cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seeking Quality In Accounting And Auditing Education: TQM And COSO

Over the past twenty years there has been a growing interest in the application of total quality management (TQM) as a philosophy for directing the teaching and learning activities taking place in the business classroom. While educators and administrators have been attracted to possible benefits of TQM, they have questioned whether TQM can deliver the same benefits in the classroom that it has been able to deliver in the business setting.
Identifying Patterns of State Vocational Rehabilitation Performance in Serving Transition-Age Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract Background: Transition-age youth on the autism spectrum (TAY-ASD) face many challenges when attempting to find and keep employment. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a key public source of...
N-(3,5-Di­methyl­phen­yl)-P,P-di­phenyl­phosphinic amide

In the title compound, C20H20NOP, the P atom, with a distorted tetra­hedral geometry, is attached to an O atom, two phenyl groups, and a 3,5-di­methyl­aniline group. The N—P—C [102.29 (12) and 108.97 (12)°] and C—P—C [107.14 (12)°] bond angles are all smaller than the ideal 109.5° tetra­hedral bond angle, whereas the O—P—C [113.07 (12) and 110.62 (12)°] and O—P—N [114.24 (13)°] angles are all larger than 109.5°. A weak intra­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond helps to establish the mol­ecular conformation. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are linked by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating [001] chains.
Introduction: The Perennial Crisis in the American States

Brief introduction to the edited volume "When States Go Broke," that presents an overview of the volume and explains the perennial salience of state fiscal crises.
Democracy and Despotism in Tribal Society

Tribal democracy exhibited a clan council and elected headmen. The headmen (elected by women where there were matrilineal clans, as amongst the Iroquois Tribes) met at a central tribal council, surrounded by a warriors’ assembly. Unanimity was demanded in all decision-making. The war chiefs and the Shaman had power, but were restrained by the clan headman.
Lys-Sequencer: An algorithm for de novo sequencing of peptides by paired single residue transposed Lys-C and Lys-N digestion coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Rationale Database-dependent identification of proteins by mass spectrometry is well established, but has limitations when there are novel proteins, mutations, splice variants, and post-translational modifications (PTMs) not available in the established reference database. De novo sequencing as a database-independent approach could address these limitations by deducing peptide sequences directly from experimental tandem mass spectrometry spectra, while concomitantly yielding residue-by-residue confidence metrics. Methods Equal amounts of bovine serum albumin (BSA) sample aliquots were digested separately with Lys-C and Lys-N complementary peptidases, separated by reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and analyzed by collision-induced dissociation (CID)-based mass spectrometry on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. In the Lys-Sequencer algorithm, matched tandem mass spectra with equal precursor ion mass from complementary digestions were paired, and fragment ion types were identified based on the unique mass relationship between fragment ions extracted from a spectrum pair followed by de novo sequencing of peptides with identification confidence assigned at the residue level. Results In all the matched spectrum pairs, 34 top-ranked BSA peptides were identified, from which 391 amino acid residues were identified correctly, covering ~67% of the full sequence of BSA (583 residues) with only ~6% (35 residues) exhibiting ambiguity in the sequence order (although amino acid compositions were still correctly assigned). Of note, this approach identified peptide sequences up to 17 amino acids in length without ambiguity, with the exception of the N-terminal or C-terminal peptides containing lysine (18-mer). Conclusions The algorithm ("Lys-Sequencer") developed in this work achieves high precision for de novo sequencing of peptides. This method facilitates the identification of point mutation and new PTMs in the protein characterization and discovery of new peptides and proteins with varying levels of confidence.
Ecologies of juvenile reoffending: A systematic review of risk factors

Abstract Purpose Research on juvenile reoffending has experienced an ecological turn, marked by an impressive expansion of studies that test the relation between elements of residential context and reoffending. Yet, to date, little consensus exists regarding what ecological factors matter, how they affect reoffending, and for whom they matter most. To address this gap, this study takes stock of research that tests the relationship between ecological factors and reoffending among youth. Methods A systematic review, in accordance with PRISMA-P guidelines, of quantitative studies (k = 27) was conducted. Evidence was synthesized quantitatively (i.e., meta-analytically, tabularly) and qualitatively (i.e., narratively). Results A variety of ecological factors have been tested, but results are inconsistent and reflect relatively few contexts and samples. The most frequently tested factor, concentrated disadvantage (k = 15), is a predictor of re-arrest (pooled OR = 1.09, p = .01). Inconsistent findings regarding other factors seem to reflect sample and study characteristics. Conclusions Research to date does not indicate summarily rejecting or accepting ecological factors as risk factors for reoffending. To further clarify the ecology-reoffending relationship and inform recidivism reduction interventions, future research should sample from unexamined contexts and test theoretically meaningful relationships via approaches that strengthen causal inference.
Effect of specimen processing, growth supplement, and different metabolic population on Mycobacterium tuberculosis laboratory diagnosis

