A. acanthicarpa

Abstract Three distinct populations of Ambrosia psilostachya and four specimens of A. acanthicarpa, two of them being seedling and mature plants from a single location, have been examined and their sesquiterpene lactones isolated. Different populations vary markedly in lactone content, and the seedling and mature forms showed a wide qualitative difference. A new lactone, cumanin-3-acetate, and cumanin diacetate, not before found in nature, were isolated from A. psilostachya. Seven other lactones, all known in Ambrosia species, were also isolated.
Glass transitions and mixed phases in block SBS

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) does not allow for easy determination of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the polystyrene (PS) block in styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymers. Modulated DSC (MDSC), which deconvolutes the standard DSC signal into reversing and nonreversing signals, was used to determine the (Tg) of both the polybutadiene (PB) and PS blocks in SBS. The Tg of the PB block was sharp, at −92 °C, but that for the PS blocks was extremely broad, from −60 to 125 °C with a maximum at 68 °C because of blending with PB. PS blocks were found only to exist in a mixed PS–PB phase. This concurred with the results from dynamic mechanical analysis. Annealing did not allow for a segregation of the PS blocks into a pure phase, but allowed for the segregation of the mixed phase into two mixed phases, one that was PB-rich and the other that was PS-rich. It is concluded that three phases coexist in SBS: PB, PB-rich, and PS-rich phases. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 276–279, 2005
Managed care or managed costs

Managed care, sometimes called managed competition, is being advanced as the solution to the problem of soaring health care costs which have plagued the United States for at least the past two decades. Managed care involves a third party reviewer, sometimes called a case manager, to authorise the medical expenditures ordered by physicians. Managed care usually involves a capitated payment system in which a Managed Care Organisation (MCO) agrees to take care of the health needs of each head, also called a ‘covered life’, for a fixed fee.
FUNCTORIAL PROPERTIES OF THE HOPF INVARIANT I

Abstract Homotopy operations Θ: [ΣY, U] → [ΣY, V] which are natural in Y are considered. In particular a technique used in the definition of the Hopf invariant (as treated by Berstein-Hilton) shows that any fibration p: E → B with fiber V, when provided with a homotopy section of Ωp, determines such a homotopy operation [ΣY, E] → [ΣY, V]. More generally, starting from a track class of homotopies α o f ≃ β o g we adapt this fibration technique to construct a homotopy operation [ΣY, M(f,g)] → [ΣY, F α * F β] called a Hopf invariant. The intervening fibration in the definition of this Hopf invariant arises via the fiberwise join construction.
Pleistocene sediment sources, debris transport mechanisms, and depositional environments: a Bering Glacier model applied to northeastern Appalachian Plateau deglaciation, central New York

Abstract A modified ice-tongue model suggests that subglacial, saturated, fine sediment derived from local bedrock sources reduced basal shear strength and lowered the ice surface gradient sufficiently to produce ice tongues 20 km long in all major north-south oriented valleys on the northeastern Appalachian Plateau, while adjacent uplands were virtually ice-free. Associated environments of deposition produced two different landform assemblages, one representative of active ice retreat in through valleys and another that depicts widespread stagnation in non-through valleys. Pebble count data indicate that sediment transport by glacial flow was important to the moraine-building process, but the occurrence of isolated kame fields suggests an origin linked to inwash from major upland tributaries. All coarse valley fill (sand and gravel) is derived from two basic sources: (1) re-worked upland drift, and (2) resedimented debris from upvalley sources, including the glacier. Processes common to through valleys favor upvalley sources and active ice landforms, whereas inwash and stagnant ice sedimentation are typical of non-through valleys. Although extensive ice-free uplands served as a source of some fine sediment, a comparison of sediment volume to upland area indicates that inwash processes could not have yielded sufficient fines to account for the volume of fine sand and silt found within the valley fill. Meltwater flow via subglacial tunnels discharged saturated, fine sediment directly into proglacial lakes and served as the major source and transport mechanism for most sand and silt. The Laurentide deglacial environment throughout the upper Susquehanna region was characterized by proglacial lakes, detached remnant ice masses, dead-ice sedimentation and collapsed ice tongues. Stagnation and downwasting in ice-contact lakes peripheral to the eastern Bering Piedmont Glacier, Alaska, serve to depict analog conditions for retreat in central New York.
Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (SINGS) Imaging of NGC 7331: A Panchromatic View of a Ringed Galaxy

