cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coastal seas as a context for science teaching: a lesson from Chesapeake Bay.

Lessons that employ authentic environmental data can enhance the ability of students to understand fundamental science concepts. This differs from traditional "environmental education" in that school curricula need not set aside time for educators to teach only environmental topics. Rather, the "environment" is used to advance student learning in science and technology. The success of this approach depends on programs that encourage scientists to communicate more effectively with teachers at all education levels. The expanding diversity of research and monitoring activities on the world's marine waters constitutes an outstanding potential education resource. Many of these projects involve remote sensing with sophisticated instrumentation and employ Internet technology to compile measurements, interpret data using graphs and satellite imagery, and share the results among scientific colleagues and the general public alike. Unfortunately, these resources, which constitute a much shortened path between research findings and textbook presentation, are seldom interpreted for use by K-12 educators. We have developed an example that uses the Chesapeake Bay as a paradigm to demonstrate how such interpretation can assist educators in teaching important principles in physical oceanography and marine ecology. We present this example using PowerPoint to conduct a virtual tour of selected Internet sources. Our example begins with the conceptual "salt wedge" circulation model of Chesapeake Bay as a partially mixed estuary. Teachers have the opportunity to explore this model using salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen data taken from a research vessel platform during summer professional development programs. This source of authentic data, originally obtained by teachers themselves, clearly demonstrates the presence of a picnocline and deep-water anoxia. Our lesson plan proceeds to interpret these data using additional Internet-based resources at increasing scales of time and space. The "salt wedge," picnocline, and anoxia are examined using graphics derived from data taken by researchers using "ScanFish," a towed instrument that samples temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen at a resolution of only a few meters vertically and horizontally. The seasonal dynamics of these parameters at a given location are interpreted using biweekly monitoring data obtained as part of the state-federal Chesapeake Bay Program. The influence of annual variations in freshwater input is examined using stream flow data from US. Geological Survey gauging stations. Satellite remote sensing images from the TOPEX/Poseidon project are used to show how El Nino and La Nina events in the mid-Pacific affect the Chesapeake Bay system via rainfall on its watershed. Finally, the life cycle of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is presented to show how an estuarine organism has adapted to this truly unique and dynamic coastal environment.
Immunization of mice with recombinant gp41 in a systemic prime/mucosal boost protocol induces HIV-1-specific serum IgG and secretory IgA antibodies.

Abstract We tested the immunogenicity in mice of a recombinant fusion protein (gp41HA) consisting of the ectodomain of the HIV-1 IIIB envelope glycoprotein gp41 fused to a fragment of the influenza virus HA2 hemagglutinin protein. An intraperitoneal prime followed by intranasal or intragastric boosts with gp41HA induced high concentrations of serum IgG antibodies and fecal IgA antibodies that reacted with gp41 in HIV-1 IIIB viral lysate and were cross-reactive with gp41 in HIV-1 MN lysate. By indirect immunofluorescence, serum IgG and fecal IgA from immunized mice were also shown to recognize gp41 in acetone-fixed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with either syncytium-inducing (SI) or non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) North American HIV-1 field isolates, but not uninfected cells. Thus, this recombinant antigen may be useful in prime/boost immunization protocols designed to induce systemic and mucosal antibodies that recognize multiple primary HIV-1 isolates.
Facile conversion of thioamides into amides

Abstract Thioamides react with m -chloroperoxybenzoic acid (MCPBA) to give good yields of the corresponding amides.
Global and Continental Drought in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century: Severity–Area–Duration Analysis and Temporal Variability of Large-Scale Events

Abstract Using observation-driven simulations of global terrestrial hydrology and a cluster algorithm that searches for spatially connected regions of soil moisture, the authors identified 296 large-scale drought events (greater than 500 000 km2 and longer than 3 months) globally for 1950–2000. The drought events were subjected to a severity–area–duration (SAD) analysis to identify and characterize the most severe events for each continent and globally at various durations and spatial extents. An analysis of the variation of large-scale drought with SSTs revealed connections at interannual and possibly decadal time scales. Three metrics of large-scale drought (global average soil moisture, contiguous area in drought, and number of drought events shorter than 2 years) are shown to covary with ENSO SST anomalies. At longer time scales, the number of 12-month and longer duration droughts follows the smoothed variation in northern Pacific and Atlantic SSTs. Globally, the mid-1950s showed the highest drought a...
Site-specific X-chromosome rearrangements from hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster

When the germ line of Drosophila males is destabilized by a syndrome known as hybrid dysgenesis, X-chromosome rearrangements are found in up to 10 percent of the gametes produced. Some of these aberrations are simple inversions, but many are complex multibreak rearrangements. Furthermore, most of the breakpoints fall into a few highly localized positions on the chromosome. These positions are mostly at points of intercalary heterochromatin and may vary from one strain to the next. the results suggest that they may represent points of insertion of mobile DNA sequences.
Expressed sequence tags from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta: Annotation and utilization for discovery of viruses

