cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPACs and Forward-Looking Disclosure: Hype or Information?

Regulators and legal scholars express concern that SPAC growth results from a disclosure-regulation loophole and that forward-looking disclosure by SPACs can mislead investors. We examine SPAC voluntary disclosure and associated outcomes. SPACs offer a means for firms to become public, but, unlike IPOs, we find SPAC firms frequently provide forward-looking information (e.g., earnings forecasts). Measuring disclosure by tone, the existence of a forecast, forecasting intensity, and forecast growth rates, our results suggest that forward-looking disclosure in SPAC merger announcements does not mislead small investors. Disclosures containing more forecasts are associated with positive returns at the announcement. However, our disclosure measures are not associated with subsequent return reversals. More forecasts are related to positive subsequent return drift, lower redemption rates and bid-ask spreads, and more retail investor buying. We do not find evidence that forecasted sales or EBITDA growth rates are associated with return reversals. In fact, we find a positive relation between forecasted sales growth and returns around the first post-closing earnings announcement. Moreover, correlations between outcomes and disclosure tone are not significant, suggesting that hype, if present, does not sway investors. Our findings do not support the concern that SPACs take advantage of apparent exemption from prosecution under the 1933 Act to hype forward-looking disclosure to deceive shareholders.
Commentary: Cardiothoracic surgery training made SIMPL.

BACKGROUND Effective cardiothoracic surgical training requires an emphasis on education through timely feedback and constructive criticism. AIMS Review of the implementation of the System for Improving and Measuring Procedural Learning application within a cardiothoracic surgical training program. MATERIALS & METHODS Here, we review a report by Bergquist et al. to the Journal of Cardiac Surgery detailing their implementation of the System for Improving and Measuring Procedural Learning application. CONCLUSION It is feasible for the SIMPL application to be implemented with acceptable use in a cardiothoracic training program.
Smoking Cessation Prevalence and Inequalities in the United States: 2014-2019.

BACKGROUND Smoking is a leading cause of premature death and health inequities in the United States. METHODS We estimated cross-sectional prevalence of smoking cessation indicators among U.S. adult recent smokers (n = 43,602) overall and by sociodemographic subgroups in the Current Population Survey Tobacco Use Supplement 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 timepoints. Respondents reported past-year quit smoking interest, attempts, sustained (successful) cessation for ≥6 months, and use of e-cigarettes or behavioral/pharmacological cessation treatments to quit smoking. RESULTS Past-year quit smoking attempts declined slightly from 2014-2015 (52.9%) to 2018-2019 (51.3%) overall. Quit interest (pooled = 77.1%) and sustained cessation (pooled = 7.5%) did not change across timepoints. Among smokers making past-year quit attempts, 34.4% reported using cessation treatments in 2018-2019 and using e-cigarettes to quit smoking declined from 2014-2015 (33.3%) to 2018-2019 (25.0%). Several non-White (vs. White) racial and ethnic groups had higher prevalence of quit interest and attempts, but lower prevalence of sustained cessation or using e-cigarettes or treatments to quit. Income, education, employment, and metropolitan residence were positively associated with sustained cessation. Sociodemographic inequalities in sustained cessation and most other outcomes did not change across timepoints. CONCLUSIONS Although about half of U.S. adult smokers made past-year quit attempts from 2014-2019, only 7.5% reported sustained cessation and most who made quit attempts did not report using cessation treatments. Sociodemographic inequalities in cessation were pervasive and not entirely correspondent with sociodemographic variation in motivation to quit. Smoking cessation prevalence and inequalities did not improve from 2014-2019. Encouraging quit attempts and equitable access to smoking cessation aids are public health priorities.
An Alternative for Surgical Management of Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis: Sutureless Valve Implants

Patients who are candidates for surgical valve replacement (AVR) may benefit from diminished length of cardiopulmonary bypass time. Sutureless valve technology for AVR may facilitate the performance of the operation through smaller incisions, and more expeditiously due to the ability to anchor traditional bovine pericardial prostheses without the need for sutures. We report the first successful US implants of the Sorin PERCEVAL valve as part of the FDA IDE trial. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12333 (J Card Surg 2014;29:490–493)
Presentation of autoantigen by human T cells.

Activated human T cells express MHC class II and have been shown to present foreign Ag to autologous T cells. We now demonstrate that MHC class II+ T cell clones can present myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide autoantigen in the absence of traditional APC to autologous MBP reactive T cell clones. MBP peptide-pulsed T cell clones specifically stimulated autologous MBP-reactive T cell clones to flux calcium and proliferate. Activation responses were peptide epitope specific and blocked by mAb to MHC class II, indicating a TCR-mediated response. In addition, mAb to the adhesion molecules LFA-3, CD2, LFA-1, CD29, and to the tyrosine phosphatase CD45 also inhibited proliferation, indicating the involvement of T to T cell interactions. In contrast to peptide Ag, T cell clones did not respond to autologous T cells pulsed with HPLC-purified MBP, suggesting that T cells are unable to process whole MBP. However, batch-purified MBP Ag preparations containing lower m.w. breakdown products were presented by T cells, indicating that naturally occurring breakdown products of autoantigens could be presented by activated T cells in vivo. These results raise the possibility that T cell presentation of autoantigen at inflammatory sites may be important in regulation of immune responses to self Ag.
In vitro culture and serologic and molecular identification of Septata intestinalis isolated from urine of a patient with AIDS.

