cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Desorption of chlorinated organic compounds from a contaminated estuarine sediment

Batch kinetic and equilibrium partitioning experiments were performed to determine the desorption rate and extent of chlorobenzenes and hexachlorobutadiene found in a contaminated estuarine sediment. A small fraction (less than 3%) of most sediment contaminants desorbed in a single-step batch test performed over 62 d. When a desorption test was conducted with contaminated sediment and successive replenishment of the supernatant, the desorbed contaminant fraction increased to as high as 17% after 33 successive desorption steps were completed. The 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene isomer attained the highest extent of desorption. The desorbed contaminant fraction strongly correlated to the organic carbon-based partition coefficient (Koc) of the contaminants. The two-site model was used to describe the desorption of chlorinated organic compounds from the sediment. Partition coefficients were determined both experimentally and by a computer optimization technique based on the batch desorption kinetic data and the two-site model. The first-order rate constant for the desorption of the contaminants from the “slow” desorption sites ranged from 1.1 × 10−4 to 2.5 × 10−2/d and was negatively correlated with the contaminant hydrophobicity (Koc).
Preventing fatalities in building bombings: what can we learn from the Oklahoma City bombing?

Background: Bombings are an increasing threat to the public's health. Descriptive studies of blast injuries have been published, but these injuries have not been studied using analytical epidemiological methods. This study assesses factors associated with fatality risk among individuals exposed to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Methods: Retrospective case-control analysis using multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) of fatality are calculated among occupants of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. Results: Of the 348 occupants exposed, 163 (46.8%) were fatally injured. Fatality risk was greatest in the collapsed region of the building (adjusted OR 176.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 65.9-474.2). Age gt/=40 was also associated with a significantly increased risk of fatality (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.8). Among people found in the noncollapsed region of the building, employees' status compared to a visitor's or child's status was protective (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01-1.3) Conclusions: Structural collapse is the most important risk factor for fatality in a building bombing. Progressive collapse may be prevented through more supportive building design. Protection of vulnerable building occupants can be improved by placement of relevant facilities in more structurally reinforced areas. Regular evacuation training of personnel and clear egress routes may also reduce fatality in a building bombing.
Myocardial Function and Left Ventricular Volumes in Acquired Valvular Insufficiency

The effect of valvular insufficiency on left ventricular volumes was studied by an angiographic method in 37 patients. Ejection of the additional volume load imposed by valvular insufficiency was achieved by an increase in end-diastolic volume and not by increasing the proportion of end-diastolic volume ejected. Of the 37 patients, 16 (43 per cent) had a significant reduction in the fraction of end-diastolic volume ejected per beat. These patients performed significantly less stroke work from a given end-diastolic fiber length (end-diastolic volume) than did the others and evidence is presented that they had impaired myocardial function. An index of myocardial contractility is derived which relates stroke work to end-diastolic volume. The magnitude of left ventricular volumes is determined in part by the severity of the volume load but a further increase in volume without necessarily a further increase in ejection occurs in those patients with impaired myocardial function. Valvular insufficiency is quanti...
Do Emotional Appeals Work for Hotels? An Exploratory Study

Despite huge expenditures spent in the advertising of hotels, the communication of service quality is a relatively unexplored research topic. The main goal of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of emotional appeals in advertising hotels to potential new customers. Moreover, the author explores the effectiveness of the following cues in the message strategy: employees or customers portrayed in the ad, pricing information, and documentation strategy emphasizing service excellence. The results of this investigation suggest that appealing to a novice consumer’s emotional responses may be highly desirable in terms of creating a favorable attitude toward a hotel brand.
Automatic and controlled social information processing and relational aggression in young adults

This study examined associations of relational aggression with measures of controlled and automatic social information processing. Undergraduates (n = 118, 67% female) provided self-reports of relational aggression and normative beliefs about aggression, and they read vignettes about ambiguous relational conflicts and answered questions assessing hostile attributions and justification of aggressive retaliation. A reading time paradigm was used to measure automatic processing of an aggressive sentence in each vignette. Although measures of controlled and automatic processing were unrelated, each contributed unique variance in the prediction of relational aggression. Implications of findings for our understanding of cognitive influences on relational aggression are discussed.
Methotrexate prophylaxis for persistent ectopic pregnancy after conservative treatment by salpingostomy

