cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The primacy of generalities in hypothetical reasoning

Abstract Subjects were given a noncontradictory set of propositions followed by a sentence which they had to accept as true. This sentence introduced an inconsistency which the Ss were required to resolve by assigning truth values to the statements. In previous work, the authors found that when forced to choose between the truth of a generality (All A's are B's) and that of a particular fact (This Y is a Z), subjects consistently rejected the fact in favor of the generality. Affirmative generalities were accepted more often than negative ones, and those expressing class-inclusion were accepted more often than those expressing property-assignment. The present experiments show that preference for generalities is independent of (a) the superficial form of the generality (i.e., the surface presence of a quantifier), (b) the polarity of the contrasted fact (affirmative or negative), and (c) the terms used to express the relations (is a and has a). The preference for reasoning with generalities is enhanced when they assert generally known facts which are not delimited in space or time. A theoretical treatment of the results employing the calculus of modal logic was explored.
Anchored PCR: Amplification with single-sided specificity

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) usually requires two specific primers to amplify the DNA bracketed by the two primers. In many circumstances one wishes to characterize unknown sequences contiguous to a known segment of DNA and thus two specific primers are not available. Strategies to overcome this limitation have been developed by adding an anchor to the unknown gene segments and amplifying with the anchor and a specific primer. This paper describes two such techniques, the first in which an anchor is added to cDNA by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, and the second in which an anchor is ligated onto double-stranded DNA.
Specific and nonspecific immune responses to Marek’s disease virus

Marek's disease (MD) virus (MDV) has provided an important model to study immune responses against a lymphoma-inducing herpesvirus in its natural host. Infection in chickens starts with a lytic infection in B cells, followed by a latent infection in T cells and, in susceptible birds, T cell lymphomas develop. Non-specific and specific immune responses are important for the control of virus infection and subsequent tumor development. Interferon-gamma and nitric oxide are important for the control of virus replication during the lytic phase of infection and are also important to prevent reactivation of MDV replication in latently infected and transformed cells. Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) are the most important of the specific immune responses in MDV. In addition to antigen-specific CTL against MDV proteins pp38, glycoprotein B (gB), Meq, and ICP4, ICP27-specific CTL can also be detected as early as 6 to 7 days post infection. The epitope for gB recognized by CTLs from P2a (MHC: B(19)B(19)) chickens has been localized to the Eco47III-BamHI (nucleotides 1515-1800) fragment. A proposed model for the interactions of cytokines and immune responses as part of the pathogenesis of MD is discussed.
USDA‐ARS Riesel Watersheds, Riesel, Texas, USA: Water quality research database

The 75 year legacy database including discharge, sediment loss, land management, and meteorological data for the USDA-ARS Riesel Watersheds, Riesel, TX, USA has been available on the web for more than a decade (www.ars.usda.gov/spa/hydro-data) and used in numerous studies and publications; however, only recently have these data been added to the Sustaining the Earth's Watersheds, Agricultural Research Data System (STEWARDS) database (www.nrrig.mwa.ars.usda.gov/stewards/stewards.html). In addition, water quality data including dissolved inorganic N and P compounds measured from more than 1000 storm runoff events, 1300 base flow sampling events (lateral subsurface return flow or seepage flow), and 157 precipitation events through 2012 were added. The objectives of this manuscript are to present relevant background information on these data, summarize the data collection and analysis methodology, present the measured data along with cursory analyses, and convey the commitment of the USDA-ARS Riesel Watersheds to long-term data accessibility and database enhancement for water quality data and research.
Correlations for leaders' anticipation of targets' resistance and targets' ratings of leaders' influence tactics: A replication

A sample of 553 leader-target dyads was used to replicate the 2001 work of Barbuto, Scholl, Hickox, and Boulmetis. The study examined the correlation between leaders' anticipation of targets' resistance and influence tactics used by lead-ers to persuade targets. The original study reported mixed findings of various hard and soft tactics used by leaders based on the different zones of resistance anticipated. Present results show no relation between leaders' anticipation of targets' anticipated resistance and the influence tactics used.
Aneurysm of the pulmonary artery; review of the literature and report of a case.