Well-resolved infrared observations of nearby galaxies are of fundamental importance to the study of the processes that affect galactic evolution. In this paper we report on the first imaging results from the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (SINGS) using observations of the Sb galaxy NGC 7331. We present images of NGC 7331 over a large range of wavelengths that allow us to compare the distributions of gas, stars, and dust in unprecedented detail. As an example of the types of information that the full SINGS will provide, we use three methods to determine that the interstellar medium mass in the ring of NGC 7331 is ~5 × 109 M⊙. We also present the first images showing emission from small hot (~1000 K) dust grains, but we show that these dust grains contribute only a small fraction of the integrated 4.5 μm emission from NGC 7331.
Ionophore A23187 induced reductions in toad urinary bladder epithelial cell oxidative phosphorylation and viability: implications for A23187 related declines in epithelial active transport.

The divalent cation ionophore A23187 increased oxygen consumption by isolated epithelial cells from toad urinary bladder, an increase similar to that seen with 2,4-dinitrophenol, a classic uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This respiratory stimulation was not seen in calcium-free incubation media. That this A23187 induced rise in cell oxygen consumption was due to a primary uncoupling action on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation rather than secondary to stimulation of cellular transport processes and mediated via increased cellular ADP levels was suggested by the ability of A23187 to release the inhibition of cellular respiration by oligomycin, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial proton ATPase which blocks the stimulation of mitochondrial respiration by ADP. Since active transepithelial ion transport and cellular energy production are closely linked processes, the uncoupling action of A23187 in the presence of extracellular calcium is sufficient to account for an acute decline in active ion transport across epithelia without invoking other calcium-mediated processes. Furthermore, isolated epithelial cells exposed to A23187 for 90 min had greater than 50% loss of viability, as measured by failure of Trypan blue exclusion. The subacute A23187 induced declines in transepithelial transport, therefore, may be secondary to its non-specific effects on cell viability.
A vacation on Mars—an artist's journey in a computer graphics world

Abstract This note provides several artistic examples of landscapes produced on a graphics supercomputer. The shapes were created using a single graphics primitive, and rendered using lighting and shading facilities of 3-D extensions to X-windows and the PHIGS+ proposed graphics standard. In order to encourage reader involvement, this informal article also provides several simple numerical recipes for computing the forms in the paper.
Accelerator mass spectrometry sample preparation: Methods for 14C in 50–1000 microgram samples☆

Abstract A joint project was undertaken by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Atmospheric Chemistry Group and University of Arizona (UoA) Tandem Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Group to develop and evaluate accelerator 14 C measurements of 50–1000 μg carbon samples at a modest accuracy of 5–10%. FeC alloy targets prepared from standards and samples averaged 1.6 μA 12 C − current. 14 C measurements yielded 5% precision and accuracy, limited by a blank equivalent to 11% modern carbon for targets containing ∼ 100 μ g carbon. The contamination level was estimated to be ∼ 15 μ g contemporary carbon (current atmospheric 14 C). These results demonstrated that the FeC target is quite suitable for atmospheric and environmental studies that require measuring fossil/biogenic carbon in microgram samples.
Use of High-Throughput DNA Microarrays to Identify Biomarkers for Bladder Cancer

Background: Numerous markers have been described to correlate to some extent with tumor stage and prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. The power of many of these biomarkers in detecting superficial disease or predicting the clinical outcome of individual tumors is limited, and alternative markers are still in demand. High-throughput microarrays represent novel means for cancer research and tumor marker discovery. Approach: The aim of this report was to discuss the application of DNA technologies to provide novel biomarkers for bladder cancer. Content: Specific bladder tumor subtypes have distinct gene expression profiles. The use of high-throughput DNA microarrays allows identification of the most prevalent and relevant alterations within bladder tumors. Clusters of differentially expressed genes will become biomarkers to discriminate subgroups of patients with different histopathology or clinical outcome. Additionally, the identified individual molecular targets might be further validated and developed into novel serum or urinary biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or as prognostic factors to be applied in clinical practice. The diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer would be enhanced by the use of such markers, and the marker itself may constitute a therapeutic target when studied in appropriate patients and control groups. Summary: Expression profiling with high-throughput DNA microarrays has the potential of providing critical clues for the management of bladder cancer patients. As the quality, standardization, and ease of use of the technology increase and the costs decrease, DNA microarrays will move from being a technology restricted to research to clinical laboratories in the near future.
Preparation of high-strength and translucent alumina by hot isostatic pressing

