cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermophysical properties of gaseous carbon dioxide-water mixtures

Abstract A Burnett-Isochoric (B-I) apparatus was used to obtain precise, experimental, vapor-phase P-ϱ-T data for mixtures of 2%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50% water in carbon dioxide for temperatures from 323.15 K to 498.15 K at 25 K intervals, and pressures from 27 kPa to 10.34 MPa or the dew point at each temperature. Separate experimental measurements for pure water, along with corrected compressibility data from the literature, were used to characterize physical adsorption within the B-I apparatus using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (B-E-T) adsorption model coupled with the sequential Burnett equations. The resulting adsorption constants were used to correct the compressibility data for the present mixtures and precise values were obtained for the second virial coefficients, enthalpies, and other derived thermodynamic properties. Interaction second virial coefficients, B12, and interaction third virial coefficients, C112 and C122, were also determined from the mixture virial coefficients. The densities are considered accurate to 5/10,000, and the mixture second virial coefficients to ±3 cm 3/mol. In addition, dew points (±1 K and ±14 kPa) were also measured for the above mixtures by noting the change in slope of the isochores.
Ortho-image analysis for producing lane-level highway maps

This paper presents new aerial image analysis algorithms that, from highway ortho-images, produce lane-level detailed maps. We analyze screenshots of road vectors to obtain the relevant spatial and photometric cues of road image-regions. We then refine the obtained patterns to generate hypotheses about the true road-lanes. A road-lane hypothesis, since it explains only a part of the true road-lane, is then linked to other hypotheses to completely delineate boundaries of the true road-lanes. Finally, some of the refined image cues about the underlying road network are used to guide a linking process of road-lane hypotheses.We tested the accuracy and robustness of our algorithms with high-resolution, inter-city highway ortho-images. Experimental results show promise in producing lane-level detailed highway maps from ortho-image analysis -- 89% of the true road-lane boundary pixels were successfully detected and 337 out of 417 true road-lanes were correctly recovered.
The heart does not have Alzheimer's disease: electrical and mechanical cardiac memory after ventricular pacing.

It has been known for some time that an altered sequence of ventricular activation with a left bundle-branch conduction disturbance or right ventricular pacing is associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic function manifested by lower ejection fraction and higher filling pressures.
Students' Perceptions of Parent-Adolescent Closeness and Communication about Sexuality: Relations with Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors.

The main goal of this study was to explore how parent-adolescent closeness and communication about sexuality were associated with three aspects of adolescent sexuality (sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviors). Participants were 157 boys and girls in grades 9 to 12 from two suburban high schools in the Midwest. Canonical correlation analyses revealed two significant combinations of variables. First, younger age and less maternal and paternal communication were related to less sexual behavior and less sexual knowledge. Second, being younger and female and receiving less maternal communication was related to less sexual knowledge and more conservative attitudes. Contrary to expectation, higher levels of parental closeness in conjunction with parental communication did not have a significant influence on these adolescents' sexuality. Given the importance of both age and parental communication in predicting adolescent's sexuality in this study, implications concerning the timing of communication become evident.
Multiwavelength scanning lidar measurements of the effect of wind speed on marine aerosol fields generated by breaking waves

We present the results of our multi-wavelength scanning lidar investigations of time dependent 3-D marine aerosol fields as a function of meteorological parameters at a coastal site in Hawaii. We describe our measurements of salt-aerosol plumes generated at a reef >1.3 km from the lidar and their effect on the aerosol extinction coefficient. At typical trade wind speeds of ~7 m/s, plumes of salt spray have been observed to rise to heights of about 50 m above the reef. A time sequence of vertical scans at three wavelengths (355, 532, 1064 nm) was taken under light (1.9 m/s) wind conditions over the same reef. Large salt plumes more than 600 m high were found to develop under these conditions. The much greater height of light-wind plumes suggests that they are being dispersed less rapidly, allowing them to rise to greater heights because of the presence of thermals. Earlier data collected at Bellows showed reef plumes rising to 120 m in winds of 5 m/s, indicating a consistent trend of increasing plume height with decreasing wind speed.
Role of Molecular Determinants of Store-operated Ca2+ Entry (Orai1, Phospholipase A2 Group 6, and STIM1) in Focal Adhesion Formation and Cell Migration

