cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GABA and Glutamate Receptors as Biochemical Sites for Insecticide Action

The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor/chloride ionophore complex has been the focus of intense interest by industrial and academic scientists as a site of insecticide action (Bloomquist 1993). This receptor was initially exploited as a site of action for commercial insecticides over 40 years ago by the polychlorocycloalkane compounds (e.g., cyclodienes, toxaphene, and lindane), although the suggestion that they might be disrupting GABA receptor function was not advanced until 1982 (Ghiasuddin and Matsumura 1982). This hypothesis was roughly contemporaneous with the discovery of the avermectins, which were originally hypothesized to affect GABA-gated chloride channels, but now are thought to mainly affect the glutamate-gated chloride channel of invertebrate muscle (Rohrer and Arena 1995).
The involvement of GM-CSF deficiencies in parallel pathways of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and the alcoholic lung

Chronic alcohol consumption renders the lung more susceptible to infections by disrupting essential alveolar macrophage functions. Emerging evidence suggests that these functional deficits are due, in part, to a suppression of GM-CSF signaling, which is believed to compromise monocyte growth and maturation in the lung. However, in addition to controlling monocyte behaviors, GM-CSF also regulates surfactant homeostasis. For example, mice with targeted deletion of the gene for GM-CSF accumulate large amounts of surfactant phospholipids in their lungs. Moreover, decreased GM-CSF signaling in humans has been linked to the development of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a rare disorder in which surfactant lipids and proteins accumulate in alveolar macrophages and the lung exhibits enhanced susceptibility to infection. Consistent with parallel mechanisms in the PAP and alcoholic lung, we have recently reported that levels of intrapulmonary lipids, specifically triglycerides and free fatty acids, are increased in BAL fluid, whole lung digests and alveolar macrophages of chronically alcohol exposed rats. Additionally, we showed that uptake of saturated fatty acids alone could induce phenotypic and functional changes in alveolar macrophages that mimicked those in the alcohol-exposed rat and human lung. Herein, we discuss the role of GM-CSF in surfactant homeostasis and highlight the evidence that links decreased GM-CSF signaling to alveolar macrophage dysfunction in both the PAP and alcohol-exposed lung. Moreover, we discuss how lipid accumulation itself might contribute to altering alveolar macrophage function and propose how targeting these mechanisms could be employed for reducing the susceptibility to pulmonary infections in alcoholics.
Lithographic tone reversal in optical exposure of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resist

Tone reversal in electron beam lithography when using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a resist is well known. At low electron beam dose, chain scissioning—resulting in positive tone lithography, is observed in PMMA. However, above a certain threshold dose, electron beam exposure results in cross-linking of PMMA, enabling negative tone resist action. We describe a similar phenomenon in PMMA (containing Irgacure 379—a free radical generator)—brought about through UV radiation exposure at 365 nm wavelength. The photo-active Irgacure 379 serves two purposes here: making PMMA sensitive to wavelengths as short as 365 nm (i-line) and amplifying the free radical concentration so that the tone reversal could be observed at relatively low UV dose. Thus, an optical analogue of the well-known tone reversal seen in electron beam lithography exists where the reversal is brought about by changing the intensity of UV illumination on PMMA containing a certain amount of Irgacure 379.
Niche Differentiation among Three Closely Related Competibacteraceae Clades at a Full-Scale Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant and Putative Linkages to Process Performance.

ABSTRACT Multiple clades within a microbial taxon often coexist within natural and engineered environments. Because closely related clades have similar metabolic potential, it is unclear how diversity is sustained and what factors drive niche differentiation. In this study, we retrieved three near-complete Competibacter lineage genomes from activated sludge metagenomes at a full-scale pure oxygen activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. The three genomes represent unique taxa within the Competibacteraceae. A comparison of the genomes revealed differences in capacity for exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis, glucose fermentation to lactate, and motility. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), we monitored these clades over a 2-year period. The clade possessing genes for motility and lacking genes for EPS biosynthesis (CPB_P15) was dominant during periods of suspended solids in the effluent. Further analysis of operational parameters indicate that the dominance of the CPB_P15 clade is associated with low-return activated sludge recycle rates and low wasting rates, conditions that maintain relatively high levels of biomass within the system. IMPORTANCE Members of the Competibacter lineage are relevant in biotechnology as glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs). Here, we document the presence of three Competibacteraceae clades in a full-scale activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and their linkage to specific operational conditions. We find evidence for niche differentiation among the three clades with temporal variability in clade dominance that correlates with operational changes at the treatment plant. Specifically, we observe episodic dominance of a likely motile clade during periods of elevated effluent turbidity, as well as episodic dominance of closely related nonmotile clades that likely enhance floc formation during periods of low effluent turbidity.
Reducing disparity in neurologic care: What can we do?