An expression library was created and 2304 clones sequenced from a monogyne colony of Solenopsis invicta. The primary intention of the project was to utilize homologous gene identification to facilitate discovery of viruses infecting this ant pest that could potentially be used in pest management. Additional genes were identified from the ant host and associated pathogens that serve as an important resource for studying these organisms. After assembly and removal of mitochondrial and poor quality sequences, 1054 unique sequences were yielded and deposited into the GenBank database under Accession Nos. EH412746 through EH413799. At least nine expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified as possessing microsatellite motifs and 15 ESTs exhibited significant homology with microsporidian genes. These sequences most likely originated from Thelohania solenopsae, a well-characterized microsporidian that infects S. invicta. Six ESTs exhibited significant homology with single-stranded RNA viruses (3B4, 3F6, 11F1, 12G12, 14D5, and 24C10). Subsequent analysis of these putative viral ESTs revealed that 3B4 was most likely a ribosomal gene of S. invicta, 11F1 was a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus contaminant introduced into the colony from the cricket food source, 12G12 appeared to be a plant-infecting tenuivirus also introduced into the colony as a field contaminant, and 3F6, 14D5, and 24C10 were all from a unique ssRNA virus found to infect S. invicta. The sequencing project illustrates the utility of this method for discovery of viruses and pathogens that may otherwise go undiscovered.
Power GaAs FET RF Life Test using Temperature-Compensated Electrical Stressing

GaAs FETs were aged in RF operation, while keeping the electrical stress on the WETs like that in a typical application. Lifetimes measured were significantly lower than those predicted by life tests using dc bias only. Significant dependence of lifetimes upon the wafer process lot was found. Voltage screening did not provide more reliable devices.
Triacylglycerol and very low density lipoprotein secretion into plasma of squirrel monkeys.

We determined the effects of varying the types and level of dietary fat and cholesterol on the increase in plasma total triacylglycerol concentrations after injection of Triton WR-1339, an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase, into monkeys that had been subjected to an overnight fast. The monkeys that had been treated with Triton WR-1339 were then given a test meal by intragastric intubation. Dietary cholesterol, high levels of fat and saturated fat in the habitual diet reduced the rate of release of triacylglycerol to plasma in the fasted monkey. We also determined the changes in protein and lipid concentrations of the different lipoprotein fractions. The injection of Triton WR-1339 resulted in a linear increase with time in the concentration of protein and triacylglycerol in the very low density (chylomicron-free and d < 1.006) lipoproteins, but there was an increase in the ratio of triacylglycerol to protein in that fraction. Most of the increase (96%) in very low density protein was in the B protein. Regardless of the habitual diet, a test meal accentuated the rate of triacylglycerol appearance in whole plasma and in the very low density lipoproteins of Triton WR-1339-treated monkeys, and the rate of increase of the protein component after feeding was slightly higher. Thus the administration of a meal to the fasted, Triton WR-1339-treated squirrel monkey further increased the proportion of triacylglycerol in very low density lipoproteins. Although dietary cholesterol and saturated fat in the habitual diet depressed the rate of increase in very low density triacylglycerol during fasting, the rate of protein synthesis was not significantly affected. After administration of a test meal the rates of increase in triacylglycerol and protein in the very low density lipoproteins were similar for monkeys from the different diet groups. Triton WR-1339 administration caused a slight and progressive increase in the intermediate density (d 1.006−1.019) lipoproteins and a marked and progressive decrease in the low density (d 1.019−1.063) lipoproteins. There was an immediate (by 5 min) drop of 70% or more in high density (d 1.063−1.21) lipoprotein protein, but the lipids except triacylglycerol remained unchanged. There was a decrease in both the A (the major fraction) and C proteins. The rates of very low density B protein secretion were comparable to the rates of low density lipoprotein catabolism that had been previously demonstrated for this species.
Designing switchable enzymes

The modulation of enzyme function is a key regulatory feature of biological systems. The ability to engineer synthetic enzymes that can be controlled by any arbitrary signal would enable a wide array of sensing applications and therapeutics and provide us with powerful tools for the basic study of biology. Here several recent advances in the engineering of switchable enzymes through domain fusion are discussed.
Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant for myelodysplasia after chemotherapy for post-transplant lymphoma in a cardiac transplant recipient at 10 years

