cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The design and analysis of algorithms

The design and analysis of algorithms is one of the two essential cornerstone topics in computer science (the other being automata theory/theory of computation). Every computer scientist has a copy of Knuth's works on algorithms on his or her shelf. Dexter Kozen, a researcher and professor at Cornell University, has written a text for graduate study of algorithms. This will be an important reference book as well as being a useful graduate-level textbook.
Uptake of d-Glucose by Renal Tubule Membranes I. EVIDENCE FOR TWO TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

Abstract d-[14C]Glucose was taken up by a cell-free, membrane-rich, particulate fraction prepared from isolated rabbit renal tubules by processes which showed temperature and phlorizin sensitivity, stereospecificity, sodium dependence, and saturability. The amount of d-glucose taken up and metabolized by the membrane preparation as well as the time course observed indicate that this uptake process represents transport into membrane-lined vesicles rather than binding to membrane fragments. Kinetic analyses in the presence and absence of sodium revealed that the uptake of d-glucose was mediated by two distinct systems: one with a high affinity and low capacity for glucose and a requirement for sodium ions; a second with low affinity and high capacity for glucose and no sodium requirement. Additional evidence for these two systems was obtained from experiments with other unlabeled sugars which showed qualitative and quantitative differences in inhibition of d-[14C]glucose uptake.
Online investment banking phase I: distribution via the internet and its impact on IPO performance

In the past few years, there has been a growth in Internet markets run by online investment bankers, where companies and investors can buy and sell initial public offerings (IPOs) of corporate stock. In this study, we confine our examination to the first of what we anticipate will be several phases in the evolution of Internet IPOs: the online distribution of shares. This implies the beginning of a general
Einsatz von Supercomputern in der Industrie

Der Einsatz von Supercomputerleistung ist in einem modernen Industriestaat, in dem Spitzentechnologie entwickelt wird, nicht mehr wegzudenken.
Informal and Early Formal Financial Support in the Business Creation Process: Exploration with PSED II Data Set

The sequence, amounts, and timing of informal and formal support for emerging firms, as well as the impact on start-up outcomes, continue to be a central issue. Tracking reports from a national representative sample of nascent enterprises indicates that average amount of informal support is $48,000: formal support, provided after the nascent enterprise has become a legal entity, averages about $200,000. There is little relationship between the informal support and outcomes (new firm, continuing start-up effort, or quit) and informal support, but virtually no cases reporting discontinuation report any formal financial support. Over 75 percent of the total funding is provided to initiatives that have not yet become new firms.
Simultaneous delay and power optimization in global placement

Delay and power minimization are two important objectives in the current circuit designs. Retiming is a very effective way for delay optimization for sequential circuits. In this paper we propose a framework for multi-level global placement with retiming, targeting simultaneous delay and power optimization. We propose GEO-P for power optimization and GEO-PD algorithm for simultaneous delay and power optimization and provide smooth wirelength, power and delay tradeoff. In GEO-PD, we use retiming based timing analysis and visible power analysis to identify timing and power critical nets and assign proper weights to them to guide the multi-level optimization process. We show an effective way to translate the timing and power analysis results from the original netlist to a coarsened subnetlist for effective multi-level delay and power optimization. Our GEO-P achieves 27% average power improvement and our GEO-PD provides gains in both delay and power improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper addressing simultaneous delay and power optimization in multi-level global placement.
Influence of volcanic eruptions on the climate of the Asian monsoon region