Objective To investigate whether the incidence of persistent ectopic pregnancy after linear salpingostomy can be reduced by prophylactic administration of a single dose of methotrexate postoperatively. Methods Women who underwent linear salpingostomy for treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy and who agreed to participate in the study ( n = 129) were randomly assigned to the prophylaxis or control group. Women with anemia, renal insufficiency, or liver disease were excluded. In the prophylaxis group, patients received a single dose of methotrexate, 1 mg/kg intramuscularly, within 24 hours postoperatively. No treatment was used in the control group. Both groups were followed with serial serum β -hCG titers; titers were measured on the seventh postoperative day, then every 72 hours until levels were lower than 15 mIU/mL. A blood count and chemistry panel were also obtained on postoperative day 7, and any side effects related to methotrexate were noted. Persistent ectopic pregnancy was defined as a rise in the serum β -hCG level or a decline of less than 20% between two consecutive measurements taken 3 days apart. Results A total of 116 women completed the postoperative follow-up: 54 in the prophylaxis group and 62 in the control group. Ten women had persistent ectopic pregnancy, one in the prophylaxis group (1.9%) and nine among the controls (14.5%); this difference was statistically significant ( P Conclusion: The incidence of persistent ectopic pregnancy was significantly reduced after a single prophylactic dose of systemic methotrexate administered postoperatively. This regimen is safe and can be used to decrease the extent of postoperative monitoring after conservative treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Photonic Three-Qubit CNOT Gates Using Spatial Light Modulators

We experimentally demonstrate linear and deterministic, single-photon three-qubit controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates implemented by a polarization-sensitive spatial light modulator. The polarization qubit acts as the control, whereas the photon spatial-parity along x and y directions are the target qubits.
Revolutionary Ethiopia: Ideology, capacity and the limits of state autonomy

(1985). Revolutionary Ethiopia: Ideology, capacity and the limits of state autonomy. The Journal of Commonwealth & Comparative Politics: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 112-139.
Degree of Initial Hole Localization/Delocalization in Ionized Water Clusters

The electronic structure of ionized bulk liquid water presents a number of theoretical challenges. Not the least of these is the realization that the detailed geometry of the hydrogen bonding network is expected to have a strong effect on the electronic couplings between water molecules and thus the degree of delocalization of the initially ionized system. This problem is approached from a cluster perspective where a high-level coupled cluster description of the electronic structure is still possible. Building on the work and methodology developed for the water dimer cation [J. Phys. Chem. A 2008, 112, 6159], the character and spectrum of electronic states of the water hole and their evolution from the dimer into higher clusters is presented. As the time evolution of the initially formed hole can in principle be followed by the system's transient absorption spectrum, the state spacings and transition strengths are computed. An analysis involving Dyson orbitals is applied and shows a partially delocalized nature of states. The issue of conformation disorder in the hydrogen bonding geometry is addressed for the water dimer cation.
Correlation of monosynaptic field potentials evoked by single action potentials in single primary afferent axons and their bouton distributions in the dorsal horn

The relationship between structure and function of the projections of single identified primary cutaneous axons was investigated by recording cord dorsum potentials at 4 sites in response to electrical stimulation of the single axon and visualizing the boutons of the axon stained by intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase. The rostrocaudal extent of boutons differed from fiber to fiber ranging from 4.14–11.50 mm; their location in the dorsal horn also varied in agreement with the known somatotopy of the presynaptic neuropil and dorsal horn neurons. Rostrocaudal distributions of cord dorsum potentials and boutons of individual fibers revealed good agreement. Cord dorsum potential amplitude and length of the spinal projection were positively correlated with number of boutons, but no correlation with bouton density was found. The spinal projection of afferents innervating slowly adapting type 1 mechanoreceptors exhibited a greater rostrocaudal extent (mean: 8.48 mm) than those innervating rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors (i. e., hair follicle and field receptors: mean: 5.87 mm). Although the mean total number of boutons was greater for axons with slowly adapting receptors (7,250/fiber) than for axons of rapidly adapting receptors (4,677/fiber), no differences in the longitudinal density of boutons (boutons/mm) were observed. Likewise, summed amplitudes of cord dorsum potentials at the 4 recording electrodes were larger for SA1 afferents than for those of field and hair follicle afferents. A major role for the number of boutons in determining these differences is supported by the finding that the calculated average contribution per bouton to cord dorsum potentials (expressed as an amplitude coefficient a) was similar for slowly and rapidly adapting afferents. No evidence was found for regions in which boutons did not contribute to the cord dorsum potential.
Two-dimensional spatial imaging based on acoustooptical deflectors.

Two acoustooptical deflectors placed orthogonal to each other allow the scanning of a laser beam in two dimensions without mechanical movement. A complete scan is possible in 50 μs, providing a spatial resolution of 20 × 125 spots. This is used to follow the development of plumes generated by laser vaporization from a surface. Both Na atoms and Pb2 dimers can be monitored by absorption over the lifetime of the plume. The use of a second channel in the transient digitizer allows normalization to correct for variations in laser intensity and deflection efficiencies during the scan. Concentration maps for each can thus be obtained.
A Meridic Diet for Trogoderma glabrum and Other Dermestid Beetles