A 32-year-old male received an allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant (alloPBSCT) for myelodysplasia from his one HLA-A antigen mismatched brother. He is alive with trilineage engraftment and without active GVHD 200 days after transplant. In July 1986 he underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation for viral cardiomyopathy and has received continuous immunosuppressive therapy. A post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder with Hodgkin-like histopathology was diagnosed in August 1993 and was successfully treated with four cycles of MOPP chemotherapy. Due to persistent pancytopenia he underwent a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in May 1996 which revealed monosomy 7 and morphologic changes compatible with myelodysplasia. This is the first report of a cardiac transplant recipient receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus, multiple thromboses, and monoarthritis in a family with Ro antibody

We describe a family afflicted with striking clinical and serologic autoimmune features. The mother and maternal uncle of a patient with neonatal lupus had rheumatic disease manifestations. All three had Ro antibodies (SS-A) in their sera, as well as La antibody (SS-B). The 17-year-old mother developed postpartum inflammatory monoarthritis of the right knee and had a positive lupus band test. The uncle at the age of 26 developed a fulminant disease most consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); initial manifestations were myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and the nephrotic syndrome. Although it is known that mothers of neonatal lupus infants can develop SLE postpartum, the development of severe disease in the maternal uncle suggests the relevance of identifying seropositive relatives of individuals with neonatal lupus.
Distribution, Abundance, and Biology of the Alewife in U.S. Waters of Lake Superior

Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) were first reported in Lake Superior in 1954 and gradually increased in abundance in the late 1950s. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the fish were widespread in the lake but scarce. We determined the more recent abundance and distribution of alewives by cross-contour trawling in the spring in 1978–1988. Alewives were scarce lake-wide; the mean catch rate was only 23 fish per 100 h of trawling and represented a density of 0.003 kg per hectare in the area swept by the trawls. Fish of six age groups were caught in trawls in spring and gill nets in fall in 1983–1987. Total annual mortality was 64%, a high natural rate in the absence of fishing. Alewives in Lake Superior were small at the end of their first growing season but later grew faster than those in the other Great Lakes. Fecundity, estimated to be 64,000 eggs (mean total length = 187 mm) was higher than in other freshwater stocks. Zooplankton was the major food of alewives < 100 mm long and Mysis was the main food of larger fish. Exposure to water temperatures below lethal minimums for overwintering fish and for developing eggs limits the success of this species in Lake Superior.
Quadriceps Rupture After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Getting It Straight

Extensor mechanism disruption is a devastating complication after total knee replacement. Quadriceps tendon disruption is much less common than patella tendon rupture, and options for treatment are generally lacking in the literature. An allograft technique is described in which an Achilles tendon allograft is used with a calcaneal bone block fixed distally to the tubercle and attached to the vastus lateralis and medialis proximally. Although a mild residual lag often occurs, brace-free ambulation can be expected in most patients.
Electrically pumped photonic crystal distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers

We demonstrate electrically pumped, room temperature, single mode operation of photonic crystal distributed feedback (PCDFB) quantum cascade lasers emitting at λ ~ 4.75 μm. Ridge waveguides of 50 μm and 100 μm width were fabricated with both PCDFB and Fabry-Perot feedback mechanisms. The Fabry-Perot device has a broad emitting spectrum and a broad far-field character. The PCDFB devices have primarily a single spectral mode and a diffraction limited far field characteristic with a full angular width at half-maximum of 4.8 degrees and 2.4 degrees for the 50 μm and 100 μm ridge widths, respectively.
METEOR: Exploring model elimination theorem proving

In this paper we describe the theorem proverMETEOR which is a high-performance model elimination prover running in sequential, parallel, and distributed computing environments.METEOR has a very high inference rate. But, as is the case with better chess-playing programs, speed alone is not sufficient when exploring large search spaces; intelligent search is necessary. We describe modifications to traditional iterative deepening search mechanisms whose implementation inMETEOR result in performance improvements of several orders of magnitude and that have permitted the discovery of proofs unobtainable by top-down model elimination provers.
OBOLINGA, A NEW GENUS OF MIMOSACEAE TRIBE INGEAE FROM HISPANIOLA

Obolinga zanonii Barneby is described as a new monotypic genus from disturbed cloud forest of the Sierra de Bahoruco—Massif de la Selle mountain system in southeastern Haiti and southwestern Dominican Republic. The genus is to be added to tribe Ingeae of Mimosaceae, and is believed on the basis of gross morphology, wood anatomy, and pollen structure to be nearest to the genusCojoba. From this it differs in a massive terete pod completely filled with a stack of large discoid seeds clothed in a lustrous papery testa and inertly dehiscent on the ground. The structurally comparable fruit of the Malayan genusCylindrokelupha, currently referred toArchidendron, is ascribed to parallelism. The species is illustrated with line drawings.
Structure of GaAs(001) surfaces: The role of electrostatic interactions.