Microsporidian spores were identified, on the basis of Weber9s staining, in urine, stool, nasal, and saliva samples of an AIDS patient with diarrhea, hematuria, dysuria, and dementia. Urine and stool samples contained numerous spores, whereas few spores were seen in the nasal and saliva samples. Spores were concentrated from urine samples and inoculated into monkey kidney cell (E6) monolayers. After 6 to 8 weeks of culture, infected E6 cells filled with spores as well as spores free in the culture supernatants were seen daily. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that all stages of the parasite (CDC:V297) developed within septated, honeycomb-shaped parasitophorous vacuoles. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting studies using rabbit anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi, anti-Encephalitozoon hellem, and anti-CDC:V297 sera revealed that CDC:V297 reacted intensely with the homologous serum but minimally with the heterologous sera. DNA isolated from CDC:V297, when PCR amplified with E. hellem and E. cuniculi primers, did not produce the diagnostic bands of approximately 547 and approximately 549 bp characteristic of E. hellem and E. cuniculi, respectively. On the basis of these studies, we concluded that CDC:V297 fits the description of Septata intestinalis (A. Cali, D. P. Kotler, and J. M. Orenstein, J. Eukaryot, Microbiol. 40:101-112, 1993).
Protein-Free Filtrates Obtained by Membrane Ultrafiltration Application to the Determination of Serum Constituents

Serum was ultrafiltered by centrifugation through size-selective membranes, and the ultrafiltrates were analyzed directly for glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid. The concentrations obtained were equivalent to their concentration in conventional protein-free filtrates. This procedure eliminates the need for specific precipitating methods required in various analyses, and yields undiluted samples that are free of foreign ions.
Low Dose Single Weekly Injections of Growth Hormone: Response during First Year of Therapy of Hypopituitarism

Initial year growth responses to single weekly injections of 2.5 units human growth hormone (hGH) in 29 patients with hypopituitarism (130 units/yr/patient) were compared to responses in a series using smaller doses in conjunction with androgen (48 to 112 units/yr); the US collaborative study experience with the standard dose (2 units 3 times/wk = 312 units/yr), and with two size-adjusted doses (0.06 units/kg 3 times/wk = 212 +/- 94 SD units/yr, 0.03 units/kg 3 times/wk = 116 +/- 33 units/yr); and to the British experience with much larger doses (1,040 units/yr). During the first year of hGH treatment our patients grew an average 13% faster than the androgen-supplemented and collaborative study-0.03 units/kg/dose groups. They had a similar pace to the collaborative study-312 units/yr and 0.06 units/kg/dose patients, but grew 15% more slowly than did the British patients. Growth response correlated positively with age and negatively with hGH dose per kilogram of body weight. Of 17 patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency ten developed hypothyroidism with hGH therapy, leading to a policy of routine adjunctive thyroxine replacement.
Ambipolar transport of carrier density fluctuations in germanium

Abstract The spectrum of generation-recombination noise in semi-conductors may differ from the usual form at relatively high field strengths or relatively short drift times of the carriers. In contrast to previous opinions it is shown that such a modification occurs only if the ambipolar drift velocity is sufficiently large. Accordingly, the sweeping of carriers through the sample by the electric field has no effect in material with a single type of carrier or in intrinsic material, but should show up in near-intrinsic materials. Measurements, made to detect this effect, completely confirmed this behavior. From the “resonances” in the spectra the ambipolar drift time was determined and found to be in good agreement with the calculated values.
Characterization of an ethylene-responsive glutathione S-transferase gene cluster in carnation.

In this paper we present the structural analysis of two tightly linked genes from the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). Southern blot analysis and restriction endonuclease mapping revealed a single cloned region of the carnation genome was highly homologous to the previously characterized ethylene-responsive GST mRNA expressed in flower petals during senescence. Nucleotide sequencing of this region revealed the presence of two tandemly arranged genes designated GST1 and GST2. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the cloned genomic region with the previously characterized GST cDNA clone pSR8 revealed that GST1 contains the entire transcription unit in 10 exons interrupted by 9 introns. The transcription unit of GST2 was found to be very similar to GST1 with complete conservation of intron position. In addition, the length and nucleotide sequences of the two genes' introns were highly conserved. GST2 was not completely represented by the cloned genomic region, missing the 3′ portion of the transcription unit. Primer extension analysis indicated a single transcriptional start site for transcripts which accumulate in senescing carnation petals. The 5′-flanking sequences of GST1 and GST2 were compared and regions of homology and divergence identified. These upstream sequences were compared with other plant ethylene-responsive genes and GST genes and several sequence motifs of potential importance in the regulation of GST expression were identified. A chimeric gene constructed between −1457 bp of the 5′-flanking DNA of GST1 and the coding region of β-glucuronidase was found to confer ethylene-inducible expression in flower petals following delivery of the construct into tissue by particle bombardment.
Reactivity of tyrosine and tryptophan residues in haptoglobin