A meridic diet, developed for Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst), contains lactalbumin, glucose, fructose, cholesterol, the McCollum-Davis no. 185 salt mixture, linoleic and linolenic methyl esters, and 11 vitamins. Criteria used to determine optimal source and concentration of each nutrient were the weight of larvae and pupae and the incidence of pupation. Characteristics of growth on meridic and oligidic media were compared for other Trogoderma (5 species), Anthrenus, Attagenus (2 species), Dermestes, and Thylodrias. For most species tested, growth was improved on the newly developed diet. Contrary to previous reports, adults of Trogoderma were observed to feed.
A divergent Cardinium found in daddy long-legs (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Abstract Recent studies indicate that a newly described bacterial endosymbiont, Cardinium, is widespread in arthropods and induces different reproductive manipulations in hosts. In this study, we used a portion of the 16S rRNA gene of the Cardinium to screen 16 Opilionid species from the suborder Palptores. We found the incidence of Cardinium in these Opiliones was significantly higher than in other pooled arthropods (31.2% versus 7.2%, P = 0.007). Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian analysis revealed two distinct clades in Opiliones. One is a divergent monophyletic clade with strong support that has so far not been found in other arthropods, and a second one contains Cardinium both from Opiliones and other arthropods. There is not complete concordance of the Cardinium strains with host phylogeny, suggesting some horizontal movement of the bacteria among Opiliones. Although the divergence in the sequenced 16S rRNA region between the Cardinium infecting Opiliones and Cardinium from other arthropods is greater than among Cardinium found in other arthropods, all are monophyletic with respect to the outgroup bacteria (endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba). Based on high pairwise genetic distances, deep branch, and a distinct phylogenetic grouping, we conclude that some Opiliones harbor a newly discovered Cardinium clade.
The electrocardiogram: Six easy principles

Abstract Because ob/gyns frequently encounter cardiovascular abnormalities in their patients, it is important for them to have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of reading an electrocardiogram. This article reviews six principles of electrocardiography: sinus rhythms and premature beats (extrasystoles), sustained rapid ectopic beating, current of injury, atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with atrioventricular block, the sick sinus node that really is not, and things to look for in the preoperative cardiogram.
Predictors of survival for prostate carcinoma patients treated with salvage radical prostatectomy after radiation therapy

BACKGROUND Salvage radical prostatectomy is a treatment option for patients with recurrent cancer following radiation therapy. This study was conducted to identify predictors of survival for patients treated with salvage radical prostatectomy. METHODS The authors studied 86 prostate carcinoma patients who underwent salvage radical prostatectomy for locally persistent or recurrent prostate carcinoma at Mayo Clinic between 1967 and 1996. The mean interval from radiation therapy to biopsy-proven recurrence was 3.7 years (range, 6 months to 17 years). Patient age at surgery ranged from 51 to 78 years (median, 66 years). The mean follow-up after surgery was 5.8 years (range, 1.0-15.2 years). Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify clinical and pathologic factors associated with distant metastasis free survival and cancer specific survival. RESULTS Actuarial distant metastasis free survival, cancer specific survival, and overall survival were 83%, 91%, and 85% at 5 years and 69%, 64%, and 54% at 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, radical prostatectomy Gleason score and DNA ploidy were independent predictors of distant metastasis free survival and cancer specific survival. CONCLUSIONS Postirradiation Gleason score and DNA ploidy were highly predictive of the clinical outcomes of patients treated by salvage radical prostatectomy after radiation therapy. Cancer 1998;83:2164-2171. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
WHAT’S A WOMAN TO DO?: Exploring HRT Questions Raised by the Women’s Health Initiative

Women often presume that as health care researchers publish new data, answers to clinical questions emerge. However, today both women and clinicians alike find themselves in the midst of a quandary. Study findings about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) either do not support the conventional wisdom or serve to raise more questions. Here's a look at the many questions raised by the WHI and what clinicians and women alike need to know about menopause management. HRT emerged a half century ago when discussion of exogenous hormones was in its infancy. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, oral contraceptives were novel experiments. So, too, was the use of exogenous estro-gen for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. One of the greatest proponents of estrogen was a physician, Robert Wilson, who advocated the hormone for not only symptomatic relief but also to maintain a youthful appearance and demeanor. Wilson charac-terized menopause as a life of decay and decline and touted the use of estrogen to counter attributes of aging as well as to maintain sexual activity for both the woman and her male partner (Wilson, 1968). Many consumers and providers followed Wilson's treatise, and prescriptions for estrogen increased dramatically. Few interventions are risk free, however, and by the 1980s, unopposed estrogen was found to be linked with endometrial hyperplasia—a precursor to endometrial cancer. As women died of the latter, the concept of estrogen to maintain a youthful appearance lost some of its allure. Use of exogenous estrogen for the postmenopausal woman began to decline.
Effects of Family Functioning and Parenting Style on Early Entrants’ Academic Performance and Program Completion

The purpose of the current study was to examine the predictive nature of parenting style and overall family environment on the academic performance and program completion of early college entrants....
Binding of the N-terminal Region of Coactivator TIF2 to the Intrinsically Disordered AF1 Domain of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Is Accompanied by Conformational Reorganizations