Store-operated Ca2+ entry and its major determinants are known to be important for cell migration, but the mechanism of their involvement in this complex process is unknown. This study presents a detailed characterization of distinct roles of Orai1, STIM1, and PLA2g6 in focal adhesion (FA) formation and migration. Using HEK293 cells, we discovered that although molecular knockdown of Orai1, STIM1, or PLA2g6 resulted in a similar reduction in migration velocity, there were profound differences in their effects on number, localization, and lifetime of FAs. Knockdown of STIM1 caused an increase in lifetime and number of FAs, their redistribution toward lamellae region, and an increase in cell tail length. In contrast, the number of FAs in Orai1- or PLA2g6-deficient cells was significantly reduced, and FAs accumulated closer to the leading edge. Assembly rate and Vinculin phosphorylation of FAs was similarly reduced in Orai1, PLA2g6, or STIM1-deficient cells. Although Orai1 and PLA2g6 accumulated and co-localized at the leading edge, STIM1 distribution was more complex. We found STIM1 protrusions in lamellipodia, which co-localized with FAs, whereas major accumulation could be seen in central and retracting parts of the cell. Interestingly, knockdown of Orai1 and PLA2g6 produced similar and non-additive effect on migration, whereas knockdown of STIM1 simultaneously with either Orai1 or PLA2g6 produced additional inhibition. Together these data suggest that although Orai1, PLA2g6, and STIM1 play major roles in formation of new FAs at the leading edge, STIM1 may also be involved in Orai1- and PLA2g6-independent disassembly of FAs in the back of cells.
Myocardial infarction in the Worlff-Parkinson-White syndrome: A method of vector analysis of ECG changes

Abstract The case presented is the third to be published with electrocardiograms recorded during anomalous atrioventricular excitation before and after myocardial infarction. It is proposed that there are seven possible components to ventricular depolarization during anomalous atrioventricular excitation after myocardial infarction. A method of vector analysis is presented which permits selective vectorial cancellation of these components when they are manifested in two or more separate electrocardiograms. The characteristics of the four components which form the basis for the recognition of myocardial infarction are described. The case presented is analyzed, and it is concluded that study of the ventricular depolarization loops for the electrocardiograms taken during anomalous atrioventricular excitation permits the recognition of the occurrence of an acute inferoseptal myocardial infarction. Analysis of the ST-T waves leads to the same conclusion. Analysis of an electrocardiogram taken during normal atrioventricular excitation appears to confirm the conclusions.
The transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in hemoglobin systems

Abstract A linearized theory of multicomponent diffusion accompanied by an arbitrary number of reversible, chemical reactions is developed for the study of simultaneous transport of oxygen and CO 2 through in vitro hemoglobin solutions. The special case of the scheme containing five reactions that have been thought to be dominant in this system at low oxygen tension and low hemoglobin concentration is considered in detail. This simple theory yields results that are consistent with certain previously observed phenomena, and also yields additional results that apparently have not been suggested previously. The reaction facilitated augmentation of O 2 transport in Hb solution is calculated to be at a maximum near the physiological pH range, based on the available physical constants, and it is suggested that such augmentation may play an increased role in O 2 transport through concentrated Hb solutions. The bicarbonate reaction and the carbamino reaction involving CO 2 are predicted to have a significant effect on the reaction-augmented transfer of O 2 both in the equilibrium and the near equilibrium reaction domains, the reactions involving CO 2 reinforcing the O 2 transfer when the CO 2 moves countercurrent to the O 2 , but suppressing the O 2 transfer when moving parallel with the O 2 . It is suggested that the simple theory may provide a useful framework in which experimental results such as those designed to provide kinetic characterization of abnormal and impaired hemoglobin as well as normal Hb, may be interpreted.
Low-power tradeoffs for mobile computing applications: embedded processors versus custom computing kernels

In this paper, we present a low-power estimation method for creating mobile computing applications on programmable logic devices forming the "fabric" of a reconfigurable computing platform. Today, the predominant method for creating mobile computing applications uses one or more embedded processors, selected for their cost, ease of programmability, and flexibility. However, concerns over performance and power consumption are causing systems designers to question this prevailing viewpoint. We present an approach that allows designers to assess the performance and energy consumption of key algorithms before committing to specific hardware-software partitioning decisions. We report on results using the Algorithmic State Machine (ASM) method, found now in most texts on digital logic design. Using a common Sorting algorithm as an example, we show how the ASM method can be used to estimate the impact of algorithm design on power consumption and, therefore, incorporate energy budgeting into the decision-making process for hardware-software partitioning.
The valdez principles: Implications for corporate social responsibility

The Valdez Principles have been formulated to guide and evaluate corporate conduct towards the environment. While at first glance the code appears to impose enormous new responsibilities on firms, a closer analysis indicates that existing regulations and business practices already require businesses to meet many of the environmental goals sought by its proponents. Likely corporate response to the code is examined against this background and with reference to the experience with other voluntary codes of conduct. It would appear that compliance with the code will yield minimal benefits and non-compliance will impose minimum costs for the environmentally-responsible firm.
An Examination of AC/HVDC Power Circuits for Interconnecting Bulk Wind Generation with the Electric Grid