We report first-principles total-energy calculations for the GaAs(001) surface. Our results indicate that the 2[times]4 reconstruction corresponds to the [beta]2(2[times]4) structure, which exhibits two As dimers in the top layer and a third As dimer in the third layer. This structure has a lower surface energy than the [beta](2[times]4) model, which has three As dimers in the top layer. We also find that a model recently proposed by Skala [ital et] [ital al]. [Phys. Rev. B [bold 48], 9138 (1993)] for the structure of the Ga-rich 4[times]2 phase is energetically unfavorable. From our results we conclude that electrostatic interactions between the charged building blocks of polar semiconductor surfaces play an important role in determining the equilibrium structure. We introduce a simple model for estimating these interactions.
Identification of carcinogenic acetates of fluorenylhydroxamic acids by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract A method for the identification and quantitation of carcinogenic O-acetates of fluorenylhydroxamic acids by high-pressure liquid chromatography is described. The adsorbent is Corasil II and a mixture of ethyl acetate- n -hexane (1:1) is used as the solvent. N-Acetoxy-2-fluorenylacetamide or N-acetoxy-3-fluorenylacetamide are separable as single peaks from N-acetoxy-4-fluorenylacetamide and from N-acetoxy-2-fluorenylbenzamide. The peak height traced by the recorder is linearly proportional to the amount of compound in the effluent. The method can be utilized for the detection of 0.1–1.0 μg of compound. The method has been used to identify the products of the decomposition of N-acetoxy-2-fluorenylacetamide in aqueous media.
Interference-Confined Adaptive Transmission Scheme for Cognitive Radio Networks

This paper focuses on the unslotted cognitive radio networks in which the secondary users (SUs) are not synchronized with the primary users (PUs). The SUs can opportunistically utilize the wireless channel as long as the channel is not occupied by the PUs. Due to the half-duplex nature of the wireless medium, the SUs may inevitably impose interference to the PUs because the SUs cannot precisely predict when the PUs becomes active again, and stop transmitting in time. To overcome this challenge, we propose an interference-confined adaptive transmission scheme, which can dynamically adjust the transmission duration of the SUs based on the statistical information of PUs' activity such as to confine the interference with PUs to the acceptable level. Also conducted are extensive simulations to validate and evaluate our proposed scheme. The simulation results show that our proposed scheme can significantly outperform the existing transmission schemes.
Characteristics of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 associated 67-kDa polypeptide

A eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) associated 67-kDa polypeptide (p67) protects the eIF-2 alpha-subunit from eIF-2 kinase(s) catalyzed phosphorylation, and this promotes protein synthesis in the presence of active eIF-2 kinase(s), [Datta, B., et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, 3324-3328]. This report presents the results of studies related to characteristics of p67 action and the mechanism of p67:eIF-2 interaction: (1) p67 antibodies inhibited protein synthesis in hemin-supplemented rabbit reticulocyte lysates, and such inhibition was reversed by preincubation of the antibodies, specifically with p67. (2) p67 inhibited HRI- and dsI-catalyzed phosphorylations of the eIF-2 alpha-subunit and histones, but it did not inhibit casein kinase catalyzed phosphorylation of the eIF-2 beta-subunit. (3) p67 bound specifically to the eIF-2 gamma-subunit. p67 co-immunoprecipitated with the eIF-2 subunits when a p67/eIF-2 mixture was treated with p67 or eIF-2 subunit antibodies and protein A agarose. However, when eIF-2 was preincubated specifically with the eIF-2 gamma-subunit antibodies, subsequent co-immunoprecipitation of p67 with the eIF-2 subunits was completely inhibited. Similarly, preincubation of p67 and p67 antibodies prevented subsequent p67 binding to eIF-2. Preincubation of eIF-2, with either eIF-2 alpha- or beta-subunit antibodies, had no effect on p67 co-immunoprecipitation with the eIF-2 subunits. (4) p67:eIF-2 interaction is necessary for p67 activity to protect the eIF-2 alpha-subunit from eIF-2 kinase(s) catalyzed phosphorylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Studies on the mechanism of intestinal absorption of sugars IX. Intracellular sodium concentrations and active sugar transport by hamster small intestine in vitro

Abstract Previous studies on the effect of the composition of the incubation medium on active sugar transport have shown that both Li + and K + are inhibitory as compared with urea and Tris + , when these substances are used to replace external Na + . Present studies on levels of intracellular Na + show a different relationship; urea and K + are inhibitory as compared to Li + and Tris + . This difference is intrepreted to mean that the previously observed inhibition of active sugar transport by Li + and K + was not mediated primarily by effects on intracellular Na + .
Application of Bayes’ Theory in Designing Computer-Based Adaptive Instructional Strategies