Control of gene transcription by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) is important for many physiological processes. Like other steroid hormone receptors, the regulation of target genes by GR is mediated by two transactivation domains: activation function 1 (AF1) in the N-terminal domain and AF2 in the C-terminal ligand-binding domain (LBD). Full receptor activity requires both AF1 and -2 plus assorted coregulatory proteins. Crystal structures of the ligand-bound LBD have provided insight regarding how AF2 interacts with specific coactivators. However, despite its being the major activation domain of GRs, knowledge of AF1 structure/function has languished. This is mainly because of the highly disorganized structure of the GR N-terminal domain. This lack of AF1 structure is shared by all members of the steroid/nuclear receptor superfamily for which it has been examined and AF1 is thought to allow productive interactions with assorted cofactors via protein-induced changes in secondary/tertiary structures. To date, there are no reports of a classical coactivator altering the secondary/tertiary structure of the GR AF1 domain. Earlier, we reported an N-terminal fragment of the p160 coactivator TIF2, called TIF2.0, that binds the GR N-terminal domain and alters GR transcriptional activity. We therefore proposed that TIF2.0 binding to AF1 changes both its conformation and transcriptional activity. We now report that TIF2.0 interacts with the GR AF1 domain to increase the amount of α-helical structure in the complex. Furthermore, TIF2 coactivator activity is observed in the absence of the GR LBD in a manner that requires the AF1 domain. This contrasts with previous models where TIF2 receptor interaction domains binding to GR LBD somehow alter AF1 conformation. Our results establish for the first time that coactivators can modify the structure of the AF1 domain directly via the binding of a second region of the coactivator and suggest a molecular explanation for how coactivators increase the transcriptional activity of GR-agonist complexes.
On-line selection of discriminative tracking features

We present a method for evaluating multiple feature spaces while tracking, and for adjusting the set of features used to improve tracking performance. Our hypothesis is that the features that best discriminate between object and background are also best for tracking the object. We develop an online feature selection mechanism based on the two-class variance ratio measure, applied to log likelihood distributions computed with respect to a given feature from samples of object and background pixels. This feature selection mechanism is embedded in a tracking system that adaptively selects the top-ranked discriminative features for tracking. Examples are presented to illustrate how the method adapts to changing appearances of both tracked object and scene background.
Cu2+ Colorimetric Sensing and Fluorescence Enhancement and Hg2+ Fluorescence Diminution in “Scorpionate”-like Tetrathienyl-Substituted Boron−Dipyrrins

Four novel tetrathienyl-substituted boron−dipyrrin-type (BODIPY-type) complexes, 3-(R‘)-4,4-di(R‘)-8-R-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (4a, R = 2-T, R‘ = 2-T; 4b, R = 3-T, R‘ = 2-T; 5a, R = 2-T, R‘ = 3-T; 5b, R = 3-T, R‘ = 3-T; T = thienyl) have been prepared and fully characterized to explore patterns of stoichiometric Mn+ recognition in solution. Treatment of the respective parent BF2 dipyrrin with 2- or 3-thienyllithium gave the unexpected asymmetric tetrathienyl-substituted products in 8.5−35% yield. Compounds 4a and 4b bear a neutral “scorpionate”-like [SSS] tridentate binding pocket. Extensive NMR and UV−vis spectroscopic studies were performed on 4a−5b; 5a, 4b, and 5b were structurally characterized. The ΦF values for 4a−5b all decrease compared to the BF2-containing parent molecules (0.00058, 0.012, 0.00090, and 0.0051, respectively), with λabs,max values (e, M-1 cm-1) of 563 (44 000), 553 (29 000), 539 (33 000), and 531 (44 000) nm, respectively, and Stokes' shifts of 25−36 nm. Upon treatment with ...
Characterization of the X 2 ∑{ u / + } state of 7 Li{ 2 / - } via negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy

The negative ion photoelectron spectrum of7Li 2 − is reported at 488 nm (2.540 eV). Three electronic bands are observed in this spectrum and are assigned to the following photodetachment transitions:7Li2,X 1 ∑ + +e − ←7Li 2 − ,X 2 ∑ + ;7Li2,a 3 ∑ + +e − ←7Li 2 − ,X 2 ∑ + ; and7Li2,A 1 ∑ + +e − ←7Li 2 − ,X 2 ∑ + . The electron affinity of7Li2 is determined to be 0.437±0.009 eV, leading to an anion dissociation energy,D 0, of 0.865±0.022 eV for the ground state of7Li 2 − . A Franck-Condon analysis of the7Li2,X 1 ∑ + +e − ←7Li 2 − ,X 2 ∑ + band yields the following spectroscopic constants for the ground state of7Li 2 − :B e =0.502±0.005 cm−1,r e =3.094±0.015 A, and ω e =232±35 cm−1.
Prekindergarten Mathematics: Connecting with National Standards.

This article provides an overview of prekindergarten mathematics as related to national standards. Included are descriptions of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics principles and standards, the fundamental concepts developed and learned in early childhood, and naturalistic and informal instructional examples. Each concept is connected to the matching standard.
On the Use of the Momentum Balance in the Impact Analysis of Constrained Elastic Systems

In elastic systems, impulsive forces that act at a point on a deformable body produce stress waves that travel with finite speeds. This paper examines, both theoretically and numerically, the validity of using the generalized impulse momentum approach in modeling impact or collisions in the constrained motion of deformable bodies. The generalized impulse momentum equations that involve the coefficient of restitution and the kinematic constraint Jacobian matrix are used to predict the jump discontinuity in the velocity vector as well as the joint reaction forces
Immune system of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. I. Sympathetic innervation.