Abstract 1. 1.|The number and reactivity of tyrosine and tryptophan residues of canine haptoglobin were examined. The phenolic hydroxyl ionization of tyrosine residues was studied by spectrophotometric titrations at 295 mμ in the pH range 7.0 to 13.0. Of 29 tyrosyl residues per mole of haptoglobin, 7 were in an exposed state while the rest were buried in the interior of the native molecule. The shape of the titration curve indicated that 7 exposed tyrosine residues of pKapp = 10.4, and 15 buried with pKapp = 11.3, and 7 with pKapp = 12.3 could be distinguished. 2. 2.|Essentially similar results were obtained when the reactivity to acetylation of tyrosyl residues was examined. Thus, 8 residues reacted with N-acetylimidazole under normal conditions. In the presence of denaturing agents such as 8 M urea, an additional 20 tyrosyl residues could be O-acetylated. 3. 3.|In similar types of experiments, 5 tryptophan residues were found to react with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide under mild conditions. In addition, however, 7 more residues reacted in the presence of 8 M urea. 4. 4.|Haptoglobin preparations, in which all accessible tyrosine residues had been blocked by acetylation or all tryptophan residues had been reacted with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide, were isolated and their interaction with hemoglobin was studied. The modified haptoglobins still reacted with hemoglobin; however, the complex formed did not show any peroxidatic activity characteristic for the complex between the native haptoglobin and hemoglobin. On the other hand, when a preformed haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex was subjected to acetylation of its exposed tyrosine residues under conditions comparable to those used for haptoglobin alone, about 20% of the original peroxidatic activity remained. Blockage of the exposed tryptophan residues of a preformed haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex, however, resulted in complete loss of activity.
Fracture Evaluation of GFRP—Concrete Interfaces for Freeze—Thaw and Wet-Dry Cycling

Externally bonded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) fabrics are being increasingly used for seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of concrete structures due to their high strength to weight ratio...
Optimal subspaces for n-widths of p-ellipsoids

The computation of asymptotics of these characteristics for concrete classes of compacta and Banach spaces of smooth and holomorphic functions was one of the central problems of the theory of approximation for the last two decades. However, except for Hilbert spaces, it seems there is no information on the structure of the set Y”n of those n-dimensional subspaces in B which give the minimal value of the function
PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISORDERS

Immunodeficiency is a common thought among both patients and physicians when confronted with what is perceived as an excessive number, duration, or severity of infections. Because of this, the starting point for evaluating patients for suspected immunodeficiency is based on what constitutes "too many infections." It generally is agreed that children with normal immune systems may have an average of 6 to 8 respiratory tract infections per year for the first decade of life. Even after a pattern of abnormal infection is established, questions of secondary immunodeficiency should first be raised. The relatively uncommon primary immunodeficiency diseases are statistically dwarfed by secondary causes of recurrent infection, such as malnutrition, respiratory allergy, chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal disease, and environmental factors. On the other hand, a dizzying spiral of progress in our understanding of the genetics and immunology of primary immunodeficiency disease has resulted in improved diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Twenty-five newly recognized immunologic disease genes have been cloned in the last 5 years. 24 It has become arguably more important than ever for us to recognize the clinical and laboratory features of these relatively uncommon, but increasingly treatable, disorders.
Placing Winter Concrete: Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge

AbstractPlacing concrete in cold weather is problematic. The contractors at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven, Connecticut, have battled relentless winters to complete the first extradosed bridge in the United States. Their success hinged on detailed winter concreting plans developed to work safely and efficiently during very cold weather. The plans contain multiple concrete mix designs as well as specific heating configurations to keep the various placement areas within acceptable temperature ranges necessary to produce quality concrete. The plans have shown to be effective, allowing placements to occur through a number of snowstorms.
Dominance in Fishes: The Relation Between Environment and Abundance

Changes in abundance of dominant species of fish were positively correlated with environmental factors that improved survival, and abundance of the subordinate species was negatively correlated with the same factors. When dominance changed, the responses of both the dominant and subordinate species also changed. Implicit in this inverse relation is the conclusion that the abundance of the subordinate depends on the density of the dominant species, and this hierarchy must be recognized in the interpretation of the correlations. Changes in dominance not only explained why the response of a species changed from positive to negative, but also why different stocks did not respond in the same way to temperature. The findings support the thesis that climatic factors can affect the abundance of a species but do not govern its absolute population density. The results have important implications for fishery management.
Double-bond location in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by chemical lonization-mass spectrometry