Disparities in care are an increasing concern of the US health care system as our population becomes increasingly more diverse. The existence of inequity in health care not only adversely affects those facing disparities but may also affect and limit quality care generally by virtue of increased and unnecessary costs. Disparities in care occur in all patient populations, including those with neurologic diseases.
Examining the Bystander Effect and Sexual Violence: Do Middle School Prevention Programs Work? [Russell Sage College]

Since the horrific murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, sociologists have been concerned with better understanding and hopefully, reducing incidents of the bystander effect. This study builds upon past work by examining the bystander effect in cases of sexual harassment and victimization with a focus on middle school students. Given the #metoo movement, Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony against Judge Kavanaugh and the proposed changes to college campus policies on sexual assault proposed by Secretary of Education Betsy Devos, this study on sexual assault and the bystander effect is culturally relevant and timely. Past studies have found that prevention programs influence bystander participation. The research discovered that bystander participation varies depending on the diverse types of sexual assault and harassment. This research will examine the bystander effect in middle school adolescents dealing with sexual harassment, assault, or violence in schools. An analysis of adolescents’ belief on whether they can prevent sexual assault in their schools will be conducted. This research wishes to understand what characteristics contribute to students being active bystanders, someone who acts. The Experimental Evaluation of a Youth Dating Violence Prevention Program in NYC Middle Schools data set is utilized in this study. The sample size is 2,655 students from inner-city middle schools. All statistical analysis is conducted with SPSS. Chi-square, Gamma, and Cramer’s V are used to test statistical significance and strength of relationships. The results are interesting. Out of the seven hypotheses, three were found to be statistically significant. Gender, age, and in some cases attendance at a school prevention program had a significant effect on bystander intervention. In contrast, race and in other cases attendance at a school prevention program were not significant. The varying results towards student’s participation in prevention programs raises future questions on how prevention programs effect bystander effect.
Sitting in Limbo - Obamacare under Divided Government.

Sitting in Limbo Even today, the Affordable Care Act remains in limbo. The Trump administration’s recent change of position on invalidating it underscores the ongoing conflict over health care refo...
Message Passing-Based Joint CFO and Channel Estimation in mmWave Systems With One-Bit ADCs

Channel estimation at millimeter wave (mmWave) carrier frequencies is challenging when large antenna arrays are used. Prior work has leveraged the sparse nature of mmWave channels via compressed sensing-based algorithms for channel estimation. Most of these algorithms, though, assume perfect synchronization and are vulnerable to phase errors that arise due to carrier frequency offset and phase noise. Recently, sparsity-aware, non-coherent beamforming algorithms that are robust to phase errors were proposed for narrowband phased array systems with full resolution analog-to-digital converters. Such energy-based algorithms, however, are not robust to heavy quantization at the receiver. In this paper, we develop a joint carrier frequency offset and wideband channel estimation algorithm that is scalable across different hardware architectures. Our method exploits the sparse nature of mmWave channels in the angle-delay domain, in addition to the compressibility of the phase error vector. We formulate the joint estimation as a quantized sparse bilinear optimization problem and then use message passing for recovery. We also give an efficient implementation of a generalized bilinear message passing algorithm for the joint estimation in one-bit receivers. Simulation results show that our method is able to estimate the frequency offset and the channel compressibility, even in the presence of phase noise.
Effectiveness of Model-Based Defenses for Digitally Controlled Industrial Systems: Nuclear Reactor Case Study

AbstractModel-based defenses have been promoted over the past decade as essential defenses against intrusion and data deception attacks into the control network used to digitally regulate the opera...
Restoration of somatosensory function by pairing vagus nerve stimulation with tactile rehabilitation

Objective Sensory dysfunction is a common consequence of many forms of neurological injury, including stroke and nerve damage. Rehabilitative paradigms that incorporate sensory retraining can provide modest benefits, but the majority of patients are left with lasting sensory loss. We have developed a novel strategy that uses closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tactile rehabilitation to enhance synaptic plasticity and facilitate recovery of sensory function. Methods A clinical case report provides initial evidence that a similar implementation of closed-loop VNS paired with a tactile rehabilitation regimen could improve recovery of somatosensory function. Here, we sought to build on these promising initial clinical data and rigorously evaluate the ability of VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation to improve recovery in an animal model of chronic sensory loss. The study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and statistical comparisons, was preregistered prior to beginning data collection (https://osf.io/xsnj5/). Results VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation resulted in a significant and nearly complete recovery of mechanosensory withdrawal thresholds. Equivalent tactile rehabilitation without VNS failed to improve sensory function. This VNS-dependent restoration of sensory thresholds was maintained for several months after the cessation of stimulation, illustrating long-term benefits. Moreover, VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation resulted in significant generalized improvements in other measures of sensorimotor forepaw function. Interpretation Given the safety and tolerability of VNS therapy, these findings suggest that incorporating VNS paired with sensory retraining into rehabilitative regimens may represent a fundamentally new method to increase recovery of sensory function after neurological injury. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:194-205.
Plans to Reactivate Gastroenterology Practices Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of North American Centers.