Abstract Extensive bidirectional interactions are believed to exist between the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is known to possess both increased sympathetic nervous system activity with increased tissue catecholamine levels in several peripheral organs and a moderate T lymphocyte immune deficiency. We examined the development of innervation in both primary (thymus) and secondary (spleen) organs of the immune system of the SHR compared to immunocompetent Wistar-Kyoto (WKY), Fisher 344 (F-344), and Long Evan (LE) rats from birth through 24 weeks. Using glyoxylic acid-induced histofluorescence to visualize monoaminergic nerve fibers, coded specimens were examined and morphologically evaluated for the extent and distribution of innervation. The innervation of the SHR thymus was significantly increased at 2 and 12 weeks of age over the other strains. Unlike the control strains, splenic innervation in SHR was delayed until 2 weeks of age when it suddenly became exuberant. At 12 weeks, the innervation of the SHR spleen was increased over all control strains. By 24 weeks the innervation had regressed to a level comparable to the levels of the other rat strains in these tissues. During the suckling period, the size (weight) of the WKY spleen was larger and the level of innervation was decreased compared to the other strains. These strain-related differences in the development of sympathetic innervation of thymus and spleen likely reflect the complex, bidirectional interplay between the nervous and the immune systems. However, increased innervation of immune organs occurs at critical time points (2 weeks, beginning of, and 12 weeks maturation of immune function) in SHR, suggesting that sympathetic innervation may be contributing to the immune deficiency of the SHR.
Parameterization of Peptide 13C Carbonyl Chemical Shielding Anisotropy in Molecular Dynamics Simulations

NMR chemical shielding anisotropy (CSA) relaxation is an important tool in the study of dynamical processes in proteins and nucleic acids in solution. Herein, we investigate how dynamical variations in local geometry affect the chemical shielding anisotropy relaxation of the carbonyl carbon nucleus, using the following protocol: 1) Using density functional theory, the carbonyl 13 C' CSA is computed for 103 conformations of the model peptide group N-methylacetamide (NMA). 2) The variations in computed 13 C' CSA parameters are fitted against quadratic hypersurfaces containing cross terms between the variables. 3) The predictive quality of the CSA hypersurfaces is validated by comparing the predicted and de novo calculated 13 C' CSAs for 20 molecular dynamics snapshots. 4) The CSA fluctuations and their autocorrelation and cross correlation functions due to bond-length and bond-angle distortions are predicted for a chemistry Harvard molecular mechanics (CHARMM) molecular dynamics trajectory of Ca 2+ -saturated calmodulin and GB3 from the hypersurfaces, as well as for a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of an NMA trimer using a quantum mechanically correct forcefield. We find that the fluctuations can be represented by a 0.93 scaling factor of the CSA tensor for both R 1 and R 2 relaxations for residues in helix, coil, and sheet alike. This result is important, as it establishes that 13 C' relaxation is a valid tool for measurement of interesting dynamical events in proteins.
MR angiography of the portal venous system

MR angiography (MRA) has become an increasingly important and practical clinical tool for the noninvasive assessment of abdominal vessels. Both two-dimensional time-of-flight and phase contrast techniques allow accurate evaluation of the portal venous system. This article reviews these two MRA techniques and discusses their impact on the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities of the portal venous system.
Submarine groundwater discharge into Venice Lagoon, Italy

Venice Lagoon, Italy, rests on a series of aquifers that are 1,000 m thick. Measurements of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) were made in Venice Lagoon using benthic chambers vented to a plastic collection bag. Two hundred measurements taken in a pristine northern lagoon site (Isola la Cura) revealed flow rates as high as 200 cm d−1 with an average of 30 cm d−1. Over 100 measurements taken adjacent to a bulkhead shoreline in the Porto Marghera industrial zone (Fusina) showed flow rates as high as 30 cm d−1 and averaging 6 cm d−1. These flow rates, if representative of even a fraction of the lagoon floor, are easily able to account for the 15% deficit previously calculated between precipitation and runoff for the entire Venice Lagoon drainage basin. Land elevation surrounding the Venice Lagoon is < 10 m within 20 km of the shoreline and is unable to support any substantial onshore water table. Submarine groundwater discharge most likely represents upward artesian discharge from deeper partially confined aquifers. Over 60 samples were collected in total from both sites for nutrient analysis. Ammonium concentration was found to be 2–8 fold higher in the device water than in the lagoon water at the northern site depending on season, and 10–30 times higher at the industrial zone site. These numbers suggest that SGD may be the primary pathway for nutrients and perhaps other contaminants to enter Venice Lagoon.
An Improved Method for Estimating Utility