Abstract An analysis has been presented of a series of thirty-six cases of aneurysm of the pulmonary artery, proved by necropsy and collected from the literature. The addition of this group to the 111 cases proved at necropsy and reported by Boyd and McGavack7 in 1939 brings the total number of authentic cases to 147. The advisability of omitting cases in which only the clinical diagnosis has been made is pointed out. The facts that the incidence according to sex is the same and that the patients concerned are relatively younger help to distinguish this type of aneurysm from that of the thoracic aorta. Although syphilis was a definite factor in more than a third of the cases, congenital cardiovascular anomalies also play a major role. A patient ductus arteriosus is present in more than 20 per cent of cases. Other less common causes are subacute bacterial endarteritis, atheroma, and trauma. The early symptoms are dyspnea, cough, and pain in the thorax. Cyanosis and edema usually are later manifestations, often dependent on cardiac failure or congenital anomalies. The heart, especially the right ventricle, frequently is enlarged. Right axis deviation is common in the electrocardiogram. Most significant is the roentgenologic and roentgenoscopic finding of a discrete pulsatile hilar mass, separate from the aortic shadow. Usually, no special means of examination is necessary as a supplement to roentgenoscopy, although tomography, arteriography, roentgenokymography, and pneumomediastinum have been employed. A detailed report of a case is presented. The condition of the patient was interesting in that the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by necropsy. There were a patent ductus arteriosus, atheroma of the right pulmonary artery, and bilateral pulmonary arteriolosclerosis, as well as a history of trauma. Surgical cure by ligation of the right pulmonary artery and pneumonectomy was prevented by the extent of the aneurysm and the atheromatous calcification of the vessel concerned.
Effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, lipid A, and concanavalin A on lethality of 5-fluorouracil for mice.

The administration of a nonlethal dose (100 mg/kg) of the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to male BALBc mice 3–24 hr after 2 mg of Escherichia coli 026:B6 B lipopolysaccharide/kg resulted in a significant potentiation of lethality. The time course of potentiated lethality closely resembled that due to high doses of 5-FU alone. When 5-FU was administered prior to or simultaneously with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), there was no potentiation of lethality. The jack bean mitogen concanavalin A was able to substitute for bacterial LPS in the synergy. Likewise, a complex of bovine serum albumin and lipid A from Salmonella minnesota R595 was able to substitute for the entire LPS molecule. Mice treated with bacterial LPS and 5-FU exhibited a severe leukopenia 7 days after administration of 5-FU, and granulocytes were nearly absent in the circulation and marrow. Oral administration of tetracycline 72 hr prior to and continuing for 14 days after challenge provided significant (p < 0.05) protection for mice against 200 mg of 5-FU/kg, and against synergistic combinations of LPS and 5-FU. Mice given 1 spleen equiv/recipient from donors previously treated with LPS were protected against the synergistic lethality of LPS and 5-FU. However, spleen cells did not provide protection against high doses of 5-FU alone.
EFFECT OF ANTIKNOCKS ON FLAME PROPAGATION IN A SPARK IGNITION ENGINE

Effect of antiknock compounds on combustion processes and flame propagation in spark ignition internal combustion engine
Effect of zone rotation on oscillatory thermocapillary flow in simulated floating zones

Abstract The effects of zone rotation on oscillatry thermocapillary flow are studied experimentally in a simulated floating zone configuration. Silicone oils with Prandtl numbers 27 and 62 are used as the test fluids. The onset of oscillations, temperature oscillation level, and oscillation patterns are investigated under various conditions. It is shown that generally with increasing rotation rate, the oscillation level is increasingly reduced and the oscillations disappear eventually. However, near the rotation rate equal to the oscillation frequency, the oscillation phenomenon is excited by the rotation. A numerical analysis is also conducted to study the basic flow field.
Graph queries through datalog optimizations

This paper describes the use of a powerful graph query language for querying programs, and a novel combination of transformations for generating efficient implementations of the queries. The language supports graph path expressions that allow convenient use of both vertices and edges of arbitrary kinds as well as additional global and local parameters in graph paths. Our implementation method combines transformation to Datalog, recursion conversion, demand transformation, and specialization, and finally generates efficient analysis programs with precise complexity guarantees. This combination improves an O(VE) time complexity factor using previous methods to O(E), where V and E are the numbers of graph vertices and edges, respectively. We also describe implementations and experiments that confirm the analyzed complexities.
Family cancer caregiving and negative outcomes: the direct and mediational effects of psychosocial resources.

This study tested the hypothesis that various components of the stress process model were related to negative outcomes (depression, guilt, negative health) in cancer caregivers. This study also tested the hypothesis that psychosocial resources (mastery, socioemotional support) mediated the relationship between the various domains of the stress process model and negative outcomes. A total of 238 cancer caregivers were recruited from radiation medicine clinics at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center (n = 186) and the University of Minnesota Cancer Center (n = 52). A comprehensive interview battery was administered. A multivariate regression found that primary subjective stressors were the strongest predictors of depression and negative health impact. A path analysis indicated that mastery mediated the relationship between role captivity and negative health impact. These results emphasize the importance of multidimensional assessment in cancer caregiving. The findings also suggest refinements ...
An extension to the stability theory of lyophobic colloids

