cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen reaction with carbon and nickel evaporated films

Abstract Stacked films of carbon and nickel were prepared in vacuum by intermittent evaporation from separate filaments and a few properties of these films studied. The surface areas were determined by krypton adsorption. The temperature was progressively increased from that of liquid nitrogen, at which the films were prepared, to 300°C and the reaction of hydrogen with the stacked film was followed at each temperature by pressure change and by gas-phase composition. Methane was formed in appreciable amounts; pure carbon films under the same conditions did not react with hydrogen to form methane. The deliberate introduction of oxygen poisoned the hydrogen reaction with stacked films. The yield of methane is directly proportional to the hydrogen chemisorbed at the temperatures studied (28–300°C).
Microbial response to antibacterial treatment in marine microcosms

Abstract In a previous study of sediments near three salmon open-water net-cage farms in Puget Sound, Washington we determined over a 5-month period the number of cultivable bacteria and the percentage of cultivable bacteria that were resistant to oxytetracycline (OTC), Romet® 30 (drug consisting of sulfadimethioxine and ormetoprim), or amoxycillin. These antibacterials are routinely used for the treatment of diseased salmon. Since we had no control over the administration of medicated feed at the commercial fish farms, we supplemented the field studies with more controlled laboratory experiments. Twelve seawater-sediment microcosms were established using a seawater flow-through system. The microcosms were constructed using 38-1 aquaria in which sediment from two different sites near a single Puget Sound fish farm were placed in the aquaria and dosed with fish feed containing OTC or Romet® 30. The dose of feed and the treatment schedule of antibacterials was intended to mimic salmon farm conditions. The number of cultivable bacteria, and the percentage of cultivable organisms that were resistant to OTC, Romet® 30, or amoxycillin were determined over a 60-day period. The population of cultivable organisms in the microcosms that received fish feed reached levels of 107 to 108 colony forming units g−1 regardless of whether the fish feed contained antibacterials. Microcosms that received either Romet® 30 or OTC during the treatment period showed increases in both Romet® 30- and OTC-resistant bacteria. Amoxycillin-resistance levels also increased in microcosms following treatment with OTC. Our results suggest that marine sediments respond with a rapid increase in the number of Romet® 30- and OTC-resistant bacteria when exposed to either of these antibacterials. Also the addition of fish feed with or without antibacterials to marine sediments caused an increase in the concentration of cultivable bacteria.
Intercellular Stress Reconstitution from Traction Force Data

Cells migrate collectively during development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Recently, a method has been developed to recover intercellular stress in monolayers from measured traction forces upon the substrate. To calculate stress maps in two dimensions, the cell sheet was assumed to behave like an elastic material, and it remains unclear to what extent this assumption is valid. In this study, we simulate our recently developed model for collective cell migration, and compute intercellular stress maps using the method employed in the experiments. We also compute these maps using a method that does not depend on the traction forces or material properties. The two independently obtained stress patterns agree well for the parameters we have probed and provide a verification of the validity of the experimental method.
Vibrational relaxation induced population inversions in laser pumped polyatomic molecules

Abstract Conditions for population inversion in laser pumped polyatomic molecules are described. For systems which exhibit metastable vibrational population distributions [slow vibration—translation/rotation (V—T/R) relaxation], large, long lived inversions are possible even when the vibrational modes are strongly coupled by rapid collisional vibration—vibration (V—V) energy transfer. Overtone states of a hot mode are found to invert with respect to fundamental levels of a cold mode even at V—V steady state. Inversion persists for a V—T/R relaxation time. A gain of 4 m −1 for the 2 v 3 → v 2 transition in CH 3 F (λ ≈ 15.9 μ) was found assuming a spontaneous emission lifetime of 10 s for this transition. General equations are derived which can be used to determine the magnitude of population inversion in any laser pumped, vibrationally metastable, polyatomic molecule. A discussion of factors controlling the population maxima of different vibrational states in optically pumped, V—V equilibrated metastable polyatomics is also given.
Use of data to assess performance and promote outcome achievement by public and private child welfare agency staff

Abstract Despite the emphasis on evidence-based practice in the literature, little is known about the extent to which child welfare workers routinely use data to assess the effectiveness of their practice, or consider an array of evidence informed practices such as peer record review, supervisory sessions or program evaluation as useful in improving their performance. This study, conducted as a part of the planning phase for a larger research and demonstration project measured frontline staff perceptions in both the public and private sectors in one state regarding these and other outcome-focused activities. Statistically significant differences were noted between public and private agency staff. In addition, the relationship between staff's use of data and their assessment of their own skill and the support provided by their agency for an array of out-of-home care practice activities are described. Implications for building the use of evidence-informed practice in child welfare are discussed.
An Examination of School Climate in Effective Alternative Programs