A vacuum-pressure slip-casting technique and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) were used to prepare high-strength and translucent alumina ceramics. A low-viscosity and high-solids-content slurry (46 vol% solids) was prepared, and a dense green compact was formed. The samples were sintered and subjected to capsule-free HIPing. Extremely high-density (99.9%) and fine-grained (0.7 to 15 μm in diameter) alumina ceramics were obtained. The HIPed samples showed high bend strength and translucency with in-line transmittance of 30% to 46% (1 mm thick).
Success of overdentures and prevention of failure.

Treatment with overdentures has received much attention in recent years. To encourage further use of this mode of treatment, the causes of failure have been identified and a systematic approach to construction of overdentures is presented.
Patient-initiated refusals of prehospital care: ambulance call report documentation, patient outcome, and on-line medical command.

INTRODUCTION There is a growing interest in cases in which emergency medical services (EMS) providers evaluate a patient, but do not transport the patient to a hospital. A subset of these cases, the patient-initiated refusal (PIR) in which the patient refused care and transport, was studied and evaluated. The objectives of the study were to examine the adequacy of ambulance call report documentation in PIR, to examine the clinical outcome of these patients in one hospital-based, suburban EMS system, and to assess the potential impact of on-line medical command (OLMC) on cases of PIR. METHODS The system studied is a hospital-based, transport-capable, advanced life support service in a suburban EMS system, with an annual call volume of 4,200 runs. During the 6-month study period, all ambulance call reports completed by the paramedics and medical command control forms completed by medical command physicians were examined, and cases of PIR collected. Each ambulance call report was examined for adequacy of documentation. Patient outcome was determined from emergency department records and telephone follow-up. RESULTS Eighty-five PIRs were documented during the study period. Four cases were excluded because of a missing ambulance call reports and/or medical command control forms, leaving 81 PIRs for analysis. Despite policy requiring OLMC in cases of PIR, OLMC was established in only 23 PIRs (28%). Of these, two (9%) had inadequate ambulance call report documentation. Of the 58 PIR in which OLMC was not established, 25 (43%) had inadequate ambulance call report documentation (p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). Follow-up was obtained for 54 (67%) PIR. Of these, 37 (68%) did not subsequently see a physician, and all needed no further medical care. Seven (13%) saw their own physicians within a few days of the initial refusal of prehospital care, and had no further problems. Ten patients were seen in an emergency department within a few days. Three (6%) were discharged, and did well. Seven (13%) were admitted to the hospital, with four (7%) admitted to monitored beds, and three (6%) to unmonitored beds. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS Ambulance call report documentation is better with OLMC than without. Patients who initially refuse care may be ill, and some ultimately will be hospitalized. Further research may elucidate a role for OLMC in preventing refusals by incompetent patients, convincing patients who are competent but appear ill to accept transport, and assisting paramedics with other difficult or unusual circumstances.
Variation of the Verdet constant with temperature of terbium gallium garnet

A measurement of the variation of the Verdet constant of terbium gallium garnet as a function of temperature was made for visible and near-infrared wavelengths. By combining results of the angle of rotation presented here with previously published absolute measurements, we determined the Verdet constant as a function of wavelength for wavelengths extending from about 0.5 to 1.1 μm. Data correlated well with paramagnetic models. Such information is necessary to determine the angle of rotation as well as the variation of the extinction ratio of a Faraday isolator with temperature.
Ectomycorrhizal mediation of competition between coniferous tree species

