cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Significance of respiratory quotients in toad bladder and kidney.

THE respiratory quotient is an established guide for deducing the main class of substrate which is completely oxidized by the intact aerobic organism1. Incomplete oxidation of substrates has, however, been shown to occur in vivo in individual organs, such as kidney2,3 and heart4, and so an interpretation of the respiratory quotient cannot be made for observations of gaseous metabolism in an isolated tissue or a single organ without simultaneous evidence of complete substrate oxidation.
Characteristics of AuGeNi ohmic contacts to GaAs

Abstract We have studied AuGeNi ohmic contacts to n-type MBE grown GaAs epitaxial-layer with doping in the (1016−1019) cm−3 range, and found several new effects: (a) Contact resistivity exhibit a weak dependence on carrier concentration (much weaker than 1/ND depencence); (b) We find evidence for a high resistivity layer under the contact at least several thousands angstroms deep, which dominate the contact resistance in most cases; (c) We find a peripheral zone around the contact, about 1 μm wide which differs chemically from the GaAs epi-layer; (d) SIMS analysis reveals a deep diffusion into the GaAs of Ni and Ge; (e) Correlation between density of GeNi clusters in the contact and the contact resistivity are found; (f) Temperature measurements justify that tunneling is responsible for the ohmic contact. We discuss also the validity of the transmission line method and the commonly accepted model of the contact.
Improving the Usability of a Graph Transformation Language

Model transformation tools implemented using graph transformation techniques are often expected to provide high performance. For this reason, in the Graph Rewriting and Transformation (GReAT) language we have supported two techniques: pre-binding of selected pattern variables and explicit sequencing of transformation steps to improve the performance of the transformation engine. When applied to practical situations, we recognized three shortcomings in our approach: (1) no support for the convenient reuse of results of one rewriting step in another, distant step, (2) lack of a sorting capability for ordering the results of the pattern matching, and (3) absence of support for the distinguished merging of results of multiple pattern matches. In this paper we briefly highlight the relevant features of GReAT, describe three motivating examples that illustrate the problems, introduce our solutions: new extensions to the language, and compare the approaches to other languages.
Self-assembly of β-Ni(OH)2 nanoflakelets to form hollow submicrospheres by hydrothermal route

Abstract Nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 ) hollow microspheres were fabricated by template-free approach, in which the in situ formed β-Ni(OH) 2 nanoflakelets serve as the building blocks and were self-assembled to form the hollow microspheres. Surface morphology and crystal structure analyses have confirmed that the Ni(OH) 2 nanoflakelets are thin, transparent and of hexagonal crystal (β-) phase. The optical bandgap of Ni(OH) 2 microspheres was found to be about 4.2 eV and the photoluminescence (PL) emission broadband was observed with peak maximum at around 395 nm. The spherical microstructures of β-Ni(OH) 2 with hollow interiors may have possible application in the development of high-performance battery.
Phosphorylation of Heavy Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Vesicles: Identification and Characterization of Three Phosphorylated Proteins

Heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles derived from the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum have been shown to contain endogenous protein kinase activity and associated substrate proteins. Heavy vesicles were phosphorylated at room temperature in 5mm MgCl2, 1mm EGTA, 10mm HEPES (pH 7.4) and 10 μm γ-32P-ATP.32P-phosphoproteins were determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. In the absence of ethylene glycol bis (β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), there was little phosphorylation due to the high level of ATPase activity. Phosphorylation of three proteins of 64,000 daltons (E1), 42,000 daltons (E2), and 20,000 daltons (E3) was observed in the presence of 1mm EGTA. Phosphorylation of these proteins wascAMP-independent, hydroxylamine-resistant, and was seen without the addition of protein kinase. In the presence of HgCl2 (2.5mm) or sodium deoxycholate (1%) no protein phosphorylation was observed. ProteinE1 was heavily phosphorylated in the presence of 200mm KCl, while its phosphorylation was inhibited by 20 μm sodium dantrolene, an inhibitor of Ca2+ release. PhosphoproteinE3 was found in light and heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles whileE1 andE2 were found only in heavy vesicles. The phosphoproteinE2 had the properties of an intrinsic membrane protein while the proteinE1 bejaved as an extrinsic membrane protein. ProteinsE2 andE3 corresponded in mobility to minor sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins whileE1 had the same mobility as calsequestrin. The presence of high calcium (5mm) during electrophoresis caused calsequestrin to run at a lower molecular weight (≈56,000 instead of 64,000 daltons), and correspondingly the phosphoproteinE1 ran at a lower molecular weight. Finally, calsequestrin purified by a double gel electrophoresis method has been shown to be phosphorylated.
Formulation and stability of a novel artificial human sweat under conditions of storage and use