The alternative education field lacks a common definition and has a major divide between the differing philosophies of alternative programs; little empirical evidence is available to identify the components necessary to create effective alternative educational programs. Tremendous growth in the availability of alternative programs in the United States over the past several decades, however, illustrates continuing demand for such programs as well as the need for research on the characteristics that constitute effective alternative programs. In this article, the authors study exemplary alternative programs in 3 racially and economically diverse communities to characterize the school climate as viewed by the students and the staff. At this relatively early stage in the field of alternative education, it is essential to examine the similarities, as well as any differences, in the social climate of highly effective alternative programs and to consider their potential relationship with student academic and beha...
Validation of Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a Rapid Detection Method for the Identification of Human INK4A Gene Mutations

The incidence of melanoma is increasing rapidly in western countries. Genetic predisposition in familial and in some sporadic melanomas has been associated with the presence of INK4A gene mutations. To better define the risk for developing sporadic melanoma based on genetic and environmental interactions, large groups of cases need to be studied. Mutational analysis of genes lacking hot spots for sequence variations is time consuming and expensive. In this study we present the application of denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) for screening of mutations. Exons 1α, 2, and 3 were amplified from 129 samples and 13 known mutants, yielding 347 products that were examined at different temperatures. Forty-two of these amplicons showed a distinct non-wild-type profile on the chromatogram. Independent sequencing analysis confirmed 16 different nucleotide variations in Leu32Pro; Ile49Thr; 88 del G; Gln50Arg; Arg24Pro; Met53Ile; Met53Thr; Arg58stop; Pro81Leu; Asp84Ala; Arg80stop; Gly101Trp; Val106Val; Ala148Thr; and in positions (−2) in intron 1 (C → T); and in the 3′ UTR, nucleotide 500 (C → G). No false negatives or false positives were obtained by DHPLC in samples with mutations or polymorphisms. We conclude that the DHPLC is a fast, sensitive, cost-efficient, and reliable method for the scanning of INK4A somatic or germline mutations and polymorphisms of large number of samples.
Discussion of the catalytic pathway of cysteine proteases based on AM1 calculations

Abstract The deacylation reaction of the cysteine protease papain was examined by AM1 reaction-coordinate calculations. The transition-state (TS) structure was extracted from the reaction pathway as corresponding to the maximum point along this minimum-energy pathway. Consistent with experimental kinetic data revealing that deacylation is about 60 times faster for thioester (C(O)S) than dithioester (C(S)S) intermediates, calculated Ea values are about 10 kcal mol−1 lower for the former than the latter. The calculated partial atomic charges indicate that the CO carbon in the thioester is a good site for nucleophilic attack whereas the corresponding CS carbon in the dithioester is a poor site. The present calculations reveal that the enzyme's oxyanion hole contributes about 9 kcal mol−1 toward reducing Ea for the anionic tetrahedral intermediate and TS structure. On the other hand, the presence of Asn in the putative Asn-His-Cys catalytic triad contributes only about l kcal mol−1 toward reducing their Ea value. The presence of this Asn, however, did appear to stabilize His in its protonated form (ImH+) over its unprotonated form (Im). Two novel mechanisms are introduced to explain the unusual effect of a remote X substituent on the deacylation kinetics of the substrate family under consideration. The first mechanism invokes a “field effect” while the second mechanism embodies the concepts of induction and homoconjugation. The unique feature of these two mechanisms is that, unlike other proposed models, they circumvent the requirement for a close N…S interaction which has stimulated controversy.
Field Evidence for Polarized Light Sensitivity in the Fish Zenarchopterus

POLARIZED light perception has never been unequivocally proven in vertebrates except man. An unusually alert human observer can see by inspection the plane of polarization (e-vector) in linearly polarized light by virtue of Haidinger's brushes, a faint blue and yellow image of intraocular origin produced by the selective absorption of polarized light by the yellow macular pigment of the fovea. Attempts to demonstrate polarized light perception in other vertebrates have, however, usually failed (for example in birds1,2).
The unified neutral theory of biodiversity : Do the numbers add up?

Hubbell's unified neutral theory is a zero-sum ecological drift model in which population sizes change at random in a process resembling genetic drift, eventually leading to extinction. Diversity is maintained within the community by speciation. Hubbell's model makes predictions about the distribution of species abundances within communities and the turnover of species from place to place (beta diversity). However, ecological drift cannot be tested adequately against these predictions without independent estimates of speciation rates, population sizes, and dispersal distances. A more practical prediction from ecological drift is that time to extinction of a population of size N is approximately 2N generations. I test this prediction here using data for passerine birds (Passeriformes). Waiting times to speciation and extinction were estimated from genetic divergence between sister populations and a lineage-through-time plot for endemic South American suboscine passerines. Population sizes were estimated fr...
The effect of sodium selenite on cell proliferation and transformation of primary rat tracheal epithelial cells.