Background & Aims Practices dramatically reduced endoscopy services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because practices now are considering reintroduction of elective endoscopy, we conducted a survey of North American practices to identify reactivation barriers and strategies. Methods We designed and electronically distributed a web-based survey to North American gastroenterologists consisting of 7 domains: institutional demographics, impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy practice, elective endoscopy resumption plans, anesthesia modifications, personal protective equipment policies, fellowship training, and telemedicine use. Responses were stratified by practice type: ambulatory surgery center (ASC) or hospital-based. Results In total, 123 practices (55% ASC-based and 45% hospital-based) responded. At the pandemic’s peak (as reported by the respondents), practices saw a 90% decrease in endoscopy volume, with most centers planning to resume elective endoscopy a median of 55 days after initial restrictions. Declining community prevalence of COVID-19, personal protective equipment availability, and preprocedure severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing availability were ranked as the 3 primary factors influencing reactivation timing. ASC-based practices were more likely to identify preprocedure testing availability as a major factor limiting elective endoscopy resumption (P = .001). Preprocedure SARS-CoV-2 testing was planned by only 49.2% of practices overall; when testing is performed and negative, 52.9% of practices will continue to use N95 masks. Conclusions This survey highlights barriers and variable strategies for reactivation of elective endoscopy services after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest that more widespread access to preprocedure SARS-CoV-2 tests with superior performance characteristics is needed to increase provider and patient comfort in proceeding with elective endoscopy.
Optimizing Non-invasive Oxygenation for COVID-19 Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Acute Respiratory Distress: A Case Report

Author(s): Zodda, David; Hanson, Allyson; Berns, Alyssa | Abstract: Introduction: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an increase in the number of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with severe hypoxia and acute respiratory distress. With limited resources and ventilators available, emergency physicians working at a hospital within the epicenter of the United States outbreak developed a stepwise, non-invasive oxygenation strategy for treating COVID-19 patients presenting with severe hypoxia and acute respiratory distress.Case Report: A 72-year-old male suspected of having the COVID-19 virus presented to the ED with shortness of breath. He was found to be severely tachypneic, febrile, with rales in all lung fields. His initial oxygen saturation registered at SpO2 (blood oxygenation saturation) 55% on room air. Emergency physicians employed a novel non-invasive oxygenation strategy using a nasal cannula, non-rebreather, and self-proning. This approach led to a reversal of the patient’s respiratroy distress and hypoxia (SpO2 88-95%) for the following 24 hours.This non-invasive intervention allowed providers time to obtain and initiate high-flow nasal cannula and discuss end-of-life wishes with the patient and his family.Conclusion: Our case highlights a stepwise, organized approach to providing non-invasive oxygenation for COVID-19 patients presenting with severe hypoxia and acute respiratory distress. This approach primarily employs resources and equipment that are readily available to healthcare providers around the world. The intent of this strategy is to provide conventional alternatives to aid in the initial airway management of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients.
Realtime Interactive Hybrid 2D and 3D Visual Analytics on Large High Resolution Display and Immersive Virtual Environment

We present a data-flow-oriented scalable and extensible visualization system for supporting hybrid 2D and 3D visual analytics. Our application allows users to visually analyze the results of a complex multivariate Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation outputs variables describing various properties of 3D objects interacting in a dynamic 3D environment. Our system uses 2D charting tools to visualize the statistical relationships between simulation variables. We developed a Unity application to animate the 3D simulation in a virtual environment showing the time-varying results of the dynamics in a 3D environment. The Unity application runs on both a 2D high resolution display system and a complete-immersive Head Mounted Display device. The 2D visualization framework running on our Large High-Resolution Display system supports multiple coordinated views across all the 2D and 3D visualization components. Preliminary results show our data-centric design provides a user-centric visualization tool that can greatly enhance the analytical process and speed up the derivation of insights from data.
The use of enoxaparin as bridge to therapeutic INR after LVAD implantation