Introduction Sputum specimen decontamination steps are essential due to the presence of other saprophytic and infectious organisms. However, they negatively affect the mycobacterial recovery. In addition, little is known about the Mycobacterium tuberculosis killing efficacy of the PANTA (polymyxin-B, amphotericin-B, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim, azilocillin) antibiotics. Moreover, M. tuberculosis can be present in more than one metabolic population, but the effect of different growth characteristics on the mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) based time-to-positive (TTP) is not well studied. Methods We performed-(1) experiments using the solid agar and MGIT method to determine the effect of the NALC-NaOH decontamination method, (2) concentration-response studies with each individual antibiotic in the PANTA, and (3) the effect of the M. tuberculosis metabolic population on the TTP. TTP was recorded using the Epicenter software and exponential growth equation was used to calculate the doubling time of the bacteria, whereas, CFU/mL was analyzed using the Inhibitory Sigmoid Emax model for each antibiotic. Results Decontamination resulted in 4.36+0.13 log10 CFU/mL difference in cultures treated with NALC-NaOH versus no decontamination process and the limit of detection decreased from 1.47 log10 CFU/mL to the 0.42 log10 CFU/mL following NALC-NaOH treatment. PANTA at currently used antibiotic concentrations, did not had negative effect on mycobacterial recovery. Exponential growth model estimated doubling time for the log-phase growth M. tuberculosis as 2.04 days, for the semi-dormant bacilli as 2.80 days, and 6.37 days for the anaerobic cultures. Conclusion Specimen decontamination method negatively affect the laboratory diagnosis of M. tuberculosis, polymyxin-B and nalidixic acid have anti-tuberculosis efficacy at high concentrations, and the doubling time of different metabolic population should be considered when deciding the time-in-protocol for the MGIT system.
Chapter 3 – The Changing Meaning of Community

Publisher Summary A community based solely on a community of interest, with no geographic or economic tie, can provide some level of emotional sustenance to some segments of society as long as it is reinforced with meaningful, face-to-face involvement. The problem of crime requires that people who live in the same area find ways to revitalize that sense of community in their neighborhoods, especially in those places where people cannot afford to buy as much protection as they want and need. The sense of community that existed in many neighborhoods has disappeared because of dramatic economic and technological changes in a relatively short period. Those above the poverty line at least have some opportunity to use their resources to find the emotional sustenance once provided by the neighborhood life, but many problems are magnified when people cannot escape impoverished communities, either physically or symbolically. The community policing attempts to renew the link to a place that is historically an important part of the society. According to it, the people who live in the same place must become sensitive to the need to care for their neighbors, and that the police must become good neighbors to the people they serve.
Recurrent Cerebral Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Weeks Subsequent to Elective Clipping of an Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm.

Background Cerebral vasospasm and delayed ischemic neurologic deficits are well-known clinical aftereffects of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. However, vasospasm with consequential ischemia after clipping of an unruptured aneurysm is an exceedingly rare sequela encountered in the reported neurosurgical literature. Case Description A 53-year-old woman had presented for elective craniotomy with microsurgical clipping of an unruptured left middle cerebral artery bifurcation saccular aneurysm, which was successfully treated without complications. Despite an initially benign clinical course, she experienced diffuse vasospasm with profound ischemic neurologic deficits on postoperative day 13 with a left middle cerebral artery distribution ischemic infarct. Moreover, she developed recurrent delayed spasm of the right posterior cerebral artery on postoperative day 26 and, consequentially, a left homonymous hemianopsia despite treatment with intra-arterial verapamil infusion. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first case of recurrent cerebral vasospasm and delayed ischemia neurologic deficits weeks subsequent to clipping of an unruptured aneurysm. The findings from the present case highlight the importance of considering delayed vasospasm as a cause of acute onset neurologic symptoms for patients who have recently undergone elective aneurysm surgery. We also reviewed the current data regarding the epidemiology, surgical factors, and proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms related to vasospasm after elective cases.
Introduction to Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholders are people who are influenced by or can influence the activities of others. In many cases, stakeholders are representing their self-interests as well as those of other people, groups, organizations, collectives, or even inanimates such as plants, animals, and future generations. Engaging stakeholders, no matter who or what they are, is crucial since they can influence our actions and disrupt or contribute to our success. Through interactions, we can find out their preferences and see where mutually value-producing solutions are possible. The values that can be produced from stakeholder interactions include representativeness, transparency, accessibility, responsiveness, accountability, and sustainability. These values are essential for individuals, especially when they are dealing with organizations, no matter how big or small or in what sector they operate. This chapter introduces a process-based logic model to understand what inputs and processes are possible for enhancing value through stakeholder engagement.
Interactive effects of (±)-trans-U50488 and its stereoisomers with cannabinoids.