A limitation of most artificial sweat formulations used for in vitro assessment of chemical release from materials in contact with skin have little biological relevance to human sweat. The purposes of this paper are to provide guidance for preparation of a novel artificial sweat with chemical constituents at concentrations that match human sweat and to characterize chemical stability. The artificial sweat was characterized under conditions of use (with and without sebum at 36 degrees C) and storage (without sebum at -4, 4, and 23 degrees C) over 28 days by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, enzymatic assay kits, and ion-selective electrodes. Seven indicator constituents were tracked: sodium, chloride, glucose, lactic acid, urea, pantothenic acid, and alanine. With or without sebum at 36 degrees C, the sweat solvent was chemically stable for 14 days. Storage by refrigeration at 4 degrees C retained the chemical integrity of the solvent longest. Based on these results, the solvent should be used within 14 days of preparation. The artificial sweat model presented herein is most similar to human sweat and has applications as a dissolution solvent, donor solution in diffusion cells, or vehicle for patch testing. This sweat model may aid researchers in understanding potential release and percutaneous absorption of chemicals in contact with human skin surface liquids.
Natural history of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry is a database that contains information from over 35,000 patient volunteers on symptom severity in 11 domains commonly affected in multiple sclerosis (MS): mobility, hand function, vision, fatigue, cognition, bowel/bladder function, sensory, spasticity, pain, depression, and tremor/coordination. The Registry affords a unique opportunity to study the frequency and severity of domain-specific impairment in a contemporary, mostly treated MS cohort over the course of the disease. The objective of this work was to calculate symptom prevalence in each of the 11 domains for years 0 to 30 from symptom onset. The resulting “symptom prevalence tables” demonstrate that a majority of participants perceive at least some degree of impairment in most domains as early as the first year of disease. The severity of impairment increases with disease duration across all domains, but the patterns of disability accumulation differ. The symptom preva...
Developing a DSS for a distribution facility: an application in the healthcare industry

This article details a successful project in the design and implementation of a decision support system for practical use in a hospital setting. The approach used, the steps followed, the problems encountered, and the lessons learned are described and discussed with special emphasis on the managerial issues and management involvement during the decision support system life cycle.
Insights into heliobacterial photosynthesis and physiology from the genome of Heliobacterium modesticaldum

The complete annotated genome sequence of Heliobacterium modesticaldum strain Ice1 provides our first glimpse into the genetic potential of the Heliobacteriaceae, a unique family of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. H. modesticaldum str. Ice1 is the first completely sequenced phototrophic representative of the Firmicutes, and heliobacteria are the only phototrophic members of this large bacterial phylum. The H. modesticaldum genome consists of a single 3.1-Mb circular chromosome with no plasmids. Of special interest are genomic features that lend insight to the physiology and ecology of heliobacteria, including the genetic inventory of the photosynthesis gene cluster. Genes involved in transport, photosynthesis, and central intermediary metabolism are described and catalogued. The obligately heterotrophic metabolism of heliobacteria is a key feature of the physiology and evolution of these phototrophs. The conspicuous absence of recognizable genes encoding the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase prevents autotrophic growth via the reverse citric acid cycle in heliobacteria, thus being a distinguishing differential characteristic between heliobacteria and green sulfur bacteria. The identities of electron carriers that enable energy conservation by cyclic light-driven electron transfer remain in question.
Lipases Specifically Degrading Lipopolysaccharide: Fatty Acyl Amidases from Dictyostelium discoideum

Two specific fatty acyl amidases that hydrolyze lipopolysaccharide have been isolated from the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. Esterases as well as phosphatases acting on lipid A derivatives were also observed. The first amidase (I) hydrolyzes the fatty amide adjacent to the C-1 phosphate on the disaccharide backbone of lipid A. Amidase II cleaves the distal amide, but only after deacylation of the first site. The range of specificity and the structural determinants important to specificity of the amidases were evaluated in studies of specifically modified derivatives of lipid A. In light of the effects of lipopolysaccharide on the biology of D. discoideum, a role for the amidases and other lipopolysaccharide-specific catabolic enzymes is discussed.
The external field problem for QCD

Abstract In lattice gauge theory, many computations such as the strong coupling expansions, mean field theory, or the few plaquette models require the evaluation of the one-link integral in the presence of an arbitrary N × N complex matrix source (J). For SU(N) gauge theories, we express our general solution to the external field problem as an integral over the maximal abelian subgroup [U(1)]N−1 ∫ d U e ϒ r (J + U + U + J) =∫ ∏ i=1 N d o iδ p (Σo i ) e S 0 + In G where S0 = 2Σkzk cos(φk − θ), zj are eigenvalues of √JJ+, e2iNθ=detJ/detJ+, and G is an appropriate jacobian determinant. Our explicit solution follows from differential Schwinger-Dyson equations cast in a separable form by using fermionic variables, and the special cases of N = 2, 3 and ∞ agree with earlier derivations.
Evolution of the December 14, 1989 precursory long-period event swarm at Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