Recently, we (Judiesch, Schmidt, & Mount, 1992) concluded that the Schmidt et al. (1979) SDy estimation procedure results in downwardly biased estimates of utility. This conclusion led us to propose a modification of the Schmidt et al. method that involves estimating SDy as the product of estimates of the coefficient of variation (SDy/ Y) and an objective estimate of the average value of employee output (Y). The present article reviews the rationale underlying our conclusion that this modification of the Schmidt et al. method of estimating SDy results in more accurate estimates of SDy, and hence, utility.
Executive decision‐making traps and B2B online reverse auctions

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to describe common decision‐making traps experienced by senior managers when considering the use of online reverse auctions as a means for sourcing goods and services and to reduce purchase prices.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the information evaluated and decision‐making process used by senior managers in relation to common decision‐making traps.Findings – Decision‐making traps are shown to lead to poor decisions related to the use of online reverse auctions.Research limitations/implications – Exceptions to observations and findings presented may exist. The paper provides a foundation for further investigation on how strategic sourcing processes are evaluated and selected by senior managers.Practical implications – The paper is useful for managers as a guideline to evaluate sourcing options and avoid errors that can interrupt supply, reduce product or service quality, extend lead times, increase costs, or impair buyer‐seller relationships. It is he...
Dynamics of Carbon Dioxide and Productivity in an Arctic Biosphere

Concentrations of atmospheric CO2 were measured continuously throughout the 1966 thaw season at two stations on the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. A seasonal decrease in CO2 of 15 ppm was demonstrated, as well as changes in concentration associated with storm frequencies and diurnal gradients. Correlation between rate of plant growth and declining CO2 concentration in the atmosphere was high (r = .98). Tundra growth was initiated by mid—June and was 90% completed in mid—July. Standing crop above ground and below ground was estimated to be 82 and 100 g/m2, respectively. A 23% turnover of 273 g/m2 of litter was confirmed. Gross primary production was estimated at 344 g/m2. An annual budget for CO2 in an Arctic biosphere is postulated and efficiencies for both energy and carbon storage calculated. Based on seasonal net radiation a photosynthetic efficiency of 0.7% was determined, whereas atmospheric CO2 was apparently used at the rate of nearly 12%. Estimates of CO2 turnover due to biological activity are similar to the 10—year residence time of a molecule before absorption in the sea.
Analytical input mapping for modelling energy dissipation of complex CMOS gates

Input mapping is an important step used in the equivalent inverter modelling technique to estimate energy dissipation in CMOS gates. The purpose of the input mapping is to map multiple inputs of a gate into one equivalent input to simplify the analysis process. An analytical input mapping method for all possible inputs of parallel circuit structures is presented. An application of the equivalent inverter modelling technique using this algorithm on complex CMOS gates containing feedback structures is also included. The model is verified by Cadence SPICE simulation. Very good agreement between the model predictions and simulation results is obtained.
The impact of male sexual dysfunction on the female partner

Male sexual dysfunction has received growing national attention. The rates of sexual dysfunction in men are relatively high, and these dysfunctions are often associated with a decrease in quality of life. Despite this growing attention, the impact of these disorders on the female partner is not well understood. A small body of research has explored the effect of male sexual dysfunction on the female partner’s sexual health, and this evidence suggests that male sexual dysfunction can lead to female sexual disorders. The psychological impact has mainly been described in the clinical literature. The general consensus is that male sexual dysfunction increases distress in many female partners. However, for some female partners, male sexual dysfunction may help to sustain a preferred sexual balance in the relationship. These responses indicate the importance of partner inclusion in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction.
Stereoselective antibodies to free α-hydroxy acids

This work describes antibodies exhibiting high stereoselectivity and class-specificity towards the enantiomers of free alpha-hydroxy acids. Since the antibodies interact primarily with the carboxyl-hydroxyl-hydrogen triad about the stereogenic center, they are useful for enantiomer analysis of a variety of structurally different alpha-hydroxy acids including aromatic and aliphatic compounds, e.g. lactic acid. The utility of such antibodies for enantiomer separation in chromatography was demonstrated. Comparative studies of these and previously described anti-alpha-amino acid antibodies revealed that both types of antibodies bind only to analytes that possess both the corresponding target structure and the correct configuration. Thus, substitution of an amino group for the alpha-hydroxyl group results in a complete loss of binding activity with the anti-alpha-hydroxy acid antibodies, while an alpha-amino group is essential for the interaction between analytes and anti-alpha-amino acid antibodies.
Evaluation of surgical treatment outcome in epilepsy

Seven recent papers are reviewed for outcomes following epilepsy surgery. The criteria of outcome assessment are analyzed and compared. All studies agree in indicating that the combination of the classic evaluation of seizure frequency with that of quality of life is required for a comprehensive view of the surgical outcome. However, the assessment modalities and outcome scales proposed present relevant differences. The need for standardization is apparent. A surgical outcome scoring system using multiple measures is recommended. The outcome evaluation should be performed not sooner than 2 years after surgery. The most relevant of the many variables of the outcome should be selected in such a way as to permit assessment of the epileptological response to surgery as well as the changes in the quality of life.
On the degree of Hilbert polynomials associated to the torsion functor