Abstract The adverse effects of mu opioid agonists have spurred a renewed interest in using kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists as analgesics. KOR agonists also have potential for development as diuretics for the treatment of edema and hypertension. Here, we evaluated the discriminative stimulus, antinociceptive, and diuretic effects of the kappa agonist (±)-trans-U-50488 and its stereoisomers (−)-(1S,2S)-U-50488 or (+)-(1R,2R)-U-50488) alone and in combination with the cannabinoid agonist (−)-CP 55,940. To establish (±)-U-50488 as a discriminative stimulus, rats (n = 12) were trained to discriminate intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 5.6 mg/kg of (±)-trans-U-50488 from saline under a fixed-ratio 20 (FR-20) schedule of food reinforcement. Then, antinociception was assessed using two procedures: warm water tail withdrawal and von Frey paw withdrawal. Diuretic effects were assessed in separate rats (n = 6/group). Doses of (±)-U-50488 and (−)-U-50488 that served as discriminative stimuli produced significant increases in urine output, but at lower doses than those that produced antinociception. In contrast, (+)-U-50488 alone had no discriminative stimulus or diuretic effects at the doses tested, but did produce antinociception in the von Frey assay. When three cannabinoids and morphine were tested in the (±)-U-50488 discrimination procedure to determine the similarity of these drugs' discriminative stimulus effects to those for (±)-U-50488, the rank order similarity was (−)-CP 55,940 > (−)-trans-THC > (+)-WIN 55,212–2 ≥ morphine. (−)-CP 55,940 alone (0.056 mg/kg) partially substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of (±)-U-50488 and produced significant diuretic and antinociceptive effects. (−)-CP 55,940 in combination with (±)-U-50488 also produced a two-fold leftward shift in the discriminative stimulus curve for (±)-U-50488, and near-additive antinociception with (±)-U-50488 and (+)-U-50488. Further, the diuretic effect of (−)-CP 55,940 was enhanced by a dose of (+)-U50488, which itself did not alter urine output. These data together indicate that a combination of cannabinoid and kappa opioid agonists can enhance diuresis, but may have limited potential for serving as opioid-sparing pharmacotherapeutics for treatment of pain.
Retail gasoline pricing: What do we know?☆

Abstract We use a data set consisting of a three year panel of prices from a sample of gasoline stations located in suburban Washington DC and a corresponding census of the region's stations to develop three new empirical findings about retail gasoline pricing. First, while average retail margins vary substantially over time (by more than 50% over the three years we analyze), the shape of the margin distribution remains relatively constant. Second, there is substantial heterogeneity in pricing behavior: stations charging very low or very high prices are more likely to maintain their pricing position than stations charging prices near the mean. Third, retail gasoline pricing is dynamic. Despite the heterogeneity in station pricing behavior, stations frequently change their relative pricing position in this distribution, sometimes dramatically. We then relate these three findings to relevant theories of retail pricing. While many models of retail pricing are consistent with some of our findings, we find that all have serious shortcomings.
Development and analysis of a highly flexible multi-gene expression system for metabolic engineering in Arabidopsis seeds and other plant tissues

Production of novel value-added compounds in transgenic crops has become an increasingly viable approach in recent years. However, in many cases, product yield still falls short of the levels necessary for optimal profitability. Determination of the limiting factors is thus of supreme importance for the long-term viability of this approach. A significant challenge to most metabolic engineering projects is the need for strong coordinated co-expression of multiple transgenes. Strong constitutive promoters have been well-characterized during the >30 years since plant transformation techniques were developed. However, organ- or tissue-specific promoters are poorly characterized in many cases. Oilseeds are one such example. Reports spanning at least 20 years have described the use of certain seed-specific promoters to drive expression of individual transgenes. Multi-gene engineering strategies are often hampered by sub-optimal expression levels or improper tissue-specificity of particular promoters, or rely on the use of multiple copies of the same promoter, which can result in DNA instability or transgene silencing. We describe here a flexible system of plasmids that allows for expression of 1–7 genes per binary plasmid, and up to 18 genes altogether after multiple rounds of transformation or sexual crosses. This vector system includes six seed-specific promoters and two constitutive promoters. Effective constitutive and seed-specific RNA interference gene-suppression cloning vectors were also constructed for silencing of endogenous genes. Taken together, this molecular toolkit allows combinatorial cloning for multiple transgene expression in seeds, vegetative organs, or both simultaneously, while also providing the means to coordinately overexpress some genes while silencing others.
PAQR3 regulates Golgi vesicle fission and transport via the Gβγ-PKD signaling pathway.