Abstract Presented are variables and conditions for design of a computer‐based adaptive instructional system. The design strategy uses Bayes’ theory of conditional probability to determine an instructional sequence according to individual student characteristics and needs. The adaptive strategy uses prior estimates based on student pretask and on‐task performance in an algorithm that makes selections of instructional sequence from a table of generated values. The computer system provides a dynamic environment which updates each students on‐task learning progress and modifies the instructional sequence accordingly. The purpose of this adaptive strategy is to improve the effectiveness of the learning environment, resulting in reductions in student learning time while improving task acquisition.
Play behaviors of handicapped preschool children in the presence and absence of nonhandicapped peers

Abstract Sixteen minimally handicapped children and 18 nonhandicapped children were observed playing as separate classes and as a combined group on their preschool playground. Play behaviors directed toward self, toys, teachers, and peers were recorded using a time sampling procedure. Repeated measures analyses revealed that: (1) handicapped children engaged in less peer-directed and more teacher-directed behaviors than the similar chronological age but developmentally more advanced normal children; (2) a comparison between a subsample of normal and handicapped children who were approximately equivalent on developmental age suggested that the normal children only vocalized more often; (3) when integrated with the normal children, handicapped children engaged in more peer-directed and less teacher-directed behaviors than when playing in the non-integrated situation; (4) during the combined group play situation, normal children directed more behaviors to their own classmates while handicapped children directed approximately equal amounts of behavior to their own classmates and to their normal peers. These results suggest that the normal children were not negatively affected and the handicapped children were positively affected by the integrated play situation.
Transesterification of Urinary Steroid Sulfates

ABSTRACT A method is described for the recovery of steroid sulfates from urine by means of transesterification. The method was shown to be specific, to produce little artifact formation, and to yield extracts of sufficient purity to permit direct analysis by a variety of chemical reactions. The utility of the method is illustrated by preliminary studies of steroid conjugate excretion in the urine of subjects with and without adrenal disease.
Gas-phase NMR studies of the thermolysis of perfluorooctanoic acid

Abstract The thermolysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (CF 3 (CF 2 ) 6 COOH) has been studied kinetically by high-temperature gas-phase NMR in both sodium borosilicate glass and quartz ampoules. In both cases, 1-H-perfluoroheptane is the major product, but the decomposition is considerably slower in quartz. The decomposition in borosilicate ampoules at 307 °C is greatly accelerated by the presence of crushed borosilicate glass and the reaction appears to be completely heterogeneous. Perfluoro-1-heptene is produced as a minor product and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) examination of the inner surface of the borosilicate glass ampoule after reaction reveals the presence of NaF. The thermolysis in quartz ampoules was studied by ex situ heating in the temperature range 355–385 °C and produced moderate amounts of perfluoro-1-heptene and SiF 4 in addition to 1-H-perfluoroheptane. Thermolysis in the presence of added crushed quartz accelerates the decomposition, as does increasing the concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid or carrying out the thermolysis in the presence of water. The thermolysis of perfluorooctanoic acid thus proceeds at widely different rates depending on concentration and on the physical and chemical environment. By contrast, the pyrolysis of ammonium perfluorooctanoate is more facile by orders of magnitude and proceeds by first-order kinetics at essentially the same rates in both quartz and borosilicate ampoules with an estimated half-life of 2 s at 307 °C.
A vertical cephalometric analysis of the human craniofacial complex

A vertical analysis involving ten linear measurements was developed to localize skeletal and dentoalveolar dysplasias. The measurements are of biologic relevance, reflecting the amount of growth harmony or disharmony to the examination and record-taking time. The vertical dimensional analysis uses the age- and sex-related University of Michigan mean values for comparative data for each measurement. Ratios were computed for a five-unit proportional analysis. Both analyses were applied to assess the vertical problems of three female patients. The analyses detected specific areas of dysplasia for each patient.
Tossing and Turning Queering Performances of Family Narrative