The effects of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on cell proliferation and the development of preneoplastic transformed variants were studied in primary cultures of rat tracheal epithelial cells. Results revealed a biphasic effect of Na2SeO3 on cell proliferation: at concentrations between 6 x 10(-8) and 6 x 10(-6) M, it stimulated and at concentrations of approximately 2 x 10(-5) and above it inhibited cell proliferation (presumably due to toxicity). Nontoxic concentrations of Na2SeO3 (6 x 10(-8) -6 x 10(-7) M) significantly reduced the spontaneous transformation frequency. Transformation induced by the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methyl-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) was effectively inhibited by nontoxic as well as toxic concentrations of Na2SeO3. Treatment of cultures with Na2SeO3 after cessation of NNK exposure, i.e. during the selection period, also significantly reduced the transformation frequency. These experiments show that the inhibition of transformation by Na2SeO3 is not the result of an antiproliferative effect. They further indicate that the inhibitory effect occurs even when the chemical treatment occurs during the 'postinitiation' phase. Thus the inhibition of transformation by Na2SeO3 cannot solely be explained by its effects on drug metabolism.
Enhanced Immunogenicity of Stabilized Trimeric Soluble Influenza Hemagglutinin

Background The recent swine-origin H1N1 pandemic illustrates the need to develop improved procedures for rapid production of influenza vaccines. One alternative to the current egg-based manufacture of influenza vaccine is to produce a hemagglutinin (HA) subunit vaccine using a recombinant expression system with the potential for high protein yields, ease of cloning new antigenic variants, and an established safety record in humans. Methodology/Principal Findings We generated a soluble HA (sHA), derived from the H3N2 virus A/Aichi/2/68, modified at the C-terminus with a GCN4pII trimerization repeat to stabilize the native trimeric structure of HA. When expressed in the baculovirus system, the modified sHA formed native trimers. In contrast, the unmodified sHA was found to present epitopes recognized by a low-pH conformation specific monoclonal antibody. We found that mice primed and boosted with 3 µg of trimeric sHA in the absence of adjuvants had significantly higher IgG and HAI titers than mice that received the unmodified sHA. This correlated with an increased survival and reduced body weight loss following lethal challenge with mouse-adapted A/Aichi/2/68 virus. In addition, mice receiving a single vaccination of the trimeric sHA in the absence of adjuvants had improved survival and body weight loss compared to mice vaccinated with the unmodified sHA. Conclusions/Significance Our data indicate that the recombinant trimeric sHA presents native trimeric epitopes while the unmodified sHA presents epitopes not exposed in the native HA molecule. The epitopes presented in the unmodified sHA constitute a “silent face” which may skew the antibody response to epitopes not accessible in live virus at neutral pH. The results demonstrate that the trimeric sHA is a more effective influenza vaccine candidate and emphasize the importance of structure-based antigen design in improving recombinant HA vaccines.
The etiology of Kawasaki Disease: a conventional infectious agent

Abstract Clinical and epidemiologic features of Kawasaki Disease (KD) point to an infectious cause, most likely a single etiologic agent or a closely related group of agents. In acute Kawasaki Disease, both the T- and B-lymphocyte immune responses, the cornerstones of acquired immunity, are oligoclonal, indicating a response to a conventional antigen rather than a superantigen. We have prepared synthetic oligoclonal Kawasaki Disease antibodies in vitro and have demonstrated binding of one synthetic monoclonal antibody to an intracellular antigen present in bronchial epithelium and in a subset of macrophages in tissues from children with acute Kawasaki Disease. Further characterization of this antigen may lead to the development of a diagnostic test, improved therapy, and prevention of this potentially fatal childhood illness.
Arachidonic acid metabolism in the platelets of hemophiliacs with prolonged bleeding times

Abstract The bleeding time has been said to be normal in hemophilia. However, we and others have recently reported a prolonged bleeding time unrelated to the ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents or to recent transfusions in 16–20% of patients with hemophilia. To determine whether this abnormality might be due to impaired biosynthesis of thromboxane (TXA2) from the cyclooxygenase pathway, or 12-hydroxy eicosotetraenoic acid (12-HETE) from the alternative lipoxygenase pathway, we studied the in vitro metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) in platelets from four hemophiliacs with repeatedly prolonged bleeding times. All studies were performed on an aliquot of platelet-rich plasma obtained from a single venepuncture, the same morning the bleeding time was measured. High pressure liquid chromtograms of the reaction products generated following the incubation of [14C]-AA with washed platelets from all four subjects were identical to those obtained from two hemophiliacs with normal bleeding times and from normal controls. In addition, metabolites of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways were normal in these patients when assessed by prelabeling their platelets with [14c]-AA and then stimulating maximally with thrombin. We conclude that the prolonged bleeding times observed in these hemophiliacs cannot be attributed to the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor such as aspirin.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of LY309887: a specific inhibitor of purine biosynthesis