Abstract The stability theory of lyophobic colloids of Derjaguin and Landau and Verwey and Overbeek (D.L.V.O. theory) is extended to include the so-called discreteness-of-charge effect. The interaction of two parallel charged colloidal plates in a large volume of aqueous binary symmetrical electrolyte is considered and the approximation of linear superposition of the double layer potential distributions is employed. A new term which corrects for the discrete-ion effect and is proportional to the density of adsorbed counter-ions in the Stern layer occurs in the adsorption energy of these ions. As a consequence the theory predicts that the electrolyte concentration required to produce coagulation increases with the potential at the colloidal surface for small potentials, but reaches a maximum and then decreases with further increase in surface potential. This is in general accord with the experimental results for silver halide sols, although the experimental rate of decrease in the case of silver iodide is smaller than the theoretical one. The theory also accounts for the different formulations of the Schulze-Hardy rule, as given by the D.L.V.O. theory and by Težak and his school.
Two fully bleachable zero-phonon-line defects in NaF: Possible candidates for highly efficient photochemical hole burning.

In a systematic search for zero-phonon-line (ZPL) defects in ionic solids for photochemical hole-burning applications, we have discovered and studied two defects which can be formed in doped NaF under prolonged electron irradiation at room temperature. The high ratio of the integrated ZPL absorptions (at 889 and 1072 nm) to the integrated phonon sidebands indicates weak electron-phonon coupling (S\ensuremath{\approxeq}2) for both defects. Different from all so-far-studied zero-phonon lines of F aggregate centers, both the 889- and 1072-nm lines can be fully and efficiently bleached at lowest temperatures, even with weak spectrophotometer light. In the case of the 889-nm line, this bleaching decreases the ${F}_{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{+}$-center and increases the ${F}_{4}$-center absorption, indicating its origin to be from a ${F}_{4}$${\mathrm{}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ defect which becomes optically ionized. In crystals with intentionally high-impurity doping, the width of both ZPL could be increased (by a factor of 4) allowing inhomogeneous bleaching even with narrow-band spectrometer light. Thermal recovery of the bleached 889-nm ZPL allows partial reversibility of the process.
Deletion of LRP5 in VLDLR knockout mice inhibits retinal neovascularization.

The development and maintenance of retinal vasculature require a precise balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. However, mechanisms underlying normal homeostasis of retinal vasculature and pathological changes of disrupted retinal vessel development are not fully understood. Recent studies of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) and the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) mutant mice indicate that LRP5 mediates a pro-angiogenic signal while VLDLR mediates an anti-angiogenic signal in retinal vasculature. Mice with a loss of LRP5 display underdeveloped intraretinal vasculature associated with endothelial cell (EC) clustering and failed EC migration into deep retinal layers. In contrast, VLDLR knockout mice show overgrown intraretinal vasculature and subretinal neovascularization. To understand the mechanisms for the opposite retinal vascular abnormalities between LRP5 and VLDLR mutant mice and to test how a loss of LRP5 perturbs subretinal neovascularization caused by a loss of VLDLR, we have generated and characterized the retinal vasculature in LRP5/VLDLR double knockout (DKO) mice. Our data show that DKO mice develop substantial EC clustering without subretinal neovascularization. The absence of subretinal neovascularization in DKO mice is associated with inhibited migration of ECs into the photoreceptor cell layer. In addition, the transcription level of Slc38a5, which encodes a Muller cell specific glutamine transporter, is significantly reduced in DKO mice, similar to previously reported changes in LRP5 single knockout mice. Thus, LRP5 signaling is a prerequisite for neovascularization in VLDLR knockout mice. LRP5 may be an effective target for inhibiting intraretinal neovascularization.
Fragility fractures in chronic kidney disease: A clarification of views (December 2009)

Readers comment on kidney stones (October 2009) and on fragility fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease (December 2009).
Danazol in the Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema

Danazol is an effective agent for the prophylaxis of the recurrent attacks of mucocutaneous and visceral swelling which occur in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Danazol apparently increases the synthesis of the inhibitor of the first component of complement which is partially deficient in these heterozygous individuals. The efficacy of danazol in this condition appears to be limited only by the occurrence of adverse effects.
Women at risk for developing osteoporosis: Determination by total body neutron activation analysis and photon absorptiometry

With stepwise multiple logistic regression (MLR), probabilistic classification equations were developed to identify asymptomatic women who are at risk for development of fracture of the spine. Clinically normal women with low TBCa/\(\sqrt H \) ratios can be classified as at risk for osteoporosis prior to their developing spinal compression fractures. With receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, it was possible to verify the accuracy of the MLR model to discriminate “normal” women at risk, with high sensitivity and specificity. With the MLR model, discrimination of osteoporotic women (50–59 years) was made correctly for 86.2% of the total osteoporotic subjects with the TBCa data. Similar models were derived from the photon absorptiometry data. From the spinal density (BDs) data, correct classification in the 50–59 year group was 55.6% of the total osteoporosis subjects; from the radius density (BMCr) data, the corresponding value was 31%. The highest probability of identifying osteoporosis in all age categories was, therefore, on the basis of TBCa data. Similar, but less accurate discrimination was achieved with the BDs and BMCr data. These conclusions were confirmed by the application of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Correct identification of the population at risk permits the timely and efficient application of therapeutic programs prior to onset of fracture. In a serial study of 104 perimenopausal women, for example, it was possible to determine theP value for individuals measured annually over a 3–10 year period and thus to predict normal individuals at risk for developing osteoporosis each year.
Flexibility of p–n Junction Formation from SWIR to LWIR Using MBE-Grown Hg(1–x)CdxTe on Si Substrates