Heterotrimeric G proteins function at diverse subcellular locations, in addition to canonical signaling at the plasma membrane (PM). Gβγ signals at the Golgi, via protein kinase D (PKD), to regulate fission of PM-destined vesicles. However, the mechanism by which Gβγ is regulated at the Golgi in this process remains elusive. Recent studies have revealed that PAQR3 (Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor 3), also called RKTG (Raf Kinase Trapping to the Golgi), interacts with the Gβ subunit and localizes Gβ to the Golgi thereby inhibiting Gβγ signaling at the PM. Herein we show that, in contrast to this inhibition of canonical Gβγ signaling at the PM, PAQR3 promotes Gβγ signaling at the Golgi. Expression of PAQR3 causes fragmentation of the Golgi, while a Gβ binding-deficient mutant of PAQR3 does not cause Golgi fragmentation. Also, a C-terminal fragment of GRK2 (GRK2ct), which interacts with Gβγ and inhibits Gβγ signaling, and gallein, a small molecule inhibitor of Gβγ, are both able to inhibit PAQR3-mediated Golgi fragmentation. Furthermore, a dominant negative form of PKD (PKD-DN) and a pharmacological inhibitor of PKD, Go6976, also inhibit PAQR3-mediated fragmentation of the Golgi. Importantly, expression of the Gβ binding-deficient mutant of PAQR3 inhibits the constitutive transport of the model cargo protein VSV-G from the Golgi to the PM, indicating the involvement of PAQR3 in Golgi-to PM vesicle transport and a dominant negative role for this mutant. Collectively, these results reveal a novel role for the newly characterized, Golgi-localized PAQR3 in regulating Gβγ at the non-canonical subcellular location of the Golgi and thus for controlling Golgi-to-PM protein transport via the Gβγ-PKD signaling pathway.
Retrograde transport of radiolabeled cytoskeletal proteins in transected nerves

Slow axonal transport is the mechanism by which cytoskeletal proteins are distributed within the axon. This function has traditionally been considered an exclusively unidirectional, anterograde process. Previous observations of cytoskeletal redistribution in surviving, transected axons of the C57BL/Ola mouse led us to hypothesize a retrograde component of cytoskeletal transport. To test this hypothesis against previous methods of measuring slow transport of cytoskeleton, we radioactively pulse-labeled proteins in sensory neurons of C57BL/Ola mice and followed their redistribution by gel fluorography in ligated and unligated sciatic nerves. Slow axonal transport of cytoskeletal proteins proceeded with the same characteristics in C57BL/Ola as in standard C57BL/6 mice. In comparison to the transport profiles from unligated control nerves, in ligated nerves there was redistribution of radiolabeled neurofilament and tubulin proteins back toward the cell body during the 14 d experimental period. These observations demonstrate that pulse-labeled cytoskeletal proteins move bidirectionally in this experimental system, and may provide insight into the normal mechanisms of cytoskeletal maintenance.
Age-related differences in select systemic and local biomarkers affecting body composition in ovariectomized rats (1031.5)

Estrogen deficiency is associated with alterations in body composition that is linked to numerous chronic and age-related diseases such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The objective of this study w...
The Divisia Index of Technological Change, Path Independence and Endogenous Prices

A general equilibrium model is presented which contains the same assumption base as that for the Divisia index of total factor productivity (DITFP). The conditions under which the DITFP is independent of path are derived. The unique feature of this paper is that a condition is added to those already in the literature for the DITFP to be path independent.
Apoptosis: Definition, Roles and Regulation

The emergence of molecular biology, with the possibility of cloning genes and introducing them in cells where they are expressed, has challenged the classic concept of cell death. But that concept is still valid when defined as “a state in which cells are totally incapable of any function ... ”.1 That concept has been based mostly on morphological observation.
Ge Nanowire nMOSFET Design With Optimum Band Structure for High Ballistic Drive Current

Through a physics-based model and a numerical simulation, it is revealed that Ge nanowires (NWs) with the $\langle 110\rangle $ transport direction may deliver high intrinsic/ballistic drive currents for scaled nMOSFETs due to the optimum quantum-confined NW band structure. The quantum confinement of L-valleys in Ge $\langle 110\rangle $ NW delivers both high density-of-states (DOS) due to the multiple valley degeneracy and high carrier injection velocity ( $\upsilon _{\rm inj}$ ) due to the light carrier transport mass. Comparisons of NW nMOSFETs (gate length of 13 nm) for Si, InAs, and Ge channels show that the ballistic drive currents of Ge $\langle 110\rangle $ NW device are improved over Si and InAs NW devices due to the optimum combination of $\upsilon _{\rm inj}$ (higher than in Si) and DOS (higher than in InAs). The transport/confinement orientation is critical, e.g., Ge $\langle 100\rangle $ NW does not deliver any drive current improvement over Si.
Atmospheric detection and discrimination of NO and NO/sub 2/ by laser spectroscopy

Summary form only given. There is a growing interest in laser-based analytical techniques for remote or in situ trace detection of NO/sub x/ (NO+NO/sub 2/) pollutants. In the present study, we employ a single 454-nm laser to detect trace NO and NO/sub 2/ concentrations at atmospheric pressure. NO is detected using miniature electrodes by (2+2) resonance-enhanced multiphoton (REMPI) processes, while NO/sub 2/ is detected using a miniature microphone by photoacoustic spectroscopy.
Torque and contact force analysis of Ski-Type walking for humanoid robots

In our previous work, we introduced a new gait for humanoid robots called Ski-Type walking to improve stability performance for rough terrain walking. By the arms holding two canes to assist walking, the humanoid robot benefits from enlarged stability margin. With canes and feet touching the ground, a closed-chain system is formed where force/torque distribution among the canes and feet is not unique. We formulate and analyze both external and internal forces/torques in SkiType walking at its initial posture to determine the strategy for achieving optimal force/torque distribution. The result will enable our future study is designing dynamic gaits which specify not motion trajectories of the joints but also torques to according a desired criterion.
Investigation of ice cloud microphysical properties of DCSs using aircraft in situ measurements during MC3E over the ARM SGP site