SUMMARY To test the effect of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) on interactions between host plants, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco and Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws., seedlings were grown in replacement series in pasteurized soil with (a) no EMF added, (b) two EMF species added - Rhizopogon vinicolor Smith (specific to Douglas-fir) and R. ochraceorubens Smith (specific to pine), and (c) four EMF species added - the two Rhizopogon species plus two host generalists, Laccaria laccata (Scop. ex Fr.) Bk. & Br. and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull.) Quel. A replacement series in unpasteurized forest soil also was included. Seedlings without added EMF were colonized by the greenhouse contaminant, Thelephora terrestris. Without added EM,IF (but with T. terrestris), the tree species mutually inhibited one another, producing Relative Yield Totals significantly < 1; with EMF added, mutual inhibition disappeared. With four EMF species added, Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings were significantly larger in mixture than in monoculture, with no corresponding decrease in the size of Pinus ponderosa seedlings; this was due solely to seedlings with L. laccata, which apparently enhanced nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake by Pseudotsuga menziesii at the expense of luxury consumption by Pinus ponderosa. Graphical analysis suggested that better growth of Pseudotosuga menziesii in mixture with EMF added was related to improved P nitrogen. Both N and P nutrition of Pinus ponderosa was better in mixture with two than no EMF species added; there was no clear nutrient effect with four EMF species added. Results indicate that EMF can reduce competition between plant species and perhaps increase overall community P uptake. However, patterns were specific to both EMF and tree species and were quite different in unpasteurized soils. Hence generalizations about the effects of EMF on plant-plant interactions must be made cautiously.
The Present and Future Fiscal Problems of the Two New Yorks: What Happened This Time

The state and city of New York have chronic fiscal difficulties, namely, expenditures that tend to exceed revenues by significant amounts. The deficits were moderate in the 1980s but have become large and acute in the 1990s as the state and city economies have been in a prolonged recession. Deficits are expected to continue well into the future. Supply side factors, particularly high wage levels, are the main causes of the state's deficits. For the city, supply side factors, particularly high employment, and demand side factors are main causes. Federal aid reduction is a minor cause. The city's fiscal condition is compared with that of the thirty other largest U.S. cities in a regression analysis which updates Gramlich's analysis of the period immediately before the famous New York City fiscal crisis of 1975.
Why Are the Streets So Dirty? Social Psychological and Stratification Factors in the Decline of Municipal Services

Although objective measures of the decline of municipal services are hard to obtain and harder to interpret, there is a strong subjective sense that municipal services have declined from the level of some previous time. This sentiment is reinforced by the increase in municipal budgets and in serviceability ratios (number of service providers per 10,000 of population) in virtually all municipal service divisions. I propose that part of the decline in services can be explained by changes in the relative status of providers and consumers of services in many cities. Two aspects of status are pertinent. First, in earlier years, municipal service providers had by-and-large less or at least not very much higher status than those to whom they provided services. Thus service to others by these lower status providers conformed with sociological notions of deference and compliance with the interests and wishes of those of higher status. With the shift in population toward black and Hispanic in many central cities, service providers are now of clearly higher status than many consumers of services. This militates against service provision since it violates the proper direction of flow of benefits. A second status consideration is that recent relatively rapid increases in income for municipal service workers have temporarily elevated self-conceptions and status to the point where "dirtywork" can now be shunned as incompatible with the new status level. This too militates against the provision of service since much of the municipal service task consists of dirty work. Finally, in certain municipal service arenas, the usually higher status white group is at the mercy of the usually lower status black and Hispanic group. A form of class warfare ensues which also means lesser service. A rationale for a solution is proposed. *Revised version of a paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, 1978. I want to thank Arnold Birenbaum, Roslyn Bologh, Edgar Mills, Brian O'Connell, and Ino Rossi for helpful suggestions. ? 1979, University of North Carolina Press. 0037-7732/79/020422-42$02.10
Zoning patterns of Fe and V in spinel from a type B Ca-Al-rich inclusion: Constraints on subsolidus thermal history