In this paper, we show the versatility of using molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) for the growth of the mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) system. Abrupt composition profiles, changes in doping levels or switching doping types are easily performed. It is shown that high-quality material is achieved with Hg(1–x)Cd x Te grown by MBE from a cadmium mole fraction of x = 0.15 to x = 0.72. Doping elements incorporation as low as 1015 cm−3 for both n-type and p-type material as well as high incorporation levels >1018 cm−3 for both carrier types were achieved. X-ray curves, secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data, Hall data, the influence of doping incorporation with cadmium content and growth rate, etch pit density (EPD), composition uniformity determined from Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) transmission spectro- scopy, and surface defect maps from low to high x values are presented to illustrate the versatility and quality of HgCdTe material grown by MBE. All data presented in this work are from layers grown on silicon (112) substrate.
Acid-facilitated Supramolecular Assembly of G-quadruplexes in d(CGG)β4

Abstract Molar [K] induces aggregate formation in d(CGG), as evidenced by absorbance, circular dichroic (CD), and gel measurements. The kinetics of this transformation are extremely slow at pH 8 but are found to be greatly facilitated in acidic conditions. Kinetic profiles via absorbance or CD monitoring at single wavelength resemble those of autocatalytic reacting systems with characteristic induction periods. More than 0.8 M KCl is needed to observe the onset of aggregation at 20°C and pH 5.4 within the time span of 1 day. Time-dependent CD spectral characteristics indicate the formation of parallel G-tetraplexes prior to the onset of aggregation. Despite the evidence of K-induced parallel G-quadruplex and higher molecular weight complex formation, both d(TGG) and d(CGG)T fail to exhibit the observed phenomenon, thus strongly implicating the crucial roles played by the terminal G and base protonation of cytosines. A plausible mechanism for the formation of a novel self-assembled structure is speculated. Aided by the C•C base pair formation, parallel quadruplexes are initially formed and subsequently converted to quadruplexes with contiguous G-tetrads and looped-out cytosines due to high [K]. These quadruplexes then vertically stack as well as horizontally expand via inter-quadruplex C•C base pairing to result in dendrimer-type self-assembled super structures.
A Dynamical View of Membrane Transporter Function at Sub-Angstrom Resolution

Membrane transporters provide the main mechanism for active exchange of materials between the cytoplasm and a cell's environment in a highly selective manner. These complex molecular machines present a structurally diverse group of pumps evolved to efficiently couple various sources of cellular energy to the selective transport of different molecules. Depending on the source of energy used and the type of the substrate transported, different protein architectures and, thus, different mechanisms are employed by membrane transporters. Active transporters undergo various degrees of protein conformational changes (induced, e.g., by ATP hydrolysis or by binding of the substrate and the co-transported ions) during their transport cycle. In other words, they adopt distinct conformational states during their function. Due to the difficulties associated with structure determination of membrane proteins, however, for the majority of structurally-known transporters only one of the major functional states has been structurally characterized. Substrate binding and translocation along the transport pathway in membrane transporters are closely coupled to numerous stepwise protein conformational changes of various magnitudes and forms that are induced by and/or coordinated with the energy-providing mechanisms. A detailed description of the mechanism of membrane transporters, therefore, relies on high-resolution methodologies that can describe the dynamics of the process at an atomic level. In this talk, latest results of molecular dynamics simulations performed on a number of membrane transporters with diverse mechanisms, and the molecular events involved in their function revealed by these simulations will be presented.
Enhanced Bioactivity of Silybin B Methylation Products