In this paper, I use a performance methodology to theorize how performances of family narratives might be queered through the disruptive or disorienting practices of collage and fracturing. Using Halberstam’s “queer art of failure” as a theoretical foundation and Etchells’s performance and writing practices as a methodological guide, I attempt to “fail” narratively as a way to explore the queer possibilities of some normative family stories. It is a story that involves several overt failures—failures of narrative potential, human intervention, and consumer products. The interwoven narratives in this paper were part of a larger ethnographic project about “consumer tragedies.” By juxtaposing multiple voices—including scholarly quotations, family narratives, and performance description—I create a fractured narrative. Such ruptures in narratives of family reveal how we accomplish normativity and how we resist it.
Efficacy and Safety of En Bloc Ligation of Renal Hilum During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of en bloc ligation of the renal hilum with titanium vascular staplers during laparoscopic nephrectomy. En bloc ligation of the renal hilum has historically been associated with the very rare complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation, primarily in inflammatory renal pathologic features. Currently, no evidence exists of AVF development in human nephrectomies after ligating the hilum en bloc with titanium staplers. METHODS A total of 161 consecutive patients underwent planned laparoscopic radical nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the operative variables, including the method of hilar ligation, estimated blood loss, and final pathologic findings. The additional postoperative outcomes of diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiovascular sequelae were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 161 patients, 90 underwent en bloc hilar ligation and 71 underwent individual hilar vessel ligation with the stapler. The blood loss and open conversion rate trended lower in the en bloc group. Postoperatively, no differences were found in blood pressure or heart rate between the two groups, and no instances of bruits or other clinical evidence of AVF were found after mean follow-up of 34 months. CONCLUSIONS This series found no evidence of AVF or other adverse clinical events in patients undergoing en bloc ligation of the renal hilum and laparoscopic nephrectomy. En bloc ligation may provide for more secure, expeditious control of the hilum without an increased operative time or the added potential of vascular injury that can be associated with the individual dissection of the vessels.
The effects of alternative supplementary display formats on balanced scorecard judgments

Abstract Using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) to evaluate performance is a complex judgment task involving a large set of performance measures. Commercially available BSC software provides capabilities for providing decision guidance to the user through the design of supplementary information displays. This study compares the judgment performance of decision makers who received BSC data for two divisions of a simulated company in one of three formats: (1) individual BSCs for each division, (2) individual divisional BSCs supplemented by a side-by-side tabular summary of each division's performance, and (3) individual divisional BSCs supplemented by a side-by-side graphical comparison of each division's performance. Providing supplemental tabular displays did not improve judgment consensus, relative to viewing separate displays, but did improve consistency between performance evaluation and bonus allocation decisions. Consensus for participants using supplemental graphical displays was lower than that for participants viewing separate displays for each division. Further, participants given supplemental graphical displays exhibited lower judgment consensus and lower consistency between performance evaluation and bonus allocation decisions than those using supplemental tables. Inconsistency and lack of consensus are likely to create perceptions of unfairness, thereby increasing dissatisfaction with and resistance to continued use of the BSC. Thus, our findings indicate the need for care when designing and implementing BSC decision aids.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Antarctic Sea-Ice (1973–82)

Abstract Monthly estimates of Antarctic sea-ice area for the past decade were extracted from operational churts. Empirical orthogonal function analyses of these satellite-derived data revealed the existence of six distinct ice area sub-regions. Comparison of ice area time series for these sub-regions highlights the substantial differences among them. For example, total sea-ice extent typically reached a maximum in either August or September, while the Ron Sea often exhibited two relative maxima (July and October). The data show considerable year-to-year variability during this short period of record with the minimum sea-ice area varying by more than a factor of two and maximum sea-ice area varying by almost 20%. The large year-to-year variability precludes a reliable identification of longer term trends during the relatively short era of satellite observations.
Characterization of lactase-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract Conjugation of lactase to magnetic nanoparticles is of interest in biosensor and ingredient processing applications that require high enzyme concentration and catalyst separation from the reaction stream. However, little is known about the effects of these materials on the physicochemical attributes of conjugated lactase. Lactase ( Aspergillus oryzae ) was covalently attached by carbodiimide chemistry to carboxylic-acid functionalized magnetic particles having a hydrodynamic radius of 18 nm. The resulting enzyme–nanoparticle conjugates were characterized with regard to particle size, zeta potential, enzyme kinetics, temperature and pH stability, catalyst recovery, and secondary structure changes. Following attachment, the materials retained colloidal stability and individual particle characteristics with a zeta potential of −33 mV compared to −46 mV for the native particle. The conjugated enzyme showed no changes in secondary structure and exhibited significant catalytic activity with a catalytic efficiency of 2.8 × 10 3 M −1 s −1 compared to 2.5 × 10 3 M −1 s −1 for the native enzyme. Relative to the free enzyme, the conjugated enzyme was recovered for repeated use with 78% activity retained after five cycles. This work demonstrates that carboxylic-acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles can be utilized as a means of producing a simple and effective conjugated-lactase system that achieves both particle and enzyme stability.
Barking up the Wrong Evidence Tree. Comment on Lurie & Rosenthal, “Concurrent Partnerships as a Driver of the HIV Epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa? The Evidence is Limited”

It is good that concurrency is becoming a central topic of discussion in the HIV prevention research community [1]. A healthy debate on this topic is long overdue. A productive debate requires a solid understanding of the relationship between behavior (at the individual level) and disease transmission dynamics (at the population level). This relationship determines the relevant evidence. The concepts are simple, but subtle. Get them wrong, and it is easy to make some common mistakes, as Lurie and Rosenthal do here [2].
Large eddy simulations of round jet with spectral element method