Purpose: In this phase I trial in humans the safety and pharmacology of LY309887 on a weekly schedule combined with daily oral 5-mg doses of folic acid were evaluated. Background: LY309887 is an inhibitor of folate-dependent enzymes involved in de novo purine biosynthesis and has a broad preclinical antitumor activity. In murine systems, combining this agent with exogenous folic acid results in an enhanced therapeutic index. Methods: This study was a single-institution, open-label, clinical trial of dose escalation with toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters determined. The dose range studied was 0.5–4 mg/m2 per week ×6 and then a modified schedule weekly ×3 every 6 weeks. Results: Dose-limiting toxicities were of delayed onset and associated with hematologic, neurologic, and mucosal effects. Pharmacokinetic parameters revealed dose linearity for AUC and Cmax. Low circulating levels of drug persisted for over 200 h. Urinary excretion accounted for approximately 50% of the parent drug but was highly variable. The urinary excretion was near maximal within 24 h of dosing. Conclusions: The modified dosing schedule allowed repetitive dosing in patients. Further evaluation of the 2 mg/m2 per week ×3 every 6 weeks with daily oral folate supplement as a potential phase II dose may be warranted.
Florida Current: Seasonal and Interannual Variability

Annual and interannual variations in the Florida Current, Caribbean and subtropical Atlantic are investigated with the use of historical sea level differences and wind field data. Observational and model evidence suggests that the seasonal transport cycle of the Florida Current is locally forced, either upstream in the Caribbean or downstream over topography. Although at seasonal and shorter periods sea level or bottom pressure fluctuations on the left side of the Florida Current contribute almost all of the variance of sea level difference across the Florida Straits and hence transport, this relation does not seem to apply at interannual time scales. Using results from the Subtropical Atlantic Climate Studies, it is estimated from historical sea level data that interannual transport fluctuations of the Florida Current are only of order 1 x 10/sup 6/ cubic meters per second. Interannual fluctuations in the 2- to 3-year period range in the Florida Straits seem to be correlated with sea level differences across the Caribbean and the subtropical Atlantic but not with Sverdrup transport fluctuations in the subtropical Atlantic. 26 references, 2 figures.
Diet-induced obesity alters bone remodeling leading to decreased femoral trabecular bone mass in mice

Obesity-derived body mass may be detrimental to bone health through not well-defined mechanisms. In this study we determined changes in bone structure and serum cytokines related to bone metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) had higher serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and leptin but lower osteocalcin concentrations than those fed the normal-fat diet. The HFD increased multinucleated TRAP-positive osteoclasts in bone marrow compared to the control diet. Despite being much heavier, mice fed the HFD had lower femoral bone volume, trabecular number, and connectivity density and higher trabecular separation than mice on the control diet. These findings suggest that obesity induced by a HFD increases bone resorption that may blunt any positive effects of increased body weight on bone.
Effect of mastectomy on milk fever, energy, and vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene status at parturition.

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare blood profiles of intact and mastectomized periparturient cows to discriminate those metabolic changes associated with the act of parturition from the metabolic changes caused by lactation. Mastectomized and intact cows had similar increases in plasma estrogens and cortisol concentrations around the time of calving. Mastectomy eliminated hypocalcemia and the rise in 9,13-di- cis retinoic acid observed in intact cows. Mastectomy reduced but did not eliminate decreases in plasma phosphorus, α -tocopherol, and β -carotene associated with parturition in intact cows, suggesting the mammary gland is not the sole factor affecting plasma concentrations of these compounds. Dry matter intake was similar in both groups before calving. The day of calving, dry matter intake was lower in intact cows than in mastectomized cows, but after calving the mastectomized cows exhibited a pronounced decline in feed intake. Plasmanonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations rose rapidly in intact cows at calving and did not return to baseline level for > 10 d. In contrast, NEFA concentrations in mastectomized cow plasma rose moderately at calving and returned to baseline level 1 to 2 d after calving. This study provides evidence that hypocalcemia in the cow is solely a result of the calcium drain of lactation. The act of parturition affects blood phosphorus,dry matter intake, and NEFA concentration independent of the effect of lactation.
Orthodontic treatment provided by general dentists who have achieved master's level in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to document orthodontic treatment currently provided by general dentists for comparison with past and future studies and to ascertain variables that influence practitioners’ orthodontic treatment patterns. Methods: A 21-item survey was mailed to 750 master’s level members of the Academy of General Dentistry. Surveys returned within 8 weeks were included for statistical analysis. Results: The response rate was 62%. Most practitioners spent less than 10% of their practice time providing orthodontic treatment and reported that this would not change in the future. Many provided orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition, and the most common conditions or malocclusions treated were space maintenance, anterior crossbite, rotation, habits, molar uprighting, and posterior crossbite. The most common orthodontic appliances used were removable Hawley appliances with finger springs, straight wire orthodontic therapy, rapid palatal expanders, and functional appliances. Conclusions: The number of general dentists providing comprehensive orthodontic treatment has not changed since previous surveys; practitioners also do not expect a change in the next 5 years. Factors that influenced the orthodontic treatment provided included the primary source of orthodontic training, the number of orthodontic continuing education hours earned per year, the practitioner’s location, and the proximity to the nearest orthodontist.
Child development and emergent literacy