Flavonolignans from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) have been investigated for their cellular modulatory properties, including cancer chemoprevention and hepatoprotection, as an extract (silymarin), as partially purified mixtures (silibinin and isosilibinin), and as pure compounds (a series of seven isomers). One challenge with the use of these compounds in vivo is their relatively short half-life due to conjugation, particularly glucuronidation. In an attempt to generate analogues with improved in vivo properties, particularly reduced metabolic liability, a semi-synthetic series was prepared in which the hydroxy groups of silybin B were alkylated. A total of five methylated analogues of silybin B were synthesized using standard alkylation conditions (dimethyl sulfate and potassium carbonate in acetone), purified using preparative HPLC, and elucidated via spectroscopy and spectrometry. Of the five, one was monomethylated (3), one was dimethylated (4), two were trimethylated (2 and 6), and one was tetramethylated (5). The relative potency of all compounds was determined in a 72 h growth-inhibition assay against a panel of three prostate cancer cell lines (DU-145, PC-3, and LNCaP) and a human hepatoma cell line (Huh7.5.1) and compared to natural silybin B. Compounds also were evaluated for inhibition of both cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity in human liver microsomes and hepatitis C virus infection in Huh7.5.1 cells. The monomethyl and dimethyl analogues were shown to have enhanced activity in terms of cytotoxicity, CYP2C9 inhibitory potency, and antiviral activity (up to 6-fold increased potency) compared to the parent compound, silybin B. In total, these data suggested that methylation of flavonolignans can increase bioactivity.
Incentives and cooperation: the joint effects of task and reward interdependence on group performance

We examine the joint effects of task interdependence and reward interdependence on group behavior and performance. We develop a model that predicts that task and reward interdependence will interact to increase performance, and present results of a laboratory experiment that confirms our prediction. We explore the efficacy of group reward systems for different task designs, and the relationship between cooperation and performance. We confirm earlier results on the weakness of the free-rider effect in small face-to-face groups. We also find, surprisingly, that while reward interdependence is important to performance, task interdependence, but not reward interdependence, drives observed cooperative behavior. This last result suggests caution in interpreting the efficacy of changes in the design of work. Such changes, if unaccompanied by changes in the design of the reward system, are likely to appear successful in terms of observed cooperation, but may not enhance performance. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods to assess the impact of extraction of non-timber tropical forest products on plant populations

Thousands of plant and animal species in tropical regions provide a variety of non-timber products that are used by billions of people all over the world. Conservation and long term utilization of these species require that they be harvested on a sustainable basis. However, the extent to which non-timber forest products are exploited without adverse effects on natural populations is not known. There is in fact considerable evidence for non-sustainable harvest of non-timber products. We outline methods that may be used to assess the impact of harvest on population processes of the species that are being harvested. We present sampling protocols for rapid assessment as well as long term monitoring of populations. We briefly consider the limitations of these methods and suggest that the monitoring protocols we outline should be part of an overall management plan designed to extract and utilize non-timber tropical forest products on a long term basis.
Caring for individuals with end-stage dementia at the end of life A specific focus on hospice social workers

Little is known about the beliefs and practices of social workers who work with individuals with end-stage dementia. With more individuals reaching the end stages of the disease, it is crucial to determine how professionals view their work with end-stage dementia patients and their caregivers. During this ethnographic study, the beliefs and practices about dementia care of 13 hospice social workers from the United States were documented for 10 months through interviews, in-field observations, and chart reviews. It was determined that although hospice social workers use a wealth of practice skills with individuals with end-stage dementia and their caregivers and strive to enhance the personhood of the patients, they also possess a neutral to negative view of practice with this population and see their role as limited and ambiguous compared to how they view their work with cognitively intact patients. This study has implications for how hospice social workers and other healthcare professionals provide end-o...
Simulation of three–pulse–echo and fluorescence depolarization in photosynthetic aggregates

Femtosecond spectroscopies of chlorophyll dimers and the LH2 antenna complex are calculated using a theory that incorporates the effects of two–exciton states, static disorder and coupling of excitons to phonons with an arbitrary spectral density. Applications are made to pump–probe and echo peak–shift measurements in the B820 dimers, and to fluorescence depolarization in the B850 system of the LH2 antenna of purple bacteria.
Robot-Assisted Stereotactic Laser Ablation in Medically Intractable Epilepsy: Operative Technique

Background Stereotactic laser ablation offers an advantage over open surgical procedures for treatment of epileptic foci, tumors, and other brain pathology. Robot-assisted stereotactic laser ablation could offer an accurate, efficient, minimally invasive, and safe method for placement of an ablation catheter into the target. Objective To determine the feasibility of placement of a stereotactic laser ablation catheter into a brain lesion with the use of robotic assistance, via a safe, accurate, efficient, and minimally invasive manner. Methods A laser ablation catheter (Visualase, Inc) was placed by using robotic guidance (ROSA, Medtech Surgical, Inc) under general anesthesia into a localized epileptogenic periventricular heterotopic lesion in a 19-year-old woman with 10-year refractory focal seizure history. The laser applicator (1.65 mm diameter) position was confirmed by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ablation using the Visualase system was performed under multiplanar imaging with real-time thermal imaging and treatment estimates in each plane. A postablation MRI sequence (T1 postgadolinium contrast injection) was used to immediately confirm the ablation. Results MRI showed accurate skin entry point and trajectory, with the applicator advanced to the lesion's distal boundary. Ablation was accomplished in less than 3 minutes of heating. The overall procedure, from time of skin incision to end of last ablation, was approximately 90 minutes. After confirmation of proper lesioning by using a T1 contrast-enhanced MRI, the applicator was removed, and the incision was closed using a single stitch. No hemorrhage or other untoward complication was visualized. The patient awoke without any complication, was observed overnight after admitting to a regular floor bed, and was discharged to home the following day. Conclusion This technique, using a combination of Visualase laser ablation, ROSA robot, and intraoperative MRI, facilitated a safe, efficacious, efficient, and minimally invasive approach that could be used for placement of 1 or multiple electrodes in the future.
Mutagenicity of acrylonitrile and its metabolite 2-cyanoethylene oxide in human lymphoblasts in vitro.