The application of high voltage dc (HVDC) transmission for integrating large scale and/or off-shore wind generation systems with the electric grid is attractive in comparison to extra high voltage (EHV) ac transmission due to a variety of reasons. While the technology of classical current sourced converters (CSC) using thyristors is well established for realization of large HVDC systems, the technology of voltage sourced converters (VSC) is emerging to be an alternative approach, particularly suitable for multi-terminal interconnections. More recently, a more modular scheme that may be termed ‘bridge of bridge’ converters (BoBC) has been introduced to realize HVDC systems. While all these three approaches are functionally capable of realizing HVDC systems, the converter power circuit design trade-offs between these alternatives are not readily apparent. This paper presents an examination of these topologies from the point of view of power semiconductor requirements, reactive component requirements, operating losses, fault tolerance, multi-terminal operation, modularity, complexity, etc. Detailed analytical models will be used along with a benchmark application to develop a comparative evaluation of the alternatives that maybe used by wind energy/bulk transmission developers for performing engineering trade-off studies.
Real-time in vivo blood-flow imaging by moving-scatterer-sensitive spectral-domain optical Doppler tomography

We present a moving-scatterer-sensitive optical Doppler tomography (MSS-ODT) technique for in vivo blood flow imaging in real time by using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system. In MSS-ODT the influence of stationary scatterers is suppressed by subtracting adjacent complex axial scans before calculating the Doppler frequency shift. We demonstrate that MSS-ODT is a useful technique for accurate determination of blood vessel size by imaging flow in a small capillary tube with a 75μm inner diameter. The flow profile obtained with MSS-ODT yields a substantially more accurate tube diameter than that obtained with the conventional phase-resolved method, which underestimates the diameter by about 23%. We also demonstrate that MSS-ODT provides improved sensitivity over the conventional phase-resolved method for imaging in vivo blood flow in small vessels in a mouse ear.
Dubbing projects for the language learner: a framework for integrating audiovisual translation into task-based instruction

This article describes a series of exploratory L1 to L2 dubbing projects for which students translated and used editing software to dub short American film and TV clips into their target language. Translating and dubbing into the target language involve students in multifaceted, high-level language production tasks that lead to enhanced vocabulary acquisition, register awareness, emphasis on concision, delivery practice, and mastery of paralinguistic elements. Such projects also increase learner motivation as students progress from teacher-directed, task-based instruction to self-initiated, task-based learning. Further experimental research should be conducted to generalize these findings and quantify the benefits of such dubbing projects.
Intravenous acetaminophen in bariatric surgery: Effects on opioid requirements

Abstract Background Opioids are commonly used after bariatric surgery for pain control because of their potent analgesic effects. Nevertheless, the morbidly obese patient has increased risk for developing adverse effects produced by opioids (such as sedation, apnea, hypoxemia, ileus, and vomiting). Intravenous acetaminophen (IVA) has been evaluated in some specialties showing a reduction in opioid consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect on opioid consumption when IVA is administered in bariatric surgery patients. Material and methods A retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Group A included those patients who received IVA perioperatively and group B those who did not. The amount of opioids administered was calculated and compared for each group. Results Group A included 38 cases (44.7%) and group B included 47 cases (55.3%). A comparison was performed in terms of age ( P = 0.349), body mass index ( P = 0.311), gender ( P = 0.890), American Society of Anesthesiologist score ( P = 0.438), total surgical time ( P = 0.497), perioperative complications ( P = 0.786), number of procedures per surgeon ( P = 0.08), and type of surgical procedure ( P ≤ 0.01). Group A had a mean 24-h total opioid dose of 99.5 mg, whereas group B of 164.6 mg ( P = 0.018). Group A received 39.5% less opioids than group B. A post hoc analysis determined a statistical power of 0.74. Conclusions IVA used perioperatively can decrease opioid consumption in patients after bariatric surgery. Randomized trials are needed to corroborate these results.
Myocardial Revascularisation in Renal Dysfunction A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Coronary artery disease is highly prevalent in patients with end-stage renal disease. Yet randomised controlled trials are lacking, and decisions are based on retrospective cohort studies which present conflicting outcomes. Hence we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease and renal dysfunction undergoing percutaneous intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with a particular focus on contemporary studies implementing drug-eluting stents. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, World of Science, and the Cochrane library were searched for randomised controlled (RCT) and observational studies comparing clinical outcomes such as early mortality, myocardial infarction, need for repeat revascularisation and angina in patients undergoing PCI or CABG. We used random effect models to compare risk ratios (RR) within groups. Results One RCT and 15 observational studies (7588 PCI and 9206 CABG patients) met inclusion criteria. Early mortality favoured the PCI cohort (4.2% vs 8.5%) [risk ratio=0.51(0.40, 0.64), p p p p =0.03), while early mortality was less in the DES-PCI cohort (2.4% vs 5.1%; p =0.04). Conclusion Compared to percutaneous intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with higher early/30-day mortality in patients with renal dysfunction or end-stage renal disease. The need for repeat revascularisation is significantly higher with percutaneous intervention, even with the use of a drug-eluting stent.
Space station survives vote