Emergent literacy consists of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that are developmental precursors to reading and writing. This article offers a preliminary typology of children's emergent literacy skills, a review of the evidence that relates emergent literacy to reading, and a review of the evidence for linkage between children's emergent literacy environments and the development of emergent literacy skills. We propose that emergent literacy consists of at least two distinct domains: inside-out skills (e.g., phonological awareness, letter knowledge) and outside-in skills (e.g., language, conceptual knowledge). These different domains are not the product of the same experiences and appear to be influential at different points in time during reading acquisition. Whereas outside-in skills are associated with those aspects of children's literacy environments typically measured, little is known about the origins of inside-out skills. Evidence from interventions to enhance emergent literacy suggests that relatively intensive and multifaceted interventions are needed to improve reading achievement maximally. A number of successful preschool interventions for outside-in skills exist, and computer-based tasks designed to teach children inside-out skills seem promising. Future research directions include more sophisticated multidimensional examination of emergent literacy skills and environments, better integration with reading research, and longer-term evaluation of preschool interventions. Policy implications for emergent literacy intervention and reading education are discussed.
Proofs in Mathematics Education: Expectations and Reality

This article describes a part of a large scale study which helped to gain understanding of the high school mathematics teachers' belief about proof. There is obvious disconnect between general beliefs and high school teachers' conceptions about proof as central element of mathematics and mathematics education. A total of 374 mathematics teachers from one of the New England states, USA, participated in an on-line comprehensive original survey designed specifically for this study. We report on several units of analysis including teachers' beliefs about proof as a vehicle for developing reasoning skills, proof as a central to learning mathematics, and classroom time spent on proof with different categories of students, and offer some recommendations for teacher professional development and suggestions for further research.
Relationships between leader reward and punishment behavior and subordinate attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors: A meta-analytic review of existing and new research

Despite decades of research on the relationships between leader reward and punishment behaviors and employee attitudes, perceptions, and performance, no comprehensive examination of these relationships has been reported in the literature. This paper reports the results of two studies that address this issue. In the Wrst study, data from 20 new samples were gathered on the relationships between leader reward and punishment behaviors and some criterion variables that have not been examined extensively in previous research. In the second study, a meta-analytic review was conducted incorporating both the new and existing research in order to provide estimates of the bivariate relationships between these leader behaviors and a variety of employee criterion variables across 78 studies containing 118 independent samples. Results of regression analyses designed to control for the eVects of the other leader behaviors showed that: (a) the relationships between leader reward and punishment behaviors and employee attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors were more functional when the rewards or punishments were administered contingently than when they were administered non-contingently, and (b) these leader reward and punishment behaviors were strongly related to two variables (employees’ perceptions of justice and role ambiguity) that were expected to be key mediators of the relationships between these leader behaviors and the employee criterion variables. In addition, meta-analytic evidence from longitudinal studies suggested that the same leader behavior can be a cause of some employee criterion variables, and a consequence of others. Implications of these Wndings for future research in the area are discussed.
Inhibition of oxalate synthesis: in vitro studies using analogues of oxalate and glycolate.

Abstract Fourteen analogues of oxalate or glycolate were studied as potential inhibitors of oxalate synthesis. Their inhibitory properties were determined in human erythrocytic preparations, in which the enzymatic activity seems to be predominantly, if not exclusively, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and in a partially purified glycolic acid oxidase preparation from rat liver. Evidence is presented that, in rat liver, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent oxidation, probably catalyzed by LDH, is the major pathway for oxalate synthesis rather than flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-dependent oxidation catalyzed by glycolic acid oxidation. Of the oxalate analogues, oxalatehydrazide was found to be the most potent inhibitor of LDH-catalyzed oxalate synthesis. None of the oxalate analogues were very active as an inhibitor of glycolic acid oxidase. Hydroxymethanesulfonate was demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of erythrocytic LDH, and the most effective compound studied for glycolic acid oxidase inhibition. Five of its structural analogues-acetoxymethanesulfonate, aminomethanesulfonate, iodomethanesulfonate, chloromethanesulfonate, and fluoromethanesulfonate—were less active in the two in vitro systems used. Other approaches to the control of oxalate synthesis are discussed. These studies furnish a background for the testing of inhibitors of oxalate synthesis in vivo .
Does Financial Constraint Affect the Relation between Shareholder Taxes and the Cost of Equity Capital