Abstract The mutagenicity of the rat carcinogen acrylonitrile (ACN) and its metabolite 2-cyanoethylene oxide (CNEtO) was assessed in vitro in human lymphoblasts using the heterozygous thymidine kinase (tk) locus as a genetic marker. ACN was tested in both the presence and absence of an Aroclor-induced rat-liver homogenate S9. In the absence of S9, ACN was not mutagenic over the concentration range tested (0.4–1.5 mM × 2 h). In the presence of S9, the mutagenic response of ACN was enhanced, resulting in a significant response at a concentration of 1.4 mM × 2 h. CNEtO, the proposed ultimate mutagenic metabolite of ACN, induced a significant mutagenic response without activation at 100 μM and 150 μM × 2 h. Two phenotypic classes of spontaneous and CNEtO-induced tk−/− mutants were observed; one class of mutants (tkn) had a normal growth rate relative to wild-type while the second class (tks) grew at a slower rate. The molecular nature of these two phenotypic classes was investigated by Southern blot analysis. CNEtO-induced tkn mutant clones (11/12) and 7/9 tkn spontaneous mutants had no detectable alterations in their tk restriction fragment pattern. In contrast, 25/26 tks mutants analyzed (spontaneous and CNEtO-induced) had lost a 14.8-kb polymorphic fragment of the + tk allele.
Health information technology and its impact on the quality and cost of healthcare delivery

The impact of health information technologies (HIT) on the quality of healthcare delivery is a topic of significant importance and recent research has yielded mixed evidence. We use archival data on HIT usage in combination with data on quality of care processes to conduct a three-year longitudinal study of a large panel of U.S. hospitals. Our analysis extends earlier research on the association between HIT and healthcare quality among healthcare providers that have previously focused on outcomes associated with cost reduction. We study the impact of HIT applications, not only on hospital operating expenses, but also on the process quality associated with evidence-based measures for treatment of four major health conditions. Our results indicate a positive association between usage of clinical information systems and patient scheduling applications and conformance with best practices for treatment of heart attacks, heart failures, and pneumonia. Our results also suggest that usage of financial management systems is associated with lower hospital operating expenses. Furthermore, we find that not-for-profits and urban hospitals are more likely to exhibit greater conformance with process quality metrics, while for-profits exhibit lower operational expenses. Our results have important policy implications for investments in health IT and studying their cost and quality implications.
Photoinduced electron-transfer substitution reactions via unusual charge-transfer intermediates.

The photoinduced substitution reactions of halogenated alkanes (1-haloadamantanes, 1-haloronorbornanes, menthyl chloride) with a homologous series of amines or alcohols (methylamine, 2-methyl-2-aminopropane, methanol, or 2-methyl-2-propanol) to form the corresponding alkane-substituted amines or ethers and HCl were investigated. The geometry of the bridgehead carbons made SN2 reactions impossible. Nonpolar reaction conditions were employed which made classical and nonclassical carbocation SN1 reaction pathways unlikely. The reaction rates were measured. Trapping experiments indicated that free radical reactions were uninvolved in the substitution product formation. A novel, photoinduced electron-transfer reaction mechanism involving a charge-transfer intermediate is proposed to explain the observed production of secondary amines and ethers. The excitation wavelength dependence (action spectrum) was measured and found to be comparable to the ultraviolet absorption spectra of the charge-transfer complexes. ...
Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy with abdominal pain and elevated transaminases

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a rare type of leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by a triad of fever, edema, and rosette-shaped purpura, mainly over the face, auricles, and extremities in a nontoxic infant. Visceral involvement is infrequent in acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy. We report a case of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy with abnormal liver function tests and abdominal pain.
The role of molecular beam epitaxy in research on giant magnetoresistance and interlayer exchange coupling

In this paper, we review the contributions which MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) has made to the field of GMR (giant magnetoresistance) and interlayer exchange coupling in magnetic multilayers and sandwiches. A historical overview is given and a key advantage of MBE over alternative preparation techniques is emphasized: the ability to probe in situ the growth and structure of these materials. Recent work on surfactant-mediated growth of Co/Cu(111) sandwiches and the resulting reduction of growth-induced defects are discussed. A comparison of results for multilayers grown via MBE and sputtering is made for several GMR materials systems. It is seen that these preparation techniques are complementary.
Ammonium toxicity in chrysanthemum: critical level and symptoms