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have been increasingly used in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. While warfarin has been uniformly recommended in the long-term as anticoagulation strategy, no clear recommendation exists for the post-operative period. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of enoxaparin in the immediate and early postoperative period after LVAD implantation. This is a two-center, retrospective analysis of 250 consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implantation between January 2017 and December 2018. Patients were bridged postoperatively to therapeutic INR by either receiving unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Patients were followed while inpatient and for 3 months after LVAD implantation. The efficacy outcome was occurrence of first and subsequent cerebrovascular accident while safety outcome was the occurrence of bleeding events. Length of stay (LOS) was also assessed. Two hundred fifty and 246 patients were analyzed for index admission and 3-month follow up respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in CVA (OR = 0.67; CI = 0.07–6.39, P = 0.73) or bleeding events (OR = 0.91; CI = 0.27–3.04, P = 0.88) during index admission. Similarly, there were no differences at 3 months in either CVAs or bleeding events (OR = 0.85; 0.31–2.34; p = 0.76). No fatal events occurred during the study follow-up period. Median LOS was significantly lower (4 days; p = 0.03) in the LMWH group. LMWH in the immediate and early postoperative period after LVAD implantation appears to be a concurrently safe and efficacious option allowing earlier postoperative discharge and avoidance of recurrent hospitalizations due to sub-therapeutic INR.
Empirical Model for Estimating Light Pipe Sidewall Scattering Loss

Using a geometric optics approximation for simulations and RMS slope for surface characterization, an empirical model is demonstrated that can then be used to estimate sidewall scattering loss for a range of waveguide parameters.
Genetics and Epilepsy

As our technology continues to improve, so does our knowledge of the genetics underlying epilepsy. In children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, a thorough history and physical examination should be performed. As part of this evaluation, a detailed family history including both neurologic disorders and disorders affecting other organ systems and recurrent patterns of disease within family members should be undertaken. Physical examination should include a skin examination with a Wood’s lamp to evaluate for evidence of a neurocutaneous disorder. In children with a suspected underlying genetic etiology, potential evaluations can include chromosomal microarray analysis, single-gene testing, epilepsy gene panel, and/or whole-exome sequencing depending on the clinical scenario.
CTP and parS control ParB partition complex dynamics and ParA-ATPase activation for ParABS-mediated DNA partitioning

ParABS partition systems, comprising the centromere-like DNA sequence parS, the parS-binding ParB-CTPase and the nucleoid-binding ParA-ATPase, ensure faithful segregation of bacterial chromosomes and low-copy-number plasmids. F-plasmid partition complexes containing ParBF and parSF move by generating and following a local concentration gradient of nucleoid-bound ParAF. However, the process of ParBF activation of ParAF-ATPase has not been defined. We studied CTP- and parSF-modulated ParAF—ParBF complex assembly leading to ParAF-ATPase activation. Activation of DNA-bound ParAF-ATP dimers for ATP hydrolysis requires binding of two ParBF N-terminal domains. CTP or parSF enhances the ATPase rate without increasing ParAF—ParBF assembly kinetics. Together, parSF and CTP accelerate ParAF—ParBF assembly without further increasing the ATPase rate. Magnetic-tweezers experiments showed that CTP promotes multiple ParBF loading onto parSF-containing DNA, generating condensed partition complex-like assemblies. We propose that ParBF in the partition complex adopts a conformation that enhances ParBF—ParBF and ParAF—ParBF interactions promoting efficient partitioning.
Voice Quality and Laryngeal Findings in Patients With Suspected Lung Cancer

ObjectiveTo describe laryngeal findings and voice quality in patients with suspected lung cancer, relative to voice quality and possible laryngeal pathology.Study DesignProspective cohort study.Set...
Pandemic Pedagogy and Possibilities: Seeing the Other Side of the Past Year

Greetings, scholars and friends of The DATA BASE. It's been a long and interesting year we just lived through, and everybody has an interesting story to tell about it, to be sure. I'm no different in that respect, but I have not yet written on the matter, as so many already have. Special issues on the topic of technological remediation of pandemic restrictions on pedagogy abound; it's quite interesting.
Single-Camera Video Production

Learn everything you need to know about creating video using the single-camera format, from preproduction planning to setting up, rehearsing, shooting, striking, and pleasing your audience. Harness lighting, audio, editing, and aesthetic techniques that will enhance the quality of your video projects and keep your clients coming back for more. Simple, elegant, and easy to use, Single-Camera Video Production, Sixth Edition is a staple in any video artist’s library. Whether you’re just learning the basics of video production or you’re a veteran who needs a refresher, this book provides you with a toolkit for understanding and implementing single-camera workflows, as well as how to use the single-camera format to its best advantage by emphasizing the importance of goals, audience analysis, and technology. This new edition has been updated to include: Expanded sections on digital workflows, field and studio production, preproduction planning, audio, lighting, distribution, and nonlinear editing techniques Detailed gear lists covering the latest camera, recorder, audio, lighting, and stabilization equipment used in the industry today Fresh tips on creating video for your target audience and exhibition platform and shooting for the editing process Insider career advice, including tips on how to get an internship, interviewing, finding a job, and earning a promotion A companion website (www.focalpress.com/cw/musburger) with video examples of the techniques discussed in the book as well as evolving updates on key technological shifts
High- ${Q}$ Inductors Utilizing Thick Metals and Dense-Tapered Spirals