ABSTRACT: We argue that reductions in shareholder taxes should lower the cost of equity capital more for financially constrained firms than for other companies. Consistent with this prediction, we find that, following the 1997 (TRA) and the 2003 (JGTRRA) cuts in U.S. individual shareholder taxes, financially constrained firms enjoyed larger reductions in their cost of equity capital than did other firms. The results are consistent with the incidence of the tax reductions falling mostly on firms with both pressing needs for capital and disproportionate ownership by individuals, the only shareholders who benefited from the legislations. The paper provides a partial explanation for the seemingly puzzling finding that, following the unprecedented 2003 reduction in dividend tax rates, non-dividend-paying firms outperformed dividend-paying firms. The results suggest that it was not dividend status that mattered, but financial constraint, a common attribute of non-dividend-paying companies. Data Availability: Da...
Compost and Manure Effects on Fertilized Corn Silage Yield and Nitrogen Uptake under Irrigation

Abstract Dairy manure increases the yields of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from eroded, furrow‐irrigated soils and may increase corn (Zea mays L.) silage yield from steeper eroded areas under sprinkler irrigation. In a 2‐year field study in southern Idaho on Portneuf silt loam (coarse silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcid), the effects of a one‐time, fall application of 29 or 72 Mg ha−1 of dry manure or 22 or 47 Mg ha−1 of dry compost on subsequent silage yield and nitrogen (N) uptake from previously eroded, sprinkler‐irrigated hill slopes were evaluated. In October 1999, stockpiled or composted dairy manure was disked to a depth of 0.15 m into plots with slopes from 0.8 to 4.4%. After planting field corn in 2000 and 2001, a low‐pressure, six‐span traveling lateral sprinkler system was utilized to apply water at 28 mm h−1 in amounts sufficient to satisfy evapotranspiration to 6.4‐×36.6‐m field plots. Yields in 2000 were 27.5 Mg ha−1, simil...
Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition improves memory and reduces total tau levels in a mouse model of tau deposition

Tau pathology is associated with a number of age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Few treatments have been demonstrated to diminish the impact of tau pathology in mouse models and none are yet effective in humans. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is an enzyme that removes acetyl groups from cytoplasmic proteins, rather than nuclear histones. Its substrates include tubulin, heat shock protein 90 and cortactin. Tubastatin A is a selective inhibitor of HDAC6. Modification of tau pathology by specific inhibition of HDAC6 presents a potential therapeutic approach in tauopathy. We treated rTg4510 mouse models of tau deposition and non-transgenic mice with tubastatin (25 mg/kg) or saline (0.9%) from 5 to 7 months of age. Cognitive behavior analysis, histology and biochemical analysis were applied to access the effect of tubastatin on memory, tau pathology and neurodegeneration (hippocampal volume). We present data showing that tubastatin restored memory function in rTg4510 mice and reversed a hyperactivity phenotype. We further found that tubastatin reduced the levels of total tau, both histologically and by western analysis. Reduction in total tau levels was positively correlated with memory improvement in these mice. However, there was no impact on phosphorylated forms of tau, either by histology or western analysis, nor was there an impact on silver positive inclusions histologically. Potential mechanisms by which HDAC6 inhibitors might benefit the rTg4510 mouse include stabilization of microtubules secondary to increased tubulin acetylation, increased degradation of tau secondary to increased acetylation of HSP90 or both. These data support the use of HDAC6 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents against tau pathology.
Superantigen-Like Effects and Incidence of Diabetes in NOD Mice

The population of T-cells that develops in any individual can be divided into families based on sequence differences in the β-chain variable region of the T-cell receptor heterodimer. Major histocompatibility complex products and endogenous retroviral gene products have both been shown to exert powerful influences on the frequency distribution of T-cell receptor β-chain variable region families in the mouse. In most mouse strains, these repertoire modifiers appear to be fully functional early in mouse development and shape a repertoire of antigen specificities that remains essentially unchanged from the first weeks of life until old age. In NOD mice, an inbred mouse model of type I diabetes, puberty in males coincides with a β-chain variable region-specific T-cell expansion that mimics the results of exposure to exogenous superantigens in immunologically mature animals. The subsequent behavior of this subset indicates that it may play a role in the relative protection of male NOD mice from complete pancreatic β-cell destruction and overt diabetes.
Scalable parallel implementations of list ranking on fine-grained machines