On April 29 the House of Representatives defeated an amendment to terminate Space Station Freedom. The vote was on an amendment offered by Rep. Tim Roemer (D-Indiana) to H.R. 4364, the Fiscal Year 1993–1995 NASA authorization bill. The amendment lost by a vote of 159-254. This is not the last vote the House of Representatives will have on the space station, nor is it the most important. Rep. Bob Traxler (D-Michigan), an opponent of station funding, argued that this was not the right way of dealing with the issue (calling it “a paper tiger”), and voted against Roemer's amendment.
Reproducing criminal types : Cognitive treatment for violent offenders in prison

Based upon observation in a cognitive treatment program for incarcerated violent offenders, this article uses a social constructionist approach to examine the program's rhetorical construction of i...
Geostrophic Adjustment: A Mechanism for Frontogenesis

Abstract A simple two-dimensional model is used to determine the geostrophically adjusted state of an initially motionless fluid with lateral density gradient. It is an extension of the much studied two-layer models to the case when the initial stratification is continuous, and allows a more detailed examination of the density and current fields. In addition, the model has demonstrated that geostrophic adjustment with its accompanying transverse circulation can produce regions of convergence and thus steepen the initial density gradient. In cases when the initial density transition is sharp enough, fronts, or density discontinuities, are formed at these convergence regions, along which the surface fluid particles drawn in from both sides of the fronts move into the interior. The density jump across the fronts is the greatest at the top and bottom surface and diminishes toward the interior where differential vertical motion during the adjustment can significantly level the isopycnals. One observed frontal ...
Parenting in the Workplace: Child Care Options for Consideration

This study introduces parenting in the workplace (PIW) child care options and considers such arrangements within the context of changing work and family life relationships and boundaries. In the study, representatives from 55 businesses of various sizes and industries reported positive workplace experiences with employees who brought children to work and personally cared for them at their work sites while performing routine job duties. A lack of child care resources is the major reason for the practice. Compared with 67 businesses who do not offer PIW, the PIW business representatives reported no disadvantage in business outcomes, more regard for workplace innovation and collegial relationships, and more positive attitudes toward work-family integration. The study helps employers and employees assess the potential of PIW as viable child care arrangements within their workplaces. Furthermore, findings support a recommendation that PIW arrangements should be included in the current menu of child care option...
Physiological properties and functions of Ca2+ sparks in rat intrapulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Ca+spark has been implicated as a pivotal feedback mechanism for regulating membrane potential and vasomotor tone in systemic arterial smooth muscle cells (SASMCs), but little is known about its pr...
Point of purchase or point of frustration? Consumer frustration tendencies and response in a retail setting

The research applies precepts from frustration theory to investigate frustration when a goal is blocked in a consumer context. Predictions are derived, and two studies are designed to investigate the goal-directed sequence following a blocked goal and the role of individual differences in frustration tolerance in a retail checkout encounter. The findings of the research suggest that when the goal of retail checkout is blocked, consumers adopt either adaptive or maladaptive resolution strategies. Those who take an adaptive approach return to goal-seeking behaviour, whereas those following the maladaptive path initially resolve their frustrations through resignation. That initial resolution strategy of resignation then produces a second wave of new blocks to goal attainment (helplessness, anger and self-preoccupation). Subsequently, the second wave of blocks is countered with a second set of resolution strategies (alteration, substitution, abandonment with acceptance or abandonment with suffering). The research findings also reveal that consumer frustration responses are associated with internal versus external blame and with social surroundings or who is watching the frustrating event unfold. The results likewise indicate that attitude toward the company and repatronage intentions are influenced by social surroundings and by individual differences in frustration tolerance (fairness, entitlement, gratification and achievement). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orbit of the diagonal in the power of a nilmanifold

Let X be a nilmanifold, that is, a compact homogeneous space of a nilpotent Lie group G, and let a 2 G. We study the closure of the orbit of the diagonal of X r under the action (a p1(n)
Effect of geometry on ignition of a reactive solid - Square corner

Influence de la presence de coins carres semi-infinis dans la geometrie de surface d'un solide reactif sur la vitesse de propagation de l'allumage. Comparaison avec une surface uniformement plane
Augmenting Linear Control Variates Using Transformations

Linear control variates provide a convenient means for variance reduction in a wide variety of simulation and Monte Carlo sampling problems. The effectiveness of control variates can often be improved using appropriate transformations which increase the correlation between the primary variate and the transformed control variate. Possible transformations include polynomials, the Box-Cox family of power transformations, and the inverse-normal probability transformation. Here we consider generalized transformations using cubic splines which provide a virtually unrestricted source of transformations. To illustrate the transformation methodology, a nonlinear regression problem is used. In the illustration, the transformed control is compared to the control when estimating the mean of the sampling distribution of the estimated parameters.
Dealer collaboration: transforming the value chain through integration and relationships