Ultra-thick metals are known to be counter productive for quality factor ( ${Q}$ ) improvement at high frequencies in multiturn inductors. From the experimental results, assisted by electromagnetic simulations, it is first shown that ${Q}$ improvement with ultra-thick metals can be pushed to higher frequencies using variable width and spaced (tapered) spirals. Furthermore, it is also shown that the extent of tapering is proportional to the metal thickness for the highest performance. Second, dense-tapered layouts are shown to be good candidates for higher ${Q}$ rather than hollow ones for a given inductance density.
Structure of a B-DNA dodecamer: III. Geometry of hydration

Abstract The dodecamer d(CpGpCpGpApApTpTpCpGpCpG) or C-G-C-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G crystallizes as slightly more than one full turn of right-handed B -DNA. It is surrounded in the crystal by one bound spermine molecule and 72 ordered water molecules, most of which associate with polar N and O atoms at the exposed edges of base-pairs. Hydration within the major groove is principally confined to a monolayer of water molecules associated with exposed N and O groups on the bases, with most association being monodentate. Waters hydrating backbone phosphate oxygens tend not to be ordered, except where they are immobilized by 5-methyl groups from nearby thymines. In contrast, the minor groove is hydrated in an extensive and regular manner, with a zigzag “spine” of first- and second-shell hydration along the floor of the groove serving as a foundation for less-regular outer shells extending beyond the radius of the phosphate backbone. This spine network bridges purine N-3 and pyrimidine O-2 atoms in adjacent base-pairs. It is particularly regular in the A-A-T-T center, and is disrupted at the C-G-C-G ends, in part by the presence of the N-2 amino groups on guanine residues. The minor groove hydration spine may be responsible for the stability of the B form of polymers containing only A · T and I · C base-pairs, and its disruption may explain the ease of transition to the A form of polymers with G · C pairs.
Oral-facial-digital syndrome in a chromosomally normal male.

Oral-facial-digital syndrome has been described almost exclusively in females. The few males that have been reported with classical features of the syndrome have had abnormal karyotypes. A 20-month-old, living, male child with characteristic clinical features of oral-facial-digital syndrome is described. This child has a normal chromosome complement of 46 with an XY sex chromosome constitution. It is suggested that the survival of this child represents the extreme of the variability of expressivity in this syndrome.
Across the great divide: examination of simulation data with actual silicon waveforms improves device characterization and production test development

Engineers face major challenges when they try to debug problems with a device being characterized or tested at a remote site. They find it difficult, time consuming, and error prone to gather waveform data from a separate facility for analysis. This paper discusses a tool for specifying data to be collected, automating its capture, and the means of displaying and comparing to waveforms previously collected through simulation of the device during the product design phase. Specific ways of viewing not only these different waveforms but also the relationships between them are presented. We also describe the development of such a system, its inclusion in the design flow for new IC development, and the resulting improvements in new product introduction from the viewpoint of design and test.
Initial Performance of the DADO2 Prototype

On December 5, 1985 a 1023-processor parallel machine named DADO2 was successfully demonstrated at Columbia University. DADO2 is the fourth prototype, but the first large-scale prototype, of a class of machines called DADO. DADO was first proposed in 1980 as a special-purpose parallel computer attached to a conventional host processor and designed to accelerate a particular class of artificial intelligence rule-based programming paradigms called production systems. PSs have been widely used for the implementation of knowledge-based expert systems. Since its introduction, we have learned that DADO suits the high-speed execution of a large class of problems that we call almost decomposable searching problems, of which PSs are but one example. Several specific examples of this class of problems presently run on DADO2; others are currently under development and nearing completion. In this article the author presents the initial measured performance of the implemented systems on the DADO2 prototype. This data is preceded by a general overview of the DADO architecture and the theoretical speedup achievable for almost decomposable searching problems.
Quatrefoil Reentry Caused by Burst Pacing

Quatrefoil Reentry Caused by Burst Pacing. Background: Experiments and clinical studies have shown that high-frequency (burst) pacing can induce reentry and fibrillation without a strong shock. We hypothesize that a train of weak stimuli induces quatrefoil reentry, and investigate the mechanism and threshold for this mode of reentry induction. Methods: We apply a train of weak stimuli at different pacing rates to determine the threshold necessary to induce quatrefoil reentry. Numerical calculations are used to simulate cardiac tissue, based on the bidomain model with unequal anisotropy ratios. We consider both anodal and cathodal stimuli. Results: Quatrefoil reentry is initiated using much smaller currents during burst pacing (0.9 mA) com- pared to a single premature pulse (8.6 mA). As we varied the pacing rate, we observed reentry at the border between different modes of phase locking, such as between 1:1 and 2:1 responses. Conclusion: Burst pacing can significantly reduce the threshold for reentry. However, the extreme sensi- tivity of reentry induction to the exact number of stimuli in the pulse train makes the method difficult to use as a consistent, reproducible way to induce reentry. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 17, pp. 1362-1368,
Characterization of humic substances from the Oneida Lake watershed