We present analytical and experimental results for fine-grained list ranking algorithms. We compare the scalability of two representative algorithms on random lists, then address the question of how the locality properties of image edge lists can be used to improve the performance of this highly data-dependent operation. Starting with Wyllie's algorithm and Anderson and Miller's randomized algorithm as bases, we use the spatial locality of edge links to derive scalable algorithms designed to exploit the characteristics of image edges. Tested on actual and synthetic edge data, this approach achieves significant speedup on the MasPar MP-1 and MP-2, compared to the standard list ranking algorithms. The modified algorithms exhibit good scalability and are robust across a wide variety of image types. We also show that load balancing on fine grained machines performs well only for large problem to machine size ratios.
Functional mapping of sequence learning in normal humans

The brain localization of motor sequence learning was studied in normal subjects with positron emission tomography. Subjects performed a serial reaction time (SRT) task by responding to a series of stimuli that occurred at four different spatial positions. The stimulus locations were either determined randomly or according to a 6-element sequence that cycled continuously. The SRT task was performed under two conditions. With attentional interference from a secondary counting task there was no development of awareness of the sequence. Learning-related increases of cerebral blood flow were located in contralateral motor effector areas including motor cortex, supplementary motor area, and putamen, consistent with the hypothesis that nondeclarative motor learning occurs in cerebral areas that control limb movements. Additional cortical sites included the rostral prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex. The SRT learning task was then repeated with a new sequence and no attentional interference. In this condition, 7 of 12 subjects developed awareness of the sequence. Learning-related blood flow increases were present in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, right premotor cortex, right ventral putamen, and biparieto-occipital cortex. The right dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal areas have been previously implicated in spatial working memory and right prefrontal cortex is also implicated in retrieval tasks of verbal episodic memory. Awareness of the sequence at the end of learning was associated with greater activity in bilateral parietal, superior temporal, and right premotor cortex. Motor learning can take place in different cerebral areas, contingent on the attentional demands of the task.
The Tillery Project

The purpose of this project was to provide an opportunity for OT and PT students to work together as an interdisciplinary team in a rural healthcare setting. Since residents who were evaluated and treated in their homes and in a community center were all 65+ year old African Americans, participants had a unique socio-cultural experience. A description of the project, its goals, and future plans is provided. Outcome data from participant journal entries, a questionnaire designed to study role perceptions, and a questionnaire to assess results of the project is described. Results indicate that the Tillery Project experience was a very positive learning experience for faculty, students, and Tillery residents and that an increased awareness of the roles of the OT and PT disciplines were seen in the students who participated.
Atlas: Learning-Centered Communication

Atlas is a four-level series for teenagers to adults. Its solid language development and task-based approach help students successfully learn English.
Cosmological constant, dark matter, and electroweak phase transition

Accepting the fine-tuned cosmological constant hypothesis, we have recently proposed that this hypothesis can be tested if the dark matter freeze out occurs at the electroweak scale and if one were to measure an anomalous shift in the dark matter relic abundance. In this paper, we numerically compute this relic abundance shift in the context of explicit singlet extensions of the standard model and explore the properties of the phase transition which would lead to the observationally most favorable scenario. Through the numerical exploration, we explicitly identify a parameter space in a singlet extension of the standard model which gives order unity observable effects. We also clarify the notion of a temperature dependence in the vacuum energy.
Sybilproof transitive trust protocols

We study protocols to enable one user (the principal) to make potentially profitable but risky interactions with another user (the agent), in the absence of direct trust between the two parties. In such situations, it is possible to enable the interaction indirectly through a chain of credit or "trust" links. We introduce a model that provides insight into many disparate applications, including open currency systems, network trust aggregation systems, and manipulation-resistant recommender systems. Each party maintains a trust account for each other party. When a principal's trust balance for an agent is high enough to cover potential losses from a bad interaction, direct trust is sufficient to enable the interaction. Allowing indirect trust opens up more interaction opportunities, but also expands the strategy space of an attacker seeking to exploit the community for its own ends. We show that with indirect trust exchange protocols, some friction is unavoidable: any protocol that satisfies a natural strategic safety property that we call sum-sybilproofness can sometimes lead to a reduction in expected overall trust balances even on interactions that are profitable in expectation. Thus, for long-term growth of trust accounts, which are assets enabling risky but valuable interactions, it may be necessary to limit the use of indirect trust. We present the hedged-transitive protocol and show that it achieves the optimal rate of expected growth in trust accounts, among all protocols satisfying the sum-sybilproofness condition.
Theophylline precipitated alterations of lithium clearance

The effect of steady state therapeutic theophylline serum levels on lithium clearance was investigated. A significant increase in lithium clearance occurred with the administration of theophylline. Despite considerable intersubject variability, a direct lithium clearance estimation method demonstrated a mean increase of 30% with the addition of theophylline. The concomitant use of lithium and theophylline potentially may alter lithium levels sufficiently to result in manic or depressive relapses in patients receiving lithium prophylactically.
Optical Transmission through Optically Thin and Thick Sub-wavelength Hole Arrays