Abstract This paper studies round jet with large eddy simulation (LES) method, in which spectral element technique is used as spacial discritization for the large eddy simulation Navier–Stokes equations. A local spectral discretization associated with Legendre polynomials is employed on each element of the structured mesh, which allows for high accurate simulations of turbulent flows. Discontinuities across the interfaces of the elements are resolved using a Riemann solver. An isoparametric representation of the geometry is implemented, with boundaries of the domain discretized to the same order of accuracy as the solution, and explicit low-storage Runge–Kutta methods are used for time integration. LES results of round jet are presented, in which the instantaneous and statistical turbulence structures of the round jet have been captured. The probability density function, and the spectral density function of the round jet that can reflect properties of turbulence have also been estimated. The work serves the purpose of allowing fast, convenient computations and comparisons with theoretical results and the ultimate goal is to develop it into an LES code featuring spectral accuracy with minimum dissipation and dispersion, a valuable tool for round jet computations.
Sequences of functions of binomial type

The theory of binomial enumeration leads to sequences of functions of binomial type which are not polynomials. The results of Mullin-Rota for these sequences are developed and a ring structure on the set of sequences is studied.
Advances in the growth and performance of antimonide-based mid-infrared interband cascade lasers

We discuss the growth and state-of-the-art performance characteristics of mid-infrared interband cascade lasers. Broad-area devices with 5 active stages display pulsed threshold current densities as low as 400 A/cm2 at room temperature, owing to an unexpectedly strong suppression of Auger recombination. New designs also produce lasers with internal losses as low as ≈ 6 cm−1 at room temperature. We also study the performance of narrow ridges that dissipate heat efficiently for high-temperature cw operation. The degradations of the threshold current density and differential slope efficiency are modest until the ridge width is decreased to 3 μm. A 13-μm-wide uncoated ridge produces up to 45 mW of cw power at 293 K, and displays a maximum wall-plug efficiency of 3.5%. A 5-μm-wide 3-mm-long ridge without any facet coatings operates cw to 345 K, which is a new record high temperature for any semiconductor laser emitting in the 3.0–4.6 μm spectral range.
Feeding by a heterotrophic dinoflagellate (Noctiluca scintillans) in marine snow

Marine snow samples were collected on two dates (20 and 27 August 1992) in the San Juan Islands, Washington. On both sampling dates the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans was concentrated in aggregates. On 20 August small and large aggregates were sampled separately. The data indicate that on this date, all of the N. scintillans were in aggregates and that most were in the large aggregates. About 60% of the N. scintillans contained food, which, given their association with aggregates, likely resulted from feeding in marine snow. On 27 August, 51% of the N. scintillans were in aggregates and 80% of these individuals contained food. Only 20% of the individuals in the water surrounding aggregates contained food. The data suggest that on the two sampling dates, aggregates were the preferred habitat of N. scintillans and that N. scintillans associated with marine snow had greater success feeding than did individuals in the surrounding water. During periods when water-column concentrations of N. scintillans prey are reduced, marine snow, with its typically high concentrations of phytoplankton, may act as a refuge habitat.
Single-Chain Lambda Cro Repressors Confirm High Intrinsic Dimer−DNA Affinity†

The overall affinity of the bacteriophage lambda Cro repressor for its operator DNA site is limited by dimer dissociation at submicromolar concentrations. Since Cro dimer−operator complexes form at nanomolar concentrations of Cro subunits where free dimers are rare, these dimers must bind with compensating high affinities. Previous studies of the covalent dimer Cro V55C suggest little change in DNA binding affinity even though the dimeric species is quantitatively populated; this is an apparent contradiction to the expectation of high intrinsic dimer−DNA affinity. In contrast to the disulfide linkage at the center of the dimer interface in Cro V55C, polypeptide linkers that join the two subunits allow single-chain Cro repressors to bind operator DNA with picomolar affinities. A series of five single-chain Cro repressors have been expressed from fused tandem cro genes. Each contains a peptide linker of 8−16 hydrophilic residues that connects the C-terminus of one subunit to the N-terminus of the next. All ...
Wideband terahertz spectroscopy of explosives

Time-domain terahertz spectroscopy (TDTS) has been shown to be a promising tool in detection of explosives and explosive related compounds. To date, TDTS for many explosives has been limited to spectral regions <3 THz. With recent improvements in emitters and sensors of THz radiation, we report the THz absorption spectra over an extended frequency band from 0.5 to 6 THz for four explosives: RDX (1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine), HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitroperhydro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine), PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate), and TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene). New distinctive spectral features are shown in these materials between 3 and 6 THz. These data may aide in the spectral identification of these explosives.
A Hybrid Algorithm for the Computation of Fixed Points