Humic substances from the watershed of Oneida Lake, an eutrophic lake, near Syracuse, N.Y., were isolated in order to determine if humic substances from different sources have different characteristics. Samples studied include dissolved organic matter extracted from water and alkali soluble substituents from soils and sediments. Dissolved organic matter was concentrated using XAD‐8 resin. Alkali extractable materials from soils and sediment were divided into fulvic and humic acids. Samples were analyzed using 13C and 1 H NMR spectroscopy, infrared and UV‐visible spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, ash content, total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Results obtained from statistical analysis and comparison of data indicated that the humic substances of different origins could be classified into four categories; soil fulvic acids, soil humic acids, dissolved organic matter, and sedimentary organic matter.
Conjunctival Structure and Cell Counts and the Results of Filtering Surgery

We evaluated perioperative conjunctival biopsy specimens in 28 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing trabeculectomy who had not undergone previous intraocular surgery. We found six months postoperatively that the number of goblet cells was significantly greater (6.40 ± 5.40 vs 1.68 ± 1.60 per field of view; P=.004, Student's t -test) in patients with easier postoperative intraocular pressure control (intraocular pressure ≤ 15 mm Hg with zero to two glaucoma medications) than in patients with more difficult intraocular pressure control (> 15 mm Hg with three or more glaucoma medications). No statistical differences between groups were observed in mast cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes, or fibroblasts (P
Premarital sexual standards for different categories of individuals

A survey study of 666 undergraduate students was conducted to examine how standards for a target depend on the target's personal relevance, gender, and age. Whether male and female students have different sexual attitudes was also examined. Respondents were randomly assigned to complete a sexual permissive scale for one type of target. No evidence was found for a double standard, but age and personal relevance of the target affected the standards endorsed. Less permissiveness was endorsed for younger targets and targets who were “personal” (e.g., “sister” or “brother”) to the respondent. Furthermore, female respondents were less permissive than male respondents. Whether this gender difference reflects women's greater sexual conservatism or women's lack of power in the social structure is also discussed.
The impossibility of a desirable minimal state

The amount of control the general public exerts over government depends on accepted government procedures as determined by the political constitution and prevailing public opinion. It has not been the purpose of this paper to suggest ways of providing the public more control over government but to consider some implications of changes in that control. It is obvious that it would be desirable for the general public to have more control over political decisions; i.e., for the political process to be more responsive to the broad based benefits and costs that result from government action. The question is; what does more public control over government imply about the desirable size of government? For the natural rights advocate the answer is nothing. Government should be only large enough to protect citizens against force and fraud. The purpose of the present paper, however, has been to argue that the desirable size of government can be either positively or negatively related to the control exerted over it by the public. If this argument is accepted, it casts doubt on the possibility of a desirable minimum state. When there is little public control over government, organized special interest will have disproportionate political influence and will use this influence to expand government into activities that are detrimental to the public interest. Obviously, given this situation, it will be desirable to use additional public control over government to reduce the size of government by restricting its activities. But just as obvious is that this situation is one in which control over government is inadequate to the task of achieving a minimal state. On the other hand, whether or not control over government is sufficient to limit the size of government to its desirable level, there remains a plausible argument that this desirable level eventually begins to increase as control over government increases. It is certainly reasonable to expect that if control over government continued to increase toward that of complete control, the desirable size of government would eventually become greater than the minimum achievable state (and greater yet than the minimal state). One can doubt whether public control over government sufficient to reduce the state below desirable limits will ever be reached. It may be that the lack of control over government explains why the ideal of a minimal state is such a persistent one. The minimal state may be a fantasy that, like most fantasies, owes its appeal to the fact that it is beyond our reach.
α-adrenergic blocking properties of quinine HCl