In this work we have studied transmission and scattering of light through hexagonally packed circular subwavelength holes in optically thin and thick metallic film. The gold nanohole arrays are fabricated on glass substrate by combining nanosphere lithography with dry-etching technique. We observed that the transmission resonances of the thin films are significantly different than that of the thick films due to the coupling of plasmons at metal/air and metal/glass interfaces. We also investigated the effect of the diameter and the periodicity on the transmission resonance by controlling the dry-etching time and the bead size used in lithography, respectively. Finally, we have looked at the spectral response of the fabricated structures in media with different refractive indexes for bio-sensing application.
Investigation of Production Requirements for Solderless Wire Wrapped Electrical Connections

A solderless wire wrapped electrical connection consists of tightly wrapping solid bare wire around a stationary terminal to produce a durable pressure connection. Properly made, the wrapped connection is a permanent, reliable electrical connection that can be produced faster than soldered connections. The elimination of solder and heat detriments are distinct advantages over the soldered connection. Wire wrapping lends itself to automation, and connections can be easily made on closely spaced terminals. While it is a mechanically strong connection, an individual connection is easily removed, simplifying modification and repair. However, this may be less of an advantage in multi-level wrapping. The increase in complexity of electronic equipment during the last decade has presented industry with some unique production problems. Not the least of these has been the great increase in the number of electrical connections. The need for speed in making this many connections, without decreasing quality, prompted IBM to expend considerable effort in identifying the variables that affect solderless wire wrapping connections in order to define the controls needed in production. At the present time, these connections are widely used by IBM in both commercial and military applications, and over 100 million solderless wrapped connections were made by IBM in 1960. The use of the solderless wrapped connection has grown steadily since the Bell System first made the new connection public in 1952. Extensive laboratory tests, performed principally byBell Laboratories, and field experience have verified the reliability of the connection. This paper describes the effect of the variables involved in the wire wrapping process which were determined from the results of laboratory tests and manufacturing experience and the process controls required to assure the quality and reliability of production connections. To meet process requirements consistently, the many variables inherent in the solderless wire wrapping process must be considered. These variables will be discussed under the major variable factors involved in the process.
Detection of a ULVZ at the base of the mantle beneath the northwest Pacific

[1] We used the Yellowknife seismic array (YKA) to measure the slowness of 1,371 P and Pdiff waves from earthquakes occurring in the circum-Pacific region. The corresponding anomalies in P-velocity show a sharp reduction of up to 6% across a patch of the lowermost mantle beneath the Northwest Pacific with lateral dimensions of several hundred kilometers. The location of this ultra low velocity zone (ULVZ) correlates with a long-wavelength compositional boundary revealed by probabilistic mantle tomography. We interpret the ULVZ as partial melt created by paleo-slab material that is being swept laterally from northwestern Pacific subduction zones towards the large, chemically distinct province beneath the south-central Pacific.
The Impact of Outsourcing and High-Technology Capital on Wages: Estimates For the United States, 1979–1990

We estimate the relative influence of trade versus technology on wages in a "large-country" setting, where technological change affects product prices. Trade is measured by the foreign outsourcing of intermediate inputs, while technological change is measured by expenditures on high-technology capital such as computers. The estimation procedure we develop, which modifies the conventional "price regression," is able to distinguish whether product price changes are due to factor-biased versus sector-biased technology shifts. In our base specification we find that computers explain about 35 percent of the increase in the relative wage of nonproduction workers, while outsourcing explains 15 percent; both of these effects are higher in other specifications.
Accountable care organizations and the practice of oncology.

Oncologists must decide how to work with accountable care organizations while ensuring high-quality care to their patients and controlling the growth of health care expenditures.
Toward tailored functionality of titania nanotube arrays: Interpretation of the magnetic-structural correlations

Ordered arrays of titania nanotubes (NTs) are considered as good candidates for photocatalytic applications including water splitting. Considering that the functionality of these nanostructures is influenced by their morphology, electronic and the crystallographic structure, fundamental understanding of these properties and their possible correlations can clarify the approaches toward enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, ordered arrays of titania NTs are synthesized electrochemically and are subjected to isochronal annealing treatments in various atmospheres (oxygen-rich, oxygen-deficient and reducing) to modify their morphology, crystal and electronic structure. Upon characterization of these NTs, direct correlations are found between the annealing atmosphere and the corresponding unit cell volume and the crystallite size. Furthermore, correlations between the NTs’ structure and magnetic response are observed, revealing changes in the electronic structure such as the density of states, that are in turn relevant to the functional catalytic properties of titania.