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the critical meq NH4/meq K ratio in fresh tissue indicative of ammonium toxicity and the symptoms of the same under winter and summer conditions. Three and four levels each of ammonical N and K fertilization were employed in factorial designs. The chrysanthemum cultivars Bright Golden Anne and Yellow Mandalay were studied. Results indicate there was a critical range of NH4/K ratios from .025 to .026 below which NH4 injury never occurred and above which injury always occurred. The occurrence of injury within the range was erratic. Confidence limits for the critical range, based on one standard deviation as determined in Experiment 3, extend from .022 to .029. This range was applicable from the second to ninth week of plant growth and for winter crops as well as the summer crop. Symptoms of toxicity include reduction in growth rate, the development of small necrotic spots beginning on middle to lower leaves and progressing up the plant, thickened‐leathe...
Gender and Age Differences in Same-Sex Aggregation and Social Behavior: A Four-Culture Study

Children's tendencies to aggregate with same-sex others and to increase spatial experience with age are investigated among 3- to 9-year-olds in four non-Western communities. Also investigated are genderspecific social behaviors, labeled by Eleanor Maccoby as male-styleand female-styleplay. Analysis of naturalistic observations of daily activities indicate that during free time in all cultures, older children (7- and 9-year-olds) are much more involved in both same-sex aggregation and away-from-home spatial experience than are younger children (3- and 5-year-olds) and that older boys are more strongly involved in these events than are older girls. Older boys also display a marked degree of same-sex aggregation when enacting the male-style behaviors of physicality and attention seeking, but girls do not display a similar same-sex aggregation for any category of social behavior. Children's levels of gender understanding are unrelated to the outcomes.
A transverse beam instability in the PEP-II HER induced by discharges in the vacuum system

Towards the end of Run 5, transverse instability in the High Energy Ring (HER) curtailed the maximum beam current achievable during physics running. Techniques used in tracking down this instability included fast monitoring of background radiation, temperatures and vacuum pressure. In this way, the origin of the instability was localized and inspection of the vacuum system revealed several damaged bellows shields. Replacing these units significantly reduced the incident rate but did not eliminate it fully. After the end of the run, a number of damaged rf seals were found, possibly having caused the remaining incidents of instability. In Run 6, instability has recurred. In this paper we will outline the steps taken to diagnose the issue and compare the different signatures of instabilities we have seen in PEP-II.
A new universal calibration method for four-terminal-pair admittance standards

A universal calibration method for four-terminal-pair (4TP) admittance standards, developed for frequencies up to around 10 MHz, is presented. The method is applicable to calibration of conversion adapters that convert a system from a 4TP to either a three-terminal system or a one-port system. Implementation of the method requires only a set of driving-point-impedance measurements, using proven one-port technology, and calculations of 4TP transfer admittance and output impedances using an impedance matrix. >
The David R. Tillinghast Lecture: The Rising Tax-Electivity of U.S. Corporate Residence

In an increasingly integrated global economy, with rising cross-border stock listings and share ownership, U.S. corporate residence for income tax purposes, which relies on one’s place of incorporation, may become increasingly elective for new equity. Existing equity in U.S. companies, however, is effectively trapped here, given the difficulty of expatriating for tax purposes absent a bona fide acquisition by new owners. Both the prospect of rising tax electivity for new equity and the very different situation facing old U.S. equity have important implications for U.S. international tax policy. This paper therefore explores three main questions: (1) the extent to which U.S. corporate residence actually is becoming elective for new equity, (2) the implications of rising electivity for the age-old (though often mutually misguided) debate between proponents of residence-based worldwide corporate taxation on the one hand and a territorial or exemption system for foreign source income on the other, and (3) the transition issues for old equity if a territorial system is adopted.
On line identification for time-varying systems

In this paper, the author applies the local approximation scheme in his previous work on discrete-time adaptive control for deterministic time-varying systems[1] in developing an on line identification algorithm. The algorithm is able to identify unknown systems with quite rapidly time-varying parameters effectively and can be viewed as a generalization of the previous work of Xie and Evans[2]. The parameter estimates minimize a least squares index. Several numerical results of the algorithm are given.
Use of Nonalpine Anthropogenic Habitats by American Pikas (Ochotona princeps) in Western Oregon