Abstract In the anesthetized dog, quinine HCl (50 mg/kg, i.v.) infused over a 20 min period produced a 22% maximum decrease in diastolic blood pressure, a 53% increase in pulse pressure and a 52% increase in myocardial contractile force. The initial positive inotropic response was maximal in the first 5–15 min of the quinine infusion and decreased to near control levels 40 min following the quinine infusion. Quinine caused a marked reduction in the noradrenaline (NA) pressor response, blockade of the adrenaline (A) pressor response, partial blunting of the angiotensin II (AII) pressor effect but no change in the depressor effect of isoprenaline (I). The positive inotropic effects of CaCl 2 were reduced and the duration of contractile action to both I and CaCl 2 was significantly prolonged by quinine. In isolated rabbit thoracic aortic strips, quinine produced a parallel, dose-related shift of the concentration-response curve for NA to the right but did not affect the maximum responses. A pA 2 of 4.91 was estimated by the method of Schild. The determined line had a slope of -0.84 which is similar to a theoretical slope of -1.0 and indicates a direct relationship between the number of receptors occupied and the contractile response. The responses to AII and histamine (H) were not altered by quinine. These results suggest that quinine HCl produces α-adrenergic blockade; additionally, quinine modifies catecholamine- and calcium-induced myocardial contractile force responses.
Fluid-inclusion evidence for previous higher temperatures in the Miravalles geothermal field, Costa Rica

Abstract Heating and freezing data were obtained for liquid-rich secondary fluid inclusions in magmatic quartz, hydrothermal calcite and hydrothermal quartz crystals from 19 sampled depths in eight production drill holes (PGM-1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 12 and 15) of the Miravalles geothermal field in northwestern Costa Rica. Homogenization temperatures for 386 fluid inclusions range from near the present measured temperatures to as much as 70°C higher than the maximum measured well temperature of about 240°C. Melting-point temperature measurements for 76 fluid inclusions suggest a calculated salinity range of about 0.2–1.9 wt% NaCl equivalent. Calculated salinities as high as 3.1–4.0 wt% NaCl equivalent for 20 fluid inclusions from the lower part of drill hole PGM-15 (the deepest drill hole) indicate that higher salinity water probably was present in the deeper part of the Miravalles geothermal field at the time these fluid inclusions were formed.
Subjective successions 1

Certain facts about subjective successions support, I hold, a theory of mind‐dependent sensory data. Suppose that no such theory is true and, furthermore, that as one experiences a visual subjective succession, that of which one is visually aware consists typically in a static physical array. Nevertheless one will, I hold, experience a certain change taking place within one's visual field; and under the imagined conditions, it is hard to fathom what this change could be. Various seemingly plausible and helpful suggestions are examined and rejected. I conclude that neither a common‐sense realism nor, in fact, any view which rejects mind‐dependent sensory data can deal satisfactorily with subjective successions.
Effects of extra light Z bosons in unified and superstring models.

We discuss the low-energy effects of extra light $Z$ bosons in unified models especially in those models which might arise from the ${E}_{8}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}{E}_{8}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ superstring. We find that deviations from the standard model in neutral-current scattering data can give a very sensitive test of the presence of such bosons, of unification, and of the pattern of symmetry breaking. Such deviations have already in fact been observed. We also discuss flavor-changing effects such as $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3e$.
Intractable pediatric epilepsy: Presurgical evaluation

Epilepsy surgery in children requires a multidisciplinary approach. This section examines the role of scalp EEG, video-EEG monitoring, and intracranial EEG in the presurgical evaluation. Concepts central to understanding the basis for surgical treatment, such as the epileptogenic zone, the irritative zone, and the epileptogenic lesion, are discussed. An illustrative case then demonstrates application of the process in clinical practice. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological issues are not discussed herein; rather they are addressed elsewhere in this issue.
Macromolecular assemblies studied using high-pressure fluorescence spectroscopy

The finely-tuned regulation of biological activity in processes such as development, differentiation, and growth is most often mediated by not one macromolecule, but by relatively large complexes involving several interacting species. Such macro-molecular assemblies include multisubunit proteins and enzymes, complexes of proteins with nucleic acids and protein membrane assemblies. The activity (enzymatic, transport, or binding) of these complexes is often modulated by small effectors such as ions, protons, sugars, etc. A detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms of such regulation necessitates the determination of the free energy linkages between the various binding equilibria. While the ligand binding equilibria in such systems have been extensively studied, the interactions between the macromolecules themselves have not in general been well characterized. Since the subunit affinities involved in such systems range from 10-11 to 10-5 M, a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and high hydrostatic pressure is necessary to observe these subunit dissociation reactions at equilibrium. Results of such studies on a number of oligomeric protein systems are reviewed and a new approach to the analysis of such data is proposed.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Generation of 3- and 5-Lithiothiophene-2-carboxylates via Metal−Halogen Exchange and Their Addition Reactions to Chalcogenoxanthones

Deprotonation and lithium−bromine exchange in 5- or 3-bromothiophene-2-carboxylic acids with t-BuLi form the corresponding dianion, which reacts highly regioselectively in the presence of 0.25 equiv of tetramethyl-1,2-ethylenediamine with 3,6-bis(dimethylamino) chalcogenoxanthones to give S- and Se-containing rhodamines. Quenching studies with D2O indicate that an extra equivalent of t-BuLi is not necessary in these reactions. Deprotonation is faster than metal-halogen exchange with the bromothiophene-2-carboxylic acids using t-BuLi.
A Normal Form Algorithm for Modules overk[x, y]/〈xy〉