This is the published version, also available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1090/S0002-9939-07-08879-X. First published in Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. in 2009, published by the American Mathematical Society.
A Light Control Film Composed of Liquid Crystal Droplets Dispersed in a UV-Curable Polymer

Abstract This paper describes a new class of light control films consisting of submicron liquid crystal droplets dispersed in ultraviolct-cured polymer matrices. These films, which can respond optically to both applied electric fields and temperature changes, are potentially useful for displays and light shutters. The optical performance of these films depends on a variety of structural, electro-optical and thermal properties. This report describes scanning electron microscope studies of film structure, measurements of voltage dependent film transmittance and light scattering, and calorimetric studies which indicate that microdroplet formation in the films occurs as a result of phase separation which takes place during the cure process.
Development of a reconfigurable underwater acoustic networking testbed

We present our ongoing work on developing a reconfigurable underwater acoustic (UW-A) networking testbed based on the Teledyne Benthos Telesonar SM-75 modem [1]. The SM-75 modem is customized to allow the research community to conduct advanced networking and communication experiments as follows. First, a programmable Gumstix [2] network processor is integrated with the SM-75 modem, as shown in Fig. 1(a), through a newly designed interface that defines communication primitives between the modem board and the external processor. A reconfigurable, software-defined protocol stack, including medium access control (MAC), IP network layer with reconfigurable ad hoc routing, network self-configuration primitives is being implemented on the Gumstix board to enable the definition of complex networking experiments with reconfigurable, cross-layer designed protocol stacks [4]. Second, the modified platform is designed such that it allows generating, transmitting and receiving custom defined acoustic waveforms to support reconfigurable physical layer experimentation with arbitrary transmission schemes. Finally, we discuss integration of the testbed with an UW-A channel emulator we developed that allows the user to perform laboratory controlled experiments.
The role of geochemical self-organization in the migration and trapping of hydrocarbons

Abstract Many sedimentary basins of the world contain abnormally pressured “compartments” surrounded by impermeable seals, which may serve as hydrocarbon traps. Observations of the many types of seals that may exist point to an origin due to self-organization. Self-organization is the development of repetitive or other low symmetry patterns from an initially unpatterned system in the absence of an externally imposed template, and involves feedback generated by the interaction of transport, chemical reactions, and grain growth and dissolution. Herein we focus on the self-organizing mechanisms of reaction driven advection as they pertain to the formation of diagenetic traps.
Cellular electrophysiology XVI. Effects of amethopterin on the coulokinetic behaviour of Escherichia Coli

Abstract It was the intent of this investigation to ascertain whether all the formate formed as a result of the metabolism of glucose, gluconolactone and pyruvate by Escherichia coli (ATCC 9637) was completely oxidized, as determined electrochemically, rather than a portion of the formate being diverted tor synthetic purposes through mediation of tetrahydrofolic acid known to react with formate in effecting one-carbon transfer. The presence of the antifolate, amethopterin in the anolytes containing the bacteria and pyruvate or formate was without effect on coulombic outputs. This finding suggests that one-carbon synthesis involving formate did not occur, for if it had, an increased coulombic output would have been obtained. On the other hand, amethopterin decrcased the coulombic output from glucose. This can be possible attributed to the inhibition by the antifolate of glucose-6-phosphata dehydrogenase which is required for the entrance of glucose-6-phosphate into the pentose phosphate shunt and to phosphogluconate dehydrogenase the enzyme required for metabolism of gluconate via the shunt pathway. The preccnt depression of columbic output of glucose by amethopterin was found to be equivalent to the extent to which glucose is reported to be metabolized via the shunt pathway. Evidence was found which indicated that amethopterin inhibits the availability of gluconolactone to the sites of enzymatic activity.
Mediators of Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Innate Immunity: From Host Defense to Inflammation onto Oncogenesis

Cells respond to extracellular cues through a variety of receptors on the surface. These signals once transduced across the cell membrane, activate protein tyrosine kinases, which through phosphorylation of substrates on key tyrosine residues, are able to control cellular growth, activation and differentiation pathways. Recent data suggest that protein tyrosine kinases are critical in integrating signals from various cellular receptors, including pathogen detection receptors that mediate the host innate immune response. In this article, we have reviewed the roles of tyrosine kinases of the Tec, FAK, Fps, Fer, Syk, Src and TAM-receptor families in toll-like receptor signaling. The shared roles of these tyrosine phosphorylation mediators in host defense, inflammation, autoimmune disease and oncogenesis provides promising avenues for the use of their inhibitors in multiple disorders.
Effect of carbon monoxide on cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Carbon monoxide exposure from heavy smoking or heavy atmospheric carbon monoxide pollution depresses myocardial function in patients with coronary heart disease, aggravates angina pectoris, aggravates intermittent claudication of the calf or thigh, increases myocardial ischemia in patients with clinical and subclinical coronary heart disease, and contributes to an increased incidence of nonfatal and fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death from coronary heart disease. Carbon monoxide contributes to the increase in nonfatal and fatal myocardial infarction and in sudden death from coronary heart disease in cigarette smokers by (a) carboxyhemoglobin interfering with myocardial oxygen delivery at the time nicotine has caused an increase in myocardial oxygen demand, aggravating an episode of myocardial ischemia, (b) the negative inotropic effect of carboxyhemoglobin aggravating an attack of myocardial ischemia, (c) carboxyhemoglobin reducing the threshold for ventricular fibrillation during an episode of myocardial ischemia, and (d) carboxyhemoglobin increasing platelet stickiness, thereby, increasing a thrombotic tendency. Furthermore, experimental data indicate that exposure to carbon monoxide in concentrations found in heavy tobacco smokers or in persons with heavy occupational exposure to carbon monoxide plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
Interannual Variability of Caribbean Rainfall, ENSO, and the Atlantic Ocean