The retail and aftermarket in most value chains is highly segmented and can include dealers, distributors, resellers, independent repair shops, parts suppliers, specialized accessory retail stores and content providers. In the automotive industry, the aftermarket value chain is quite large and fragmented. OEMs need to transform the way they do business in order to obtain a share of this aftermarket revenue and provide better quality of service for handling critical product failures. Crucial failure symptom information is lost between the end consumers of products and the manufacturers due to lack of proper collaboration with dealerships and intermediaries offering independent service. Currently, this results in increased warranty costs for manufacturers and customer defection. In this paper, we present an IBM software solution for automotive dealer collaboration, which enhances the OEM-Dealer relationship through contextual collaboration, information integration and transparent process management. The solution is based on open standards such as Web services, J2EE, J2ME, Struts and others.
Identify the gene positions of methylated DNA with a database approach

Determining the global pattern of DNA methylation, or the methylome and its variation in cells has become an area of considerable interest primarily because of its potential use as an early diagnostic biomarker for cancers. Genome survey techniques are now being used to identify heavily methylated regions on a massive scale and there is a need to correlate this data with focused biomedical information in a high-throughput manner. Towards this end, we present a database which combines genomic location of methylation sites, genes, CpG islands with specialized genetic-ontological resources which allow for large scale comprehensive presentations of utility to researchers.
Ground-motion intensity and damage map selection for probabilistic infrastructure network risk assessment using optimization

Summary In many parts of the world, earthquakes threaten regional infrastructure systems. For modeling risk using stochastic earthquake catalogs, random variables include rupture location and the damage state of different components. Thus, there is an infinite set of possible damage maps that a risk modeler could evaluate in an event-based probabilistic loss model. Even a finite but large number of damage maps may not be practical, because many network performance measures are computationally expensive. Here, we show a computationally efficient method for selecting a subset of damage maps, corresponding ground-motion intensity maps, and associated occurrence rates that reasonably estimates the full distribution of the ground-motion intensity and a target performance measure using optimization. The method chooses a subset of maps and associated annual rates of occurrence that minimizes the error in estimating the distribution of a network performance measure as well as the marginal distributions of ground-motion intensity exceedance. The joint distribution of the ground-motion intensity is implicitly included in the objective function of the optimization problem via the network performance measure. We then show how to tune the optimization parameters based on consistency checks related to the network performance measure and the ground-motion hazard. We illustrate the proposed method with a case study of the San Francisco Bay Area road network to estimate the exceedance curve of the average percentage change in morning commute trip time. This work facilitates expanded and risk-consistent studies of the impacts of infrastructure networks on regional seismic risk and resiliency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy of isoflurane, halothane, and sevoflurane vaporizers during high oxygen flow and at maximum vaporizer dial setting.

Objective—To assess the accuracy of isoflurane, halothane, and sevoflurane vaporizers during high oxygen flow and at maximum dial settings at room temperature and to test sevoflurane vaporizers similarly during heating and at low-fill states. Sample—5 isoflurane, 5 halothane, and 5 sevoflurane vaporizers. Procedures—Vaporizers were tested at an oxygen flow of 10 L/min and maximum dial settings for 15 minutes under various conditions. All 3 vaporizer types were filled and tested at room temperature (21° to 23°C). Filled sevoflurane vaporizers were wrapped with circulating hot water (42°C) blankets for 2 hours and tested similarly, and near-empty sevoflurane vaporizers were tested similarly at room temperature. During each 15-minute test period, anesthetic agent concentration was measured at the common gas outlet with a portable refractometer and temperature of the vaporizer wall was measured with a thermistor. Results—For each vaporizer type, anesthetic agent concentrations and vaporizer wall temperatures ...
Adaptive N-best-list handwritten word recognition

We investigate a novel method for adaptively improving the machine recognition of handwritten words by applying a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classifier to the N-best word-hypothesis lists generated by a writer-independent hidden Markov model (HMM). Each new N-best list from the HMM is compared to the N-best lists in the k-NN classifier. A decision module is used to select between the output of the HMM and the matches found by the k-NN classifier. The N-best list chosen by the decision module can be automatically added to the k-NN classifier if it is not already in the k-NN classifier. This dynamic update of the k-NN classifier enables the system to adapt to new data without retraining. On a writer-independent set of 1158 handwritten words, this method reduces the error rate by approximately 30%. This method is fast and memory-efficient, and lends itself to many interesting generalizations.
Full abstraction for a shared variable parallel language