For determination of the double-bond position in polyunsaturated C24–30 fatty acids from marine organisms, methoxy derivatives were prepared. Diagnostic mass spectral fragment as well as molecular ion intensities were obtained by adjusting the ion source optics in the presence of ammonia at a lower source pressure than used conventionally. A lower detection limit was observed compared to conventional methane chemical ionization, which is a more favorable condition for capillary gas chromatography. Analysis of fatty acids from the spongeCalyx niceaensis showed the double-bond position of 8 unsaturated fatty acids, including two new ones. In addition, structural proof is provided for the presence of a new cyclopropane-containing fatty acid: 19,20-methylene-hexacosanoic acid.
Galanin Receptor Antagonist M40 Blocks Galanin-Induced Choice Accuracy Deficits on a Delayed-Nonmatching-to-Position Task

Galanin is a 29-amino acid neuropeptide that coexists with acetylcholine in the medial septum/diagonal band in the rat and impairs choice accuracy on an operant delayed-nonmatching-to-position (DNMTP) working-memory task. M40, a peptidergic galanin antagonist, has previously been shown to block several physiological actions of galanin. The present experiments tested the ability of M40 to block the effects of galanin on DNMTP performance. M40 completely blocked choice-accuracy deficits induced by galanin administration in both the lateral ventricle and ventral hippocampus, at doses of M40 approximately 5-fold the molar dose of galanin. M40 appears to be an effective galanin antagonist in a rodent memory paradigm, indicating that this compound may prove useful in investigating the role of endogenous galanin in learning and memory.
Extrafloral nectaries: ants, herbivores and fecundity in Cassia fasciculata

Extrafloral nectaries of Cassia fasciculata attract nectar feeding ants which protect the plant against leaf herbivores. High ant visitation in late July coincided with high herbivore densities at two sites in east central Iowa. The highest level of leaf herbivory occurred during the time of flowering and early fruit filling, just after the peak of herbivore and ant activity. Results of ant exclusion experiments at the two sites showed that ant visitation resulted in decreased herbivore numbers, decreased leaf area loss, increased growth, and at one site decreased plant mortality. However, this reduction in leaf area loss and increase in growth did not translate into seed set differences between plants with and without ants at either site. Initial plant size was more important than the presence or absence of ants in determining fecundity for this temperate annual during a year of summer drought.
Literatronica: adaptive digital narrative

In this workshop we explore the Literatronica system in regards to the choices and decisions made by the technical architect of the system and by an author. The Literatronica system allows authors to create pieces of adaptive digital narrative, and provides an accessible web interface for readers. Digital narrative works could reconfigure themselves for the reader, leading every time to a potentially unique read. Literatronica works could not be reproduced on paper except, perhaps, as a reading path at a given moment.
Applied multivariate techniques

Applied multivariate techniques , Applied multivariate techniques , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز
Library Usage Trends and Needs of International Students.

This paper seeks to discover international students’ perceptions of academic libraries. Specifically, Troy University's library in the southeast corner of Alabama was studied. This university was chosen because of the researchers’ familiarity with it. Troy University was also chosen because of its diverse student population. By discovering the needs of this population of students and comparing them to the needs of more traditional American students, it will be possible to better understand the distinct needs of international students in general.
Evidence of a chromatin basis for increased mutagen sensitivity associated with multiple primary malignancies of the head and neck

Individuals at increased risk for cancer development have been reported to exhibit increased mutagen sensitivity as detected by the G2 phase chromosome breakage assay. To better understand the basis for such chromosome sensitivity, we examined 4 lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from 4 head and neck cancer patients, 2 of whom were previously shown to have normal bleomycin sensitivity and 2 high bleomycin sensitivity (and multiple primary tumors). These cell lines were studied for cell survival and initial damage and repair at both the DNA and chromosome levels, and the results compared to a normal control cell line and 3 ataxia telangiectasia homozygote cell lines. While all cell lines exhibited nearly equal levels of initial DNA damage and repair throughout the cell cycle, both the ataxia telangiectasia homozygote cell lines and 2 cell lines derived from individuals with multiple head and neck primary tumors showed increased levels of initial chromosome damage (detected by premature chromosome condensation), a reduced fast repair component and higher residual chromosome damage. Our results suggest that one component of the enhanced mutagen sensitivity phenotype observed in cancer-prone individuals may involve an inherent chromatin alteration that allows a more efficient translation of DNA damage into chromosome damage following mutagen exposure. The degree of such an alteration might then be associated with an increased risk for second primary tumors in other carcinogen-exposed sites. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High-resolution (GaAs)1-x(Ge2)x x-ray photoelectron valence-band spectra: Implications for proposed electronic and structural models.