Abstract The intermittency pattern and evolution in waveforms of long-period (LP) seismic events during the intense, 23-h swarm that preceded the December 14, 1989 eruption of Redoubt volcano are investigated. Utilizing cross correlation to exploit the high degree of similarity among waveforms, a substantially more complete event catalog is generated than was available from near realtime detection based on short-term/long-term amplitude ratios, which was saturated by the high rate of activity. The temporal magnitude distribution of the predominant LP events is found to have an unusual banded structure in which the average magnitude of each band slowly increases and then decreases through time. A bifurcation that appears in the uppermost band shortly after the peak in magnitudes is characterized by a quasi-periodicity in intermittency and magnitude that is reminiscent of one of the classic routes to chaotic behavior in some non-linear systems. The waveforms of the predominant events evolve slowly but unsteadily through time. These gradual changes appear to result from variations in the relative amplitudes of spectral peaks that remain stable in frequency, which suggests that they are due to differential excitation of a single, resonant source. Two other previously unrecognized, repetitive waveforms are also identified, but the signals from these secondary events are not clearly recorded at distances beyond the closest station. Similarities among the spectra of the predominant and secondary events suggest that the signals from these events also could represent different modes of exciting the same source. Significant changes in the rates and the sizes of the largest of these secondary events appear to coincide with the peak in the size distribution of the predominant LPs. At least some of the non-repetitive LP waveforms in the swarm appear to be the result of the superposition of signals from the rapid repetition of predominant LP source, thus placing a constraint on the repeat time of the triggering mechanism for this source. A lone hybrid event, which has a waveform character intermediate between the predominant LP events and high-frequency volcano-tectonic events, was also identified in the swarm; the occurrence of this event provides important evidence that the low-frequency character of the LP events is a source rather than a path or site effect.
Decoding speed of imagined hand movement from EEG

The kinematics of hand movement have been reported to be encoded in neural activities recorded at the primary motor cortex accompanying or immediately preceding the movement. In our earlier study, we demonstrated that the speed of imagined hand movements can be represented in the noninvasive EEG recordings and continuously decoded. In the present work, we aimed to systematically examine the spectral-temporal dynamics of imagination-related speed embedded in multiple frequency bands of EEG activity, including the alpha, beta and gamma bands and search for the optimal speed decoding for movement imagination.
CON: Treatment with PPIs should not be preceded by pH monitoring in patients suspected of laryngeal reflux.

CON: Treatment with PPIs Should NOT Be Preceded by pH Monitoring in Patients Suspected of Laryngeal Reflux
Symptomatic medial epicondyle nonunion: treatment by open reduction and fixation with a tension band construct

Hypothesis Nonunion of the medial epicondyle can cause symptoms of pain and instability in certain high-demand individuals. Problems with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) have led some to recommend excision of the nonunited fragment, followed by soft tissue repair. This study tests the hypothesis that patients with symptomatic nonunion of the medial epicondyle can be successfully treated with ORIF using a tension band construct. Methods Five male patients were identified who underwent ORIF of a chronic, nonunited medial epicondyle fracture. Patients were a mean age of 15.8 years at presentation. The time since the original injury averaged 24 months. Results At an average follow-up of 31 months, all patients reported satisfaction with their surgery. All nonunions healed, and the average postoperative extension improved significantly compared with preoperative values ( P Discussion Nonunion of the medial epicondyle can be symptomatic in certain high loading individuals. Surgical repair of the united fragment is difficult due to anatomical and biomechanical factors. Conclusion We believe that ORIF of chronic medial epicondyle nonunions using a tension band construct is a viable option in the symptomatic, high-demand patient.
The Miracles Source of John

An Essay-Review of Robert Tomson Fortna, The Gospel of Signs: A Reconstruction of the Narrative Source Underlying The Fourth Gospel, (Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series, 11, 1970), 275 pp., $11.50. This Essay-Review is adapted from pp. 235-238, 242-252 of Chapter 7, "The Johannine Trajectory," from Trajectories through Early Christianity by James M. Robinson and Helmut Koester (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1971).
Reliability Modeling and Analysis of Wireless Sensor Networks

Summary form only given. We consider the problem of reliability modeling and analysis of hierarchical clustered wireless sensor networks (WSN) in this paper. We propose reliability measures that integrate the conventional connectivity-based network reliability with the sensing coverage measure indicating the quality of service (QoS) of the WSN. And we propose a progressive approach for evaluating such coverage-oriented QoS reliability. Our approach is unique in that we analyze a more practical and generic hierarchical clustered WSN. The novelty of our approach also includes the consideration of dynamic dependencies, such as the standby spare behavior, by proposing a modular scheme.
Interleukin-17 induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of raf-1 kinase in human monocytic progenitor cell line U937.