Six deep convective systems (DCSs) with a total of 5589 five-second samples and a range of temperatures from −41°C to 0°C during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) were selected to investigate the ice cloud microphysical properties of DCSs over the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. The ice cloud measurements of the DCS cases were made by the University of North Dakota Citation II research aircraft, and the ice cloud properties were derived through the following processes. First, the instances of supercooled liquid water in the ice-dominated cloud layers of DCSs have been eliminated using multisensor detection, including the Rosemount Icing Detector, King and Cloud Droplet Probes, as well as 2DC and Cloud Imaging Probe images. Then the Nevzorov-measured ice water contents (IWCs) at maximum diameter Dmax < 4000 µm are used as the best estimation to determine a new mass-dimensional relationship. Finally, the newly derived mass-dimensional relationship (a = 0.00365, b = 2.1) has been applied to a full spectrum of particle size distributions (PSDs, 120–30,000 µm) constructed from both 2DC and High-Volume Precipitation Spectrometer measurements to calculate the best-estimated IWCs of DCSs during MC3E. The averages of the total number concentrations (Nt), median mass diameter (Dm), maximum diameter (Dmax), and IWC from six selected cases are 0.035 cm−3, 1666 µm, 8841 µm, and 0.45 g m−3, respectively. The gamma-type-size distributions are then generated matching the observed PSDs (120–30,000 µm), and the fitted gamma parameters are compared with the observed PSDs through multimoment assessments including first moment (Dm), third moment (IWC), and sixth moment (equivalent radar reflectivity, Ze). For application of observed PSDs to the remote sensing community, a series of empirical relationships between fitted parameters and Ze values has been derived, and the bullet rosette ice crystal backscattering relationship has been suggested for ground-based remote sensing.
Subcellular Localization of Bacillus subtilis SMC, a Protein Involved in Chromosome Condensation and Segregation

We have investigated the subcellular localization of the SMC protein in the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Recent work has shown that SMC is required for chromosome condensation and faithful chromosome segregation during the B. subtilis cell cycle. Using antibodies against SMC and fluorescence microscopy, we have shown that SMC is associated with the chromosome but is also present in discrete foci near the poles of the cell. DNase treatment of permeabilized cells disrupted the association of SMC with the chromosome but not with the polar foci. The use of a truncated smc gene demonstrated that the C-terminal domain of the protein is required for chromosomal binding but not for the formation of polar foci. Regular arrays of SMC-containing foci were still present between nucleoids along the length of aseptate filaments generated by depleting cells of the cell division protein FtsZ, indicating that the formation of polar foci does not require the formation of septal structures. In slowly growing cells, which have only one or two chromosomes, SMC foci were principally observed early in the cell cycle, prior to or coincident with chromosome segregation. Cell cycle-dependent release of stored SMC from polar foci may mediate segregation by condensation of chromosomes.
CMOS realization of online testable reversible logic gates

Three reversible logic gates that can be used to implement reversible digital circuits with various levels of complexity are proposed. The major feature of these gates is that they provide online-testability for circuits implemented using them. The CMOS realization of these gates is presented in this paper.
Correlation and Causation in the Study of Personality

Personality psychology aims to explain the causes and the consequences of variation in behavioural traits. Because of the observational nature of the pertinent data, this endeavour has provoked many controversies. In recent years, the computer scientist Judea Pearl has used a graphical approach to extend the innovations in causal inference developed by Ronald Fisher and Sewall Wright. Besides shedding much light on the philosophical notion of causality itself, this graphical framework now contains many powerful concepts of relevance to the controversies just mentioned. In this article, some of these concepts are applied to areas of personality research where questions of causation arise, including the analysis of observational data and the genetic sources of individual differences. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Very low probability lung scan findings: A need for change

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of PE in patients with V/Q scans interpreted as representing a very low probability (VLP) of PE (1-3 small segmental perfusion defects with a normal chest radiograph). An analysis of the entire data set obtained during the PIOPED study was performed. Of the total of 1,359 patients in whom the presence or absence of PE was confirmed, 80 (6%) patients had the VLP pattern. Only 2 of 80 patients (2.5%) had PE, both patients had partially occlusive thrombus within a single lower lobe segment. Both patients were also referred from surgicl wards, had a history of previous surgery within 3 months and a history of immobilization within 3 days prior to scan. Both patients with PE and VLP patterns had intermediate pretest odds. However, 36 patients with similar lung scan findings and no evidence of PE also had intermediate pretest odds. The remaining 40 patients had low pretest odds (two patients did not have pretest odds entered into the data base). We conclude that the very law probability interpretation criterion is a valid diagnostic category and should be a separate part of any schema for interpreting V/Q lung scans. The pretest clinical likelihood of PE did not change the post test probability of PE for very low probability lung scan interpretation as they did for low, intermediate or high probability lung scan interpretations.
Ge(NR2)2 (R = SiMe3) insertion into LAu–Cl bonds