Valence-band density of states from sputter-deposited epitaxial metastable (GaAs${)}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$(${\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$${)}_{\mathit{x}}$ alloys have been acquired by high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Based upon a comparison of XPS results and previously published models of electronic and atomic structure, we conclude that (1) the virtual-crystal approximation is not valid for this system, (2) there are no significant numbers of Ga-Ga and As-As bonds, and (3) Ge is not incorporated randomly. The electronic and atomic structure of these metastable alloys is determined primarily by the large energy-level differences among Ga, As, and Ge atoms.
Instruction in Incubation in American Colleges—Extent of Teaching and Subject-Matter

Abstract THE country-wide interest in the promotion of certain important phases of the poultry industry has prompted the present study of teaching of incubation and its basic science - avian experimental embryology. The period of embryonic development is perhaps the most delicate and the most consequential in the life cycle of the bird. Insufficiently considered practices of artificial incubation, therefore, may reduce its economy and may be considerably harmful towards progressive improvements of the poultry industry, not only through losses of incubated eggs but through lowered vitality and increased susceptibility to diseases of the hatched birds. In spite of the vital economic importance of incubation to poultry production, neither the field of activity nor the subject-matter of teaching had been adequately outlined. Evidently the reasons for this are as follows: (1) the extremely rapid and relatively recent transition from natural to artificial methods of incubation; (2) the revelation of the complexity . . .
Physical Illness, Functional Limitations, and Suicide Risk: A Population‐Based Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the independent association of physical illness and functional limitations with suicide mortality risk. The Cox proportional hazards model was used with data from the 1986-1994 National Health Interview Survey linked to the 1986-1997 National Death Index to analyze the effects of chronic physical illness and functional limitations on suicide deaths (ICD-9 E950-959). After controlling for potential confounders at baseline, functional limitations were shown to be a significant predictor of suicide. Also, psychiatric comorbidity increased the risk of completing suicide. Interestingly, chronic conditions alone were not predictive of suicide completion when functional limitation was added to the model. Implications for the clinical management of suicidal behavior among patients with chronic conditions are discussed.
A new tool for the rapid estimation of charge distribution

A method has been developed which uses a rapid connectivity-based calculation to give a reasonable approximation of CNDO σ and π charges for most carbons in saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In this calculation an appropriately parameterized Del Re method is used to calculate the σ charges, and if the molecule is unsaturated, these charges are used to modify the diagonal elements in a Huckel matrix, reducing the normally exaggerated π charges. The CNDO charges are obtained from “single point” calculations, using optimized geometries derived from molecular mechanics. The Del Re/Huckel method is most reliable where steric and hyperconjugative effects are absent.
MS-12TEMOZOLOMIDE-BASED THERAPY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PROGRESSIVE PITUITARY CARCINOMA

BACKGROUND: Pituitary carcinomas (PC) are very uncommon, accounting for only 0.1 % of all pituitary tumors and representing a treatment challenge. Diagnosis is based on presence of intra- and/or extracranial metastases. PC is resistant to current treatment regimens, with a median overall survival of only 31 months. There is no standard treatment for PC, but maximal safe resection and radiation are performed when possible. Temozolomide (TEM)-based regimens are being used in progressive PC, but its effectiveness and the schedule/duration of treatment have not been established. The aim of this study is to report our experience with TEM in patients with progressive PC. METHODS: Three adult patients with progressive PC who were treated with TEM at MDACC between 01/2010-06/2014 were identified. Clinical and radiographic data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: All three cases had prior history of pituitary macroadenoma. Clinical presentation of PC included visual field deficits, headaches and/or Cushing syndrome. Pathology revealed a mean Ki67 index of 11.5 % (0.4-24.2%) with positive p53 staining in one case. Cavernous sinus invasion was common and metastases involved lymph nodes, liver, bone and leptomeninges. Case 1 received a combined regimen consisting of capecitabine and TEM (CAPTEM). Case 2 was treated with standard-dose TEM, CAPTEM, and chemoradiation with TEM followed by TEM. Case 3 with dissemination to the bone and leptomeninges was initially treated with standard-dose TEM, followed by dose-dense TEM at progression. In the two patients who received chemoradiation with TEM for extracranial disease, the progression-free survival (PFS) was 15 and 17 months, whereas the PFS after TEM-only was 13 months. The median overall survival was 41 months, with all the patients still alive. CONCLUSION: TEM-based therapy seems to be an appropriate initial treatment for PC, prolonging the PFS and leading to tumor-stabilization.
A radical new development for sustainable waste management in the UK: the introduction of local authority Best Value legislation.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) represents approximately 7% of the total amount of waste produced annually in the UK and the statutory responsibilities for this waste lie with local authorities. The waste services provided by local authorities are mediated via contracts between the authority and service provider under the compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) regime. New regulations are now coming into place under the label of ‘Best Value’, whereby local authorities will be obliged by law to consult local people on their services, review and report on how they have performed against targets, and embrace quality within their services. Best Value will impinge on the waste management industry by demanding the continuous improvement of their services in both quality and cost terms. This research has shown that there are eight key issues identified from a survey of different stakeholders for the management of MSW, arising from the forthcoming Best Value legislation. In overall order, they are working arrangements (most important), investment and resources, performance and benchmarking, consultation, innovation, contractual terms, consolidation and finally diversification (least important): these are analysed from each stakeholder’s standpoint. The research illustrates that new working arrangements between the local authority and the contractor will be encouraged with contracts setting demanding targets for the management of MSW within a continuous improvement framework. Innovation and flexibility will be essential for contractors to reach these targets. There will be an increasing trend towards integrated waste management contracts, which will require substantial injections of capital and resources in order for local authorities to meet national and local targets for MSW. Diversification and consolidation will also affect sections of the waste management industry and company mergers will increase. Local authorities consider Best Value as a key driver for reaching targets to reduce the amount of MSW currently landfilled and for the introduction of more sustainable waste management practices in the UK.
Simulated dermal contamination with capillary samples and field cholinesterase biomonitoring.