Given a continuous mapping of a simplex to itself, an algorithm is shown that generates an infinite sequence of points converging to a fixed point of the mapping. Taking advantage of a generalization of Sperners lemma, the proposed method generalizes those of Scarf and Eaves in a manner such that both methods are given a unifying formulation.
Transcranial ultrasonic wave propagation simulation: skull insertion loss and recovery

Severe energy dissipation and waveform aberration in ultrasonic wave propagation due to the human skull remain major challenges to achieving good focus in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) brain therapy and high-resolution thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) of the human brain. With the inclusion of the skull insertion loss, we numerically simulated the ultrasonic wave propagation using the pseudospectral time domain (PSTD) algorithm for TAT setup. We then applied the redatuming scheme through downward and upward continuation originated in seismic signal processing to eliminate the diffraction caused by the irregularity of the skull and to recover the insertion loss due mainly to the diploes layer of the skull. This approach, after further validation, is aimed to recover wave energy dissipation and waveform aberration in ultrasonic measurements applied to both trans-skull imaging (ultrasound propagates outward) and therapy (ultrasound propagates inward).
Narcotics and Armed Conflict: Interaction and Implications

The link between armed conflict and the production and trafficking of illicit drugs has been much noted in the popular literature, and recent research tentatively indicates a link between lootable resources, including narcotics, and conflict duration. Yet the specific dynamics of the linkage between narcotics and conflict remain poorly understood. Evolving theory on the link between organized crime and terrorism enhances and supplements the debate on economic incentives in civil war, proposing mechanisms whereby insurgent groups interact with narcotics production—a crime–rebellion nexus. Studies of nine major narcotics-producing areas indicates strong support for this nexus. Rather than generating or being generated by drug cultivation, armed conflict qualitatively and quantitatively transforms existing drug cultivation. Importantly, armed conflict is itself deeply affected by the narcotics industry, which tends to strengthen the capacity of insurgent movements while weakening that of the state. A momento...
Tests of CP and CPT with polarized positronium

Two experiments, using polarization techniques with triplet positronium (Ps), have searched for violations of initially the CPT and, most recently, the CP symmetries. Angular correlations between the Ps spin (S) and the momenta of the decay λ-rays (|k1| > |k2| > |k3|) were measured: The coefficients, Cn and CCP, are expected to be zero if the respective symmetries areconserved. No symmetry violations were observed in either experiment at the 2.3% and1.5% level of uncertainty, respectively, in the angular correlation coefficients.
Rethinking IP core networks

The Internet core today is completely based on IP routers. Circuits are only used to provide static point-to-point optical links between routers. As others have recognized, current practice makes it hard to take advantage of very high-speed, low-power optical circuit switches in the core. Despite many proposals to mix packet switching with dynamic circuit switching, none have taken hold. In these times of rapidly increasing traffic, and rapidly decreasing profits for ISPs, it is time to rethink how backbones are built. In this paper, we propose to replace the largest backbone routers with much cheaper hybrid packet-optical switches in a fully meshed IP core. We take advantage of new control planes for software-defined networks to control the packet and circuit networks from a single vantage point. To demonstrate the enormous potential cost savings, we present a detailed analysis of the capital expenditure and show how our approach offers 60% cost savings for typical backbone operators.
The incidence of syphilitic aortitis in a representative municipal hospital

Abstract 1. 1. A study of the autopsies performed at the Cincinnati General Hospital from 1926 to 1937, inclusive, revealed that the average incidence of syphilitic aortitis (excluding all developmental complications) was 9.1 per cent. 2. 2. At least 1,200 patients with syphilitic aortitis are admitted to the Cincinnati General Hospital each year. 3. 3. It is suggested that each patient with late, latent syphilis, who has not had adequate specific treatment, should be considered as having active syphilitic aortitis.
How Much Is Leisure Worth? Direct Measurement with Contingent Valuation

This paper uses a contingent value survey in a Rocky Mountain city to measure the national income accounting value of leisure activities. Such direct measurement avoids shortcomings of the previously used labor value approach and individually values various types of leisure, e.g., napping and socializing. The results of the study indicate promise for this measurement approach but also raise some issues that require further research. Included are suggestions for overcoming problems discovered with this method and for future research.
Contributions of cell culture to the investigation and control of infectious diseases

The investigation and control of infectious diseases has relied heavily on the science of cell culture. The propagation of many infectious agents is dependent on growth in cell culture and some of the most exciting research frontiers in microbiology involve the development of culture systems for fastidious organisms and agents of emerging diseases. Research on the pathogenesis and drug sensitivity of infectious agents has utilized many creative and rewarding in vitro cellular models. The contributions of cell cultures as factories for the manufacture of viral vaccines and as substrates for diagnostic tests have been profound. The review details the strategies and major accomplishments in each of these areas.