Abstract Germylene Ge(NR2)2 (R = SiMe3) inserts into the Au–Cl bond of LAuCl (L = PPh3, PCy3, PEt3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2) giving LAu–GeCl(NR2)2 (1). Treatment of [(PPh3Au)3(μ-O)]BF4 with Ge(NR2)2 results in fluoride abstraction from BF 4 - and formation of LAu–GeF(NR2)2 (2). Complexes 1 and 2 are photoluminescent and NMR data indicate dynamic behavior in solution most likely as a result of phosphine exchange.
The interaction between 5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptophan: a serotonin receptor model

Abstract A system consisting of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and tryptophan was used to study the process of recognition at a 5-HT receptor. The optimal geometries of interaction between 5-hydroxyindole (5-HIND), a model of 5-HT, and indole, a model of tryptophan, were obtained from a scan which included both electrostatic and dispersion energies. Recognition of 5-HIND by indole is determined by the electrostatic interaction between the components of the complex. Formation of such a complex results in electron density redistributions in directions both perpendicular and parallel to the planes of the interacting molecules. The nature of the charge polarization is consistent with the dominant contribution that dispersion makes to the stabilization energy of the complex. The optimal geometry of interaction between 6-HT and indole is different from the 5-HT geometry, both in the relative position of the components of the complex and in their orientation. This difference can be a basis for the selectivity of a receptor towards different ligands. Furthermore, the characteristics of the interaction of 5-HT with a charged imidazolium cation, which were explored in our previous work, are different from those of the interaction of 5-HT with a neutral indole as a receptor model. In both cases, the electrostatic interaction is the orientational determinant. With the imidazolium cation, the main stabilization comes from electrostatics. With the neutral indole, it comes from dispersion. Such distinctions illustrate a possible basis for the specificity of ligands towards the various 5-HT receptors.
Stabilization of Fe−Pd Nanoparticles with Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose for Enhanced Transport and Dechlorination of Trichloroethylene in Soil and Groundwater

This study reports a new strategy for stabilizing palladized iron (Fe−Pd) nanoparticles with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a stabilizer. Compared to nonstabilized Fe−Pd particles, the CMC-stabilized nanoparticles displayed markedly improved stability against aggregation, chemical reactivity, and soil transport. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses indicated that the CMC-stabilized nanoparticles with a diameter <17.2 nm are highly dispersed in water. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results suggested that CMC molecules were adsorbed to iron nanoparticles primarily through the carboxylate groups through monodentate complexation. In addition, −OH groups in CMC were also involved in interactions with iron particles. Batch dechlorination tests demonstrated that the CMC-stabilized nanoparticles degraded trichloroethene (TCE) 17 times faster than their nonstabilized counterparts based on the initial pseudo-first-order rate constant. Last, colu...
Non-Darwinian Evolution: Consequences for Neutral Allelic Variation

A test is made of the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the rate of evolutionary change and the degree of neutral allelic variation in populations using data on haemoglobin variants in man.
CD36 deletion reduces VLDL secretion, modulates liver prostaglandins, and exacerbates hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice

Recent findings described the role of CD36-mediated signaling in regulating cellular calcium and the release of various bioactive molecules, including the prostaglandins, neurotransmitters, cholecystokinin, and secretin. Here we document the role of CD36 in the secretion of hepatic VLDL. CD36 deletion resulted in 60% suppression of VLDL output in vivo, and VLDL secretion was reduced in vitro using incubated liver slices. The effect of CD36 deletion was mediated by enhancing formation of hepatic prostaglandins D2, F2, and E2. Treatment of CD36-deficient slices with inhibitors of cyclooxygenases reversed the reduction in triglyceride secretion. We also examined the effect of CD36 deletion on the obesity-associated spontaneous steatosis of the ob/ob mouse that is driven by enhanced de novo lipogenesis. Homozygous ob/ob mice lacking CD36 (ob-CD36−/−) were generated and studied for hepatic triglyceride accumulation and VLDL secretion. Livers of ob/ob mice were steatotic as expected and had 5-fold more CD36 on Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. CD36 deletion exacerbated the steatosis by impairing hepatic triglyceride and apoB secretion through increasing prostaglandin levels. These findings suggest an unappreciated role of CD36 in regulating VLDL secretion, which might have relevance to some forms of fatty liver. They provide insight into the association reported in humans between CD36 protein expression and serum levels of apoB and VLDL particle number.
Driving sustainable growth and innovation: pathways to high performance leadership

The challenge for business leaders, across all industries, is to recognize and accept a new reality in which easy answers, quick fixes and magic bullets are harder to find. This is a reality in which pathways to success are increasingly complex and ambiguous – a reality in which organic growth and innovation emerge as the key drivers of sustainable top‐ and bottom‐line growth. For most companies, this means cutting costs, MA building powerful innovation platforms supported by a rich pipeline of products and services; and building a more robust network of sources and partners who can deliver superior value across the extended enterprise. They know the marketplace well and can effectively take action on their intelligence – combining a wide range of insights (customer and consumer, technology convergence and standards, value chain and competitors) a multitude of idea “sources” and “depositors,” and a robust concept to customer innovation process. They apply disciplined processes more flexibly to the growth and innovation arena where pipelines need to be constantly adjusted, where fast to failure and accelerated experimentation is often as important as guaranteed success. They develop new metrics and measures that shift the behavior and culture of the organization toward sustainable organic growth and innovation – including both business scorecards and individual and team performance measures.
High-field 29Si NMR studies of alkali silicate glasses