We obtained two-dimensional concentration maps for the minor elements Fe and V in 21 spinel crystals in the Allende type B1 inclusion TS-34 with a 4–5 μm resolution. Locally high concentrations of Fe occur along at least one edge of the spinels and decrease toward the center of the grains. Enrichment in V can also occur along edges or at corners. In general, there is no overall correlation of the Fe and V distributions, but in local regions of two grains, the V and Fe distributions are correlated, strongly suggesting a local source for both elements. In these two grains, opaque assemblages are present that appear to locally control the V distributions. This, coupled with previous work, suggests that prior to alteration, TS-34 contained V-rich metal. Oxidation of this metal during alteration can account for the edge/corner V enrichments, but provide only minor FeO contributions, explaining the overall lack of correlation between Fe and V. Most of the FeO appears to have been externally introduced along spinel boundaries during alteration. These alteration phases served as sources for diffusion of FeO into spinel. FeO distributions in spinel lead to a mean attenuation length of ~8 μm and, using literature diffusion coefficients in isothermal and exponential cooling approximations for peak temperatures in the range 600–700°C, this leads to a time scale for calcium-aluminum-rich inclusion (CAI) alteration in the range of decades to centuries.
The benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist RO15-4513 exacerbates, but does not precipitate, ethanol withdrawal in mice

Abstract RO15-4513, an imidazobenzodiazepine that has been reported to antagonize several behavioral and biochemical actions of ethanol, was given to C3H mice at various times during withdrawal from chronic (72 hours) continous exposure to ethanol vapor. When administered immediately following chronic ethanol exposure, RO15-4513 (6 or 12 mg/kg) did not influence the withdrawal response. However, when given at subsequent times (3, 5, and 8 hours postethanol withdrawal), RO15-4513 significantly increased the severity of the withdrawal response in ethanol-exposed mice. Moreover, this exacerbation was completely reversed by pretreatment with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist RO15-1188. Thus, these data indicate that the benzodiazepine inverse agonist, RO15-4513, is capable of exacerbating, but not precipitating, ethanol withdrawal.
Evaluating Overall Survival and Competing Risks of Death in Patients With Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma Using a Comprehensive Nomogram

Purpose Many patients with localized node-negative renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are elderly with competing comorbidities. Their overall survival benefit after surgical treatment is unknown. We reviewed cases in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate the impact of kidney cancer versus competing causes of death in patients with localized RCC and develop a comprehensive nomogram to quantitate survival differences. Methods We identified individuals with localized, surgically treated clear-cell, papillary, or chromophobe RCC in SEER (1988 through 2003). We used Fine and Gray competing risks proportional hazards regressions to predict 5-year probabilities of three competing mortality outcomes: kidney cancer death, other cancer death, and noncancer death. Results We identified 30,801 cases of localized RCC (median age, 62 years; median tumor size, 4.5 cm). Five-year probabilities of kidney cancer death, other cancer death, and noncancer death were 4%, 7%, and 11%, respectively....
Overweight and obesity, hepatic steatosis, and progression of chronic hepatitis C: a retrospective study on a large cohort of patients in the United States

Abstract Background : Hepatic steatosis has been associated with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but its prevalence, risk factors, and clinical significance remain to be determined. Aims : The present study determined the frequency of, and risk factors for hepatic steatosis and its association with activity and progression of CHC in a large cohort of U.S. patients. Methods : This is a retrospective study that utilized systematic chart review and statistical analyzes to investigate 324 U.S. patients with CHC from a university medical center and a regional VA medical center. Results : The frequency of hepatic steatosis was 66.0%. We demonstrated that not only being obese, but also overweight (i.e. body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 ) was independently associated with hepatic steatosis. In our cohort of patients with CHC, hepatic steatosis, especially grade II/III steatosis, was significantly associated with elevated aspartate aminotransferase at entry, persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase, and stage III/IV fibrosis. Grade II/III steatosis, was significantly associated with a higher histology activity index as well. Multivariate analysis indicated that steatosis, especially grade II/III steatosis, was independently associated with stage III/IV fibrosis. Conclusions : Being overweight/obese serves as an independent risk factor for hepatic steatosis in U.S. patients with CHC. Steatosis accelerates activity and progression of CHC, and is independently associated with stage III/IV hepatic fibrosis in these patients.
Impact of FEC overhead on scalable video streaming

Forward-error correction (FEC) is used in many streaming applications for protecting multimedia data over lossy network paths. However, studies in the literature [1, 3, 4] report conflicting results on the benefits of FEC. To address this uncertainty, we study the performance of FEC-based streaming and provide additional insight into how FEC overhead rate affects the performance of scalable video streaming under dynamically changing network packet loss. Through analytical investigation, we derive the relationship between packet loss, FEC overhead, and utility of received video, and propose a simple control mechanism that adjusts the amount of FEC based on packet loss information. We find that our FEC control allows the application to maintain high end-user utility and achieve better quality of video at the receiver.
NMR structure of activated CheY.