Gives a new denotational semantics for a shared variable parallel programming language and proves full abstraction. The semantics gives identical meanings to commands if and only if they induce the same partial correctness behavior in all program contexts. The meaning of a command is a set of transition traces, which record the ways in which a command may interact with and be affected by its environment. It is shown how to modify the semantics to incorporate new program constructs, to allow for different levels of granularity or atomicity, and to model fair infinite computation, in each case achieving full abstraction with respect to an appropriate notion of program behavior. >
How Electronic Spreadsheets Changed the World

In How the Irish Saved Civilization, Tom Cahill contended that during the dark ages the monks were responsible not only for writing and preserving the Bible but for other great works, including mathematics texts [Cahill, T. 1995. How the Irish Saved Civilization: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe. Doubleday, New York]. In much the same way, we have seen that electronic spreadsheets have changed (although perhaps not saved) our world in the last 25 years. The first author, who has over 40 years of experience in teaching quantitative analysis (management science, operations research, decision sciences, and statistics) at eight US universities, has been using spreadsheets for over 20 years. The second author, with almost 15 years of spreadsheet experience, witnessed the exponential growth of personal computers and their associated programs starting in her college days in the mid-1980s. While she majored in computer science, the emphasis was on programming. However, many who were in school at that time realized that the growth area would be in programs, not in programming; therefore, they spent their time using Mac computers and learning word processing and spreadsheets. When the second author returned to school for her master's in science, she observed a love/hate relationship with spreadsheets in the multiple fields of science in which she worked. In this paper, we offer our personal perspective on this ubiquitous and useful tool that has unquestionably changed the world.
Psychophysiology of ejaculatory function and dysfunction

Psychophysiological research has attempted to understand the relationship between subjective psychological experiences (perceptive, affective, cognitive) and physical/physiological components of sexual response, including erection and ejaculation. Such research has enabled the investigation of a number of hypotheses related to the etiology and/or cause of premature ejaculation (PE), with a number of important clarifications resulting. For example, in PE men, genital stimulation (as opposed to erotic stimulation in general) is particularly germane to dysfunctional response. Autonomic (parasympathetic and sympathetic) response patterns may be altered during the sexual response cycle. Anomalous patterns of arousal are probably involved, though not necessarily in ways that had been conceptualized originally (e.g., hyperarousal). And psychosomatic interactions between negative emotion, autonomic response, and rapid ejaculation may sustain the dysfunctional response. The results of this research dispel long-standing hypotheses regarding the etiology of PE, help refocus attention to areas of importance, and raise entirely new questions regarding possible causes of PE.
Transformations and Movement of Nitrate in Aquifer Systems

ABSTRACT Nitrate in ground water is subjected to a variety of physical, chemical, and biological processes which lead to changes in concentration or mass of nitrate solution. This paper reviews the processes leading to changes in nitrate concentration in ground water and discusses case studies which have examined the effects of these processes on different aquifers. Physical processes such as dilution change nitrate concentrations, but generally do not change the mass of nitrate in the aquifer. Biological and chemical denitrification are important in many aquifers for removing nitrate. Biological denitrification rates are controlled by redox conditions, available carbon and denitrifier populations. Chemical denitrification rates are controlled by redox conditions and available reduced ion species such as ferrous iron. Denitrification will lead to increases in dissolved dinitrogen gas or nitrous oxide in ground water. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction and immobilization are also of potential important in reducing the mass of nitrate. Once nitrate has entered ground water, heterogeneities within the aquifer can decrease either concentration or mass. Recharge by water with lower nitrate concentration causes dilution. Movement into confined aquifers can lead to chemical evolution of the ground water towards oxygen depletion and more reduced conditions. Movement into less permeable areas or carbon-rich portions of the aquifer can promote nitrate reduction through denitrification. Case studies of regional aquifer systems have demonstrated that nitrate disappearance occurs in contaminated aquifers although numerous interpretations of removal mechanisms are possible. Most studies used indirect measurements to indicate that biological denitrification does or can reduce nitrate levels in ground water. Studies of a contaminated aquifer on Cape Cod, MA, USA demonstrated high rates of biological denitrification. The restoration of nitrate contaminated aquifers has not been attempted by may be accomplished under certain conditions by enhancing biological or chemical denitrification rates. Increasing dissolved organic carbon and other nutrients in a contaminated aquifer would probably increase denitrification due both to the increased carbon supply and more anaerobic conditions.
"Evil People": A Comparative Study of Witch Hunts in Swabian Austria and the Electorate of Trier

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Johannes Dillinger Translators: Laura Stokes Year: 2009 Pages: 312 Publisher: University of Virginia Press ISBN: 0-8139-2806-7 (hard cover). Prices: $45.00 USD(hard cover).
Phase and stress evolution in diamond microparticles during diamond-coated wire sawing of Si ingots