The American pika (Ochotona princeps Richardson) has long been characterized in field guides and popular literature as an obligate inhabitant of alpine talus and as having relatively low dispersal capability. However, recent work reveals pikas to have broader habitat associations than previously reported. Over a large portion of the west- ern slope of the Cascade Range in Oregon, pikas inhabit relatively low-elevation sites far from alpine areas and frequently occur in rocky man-made habitats such as roadcuts or rock quarries. We present observations of pikas in these previously overlooked habitats and discuss implications for (1) the proposed listing of the American pika as an endangered or threatened species; (2) furthering our understanding of pika population dynamics, habitat associations, and dispersal capabilites; and (3) management of federal, state, and private forest lands. RESUMEN.—Por mucho tiempo la pika americana (Ochotona princeps Richardson) ha sido caracterizada en guias de campo y literatura popular como un habitante obligado de taludes alpinos y por tener una capacidad de dispersion relativa - mente baja. Sin embargo, trabajo reciente ha revelado que las pikas tienen asociaciones de habitat mas amplias de lo que hasta ahora se creia. En una gran parte de la vertiente occidental de la cordillera Cascade en Oregon, las pikas habitan sitios de elevacion relativamente baja, lejos de las areas alpinas y frecuentemente aparecen en habitats rocosos artificiales tales como canteras y cortes de carretera. Presentamos observaciones de pikas en estos habitats pasados por alto anteriormente y discutimos las implicaciones para (1) la propuesta de agregar la pika americana a la lista de especies amenazadas o en peligro; (2) ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre la dinamica poblacional, las asociaciones de habitat y la capacidad de dispersion; y (3) la gestion de tierras forestales federales, estatales y privadas.
A system for multimodality image fusion

This paper describes a semi-automatic system for registering and visualizing CT (computer tomography) and MR (magnetic resonance) images. This system has been designed for images of the brain and augmented to include images of the spine. Registration requires identifying similar objects or structures in each image set. This task is complicated because these imaging modalities provide complementary information of the anatomy. Following structure identification, the mapping transformation from one image set to the other can be determined using a nonlinear optimization procedure. The final step is visualization of the results of the registered images sets. >
The Effects of the Nintendo Wii Fit on Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Perceived Balance Deficits: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 6-week intervention pro- gram using the Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board would lead to improvements in bal- ance in community-dwelling older adults over the age of 65 with a perceived balance deficit. Balance, balance confidence, and limits of stability were measured at preinter- vention and postintervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the Multi-Directional Reach Test, respectively. The cen- ter of pressure excursion was calculated by the Wii Balance Board. The intervention consisted of 30-min sessions, 2×/week using the Balance Board. No statistically signif- icant changes were found for any outcome measure, although 4 of the 6 participants demonstrated clinically significant improvements on the BBS, using established clini- cal guidelines. These findings suggest that an intervention program including the Wii fit may be an effective rehabilitation option for older adults with perceived balance deficits.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE OLENELLINA WALCOTT, 1890 (TRILOBITA, CAMBRIAN)

Abstract Phylogenetic analysis was used to evaluate evolutionary relationships within the Cambrian suborder Olenellina Walcott, 1890; special emphasis was placed on those taxa outside of the Olenelloidea. Fifty-seven exoskeletal characters were coded for 24 taxa within the Olenellina and two outgroups referable to the “fallotaspidoid” grade. The Olenelloidea, along with the genus Gabriellus Fritz, 1992, are the sister group of the Judomioidea Repina, 1979. The “Nevadioidea” Hupe, 1953 are a paraphyletic grade group. Four new genera are recognized, Plesionevadia, Cambroinyoella, Callavalonia, and Sdzuyomia, and three new species are described, Nevadia fritzi, Cirquella nelsoni, and Cambroinyoella wallacei. Phylogenetic parsimony analysis is also used to make predictions about the ancestral morphology of the Olenellina. This morphology most resembles the morphology found in Plesionevadia and Pseudojudomia Egorova in Goryanskii and Egorova, 1964.
"Nothing ever ends": Archives of Testimony and Images in "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao"

This article reads The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007) as a critique of metatestimonial fiction, and of the tendency to over-state literature’s power to heal cultural traumas. Metatestimonio bears figurative witness to historical atrocities and interrogates who is or is not allowed to speak of such events. Although Diaz’s narrator Yunior gathers testimony from multiple survivors of the Trujillo regime, he mediates their experiences through his own authorial voice. The novel suggests that in refusing to allow testimony to speak for itself, Yunior (and by extension metatestimonio as genre) replicates the discursive practices of the regime it denounces. Furthermore, by referencing specific comic book series, the artwork accompanying the 2007 Riverhead edition of the novel generates a counternarrative critiquing Yunior’s project. This graphic counternarrative illustrates that ending the Trujillato’s hold on Dominicans is impossible—that certain traumas cannot be healed once and for all. Oscar Wao thus suggests that in claiming literature’s power to heal the past, we (like Yunior) privilege our own desire for resolution over the lived realities of survivors, for whom the working through of trauma is an ongoing and incomplete process.