Abstract The CheY protein is the response regulator in bacterial chemotaxis. Phosphorylation of a conserved aspartyl residue induces structural changes that convert the protein from an inactive to an active state. The short half-life of the aspartyl-phosphate has precluded detailed structural analysis of the active protein. Persistent activation of Escherichia coli CheY was achieved by complexation with beryllofluoride (BeF3−) and the structure determined by NMR spectroscopy to a backbone r.m.s.d. of 0.58(±0.08) A. Formation of a hydrogen bond between the Thr87 OH group and an active site acceptor, presumably Asp57·BeF3−, stabilizes a coupled rearrangement of highly conserved residues, Thr87 and Tyr106, along with displacement of β4 and H4, to yield the active state. The coupled rearrangement may be a more general mechanism for activation of receiver domains.
From International Sanitary Conventions to Global Health Security: The New International Health Regulations

In May 2005, the World Health Organization adopted the new International Health Regulations (IHR), which constitute one of the most radical and far-reaching changes to international law on public health since the beginning of international health co- operation in the mid-nineteenth century. This article comprehensively analyses the new IHR by examining the history of international law on infectious disease control, the IHR revision process, the substantive changes contained in the new IHR and concerns regarding the future of the new IHR. The article demonstrates why the new IHR constitute a seminal event in the relationship between international law and public health and send messages about how human societies should govern their vulnerabilities to serious, acute disease events in the twenty-first century.
Predicting cisplatin and trabectedin drug sensitivity in ovarian and colon cancers

Molecular profiling of markers involved in the activity of chemotherapeutic agents can shed light on the successes and failures of treatment in patients and can also provide a basis for individualization of therapy. Toward those ends, we have used reverse-phase protein lysate microarrays to evaluate expression of protein components of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways. Those pathways strongly influence the anticancer activities of numerous drugs, including those that are the focus here, cisplatin and ecteinascidin 743 (Et-743; Yondelis, Trabectedin). Cisplatin is generally more active in cell types deficient in NER, whereas Et-743 tends to be less active in those cells. We measured protein expression and sensitivity to those drugs in 17 human ovarian and colon cancer cell lines (13 of them from the NCI-60 panel) and five xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patient cell types, each containing a different NER defect. Of the NER proteins giving reliable signals, XPF and XPG showed the highest correlations of protein expression with drug activity across all three tissue-of-origin groups. When we compared protein expression data with mRNA expression data from Affymetrix U133A chips, we found no consistent correlation between the two across the cell lines studied, which reinforces the conclusion that protein measurements can give more interpretable mechanistic information than can transcript measurements. The work reported here provides motivation for larger proteomic studies with more cell types focused on potential biomarkers in additional pharmacologically pertinent pathways.
Neural network technology for stock market index prediction

Two neural network models, the radial basis function (RBF) and backpropagation, applied to stock market index predictions are compared. Actual data of the Wall Street Journal's Dow Jones Industrial Index has been used for a benchmark in the experiments. A notable success has been achieved with the proposed models producing over 80% prediction accuracies observed based on the monthly Dow Jones Industrial Index predictions. These models have also captured both moderate and heavy index fluctuations. The experiments conducted in this study demonstrated that the RBF neural network is preferred over the multilayer perceptron network and is a promising candidate for stock market index predictions. >
The effect of prolonged light intensity exercise in the heat on executive function.