Interleukin-17 is a T cell derived pro-inflammatory cytokine exhibiting multiple biological activities in a variety of cells and believed to fine tune all general phases of hematopoietic response. However, the signaling mechanism of this novel cytokine remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Interleukin-17 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins and to find out whether the raf-1 kinase signaling pathway is involved in mediating its signaling. Using immunoblotting and immunocomplex kinase assays, we report that the early signaling events triggered by rhIL-17 involves rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins including raf-1 within 0.5 to 30 min. Optimal stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation was observed with 0.5 to 1.0 ng/ml of Interleukin-17. Further, Interleukin-17 stimulates rapid activation of raf-1 kinase. These findings provide the first evidence that the mechanism of IL-17 signaling involves rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of raf-1 serine/threonine kinase.
Local presence and international manufacturing configurations in technology-intensive industries

Abstract In this paper, we explore one explanation of the impact of local manufacturing presence through local customers on the configurations of international manufacturing plants established by technology-intensive rivals. In order to motivate interest in international plant configurations and this demand-side assumption, we first describe some of the stylized features of competition in the early stages of the international development of the integrated circuit industry. We then present a model incorporating the positive impact of local manufacturing presence on local sales. We show that the model is sufficient to explain a variety of different patterns of international manufacturing configurations and worldwide market shares. Under certain broad conditions, duopolists locate their plants in different countries and avoid head-to-head competition. However, this tendency to avoid rivals can be reversed by asymmetries in market sizes, crowding caused by a shortage of foreign markets when start-up costs are relatively low, first mover disadvantages in start-up costs, trade protection, and an industry marginal revenue that rises, rather than declines, with multiple local plants.
Expression, structure, and function of enamel proteinases.

Proteinases serve two important functions during dental enamel formation: They (a) process and (b) degrade enamel proteins. Different enzymes carry out these functions. Enamelysin (MMP-20) is the foremost enamel matrix-processing enzyme. Its expression initiates prior to the onset of dentin mineralization and continues throughout the secretory stage of amelogenesis. In vitro, enamelysin catalyzes all of the amelogenin cleavages that are known to occur during the secretory stage in vivo, and it is probably the enzyme responsible for the processing of all enamel proteins. There is evidence suggesting that enamelysin activity is critical for proper enamel formation. Uncleaved and processed enamel proteins often segregate into different compartments within the developing enamel layer, suggesting that they may have different functions. Intact ameloblastin and its C-terminal cleavage products localize in the superficial rod and interrod enamel, while its N-terminal cleavage products congregate in the sheath spa...
Sexual attitude and information questionnaire: Reliability and validity in a spinal cord injured population

There have been a number of sexual counseling programs for spinal cord injured individuals, but little attempt has been made to assess the impact of such programs. One reason for this has been the lack of reliable and valid assessment devices. The present paper attempted to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Sexual Attitude and Information Questionnaire (SAIQ) as a measure of specific sexual information and attitudes in spinal cord injured patients. Eleven recent onset and 23 remote onset spinal cord injured persons completed the SAIQ on one occasion. Twenty of these subjects (five with remote and 15 with recent onset) completed the SAIQ on two occasions, two or three weeks apart. Seven of the remote onset subjects also completed the Sexual Interaction Inventory. Statistical analysis indicated the SAIQ to have good reliability, internal consistency, and temporal stability. The validity of the SAIQ as a measure of specific sexual information and attitudes in SCI was evaluated and appears promising.
Growth-related changes in the size of receptive field centers of retinal ganglion cells in goldfish

Abstract Intraocular recordings were made from the retinal ganglion cells of small ( 140 mm) intact paralyzed, submerged goldfish to determine how the size of their receptive field centers is influenced by the 2.5-fold increase in retinal magnification factor which accompanies growth. The angular subtense of the centers was only slightly smaller in large than in small fish, corresponding to a greater than 2-fold increase in the center diameter as measured in micrometers on the retinal surface. This statistically significant increase suggests that the number of centers which overlap a given point on the retina remains approximately constant during growth. Other implications of this result are also discussed.
Why do programmers avoid metrics