Abstract Previous work has demonstrated the utility of high-field magic-angle sample spinning (MASS) NMR spectroscopy in determining the structure of alkali silicate glasses. In addition, results from static spectra at high field are highly informative and in many cases yield results that are not easily obtainable from MASS spectra. Here a comparison of static and MASS spectra of alkali silicates is reported. Computer simulations of the data determine the relative contributions of the different Q n sites to the spectral intensities, and the values for the components of the chemical shift tensor for each site.
Microbial control of nitrate concentrations in an agricultural soil treated with dairy waste compost or ammonium fertilizer

Abstract We conducted a 112-day laboratory incubation of an agricultural soil treated with dairy-waste compost or ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) to examine the role of microbial production and consumption of NO − 3 in controlling soil NO − 3 concentrations. Inorganic N, net N process rates, nitrification potentials and gross N process rates were measured at various time periods in the treated soils. Microbial consumption of NO − 3 was not an important process in controlling soil NO − 3 concentrations in these soil systems. Transient growth in the nitrifier population was observed with ammonium sulfate but not compost addition. Nitrification rates were significantly correlated with and comprised about 50% of the gross N mineralization rates, suggesting that nitrifying bacteria were not weaker competitors for soil NH + 4 than heterotrophs in these systems.
FINAL HEIGHTS FOLLOWING GnRHa-INDUCED PITUITARY-CONADAL SUPPRESSION IN GIRLS WITH CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY (CPP)

In our ongoing studies, 60 girls with CPP have been evaluated at 6-12m intervals for ≥ 12 months following the discontinuation of GnRHa. All received daily sc injections of either deslorelin or histrelin for 3.8 ± 0.2 years (range 2.0-7.7). Of these 60 girls, 36 have attained their final height (at FHT; GV < 2 cm/year, TW BA = 16 years), while the remainder have some residual growth potential (near FHT). In both subsets, the latest measured HT, while remaining 7.1 ± 1.0 cm below the genetic target HT, significantly exceeded the Bayley-Pinneau prediction prior to GnRHa administration (*, p = 0.0001). A single girl with a pre-GnRHa BA < 10 yrs has reached her FHT, while such patients comprise 34% of our total CPP female population. Since changes in predicted HT during GnRHa administration correlate significantly with pretherapy CA and BA, we must still await the FHT outcomes in young patients enrolled early in puberty to judge comprehensively the impact of gonadal sex steroid suppression on FHT in patients with CPP.
Potentiation of the neurovirulence of langat virus infection by lead intoxication in mice

Abstract Lead intoxication of mice increased the mortality due to experimental Langat virus infection. Lead enhanced viral replication, resulting in early detection and higher virus multiplication in the brain with associated widespread and more severe neurohistological changes. More severe brain damage by the virus in lead intoxicated mice contributed to increased mortality since Langat virus is known to kill by its encephalitogenic potential.
Airborne Doppler Radar Data Analysis Workshop

Abstract The Airborne Doppler Radar Data Analysis Workshop, sponsored by the Atmospheric Technology Division (ATD) of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), was the first to focus on analyzing airborne Doppler radar data. The workshop (held 13-16 March 2000 at NCAR) aimed to 1) summarize the current airborne Doppler radar data analysis techniques, and 2) promote the use of airborne Doppler radar data in the atmospheric sciences community. The workshop also intended to encourage new users to analyze this Doppler data and to provide a forum for experienced users to exchange ideas and discuss problems related to analyzing the data. It also provided a forum to train the users in planning future airborne Doppler radar programs. Graduate students, recent PhDs, faculty and researchers participants—the leading experts in the field—covered the theory of airborne Doppler radar, experiment design, standard data analysis procedures and software, and recently developed analysis techniques. Eight working ...
Silicide-based release of high aspect-ratio microstructures

A new method for releasing high aspect-ratio microstructures has been demonstrated that utilizes silicidation to form gaps between movable microstructures and their substrates in substantially faster times than conventional sacrificial layer-based release methods and with much less concern for stiction or attack of unintended layers. The key enabling element is the use of a self-sufficient chemical reaction (such as silicidation) to provide volume shrinkage that then induces a gap between surfaces involved in the reaction. Using this silicide-based approach, 260∶1 aspect-ratio gaps have been released in less than 2 minutes, which is much shorter than the 40 minutes or more that would otherwise be required by wet-etching. This silicidation-based approach to releasing microstructures greatly increases the achievable lateral dimensions of etch hole-free suspended microstructures and stands to substantially lower the time and cost required to produce such structures.
The ins and outs of capillary condensation in cylindrical pores