Objective When people are involved in outdoor activities, it is important to be able to assess a situation and make rational decisions. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of 90 minutes of light-intensity exercise in a hot environment on executive functioning capabilities of healthy individuals. Methods In this prospective laboratory study, 40 healthy male and female subjects 18 to 45 years of age performed treadmill exercise while wearing athletic clothing and a backpack in either a hot or temperate environment. Vital signs, core and skin temperature, and perceptual measures (thermal sensation, sweating, comfort, and perceived exertion) were measured before, during, and after the treadmill test. Cognitive function was measured before and after the treadmill test using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and a Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). Results Subjects in the hot condition reached a similar core temp of 38.2° ± 0.5°C vs 37.7° ± 0.3°C ( P = .325) in the temperate group but had a higher heart rate ( P P P P P = .001) on the WCST after exertion in both the hot room and normal temperature room conditions. Perseverations and perseverative errors ( P = .002) decreased in both groups after exertion. Conclusions Conditions of mild heat stress coupled with modest rehydration and short hiking treks do not appear to negatively affect executive function or vigilance.
The economic value of reductions in gonorrhea and syphilis incidence in the United States, 1990-2003

Background. Prevention efforts can reduce the considerable health and economic burdens imposed by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The objective of this study was to estimate the reduction in direct medical costs associated with reductions in gonorrhea and syphilis incidence in the United States from 1990 to 2003. Methods. Using published estimates of the per-case costs of STDs, we estimated the annual costs from 1990 to 2003 of four main outcomes: primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis, congenital syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV costs attributable to the facilitative effects of gonorrhea and syphilis on HIV transmission and acquisition. Results. Reductions in syphilis and gonorrhea from 1990 to 2003 have saved an estimated $5.0 billion (in 2003 U.S. dollars): $1.1 billion in costs associated with P&S syphilis, congenital syphilis, and gonorrhea, and $3.9 billion in HIV costs attributable to syphilis and gonorrhea. In additional analyses, the estimated reductions in disease burden were substantially lower (1) when calculated incrementally (rather than cumulatively) and (2) when long-term costs of STDs were excluded. Conclusions. These estimated reductions in the burden of gonorrhea and syphilis show the economic benefits of reducing the incidence of these STDs and preventing their resurgence. Published by Elsevier Inc.
The Difference “Hate” Makes in Clearing Crime: An Event History Analysis of Incident Factors

Studying hate crime clearance rates provides an opportunity to uncover the factors that influence police effectiveness for a relatively new legal category—one that was designed ostensibly to protec...
Modelling Water Uptake Provides a New Perspective on Grass and Tree Coexistence.

Root biomass distributions have long been used to infer patterns of resource uptake. These patterns are used to understand plant growth, plant coexistence and water budgets. Root biomass, however, may be a poor indicator of resource uptake because large roots typically do not absorb water, fine roots do not absorb water from dry soils and roots of different species can be difficult to differentiate. In a sub-tropical savanna, Kruger Park, South Africa, we used a hydrologic tracer experiment to describe the abundance of active grass and tree roots across the soil profile. We then used this tracer data to parameterize a water movement model (Hydrus 1D). The model accounted for water availability and estimated grass and tree water uptake by depth over a growing season. Most root biomass was found in shallow soils (0–20 cm) and tracer data revealed that, within these shallow depths, half of active grass roots were in the top 12 cm while half of active tree roots were in the top 21 cm. However, because shallow soils provided roots with less water than deep soils (20–90 cm), the water movement model indicated that grass and tree water uptake was twice as deep as would be predicted from root biomass or tracer data alone: half of grass and tree water uptake occurred in the top 23 and 43 cm, respectively. Niche partitioning was also greater when estimated from water uptake rather than tracer uptake. Contrary to long-standing assumptions, shallow grass root distributions absorbed 32% less water than slightly deeper tree root distributions when grasses and trees were assumed to have equal water demands. Quantifying water uptake revealed deeper soil water uptake, greater niche partitioning and greater benefits of deep roots than would be estimated from root biomass or tracer uptake data alone.
Whacko's Last Campaign

When “Whacko,” a homeless man inclined to giving “speeches” is hit by a truck, a group of his similarly indigent friends in Glendale California react in solidarity to the loss of their friend. This short story by James Redwood presents the bonds of friendship and humanity among a subculture of dispossessed persons.