Software process improvement initiatives such as metrics programs have a high failure rate during their assimilation in a software organization. Social and organizational issues are some of the factors affecting the adoption and acceptance of metrics, and these issues have not been discussed in detail in existing metrics literature. We undertook an interview-based study with the purpose of studying factors that influence the buy-in of metrics. We interviewed 12 members of the metrics team of a large multi-national corporation, with a thriving metrics program. We found that there was some resistance to standardization of corporate metrics processes introduced by the metrics team. This resistance centered on the metrics data collection and reporting processes. One cause of resistance was the presence of sub-cultures and native data collection and reporting processes within organizational units that were independent businesses before they were acquired. Some of the pushback manifested itself through begrudging compliance, and avoidance activities like scripting and gaming of metrics. In this paper, we present the perspectives of developers, managers and upper-level management to emphasize that each stakeholder in the metrics initiative has a valid viewpoint that should be taken into account while implementing a metrics program and that each metrics effort is inextricably enmeshed with the organizational context. We provide actionable recommendations to understand the different perspectives and to adapt the metrics effort accordingly.
Psychological Treatments in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Primer for the Gastroenterologist

The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) often show inadequate response to usual medical care. Psychological treatments can help improve functional gastrointestinal disorder patient outcomes, and such treatment should be considered for patients who have moderate or severe symptoms after 3–6 months of medical care and those whose symptoms are clearly exacerbated by stress or emotional symptoms. Effective psychological treatments, which are based on multiple randomized controlled trials, include cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis for irritable bowel syndrome and pediatric functional abdominal pain, cognitive behavioral therapy for functional chest pain, and biofeedback for dyssynergic constipation in adults. Successful referral by the gastroenterologist for psychological treatment is facilitated by educating the patient about the rationale for such treatment, reassurance about the diagnosis and continuation of medical care, firm doctor-patient therapeutic alliance, and identification of and communication with an appropriate psychological services provider.
Improved Fnal Linac Beam Choppers

The Fermilab Linac uses two electrostatic beam deflection systems as beam choppers, a 750-keV system located between the ion source and the input to the Linac and a 200-MeV system at the output of the Linac. This paper discusses the 750-keV chopper experience with both proton and negative ion beams and the ability of these systems to tailor the Linac beam to the diverse requirements of its users; normal accelerator injection, neutron therapy beam, and electron cooling experiments. This flexibility plus a cleaner beam pulse, improved thyratron operation, and mechanical modularity are the results of recent improvements. Additional benefits have been increased reliability and ease of service to the 750-keV chopper.
Deposition and etch processes: continuum film evolution in microelectronics

Abstract Aspects of modeling and simulation of topography evolution during deposition and etch processes used in the fabrication of integrated circuits are discussed. Overall, we hope to demonstrate that combined simulation and experimental studies of film profiles and composition profiles inside features is a valuable tool in efforts to arrive at useful kinetic and transport models. In particular, conformality limitations and film composition variations inside features for films deposited at low pressures are explained using examples of studies that combine transport and reaction simulations of deposition processes and carefully designed experimental work. The technical presentation is divided into three major parts. In the first section, we demonstrate that thermal systems can be modeled without “calibrating” the transport and reaction models used, though calibration can still be useful. The process considered in this section is the thermal deposition of SiO 2 from TEOS (tetraethoxysilane). We discuss the use of film profile information to decide between two kinetic models for the deposition process, then we discuss one way to integrate reactor scale and feature scale models in order to capture “microloading” due to changes in local pattern density. The second section demonstrates the state of topography simulation for plasma processes. We demonstrate the use of physically motivated models that in general require calibration from experimental data for a given set of operating conditions. As our first plasma example, we use the sputter deposition of Ti–W to demonstrate the existence of composition profiles inside features. We then use etch simulations to show how simulations can be used to test proposed chemical and/or physical phenomena. The last major section is a case study on plasma enhanced deposition of SiO 2 from TEOS and oxygen (PETEOS) that demonstrates the roles of “3d/2d” and “3d/3d” (transport dimensionality/surface dimensionality) topography simulators in “virtual wafer fabs”. The same methodology would apply to most topography relevant processes, including thin film flow processes.
Employing lidar data to identify butterfly habitat characteristics of four contrasting butterfly species across a diverse landscape

Lidar and orthophotograph-derived land cover are combined with in situ vegetation measurements to assess habitat characteristics typifying four species of butterflies with differing habitat preferences across a large spatial extent (∼30,000 ha) in northern Idaho, USA. Lidar data are employed to characterize both vegetation structure and topography, whereas digital orthophotographs and in situ vegetation measurements are employed to quantify surrounding land use and larval host plant cover, respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination identified nine environmental variables that were strongly related to butterfly species composition and community structure. Logistic and standard regression models were developed based on these variables to predict the presence and density of each butterfly species, respectively. We found that lidar-derived variables described more butterfly habitat characteristics than orthophotograph-derived variables or ground measurements, demonstrating the value o...
Pharmacodynamic study of maturation and closure of human umbilical arteries