Abstract The extensive international use oforganophosphorus compounds (OP) results in numerous acute intoxications each year. OPs inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The World Health Organization recognizes cholinesterase (ChE) biomonitoring as a preventive measure against OP overexposure. The aim of this study was to determine if dermal OP contamination could interfere with current field ChE biomonitoring assays, which use a fingerstick blood sample. In this study we also sought to determine if high levels of a plasma enzyme, A-esterase, could protect ChE from inhibition by hydrolyzing environmentally generated oxons potentially present in a fingerstick sample. A heparinized venous blood sample was collected from a volunteer. Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (PChE) activities were measured using a field-based colorimetric cholinesterase kit. ChE dose-response curves were constructed by allowing ...
Electrical properties measurement of Carbon Nanotubes using Atomic Force Microscope for nano sensor applications

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in monitoring and controlling of pH. It has become an important aspect of many industrial wastewater treatment processes. At the same time, the demand for smaller electronic devices used for various industrial and commercial applications has greatly increased. Micro and nano materials, such as Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are known for their excellent electrical and mechanical properties, as well as for their small size, therefore they are good candidates to manufacture micro or nano electronic devices. These devices can be used for pH control. However, this cannot be achieved unless CNTs with metallic or semiconducting band structures can be successfully deposited, separated and aligned. In these processes, microchip fabrication, dispersion of CNTs and their electrical property measurement are involved. In this paper, an Atomic Force Microscope is employed to test the conductivity of both Single-Walled and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with a conductive cantilever-tip. The I-V characteristics of the carbon nanotubes is obtained to describe their electrical properties. Ultimately, this technological development will lead towards the efficient and effective manufacturing of CNT-based ISFET for pH sensor application.
Exact conductance through point contacts in the nu =1/3 fractional quantum Hall Effect.

The conductance for tunneling through an impurity in a Luttinger liquid is described by a universal scaling function. We compute this scaling function exactly, by using the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz and a kinetic (Boltzmann) equation. This model has been proposed to describe resonant tunneling through a point contact between two $\ensuremath{\nu}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}1/3$ quantum Hall edges. Recent experiments on quantum Hall devices agree well with our exact results. We also derive the exact conductance and $I\left(V\right)$ curve, out of equilibrium, in this fully interacting system.
Determination of Number of Probe Vehicles Required for Reliable Travel Time Measurement in Urban Network

Several intelligent vehicle—highway system demonstration projects are currently assessing the feasibility of using probe vehicles to collect realtime traffic data for advanced traffic management and information systems. They have used a variety of criteria to determine the number of probes necessary, but few generalizable algorithms have been developed and tested. The described algorithm explicitly considers the time period for travel time estimation (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 min), the number of replications of travel time desired for each link during each measurement period (reliability criterion), the proportion of links to be covered, and the length of the peak period. This algorithm is implemented by using a simulation of the Sacramento Network (170 mi2) for the morning peak period. The results indicate that the number of probe vehicles required increases nonlinearly as the reliability criterion is made more stringent. More probes are required for shorter measurement periods. As the desired proportion of li...
Effect of indomethacin on alcohol-induced morphological anomalies in mice.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was 1) to examine the effect of indomethacin (INDO), a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, on alcohol-induced growth and morphological impairment in C57BL/6J mice (Study 1) and 2) to determine if INDO crosses the placenta (Study 2). On day 10 of gestation, mice were injected (s.c.) acutely with either 0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg INDO, followed one hour later by alcohol (5.8 g/kg orally) or isocaloric sucrose. Fetuses were removed on day 19 of pregnancy, weighed, and examined for anomalous development. As expected, Study 1 demonstrated that maternal alcohol treatment decreased fetal weight and increased the number of fetuses with birth defects. INDO alone decreased fetal weight but did not affect morphologic development. More importantly, INDO antagonized alcohol-induced birth defects, but only at the highest dose. The results of Study 2 suggest that the relative ineffectiveness of INDO may be related to its inability to readily cross the placenta. Since high doses of INDO also caused maternal toxicity, the usefulness of this compound in future studies of this type was questioned.
Dielectronic recombination and excitation autoionization rate coefficients for potassiumlike Mo23+ to fluorinelike Mo33+