Diamond microparticles undergo changes to their structure and stress state during diamond-coated wire sawing of Si ingots. This phenomenon is revealed using confocal, micro-Raman spectroscopy of diamond microparticles attached to wires which perform the sawing action. Post-wafer-sawed diamonds show the appearance of D (1350 cm−1) and G (1597 cm−1) bands of graphite besides the characteristic diamond T2g band at 1332 cm−1. The graphitic phase extends inside the diamond to a depth of ~ 14 μm. The ratio of the intensities of D and G bands allows an estimate of the graphitic crystallite size. The grain size varies from 10 nm close to the surface to 53 nm near the graphite/diamond interface. On other diamonds, blue shifts in the T2g peak position are observed indicating the presence of compressive stress. The peak shifts (up to 3.6 cm−1) are anisotropic, i.e., along the direction of wire cutting, and are estimated to be 2.9 GPa. It is proposed that the cumulative effect of compressive stresses over multiple cutting events during the sawing process can lead to local graphitization of diamond particles, thus contributing to loss in cutting efficiency.
TRICUSPID VALVE RECONFIGURATION FOLLOWING PULMONARY ARTERY BANDING IN PATIENTS WITH CONGENITALLY CORRECTED TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES AS SEEN ON ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (cc-TGA) has been shown to be a major risk factor for adverse outcomes. Pulmonary arterial banding (PAB) procedure shifts the interventricular septum (IVS) towards the systemic ventricle (SV). We
Estrogen Receptor and Peroxidase Activity in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinomas

The endocrine biology of cancers originating from the ovarian epithelium was examined with respect to three sequential indicators for estrogen action: available estrogen receptor in the cytosol, total extractable estrogen receptor from the nucleus, and endogenous tissue peroxidase--a putative postnuclear marker for estrogen-induced growth in uteri of laboratory animals and in some mammary tumor models. Cancers of human ovarian epithelium were distinguished from other ovarian tumors by a higher incidence of detectable (greater than 50 fmol/g tissue wet wt) estrogen receptor in the cytosol (P less than 0.001). Approximately one-half (14/29) of the ovarian adenocarcinoma specimens had greater than 500 fmol available estrogen receptor/g tissue wet weight in their cytosols when assayed by a 2-hour incubation with 17 beta-[2,4,6,7-3H(N)]estradiol followed by treatment with dextran-coated charcoal. With a single exception, ovarian adenomas and nondiseased specimens of premenopausal and postmenopausal ovaries (n = 24) contained less than 500 fmol available estrogen receptor/g tissue wet weight in their cytosols. With respect to extractable estrogen receptor in the nucleus, 11/14 primary and 3/9 metastatic ovarian adenocarcinomas had greater than 50 fmol/g wet weight, as assayed by exchange at 30 degrees C for 5 hours after adsorption of the extracted receptor to hydroxylapatite. Endogenous peroxidase activity, measured in vitro by guaiacol oxidation, occurred in substantially higher amounts in the primary ovarian adenocarcinomas than in benign tumors and control ovaries and could be demonstrated within ovarian adenocarcinoma cells by electron microscopy.
A RESEARCH ON COST ALLOCATION OF TRANSMISSION LOSS IN ELECTRICITY MARKET

Transmission pricing has become one of the most important problems in many countries where electricity markets are being established. It is necessary to analyze and calculate the power loss caused by a certain wheeling transaction in one transmission line in order to describe the cost of loss. A series of new concepts about wheeling transactions and the separation of electrical power loss in one transmission line is proposed. Using the new concept, it is clear to identify powers of different wheeling transactions in transmission line without any hypothesis, and these power losses satisfy the superposition theorem.
Health-Care Reform and School-Based Health Care

There is growing recognition that health and health care at school can significantly impact children's health. From childhood obesity interventions to new immunization mandates, schools are at the forefront of child health discussions. The 2008 presidential campaign and the renewed focus on health-care reform raise the possibility that in 2009 school health will play a larger role in health policy conversations than previously. This article explores the proposition that both school health and national health policy will benefit from closer attention to the role of school health within the U.S. health system. It offers a Maryland case study to suggest both the opportunities and operational challenges of linking school health to the larger community health system.
Bryozoan statoblasts in the recent sediments of Douglas Lake, Michigan