The contractile effects of 19 factors on isolated human arterial segments at term pregnancy were quantified, and 14 contractile agents were similarly applied to preterm (23 to 35 weeks) umbilical arteries. Responses to potassium chloride were used to normalize the data. At comparison with the term vessel, the preterm artery contracted more to angiotensin II and arachidonic acid and was more sensitive to oxytoxin. Contractions were greater in term arteries to vasopressin, norepinephrine, prostaglandin D 2 , and prostaglandin E 2 but similar in both group of arteries to bradykinin, histamine, acetylcholine, and prostaglandin F 2α . Neuropeptide Y, linoleic acid, uridine triphosphate, and thrombin were ineffective. Hyperoxia inconsistently induced weak, short-lived contractions. Contractions to cooling manifested marked desensitization and tachyphylaxis. Serotonin was the only agonist that displayed the pharmacodynamic features most likely to be important for closure: potency, efficacy, and long duration of action (>2.5 hours). It was postulated that cellular elements surrounding umbilical vessels are primary sources of vasoactive agents that are important to closure of the fetoplacental circulation at birth.
Environmental monitoring of remedial dredging at the New Bedford Harbor, MA, Superfund site.

New Bedford Harbor (NBH), MA, is a Superfund site because of high polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in the sediment. From April 1994 to September 1995, a remedial dredging operation (termed the “Hot Spot”) removed the most contaminated sediments (PCB concentrations greater than 4000μg/g) from the upper harbor. During remediation, a monitoring program assessed the potential environmental impacts to NBH and adjacent Buzzards Bay. The monitoring program was developed with input from federal, state, and local authorities. Site-specific decision criteria were established to assess net PCB transport, water column toxicity, and PCB bioaccumulation in blue and ribbed mussels (Mytilus edulis and Geukensia demissa, respectively). The remediation was completed without exceeding PCB net transport or acute toxicity effects specified in the decision criteria. In addition, PCB bioaccumulation in mussels during this time period was not significantly greater than pre- or post-operational measurements. The results indicated that approximately 14000 cubic yards of highly PCB contaminated sediment were permanently removed with minimal environmental effects. The lessons learned during this operation, as well as previous pilot studies at the site, will be used to make full-scale remedial efforts in NBH more efficient and environmentally protective.
On a moral right to civil disobedience

In this essay I argue that citizens of a liberal-democratic state, one that I argue has a morally justified claim to political authority, enjoy a moral right to engage in acts of suitably constrained civil disobedience, or what I will call a moral right to public disobedience. Such a claim may well appear inconsistent with the duty usually thought to correlate to a legitimate state’s right to rule, namely, a moral duty to obey the law. If successful, however, the arguments that follow entail that the duty correlative to a liberal-democratic state’s justified claim to political authority is in fact a disjunctive one: either citizens of such a state must obey the law or they must publicly disobey it. In Section I, I clarify the position to be defended in this article by distinguishing it from two kinds of cases where the moral justifiability
Horizontal heterogeneity in the frequency of plant‐available water with woodland intercanopy–canopy vegetation patch type rivals that occuring vertically by soil depth

Soil moisture integrates and drives ecohydrological processes in dryland ecosystems. However, despite the central importance of soil moisture, relevant field studies have not holistically assessed key inter-related aspects of ecohydrological spatiotemporal variation: the threshold-like manner in which soil texture controls the frequency at which soil water is readily available for plants, assessment of horizontal heterogeneity associated with vegetation patches in addition to vertical heterogeneity associated with depth, seasonal variation associated with precipitation type (snow vs rain) and inter-annual variation spanning notably wet and dry periods. We measured soil water content by neutron probe in a semiarid pinon-juniper woodland (Pinus edulis and Juniperus monosperma) in northern New Mexico, USA, over 15 years and evaluated an ecohydrological metric-plant- available water, estimated as the percentage of time that soil water content was sufficiently wet to be generally available to plants. The frequency of plant-available water varied significantly across all variables assessed: precipitation amount (across years or seasons), precipitation type, vertically with soil depth and horizontally with vegetation patch type (canopy patches beneath trees, intercanopy patches between trees and edges between the two patch types). Notably, in many cases, horizontal heterogeneity in plant-available water associated with vegetation patch was as substantial as vertical heterogeneity associated with depth, yet such horizontal heterogeneity is not included in most ecological or hydrological models. Our results highlight spatiotemporal variation in the frequency of plant-available water that is substantial, often overlooked, and may need to be explicitly considered for predicting dryland vegetation responses to land use and climate change.
Sensegiving and Sensebreaking via Emotion Cycles and Emotional Buffering: How Collective Communication Creates Order in the Courtroom

Municipal courtroom employees face a variety of positive and negative emotional interactions, especially when defendants are encountering the criminal justice system for the first time. Based on qu...
How many slopes in a polygon