Fully relativistic, ab initio calculations of the rate of dielectronic recombination (DR) have been performed for fluorinelike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{33+}$ to magnesiumlike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{30+}$ and chlorinelike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{25+}$ and argonlike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{24+}$. Calculations of the rate of excitation autoionization (EA) have been performed for neonlike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{32+}$ to aluminumlike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{29+}$ and argonlike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{24+}$ and potassiumlike ${\mathrm{Mo}}^{23+}$. The detailed calculations of the atomic structure and rate coefficients for charge states in these groups allow interpolation of the DR and EA rates for the more complex ions having 3${\mathit{s}}^{2}$3${\mathit{p}}^{\mathit{k}}$ (k=1--4 for DR and k=2--5 for EA) ground states. The calculations for DR are broken up by different classes of excitation channels; simple, analytic formulas are then fit to the calculations. The effects of configuration interaction on the rates of DR and EA have been studied in detail and are found to have a slight effect on only a small class of the Auger rates needed for the present work. Radiative transitions between energy levels in the continuum are investigated and found to have a moderate effect on the DR rates and a small effect on the EA rates of the ions in this paper. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
The anterior subtemporal, medial transpetrosal approach to the upper basilar artery and ponto-mesencephalic junction

Objective To describe and anatomically analyze the amount of exposure provided by an anterior subtemporal, medial transpetrosal approach to access the upper third of the basilar artery, ventral mesencephalon, pons, and posterior cavernous sinus. Patients and methods The outcomes of six patients who underwent surgical treatment via the anterior subtemporal, medial transpetrosal approach at our institution during the past 2 years were reviewed. The series included three patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage from low-lying basilar apex aneurysms, one patient with intraparenchymal hemorrhage from a pontine cavernous malformation, and two patients with slowly progressive cranial neuropathies secondary to petroclival tumors. Thirty dry temporal bone specimens were also measured to quantify the height of petrous bone resection and added proximal basilar artery exposure. Results The surgical exposure was greatly enhanced in each instance, allowing each lesion to be treated in a straightforward manner with minimal added morbidity (one trochlear nerve palsy, one worsening of a preexistent oculomotor nerve palsy). Our subsequent morphometric analysis indicates that an additional 1 to 1.5 cm of basilar artery, clivus, and pons exposure over that of a standard anterior subtemporal approach is provided by this technique. Conclusion This approach combines the wide view of the subtemporal approach with the more proximal exposure afforded by a medial petrosectomy. The widened visualization of the ventral pons and mesencephalon minimizes cranial nerve morbidity, greatly facilitates dissection of low-lying aneurysms, and provides proximal basilar artery control that would otherwise be obscured by the petrous ridge.
Antibodies to human epidermal cytoplasmic antigens: incidence, patterns, and titers.

Serum or plasma specimens were assayed in indirect immunofluorescence tests on cryostat sections of normal human skin for the presence and titer of antibodies reactive with human epidermal cytoplasmic antigens. A polyvalent fluorescein-labeled goat anti-human immunoglobulin antiserum was used in all tests. Three distinct staining patterns were noted: upper epidermal cytoplasmic fluorescence, U-CYT, produced by antibodies reactive with antigen present in cells of the upper and middle layers of the epidermis; general cytoplasmic fluorescence, G-CYT, produced by antibodies reactive with antigens present in cells throughout the epidermis; and basal cell cytoplasmic fluorescence, BCL, produced by antibodies reactive with components present only in basal cells. Sera from 8% of 52 normal blood donors produced the U-CYT pattern at dilutions greater than 1:10. The incidence of antibodies reactive with epidermal cytoplasmic antigens in patients with a clinical history of not more than 2 basal cell carcinomas of the skin was 5%, compared to an incidence of 89% in those individuals with 3 or more separate instances of skin neoplasms. There was no difference in the frequency with which cryosurgery was used in the treatment of skin neoplasms in either of these 2 groups. Antibodies to epidermal cytoplasmic antigens were also detected in 10% of patients with nondermatologic, nonpulmonary neoplasms, in 43% of patients with pulmonary neoplasms and in 1 of 11 patients with nonneoplastic diseases. Positive sera yielded titers ranging from 1:16 to 1:1024. The most common staining patterns noted in all of these cases were the U-CYT and G-CYT patterns; the BCL staining pattern was noted in only one instance.
Disseminating information via Web 2.0

It is wonderful to connect with you and have the opportunity to interact on our shared interests in all aspects of our profession. As a brief introduction, my research interests are currently in network efficiency and security, as well as bioinformatics (biodiversity informatics), Internet programming (the use of Web 2.0 technologies to disseminate information) and certainly pedagogy in the CS curriculum. I am involved in endeavors to attract women in math and science, and to introduce applications of computer science to students in high school. My website provides more detailed information. As a relatively new faculty member, I am very interested to collaborate with colleagues in any of these endeavors. My contact information is below; I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Nazli
Construction of a GFP-BAR plasmid and its use for switchgrass transformation.