The large-scale ocean‐atmosphere patterns that influence the interannual variability of Caribbean‐Central American rainfall are examined. The atmospheric circulation over this region is shaped by the competition between the North Atlantic subtropical high sea level pressure system and the eastern Pacific ITCZ, which influence the convergence patterns on seasonal and interannual timescales. The authors find the leading modes of interannual sea level pressure (SLP) and SST variability associated with Caribbean rainfall, as selected by canonical correlation analysis, to be an interbasin mode, linking the eastern Pacific with the tropical Atlantic, and an Atlantic mode. North Atlantic SLP affects Caribbean rainfall directly, by changing the patterns of surface flow over the region, and indirectly, through SST anomalies. Anomalously high SLP in the region of the North Atlantic high translates into stronger trade winds, hence cooler SSTs, and less Caribbean rainfall. The interbasin mode, which manifests itself as a zonal seesaw in SLP between the tropical Atlantic and the eastern equatorial Pacific, is correlated with ENSO. When SLP is low in the eastern equatorial Pacific, it is high in the tropical Atlantic: the surface atmospheric flow over the basin is divergent, to the west, toward the eastern Pacific ITCZ, and to the east, toward the tropical North Atlantic. A weakened meridional SLP gradient in the tropical North Atlantic signifies weaker trade winds and the opportunity for SSTs to warm up, reaching peak intensity 2‐4 months after the mature phase of an ENSO event. This SST anomaly is particularly evident in the Caribbean‐western Atlantic basin. The tendency is for drier-than-average conditions when the divergent atmospheric flow dominates, during the rainy season preceding the mature phase of a warm ENSO event. The dry season that coincides with the mature phase of ENSO is wetter than average over the northwestern section of the basin, that is, Yucatan, the Caribbean coast of Honduras, and Cuba, and drier than average over the rest of the basin, that is, Costa Rica and northern South America. The following spring, as the atmospheric circulation transitions to normal conditions, the positive SST anomaly that has built up in the basin takes over, favoring convection. The positive precipitation anomaly spreads southeastward, from the northwest to the entire basin. At the start of a new rainy season, it is especially strong over the Greater Antilles.
Evidence of a Novel Cell Signaling Role for Extracellular Adenosine Triphosphates and Diphosphates in Arabidopsis

Extracellular ATP is a known receptor agonist in animals and was previously shown to alter plant growth, and so we investigated whether ATP derivatives could function outside plant cells as signaling agents. Signaling responses induced by exogenous nucleotides in animal cells typically include increases in free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt). We have evaluated the ability of exogenously applied adenosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate (ATPγS), adenosine 5′-[β-thio]diphosphate (ADPβS), and adenosine 5′-O-thiomonophosphate to alter [Ca2+]cyt in intact apoaequorin transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. ATPγS and ADPβS increase [Ca2+]cyt, and this increase is enhanced further when the nucleotides are added with the elicitor oligogalacturonic acid. Exogenous treatment with ATP also increases the level of transcripts encoding mitogen-activated protein kinases and proteins involved in ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction. The increase in [Ca2+]cyt induced by nucleotide derivatives can be ablated by Ca2+-channel blocking agents and by the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), and the changes in gene expression can be partially blocked by these agents. These observations suggest that extracellular ATP can activate calcium-mediated cell-signaling pathways in plants, potentially playing a physiological role in transducing stress and wound responses.
5‐Ethyl‐2‐methylpyridine

5-Ethyl-2-methylpyridine byproduct: α-picoline product: 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine Keywords: cyclization, miscellaneous; autoclaves and pressure reactors, use of hydrogenation bombs as reactors
CNN chip set architectures and the visual mouse

The cellular neural network (CNN) Universal Machine architecture when implemented in VLSI chips needs special interfaces to provide for efficient system performance both in time (speed) and space (image size). The CNN chip set architectures described solve this problem, including interfacing the possibly analog input sensors and digital output and control. Various forms of CNN Engines are presented embedding CNN chip sets. A new device, the Visual Mouse, a hand held visual supercomputer, is also presented which exploits the genuine features of CNN Engines.