Statoblast valves produced by the freshwater bryozoan Plumatella nitens were recovered in three sediment cores from Douglas Lake, Michigan. Douglas Lake is a multi-depression lake of glacial origin. The region was heavily logged from 1880 to 1920. Sediment cores were taken from three of the seven depressions, and dated using 210Pb isotopes and pollen. Sedimentation rates were very low in the Grapevine Point core as compared to the other two cores. Concentrations of statoblasts ranged from three to 140 ml-1 of wet sediment. Profiles of statoblast concentrations and accumulation rates indicate a sharp decline in Plumatella populations corresponding to the time the Douglas Lake watershed was being clear-cut. It appears that logging and the resulting increase in erosion had adverse effects on bryozoan populations, and possibly on the entire littoral zone of the lake. High sediment loads to the lake could have caused mortality in Plumatella by interfering with the feeding of these animals, or by decreasing numbers of macrophytes which are frequently used as substrate. Populations of Plumatella have not recovered to pre-disturbance levels.
Exchange Rates and Terms of Trade in the Argentine Republic 1913-1976

Publisher Summary This chapter will present estimates of the Argentine real exchange rate since 1913. Departures from purchasing power parity (PPP) will be partly explained by fluctations in the external terms of trade (TOT) andother variables. Much of twentieth-century Argentine economic history will be reflected in tables showing real exchange rates and terms of trade. Because data required for these exercises have not been available in one place, they were put together by the author. Some appear in the text and the rest in a lengthy statistical report [see Diaz Alejandro (1982) ].
A Simultaneous PET/MRI scanner based on RatCAP in small animals

The ability to acquire high resolution anatomical data as well as quantitative functional information in vivo is becoming an increasingly important factor in the diagnosis of disease. Simultaneous acquisition of PET and MRI data would provide essentially perfect co-registration between the two images which is particularly important for tissues whose position and shape can change between sequential scans. RatCAP is a complete 3D tomograph that is designed to image the brain of an awake rat. A special MRI coil composed of 2 saddle elements working in quadrature mode was mounted on a Delrin cylinder specifically designed to fit inside the RatCAP but allowing the rat's head to be placed inside as well. Simultaneous PET/MRI images of the rat brain have been acquired in a 4 T MRI scanner using the RatCAP detector, with minimal effect on MRI images.
An Estimation of Distribution Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

PSO is a powerful evolutionary algorithm used for finding global solution to a multidimensional problem. Particles in PSO tend to re-explore already visited bad solution regions of search space because they do not learn as a whole. This is avoided by restricting particles into promising regions through probabilistic modeling of the archive of best solutions. This paper presents hybrids of estimation of distribution algorithm and two PSO variants. These algorithms are tested on benchmark functions having high dimensionalities. Results indicate that the methods strengthen the global optimization abilities of PSO and therefore, serve as attractive choices to determine solutions to optimization problems in areas including sensor networks.
The role of grain size in He bubble formation: Implications for swelling resistance

Abstract Nanocrystalline metals are postulated as radiation resistant materials due to their high defect and particle (e.g. Helium) sink density. Here, the performance of nanocrystalline iron films is investigated in-situ in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) using He irradiation at 700 K. Automated crystal orientation mapping is used in concert with in-situ TEM to explore the role of grain orientation and grain boundary character on bubble density trends. Bubble density as a function of three key grain size regimes is demonstrated. While the overall trend revealed an increase in bubble density up to a saturation value, grains with areas ranging from 3000 to 7500 nm 2 show a scattered distribution. An extrapolated swelling resistance based on bubble size and areal density indicated that grains with sizes less than 2000 nm 2 possess the greatest apparent resistance. Moreover, denuded zones are found to be independent of grain size, grain orientation, and grain boundary misorientation angle.
Sea-level records from the U.S. mid-Atlantic constrain Laurentide Ice Sheet extent during Marine Isotope Stage 3

The U.S. mid-Atlantic sea-level record is sensitive to the history of the Laurentide Ice Sheet as the coastline lies along the ice sheet’s peripheral bulge. However, paleo sea-level markers on the present-day shoreline of Virginia and North Carolina dated to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3, from 50 to 35 ka, are surprisingly high for this glacial interval, and remain unexplained by previous models of ice age adjustment or other local (for example, tectonic) effects. Here, we reconcile this sea-level record using a revised model of glacial isostatic adjustment characterized by a peak global mean sea level during MIS 3 of approximately −40 m, and far less ice volume within the eastern sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet than traditional reconstructions for this interval. We conclude that the Laurentide Ice Sheet experienced a phase of very rapid growth in the 15 kyr leading into the Last Glacial Maximum, thus highlighting the potential of mid-field sea-level records to constrain areal extent of ice cover during glacial intervals with sparse geological observables. Surprisingly high Pleistocene sea-level markers on the Virginia and North Carolina shoreline are inconsistent with models of Laurentide ice sheet volume during Marine Isotope Stage 3. Here, Picoet al. present a revised glacial isostatic adjustment model that enables them to reconcile these differences.
Michael Atiyah: The Role of Proof

This chapter discusses what it would mean to have a proof of P=NP or the opposite, apart from the major and minor claims to prove them equal or unequal in 2010. A proof should embrace its explanatory and educational value from the start, not merely be the verification of a claim.