Abstract This paper gives an algorithm to classify finitely generated modules over the ringk[x, y]/〈xy〉,kany field. The given module is presented as the cokernel of a matrix with entries in the ring. Our algorithm reduces this matrix to a normal form analogous to the Smith normal form for a matrix over a polynomial ring in one variable. A natural application is the classification of pairs of mutually annihilating linear operators on a vector space.
Relieving Pressure: Optimizing Water Distribution Pressure Management at Valley of the Moon Water District

Efficiently managing pressure in a water distribution network is an issue for water utilities worldwide. Utilities must maintain a delicate balance between lowering the pressure as much as possible to reduce water loss and electricity usage, while keeping pressure high enough to maintain the required level of service. In this paper, we describe how we created and deployed an advanced decision support solution to help the Valley of the Moon Water District VOMWD in Sonoma County, California improve its pressure management. Our solution enables VOMWD to efficiently manage water pressure in its network and better handle the pressure changes resulting from seasonal variations in demand. It provides a comprehensive view of the pressure status in the network and incorporates a novel optimization algorithm and problem formulation, which efficiently solve a nonconvex optimization problem and provide recommendations for demand and input pressure changes in the network. Following the deployment of our solution, VOMWD reduced the number of leaks and bursts by 16 percent compared to the previous year and by 19 percent compared to the average of the previous three years. Less quantifiable results included a reduction in pressure spikes and improvements in tank water levels and water turnover. Our solution has widespread applicability; therefore, we plan to use it to help water utilities worldwide significantly improve their pressure-management capabilities.
Prognostic significance of the pattern of aortic root dilation in the Marfan syndrome

Abstract Objectives. The present study examines the incidence of aortic complications (dissection, marked dilation requiring surgery or progressive moderate to severe aortic regurgitation) and their relation to clinical features and aortic root morphology in patients with the Marfan syndrome. Background. Considerable phenotypic variability exists in the Marfan syndrome, and the prospective prediction of the risk for aortic complications in individual patients remains elusive. Methods. One hundred thirteen patients with the Marfan syndrome underwent anthropometric and echocardiographic evaluation and were followed-up for 49 ± 24 (mean ± SD) months. Aortic root dilation was defined as localized when confined to the sinuses of Valsalva (based on two-dimensional echocardiographic confidence limits utilizing age and body size) and generalized if dilation additionally involved the supraaortic ridge and proximal ascending aorta. Results. Aortic root dilation was present in 80% of patients and was localized in 28% and generalized in 51%. Aortic complications occurred during follow-up in none of 23 patients with normal initial aortic size, in 2 (6%) of 32 patients with initially localized dilation and in 19 (33%) of 58 patients with generalized dilation (p Conclusions. The present study indicates that generalized aortic root dilation is a potent marker of an increased risk for subsequent aortic complications in Marfan syndrome.
Introduction to the Symposium: Communities, Organizations, and Restorative Justice Reform

Restorative justice, in treating organizations as communities, and viewing them as both cause and solution to problems of crime, harm and conflict, provides its revolutionary insights and groundbreaking efforts to transform and localize intervention in response to these problems. The contributions to this special issue focus on restorative justice as a way of addressing crime and crime-related concerns to the greatest extent possible within such community organizational contexts (i.e., workplaces, schools, universities, and residential programs for delinquents). The authors demonstrate how restorative practices have implications for community building and organizational reform based generally on a learning theory of cultural change.
Methods of Field Geology

F. Moseley's book on field geology is one of the first books on the subject at the level of sophistication of upper-level undergraduates to appear on the geological scene since Robert Compton's book, Manual of Field Geology, in 1967. Moseley's book does not serve the same audience as Compton's, and the author makes it very clear in the introduction that his book complements Compton's textbook. It is this very approach that makes it somewhat difficult for me, a field geologist, to understand how Moseley's text will serve as a basic text in a curriculum. Quite clearly, it must serve as a second book in a general field course or as the basis for a more advanced course in the subject. The real value of this text is its emphasis on the range of field ability that must be within the capacity of the field investigator which is illustrated by ten case histories. This versatility is not emphasized in standard texts and, as such, represents a very substantial contribution to our teaching literature.
Determination and confirmation of benomyl and carbendazim in water using high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection

Abstract This paper describes a direct determination of benomyl and carbendazim in a single analytical run and their confirmation by absorption spectra using diode array detection. A simple technique has been developed for preparation of benomyl calibration standard. Benomyl was dissolved in chloroform prior to a high dilution in water for HPLC. Detection limits, precision, and accuracy of data are presented. The method is simple, rapid, accurate, and precise.