A series of simulations has been performed of adsorption and desorption of a simple model of xenon in cylindrical pores of a silica-like material. Closed-ended, open-ended, and single-ended pores of either 3 nm or 4 nm diameter were considered, and the pore length was varied between 8nm and 108 nm. This study exposes some of the possible mechanisms of pore filling and emptying, and demonstrates that hysteresis can be almost entirely suppressed in certain pore geometries. The effects of pore length are considered, and the thermodynamics of 1-dimensional systems and the nature of ‘capillary critical points’ are discussed.
Mammary tumor occurrence in beagles given 239Pu

Comparison of 120 young adult female beagles given 0.026 to 106 kBq 239Pu kg-1 by intravenous injection and 63 comparable female control beagles showed that there were no significant differences in the risk of mammary tumor appearance between the two groups. This was the case for benign tumors only, for malignant tumors only, and for both malignant and benign tumors considered together. For malignant tumors the observed number was 73 as compared with 69 expected; for benign tumors, there were 131 observed and 126 expected; for all tumors (separate analysis, not just the addition of malignant plus benign), there were 199 observed and 199 expected. Chi-square analysis indicated that the p values for all these comparisons were > 0.05. There were 45 controls (71.4%) with any tumor vs. 67 dogs (55.8%) given Pu (95% C. I. = 46.9% to 86.2%). No significant differences could be established (Kaplan-Meier analysis) between these two groups for survival age at diagnosis of the first mammary tumor, 11.75 +/- 0.30 y for dogs given Pu vs. 11.90 +/- 0.36 y for controls. We reported previously that differences in mammary cancer occurrence had been identified between this same group of control dogs and 57 female beagles given 226Ra as young adults. The present study appears to support the earlier conclusion that something other than alpha irradiation of the skeleton (both 226Ra and 239Pu deposit in bone) seems to affect the appearance of mammary cancers, since internally deposited 226Ra does appear to induce these malignancies, possibly from initial deposition in mammary tissue of the parent radionuclide or the subsequent concentration in sensitive tissue of its radioactive progeny, 22Rn or isotopes of polonium, lead, and bismuth, which are absent in the case of 239Pu.
Kinship foster care: Placement, service, and outcome issues

Abstract Kinship foster care is now being debated. Issues have emerged about the cost of this care, the suitability of the kinship home, and agency supervision. Little data exist, however, about the functioning of minors in kinship foster care. Data from a Los Angeles County study of 990 adolescents in foster family care are used to compare 352 adolescents in kinship care to 638 adolescents in non-relative foster family care. The two groups are compared on placement history, placement adjustment, and agency monitoring. In addition, 160 foster adolescents with legal guardians were studied. Results indicate that the kinship placement is more stable and that adolescents in a relative's care are less likely to have a serious mental health problem. Overall, kinship care teens are doing no less well than their counterparts in foster family care. Neither group, however, is problem free. The data on monitoring and legal guardianship do suggest that services should be supplied with equal vigor to the kinship foster care minors.
Transport properties of a-Si: H alloys prepared by r.f. sputtering

Abstract Conductivity and thermopower measurements as a function of temperature are reported for a series of r.f. sputtered hydrogenated a-Si samples doped with P. The results are analysed, along with others in the literature, in terms of several models for transport. It is concluded that the best overall fit to the data involves conduction in an intrinsic band above about 400 K and conduction in a P-related impurity band between about 200–400 K. The proposed transport in the latter temperature regime disagrees with earlier conclusions of Spear and Le Comber, and it also implies a smaller shift of the Fermi level with doping than does their model. The implications of this interpretation for current measurement of Hall effect and drift mobility are briefly outlined, as are difficulties in the detailed interpretation and complications related to heterogeneity in structure.
Defending the immune system

Immunology. By Janis Kuby. W. H. Freeman: 1992. Pp. 585. $46.95, £19.95. Advanced Immunology, Second Edition. By David Male, Brian Champion, Anne Cooke and Michael Owen. Gower Medical: 1991. Pp. 304. $69.95, £39.50 (hbk); $45, £24.95 (pbk). (Distributed by Raven Press in the United States.)
Animal models of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves clinically heterogeneous dysfunctions of sustained attention, with behavioral overactivity and impulsivity, of juvenile onset. Experimental models, in addition to mimicking syndromal features, should resemble the clinical condition in pathophysiology, and predict potential new treatments. One of the most extensively evaluated animal models of ADHD is the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Other models include additional genetic variants (dopamine transporter gene knock-out mouse, coloboma mouse, Naples hyperexcitable rat, acallosal mouse, hyposexual rat, and population-extreme rodents), neonatal lesioning of dopamine neurons with 6-hydroxydopamine, and exposure to other neurotoxins or hippocampal irradiation. None is fully comparable to clinical ADHD. The pathophysiology involved varies, including both deficient and excessive dopaminergic functioning, and probable involvement of other monoamine neurotransmitters. Improved models as well as further testing of their ability to predict treatment responses are required.