A dual marker plasmid comprising the reporter gene sgfp (green fluorescent protein) and the selectable bar gene (Basta tolerance) was constructed by replacing the uidA (β-glucuronidase, GUS) gene in a uidA-bar construct with sgfp. A particle inflow gun was used to propel tungsten particles coated with this plasmid into immature inflorescence-derived embryogenic callus of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). GFP was observed in leaf tissue and pollen of transgenic plants. Nearly 100 plants tolerant to Basta were obtained from the experiments, and Southern blot hybridization confirmed the presence of both the bar and sgfp genes. Plants regenerated from in vitro cultures of transgenic plants grew on medium with 10 mg l–1 bialaphos. When the pH indicator chlorophenol red was in the medium, the transgenic plantlets changed the medium from red to yellow. Basta tolerance was observed in T1 plants resulting from crosses between transgenic and nontransgenic control plants, indicating inheritance of the bar transgene.
Constructing Gender: Old Wine in New Media(skins)

The purpose of this essay is to assess how the preached word — at least the ways in which certain Christian teachings, doctrines, theologies, and moral ideologies are often framed for us through the preaching moment — has much to do with the ways in which gender roles are imagined, constructed, and lived out and even the ways in which gender-based violence and violation can be reinforced. By engaging the teachings of several prominent Pentecostal preachers as posted on YouTube, and the multiple/competing responses of the comments sections therein, I seek to demonstrated how new media tools can serve as catalysts for the production and/or reproduction of problematic understandings of gender roles, and how these mediums reinforce sexual ethics that ultimately result in human violation.
Response of Quasi-Isotropic Carbon/Epoxy Laminates to Biaxial Stress

The results of biaxial tension tests on AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy are presented for a quasi-isotropic [90, ±45,0]s laminate. These tests were performed using a tubular spec imen subjected to internal pressure and axial tension. The specimen design appears to minimize stress concentrations in the gage section. The measured stress-strain response shows a small but definite reduction in stiffness associated with progressive matrix failure. The failure stresses and strains are consistent with a maximum fiber strain failure criterion, and are most accurately modeled with a progressive failure model that incor porates ply stiffness changes.
Magic Angle Spinning NMR Analysis of β2-Microglobulin Amyloid Fibrils in Two Distinct Morphologies

β2-Microglobulin (β2m) is the major structural component of amyloid fibrils deposited in a condition known as dialysis-related amyloidosis. Despite numerous studies that have elucidated important aspects of the fibril formation process in vitro, and a magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR study of the fibrils formed by a small peptide fragment, structural details of β2m fibrils formed by the full-length 99-residue protein are largely unknown. Here, we present a site-specific MAS NMR analysis of fibrils formed by the full-length β2m protein and compare spectra of fibrils prepared under two different conditions. Specifically, long straight (LS) fibrils are formed at pH 2.5, while a very different morphology denoted as worm-like (WL) fibrils is observed in preparations at pH 3.6. High-resolution MAS NMR spectra have allowed us to obtain 13C and 15N resonance assignments for 64 residues of β2m in LS fibrils, including part of the highly mobile N-terminus. Approximately 25 residues did not yield observable signals. C...
Aminoglycoside neurotoxicity involves NMDA receptor activation

Previous studies have led to the hypothesis that the ototoxicity produced by aminoglycoside antibiotics involves the excitotoxic activation of cochlear NMDA receptors. If this hypothesis is correct, then these antibiotics should also injure neurons within the brain. Because aminoglycosides do not readily penetrate the blood brain barrier, we examined the effects of the aminoglycoside neomycin following intrastriatal injection. Neomycin (10-250 nmol) produced dose-dependent striatal damage manifested as an increased gliosis as measured by: (1) [3H]PK-11195 binding, (2) staining for the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and (3) staining for OX-6, an MHC class II antigen expressed by microglia and macrophages. Co-injection of subthreshhold doses of NMDA potentiates the striatal damage produced by neomycin (10 nmol). Moreover, neomycin-induced striatal damage is attenuated by a combination of the NMDA antagonists ifenprodil and 5, 7-dichlorokynurenic acid. Intrastriatal administration of compounds structurally related to neomycin, but devoid of modulatory actions at NMDA receptors (paromamine and 2-deoxystreptamine), fail to produce neuronal damage. These data support the hypothesis that aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity is, in part, an excitotoxic process involving the activation of NMDA receptors. Moreover, aminoglycosides may damage the central nervous system in individuals with compromised blood brain barriers.