The compactness theorem for the predicate calculus is used to prove that ifp is a prime ands is a positive integer withs≦11 or 2s−1≦p and X is a set of distinct residues modp, there are at least 2s−3 distinct residuesx+y withx≠y andx, y∈X.
THE POLITICS OF PARTICIPATION AND NONPARTICIPATION IN DISPUTE PROCESSES

Although the access to justice movement has placed great emphasis on expanding participation in dispute processing through informal mechanisms, little theoretical or empirical research in the area has explored the relationship between the organization of dispute processing and legal participation. This article develops a framework for investigating that relationship by examining the ideological and organizational structure of participation and nonparticipation in a comparison between mediation and prosecution of minor criminal cases. The analysis suggests that the concept of participation associated with informal mechanisms has played a role in transforming the institutional legitimacy of dispute processing, yet patterns of participation in conventional dispute processes are reproduced in the neighborhood justice center.
Production of glucose from tapioca (cassava starch) and farinha de mandioca (cassava meal)

Tapioca and farinha de mandioca starches were converted to glucose in a batch laboratory-scale process by the use of a jacketed, stirred-tank reactor. Liquefaction or thinning of the starch slurries was carried out with a thermostable, bacterial α-amylase that is active and stable in starch solutions at temperatures above 100°C. The resulting 2–3% dextrose solutions were cooled to 60°C; the pH was adjusted to 4.8–5.0 and saccharified with low concentrations of a fungal amyloglucosidase. Yields of approximately 100g glucose/100g starting material were obtained after 12–24 hr saccharification for tapioca starch, and after 24–36 hr for farinha de mandioca starch. Rheological problems and potential industrial applications of the processes are discussed.
Multiple Perspectives of Parent-Adolescent Sexuality Communication: Phenomenological Description of a Rashoman Effect∗

Empirical evidence regularly demonstrates that parents influence adolescent sexuality, but we know much less about the processes associated with these influences (Werner-Wilson & Fitzharris, 2001). Communication seems to be one process that is associated with parent influence. The present article investigates the different perceptions of mothers, fathers, adolescent girls, and adolescent boys about sexuality communication. Research suggests that parents and adolescents differ in their perception of the amount of communication that occurs between parents and adolescents about sexuality. Theoretically, the difference in perception about sexuality communication can be understood as representing a Rashoman effect, a social-psychological construct, which suggests that interpretation of events is an inherently subjective experience. We analyzed focus-group data for the presence of a Rashoman effect and discuss implications for sexuality education and future research. ∗This research was supported, in part, by a ...
TERAHERTZ SPECTROSCOPY AND GLOBAL ANALYSIS OF H3O

Eight ground-state inversion transitions of H3O+ in the 0.9-1.6 THz region have been measured using the frequency multiplier submillimeter spectrometer at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The accuracy of these measurements is estimated to be 300 kHz. The ions were generated in a dc discharge through a gas mixture of a few mTorr of H2 and 30 mTorr of H2O. A multistate analysis was carried out for H3O+, which includes the lines observed in this work, previous submillimeter and terahertz inversion transitions in the ground state, and previous infrared data on all the four vibrational fundamental bands. Accurate molecular parameters were obtained with taking into account the strong Coriolis interaction between the symmetric OH stretching mode (ν1) and the doubly degenerate asymmetric OH stretching mode (ν3). Fequency predictions, particularly for high-J transitions in the ground state and in the ν1 and ν3 fundamental bands, have been greatly improved by including ~ 200 more high-J transitions in our analysis, which were excluded in previous analyses. The more precise measurements and new predictions reported here will support the analyses of astronomical observations by the future high-resolution spectroscopy telescopes, such as Herschel, SOFIA, and ALMA.
In situ studies of megafaunal mounds indicate rapid sediment turnover and community response at the deep-sea floor

Sediment mounds, composed of faecal material from megafaunal deposit feeders1,2, occur in virtually all deep-sea environments, forming the dominant decimetre-scale topography on the ocean floor3,4. Mounds are often zones of deep, convective bioturbation1,2, and their formation is thought to disturb infaunal benthos5,6. We are studying mounds in the deep sea to evaluate rates and patterns of megafaunal sediment mixing, and to assess the disturbance effects of mound building on the infaunal community, with the goal of using mounds to investigate natural processes of succession at the deep-sea floor7. Our results indicate that sediment turnover associated with mound building by echiuran worms can be very rapid, and that bathyal infauna can respond quickly to this type of disturbance. These findings suggest that spatially rare but dynamic elements in the sediment fabric, such as mounds, may be important in controlling microstratigraphy, chemical diagenesis and community structure at the deep-sea floor.
Position-specific interaction between cells of the imaginal wing and haltere discs of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract When fragments of the imaginal wing disc from opposite ends of the disc are mixed prior to culture, intercalary regeneration occurs so that structures are produced which neither of the fragments would have produced if they had been cultured alone. I report here that fragments of the imaginal wing and haltere disc interact in a position-specific way. Mixing of homologous fragments does not result in regeneration, while mixing of fragments from opposite ends of the discs does. Thus the interaction of wing and haltere disc fragments shows the same positional specificity as the mixing of two wing fragments.
New taxa and combinations in Siphonoglossa (Acanthaceae)

As presently known, the genusSiphonoglossa can be divided into two “subgenera,” one of which is here divided into two sections,Pentaloba andSiphonoglossa. Two new species are described from a locality in Durango, Mexico :S. durangensis in sect.Siphonoglossa andS. linearifolia in sect.Pentaloba. Three other species are transferred intoSiphonoglossa:S. canbyi from northeastern Mexico;S. buchii from Haiti and the Dominican Republic andS. incerta from southern Baja California, Mexico.
Sport commitment among competitive female athletes: Test of an expanded model

Abstract In the present study, we examined an expanded model of sport commitment by adding two determinants (perceived costs and perceived competence) and behavioural commitment as a consequence of psychological commitment, as well as identifying psychological commitment as a mediator of relationships between determinants and behavioural commitment. Competitive female gymnasts (N = 304, age 8–18 years) completed relevant measures while coaches rated each gymnast's training behaviours as an indicator of behavioural commitment. Path analysis revealed that the best fitting model was one in which original determinants (enjoyment, involvement opportunities, investments, attractive alternatives) and an added determinant (perceived costs) predicted psychological commitment, in addition to investments and perceived costs directly predicting behavioural commitment. These results provide further, but partial, support for the sport commitment model and also suggest that additional determinants and behavioural conseq...
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality associated with ocular pseudoexfoliation.

Abstract PURPOSE: In recent years, several studies have shown the presence of vascular, cardiac, and other organ pseudoexfoliative material in patients with ocular pseudoexfoliation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an association exists between ocular pseudoexfoliation and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or all-cause mortality. METHODS: This retrospective study included 472 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation syndrome or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma at Mayo Clinic from 1976 through 1995. Of these 472 cases, 151 subsequently died from 1976 through 1997. Cause of death for these patients, as determined by the National Center for Health Statistics was compared with the entire Rochester, Minnesota, population using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Of the 472 patients with ocular pseudoexfoliation, 358 (76%) were female and 114 (24%) were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 74 years, with a SD of 10 years and a range from 39 to 106 years. Cardiovascular disease resulted in 40 deaths, with a 15-year cumulative probability of cardiovascular mortality of 22%, compared with an expected 20% (no significant difference with P = .19). Cerebrovascular disease resulted in 26 deaths with a 15-year cumulative probability of cerebrovascular mortality of 12%, compared with an expected 10% (no significant difference with P = .38). Finally, the 15-year observed all-cause cumulative mortality was 53% versus an expected rate of 59% (significant difference with P = . 0002). CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between ocular pseudoexfoliation and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular mortality. All-cause mortality was significantly less in patients with ocular pseudoexfoliation.
Gay and lesbian parents

An anonymous survey of 23 gay and lesbian parents and 16 heterosexual single parents was conducted in order to see whether the parents' homosexuality created special problems or benefits or both, for their children. Both sets of parents reported relatively few serious problems and generally positive relationships with their children, with only a minority encouraging sex-types toys, activities, and playmates. Heterosexual parents made a greater effort to provide an opposite-sex role model for their children, but no other differences in their parenting behaviors were found. Gay and lesbian parents saw a number of benefits and relatively few problems for their children as a result of their homosexuality, with lesbians perceiving greater benefits than gay men. Conversely, the gay males reported greater satisfaction with their first child, fewer disagreements with their partners over discipline, and a greater tendency to encourage play with sex-typed toys than did the lesbians. The findings suggest that being ...
Brief interventions for illicit drug use among peripartum women

We review the evidence and identify limitations of the current literature on the effectiveness of brief interventions (≤5 intervention sessions) on illicit drug use, treatment enrollment/retention, and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women; and consider this evidence in the context of the broader brief intervention literature. Among 4 published studies identified via systematic review and meeting a priori quality criteria, we found limited, yet promising evidence of the benefit of brief interventions to reduce illicit drug use among postpartum women. Two of the 4 randomized controlled trials tested similar computer-delivered single-session interventions; both demonstrate effects on postpartum drug use. Neither of the 2 randomized controlled trials that assessed treatment use found differences between intervention and control groups. Studies examining brief interventions for smoking and alcohol use among pregnant women, and for illicit drug use in the general adult population, have shown small but statistically significant results of the effectiveness of such interventions. Larger studies, those that examine the effect of assessment alone on illicit drug use, and those that use technology-delivered brief interventions are needed to assess the effectiveness of brief interventions for drug use in the peripartum period.