[1] Several state-of-the-art general circulation models (GCMs) predict that large volcanic eruptions should result in anomalous dry conditions throughout much of monsoon Asia. Here, we use long and well-validated proxy reconstructions of Asian droughts and pluvials to detect the influence of volcanic radiative forcing on the hydroclimate of the region since the late Medieval period. Superposed epoch analysis reveals significantly wetter conditions over mainland southeast Asia in the year of an eruption, with drier conditions in central Asia. Our proxy and model comparison suggests that GCMs may not yet capture all of the important ocean-atmosphere dynamics responsible for the influence of explosive volcanism on the climate of Asia.
The application of immunocytochemistry to cytologic direct smears of metastatic merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma represents a highly aggressive cutaneous malignancy characterized by regional recurrences, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and high mortality. As the cytomorphology of Merkel cell carcinoma can be mimicked by other malignancies, especially lymphoma and pulmonary small cell carcinoma, immunocytochemistry is often useful in confirming the diagnosis. Cell blocks, which are traditionally utilized for immunocytochemistry, occasionally exhibit insufficient cellularity. Hence, we prospectively investigated the application of CK20 immunocytochemistry to air-dried, unstained direct smears in the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma fine needle aspirates (FNAs). Eight consecutive FNAs of Merkel cell carcinoma were prospectively examined in this series; seven (88%) cases exhibited immunoreactivity for CK20 in the tumor cells. The one CK20-negative Merkel cell carcinoma was immunoreactive for synaptophysin and CD56. This immunophenotype was identical to that of the original primary tumor. For comparison, air-dried direct smears prepared from three pulmonary small cell carcinoma FNAs were examined by CK20 immunocytochemistry. In all cases, no CK20 immunoreactivity was seen in any of the tumor cells. In conclusion, direct smears represent a feasible and robust source of cellular material for immunocytochemical studies to diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma. This methodology allows the cytologist to confirm on site that material for diagnostic immunocytochemistry is present thereby serving as a safeguard in instances where insufficient cell block cellularity is anticipated or encountered.
Ribonucleoprotein of Clostridium perfringens (BP6K).

Abstract A procedure has been presented for the isolation and purification of the ribonucleoprotein from lyophilized Clostridium perfringens (BP6K) cells. Separation of the ribonucleoprotein from the desoxyribonucleoprotein was effected by extracting the lyophilized cells with 0.14 M NaCl. The amino acid composition of the purified nucleoprotein was determined. This protein was found to be devoid of tryptophan, proline, and hydroxyproline. Evidence is presented to show that the pentose in the nucleoprotein is d -ribose. The purine-pyrimidine composition was determined by paper-partition chromatography. The purine composition was similar to that of yeast nucleic acid while the pyrimidine composition was dissimilar. Paper ionophoretic studies at various pH's and electrophoretic patterns at pH 7.2 indicate that the ribonucleoprotein is homogeneous. It was shown that the purified ribonucleoprotein exhibits species specificity in regard to the plating back of the gram-positive staining factor on cells that had been made gram-negative by extracting the gram-positive staining factor from them.
Elastic properties of aluminum nitride

Abstract The elastic moduli and their temperature and pressure derivatives for sintered, isotropic, polycrystalline aluminum nitride ceramic have been determined. The temperature derivatives of the elastic moduli are somewhat smaller than those of other wurtzite structure semiconductors, and the pressure derivative of the shear modulus is very small. The mode Gruneisen gamma of the shear mode is essentially zero, while the elastic Gruneisen constant agrees well with the thermodynamic Gruneisen constant. Both the bulk and shear modulus conform to the Keyes relationship.
A role for the mevalonate pathway in the induction of subtype cross-reactive immunity to influenza A virus by human gammadelta T lymphocytes

The major γδ T cell subset in the human peripheral blood expresses the Vγ9δ2 TCR and recognizes non-peptidic prenyl pyrophosphate antigens such as isopentylpyrophosphate (IPP). Upon activation the γδ T cells rapidly secrete antiviral cytokines similar to classical memory αβ T cells. Here we have investigated the ability of γδ T lymphocytes from human PBMC to become activated by influenza A virus infection. Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes rapidly upregulate expression of CD25 and CD69 and produce IFN-γ following influenza infection of PBMC. Moreover, the recognition is cross-reactive between various subtypes of influenza, but not with vaccinia virus. Vγ9Vδ2 T cell responses are potently reduced by the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor mevastatin, which inhibits the mevalonate pathway and IPP synthesis. Our results indicate that influenza virus infection induces the rapid activation and function of Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood via a mechanism that depends on the mevalonate pathway.
On the Subfamily Astatinae, Part II. A Review of the Genus Astata from Mexico and Central America (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Seventeen Mexican and Central American species of Astata are recognized and keyed; 6 of these are described and discussed, and their probable relationships are evaluated. A. stangei , A. evansi , A. centralis , and A. westcotti are new to science, while A. tinctipennis Cameron and A. apicipennis Cameron are synonymized under A. occidentalis Cresson.
Evidence for a proton transfer network and a required persulfide-bond-forming cysteine residue in Ni-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases.

Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase from Moorella thermoacetica catalyzes the reversible oxidation of CO to CO2 at a nickel−iron−sulfur active site called the C-cluster. Mutants of a proposed proton transfer pathway and of a cysteine residue recently found to form a persulfide bond with the C-cluster were characterized. Four semiconserved histidine residues were individually mutated to alanine. His116 and His122 were essential to catalysis, while His113 and His119 attenuated catalysis but were not essential. Significant activity was “rescued” by a double mutant where His116 was replaced by Ala and His was also introduced at position 115. The activity was also rescued in double mutants where His122 was replaced by Ala and His was simultaneously introduced at either position 121 or position 123. Activity was also rescued by replacing His with Cys at position 116. Mutation of conserved Lys587 near the C-cluster attenuated activity but did not eliminate it. Activity was virtually abolished in a double mutant where ...
Phosphodiesterase 4D single-nucleotide polymorphism 83 and cognitive dysfunction in carotid endarterectomy patients.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a revascularization option for patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis. There is some risk of perioperative neurological injury associated with CEA, defined by both clinical stroke1,2 and cognitive dysfunction3–9; approximately 25% of all patients undergoing CEA exhibit the subtler form of neurological injury, cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction has been associated with markers of brain injury10 and earlier retirement and mortality.8 Previous studies have suggested genetic components of cognitive dysfunction following CEA. Complement component 3 and complement factor H genes were determined to be strong independent predictors of cognitive dysfunction 1 day following CEA.11,12 An inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter polymorphism was associated with protection against cognitive dysfunction 1 month following CEA.13 The presence of an apolipoprotein E-e4 allele was associated with increased risk of cognitive dysfunction 1 month following CEA.5 The phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene has been associated with clinical stroke,14–19 but has never been associated with cognitive dysfunction. The PDE4D gene encodes a cyclic AMP-specific key signal transduction enzyme in many cell types, including cell types related to atherosclerosis, such as vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages.20–22 Studies have found 1 PDE4D polymorphism, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 83 (rs966221), to be strongly associated with ischemic stroke.19,23 Given that patients undergoing CEA are often exposed to some level of ischemia during cross-clamping of the carotid artery, we found it reasonable to examine whether this PDE4D polymorphism also has associations with cognitive dysfunction. In this study, we aim to determine whether the SNP 83 polymorphism of PDE4D is associated with cognitive dysfunction 1 day and 1 month following CEA.
Absolute photoionization cross-sections of some combustion intermediates

Abstract Near-threshold absolute photoionization and dissociative photoionization cross-sections for photon energies from 9.7 to 11.75 eV are presented for 30 combustion intermediates including hydrocarbons, oxygenates and nitrogenous compounds (trans-2-butene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, trans-2-hexene, 1-hexene, allene, 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,4-pentadiene, 3-methyl-1,2-butadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, isobutane, methylcyclohexane, furan, 2,3-dihydrofuran, 2,5-dihydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, n-butanal, isobutanal, 2-butenal, 3-methyl-2-butenal, ketene, allyl alcohol, methyl vinyl ketone, dimethoxymethane, methylamine, ethylamine, piperidine). Because allene is one of the most important intermediates in hydrocarbon combustion and pyrolysis processes, very accurate cross-sections for allene are desired to enable the measurement of its mole fractions in flames and to determine relative concentration ratios of allene to its isomer propyne. The cross-sections for allene have thus been re-measured with high precision using an apparatus of improved signal/noise ratio. Furthermore, these allene cross-sections yield accurate previously unmeasured cross-sections for ketene, another key combustion intermediate.
Characterizing the Performance and Energy Efficiency of Simultaneous Multithreading in Multicore Environments

In the context of the rapid slowing of Dennard's scaling, we characterize the efficacy of one of the power-management mechanisms, namely concurrency throttling, which adapts the concurrency (i.e., number of active threads per core) of an application via simultaneous multithreading (SMT). SMT can potentially improve the processor utilization and thus the efficiency of the processor for parallel programs by filling-in the unused issue slots and hiding memory latency on wide-issue super scalar architectures. However, the benefit of using concurrency throttling is highly dependent on the workload. Moreover, previous work in this area occurred on microprocessor platforms where the slowdown effect of Dennard's scaling had yet to have significant effect, thus providing the motivation for our work: understanding the efficacy of SMT on a modern multicore platform.
Directivity and bandwidth of single-band and double-band yagi arrays

The purpose of the communication is to obtain the optimum design of a Yagi array under constraints on bandwidth, directivity, or the size of the array. It is shown that the array configuration is determined if any two of these constraints are specified. The present study also shows that a properly designed Yagi array can be operated at two frequency bands with the frequency ratio approximately equal to 3.5.
SOURCE IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION THROUGH APPLICATION OF FACTOR AND CLUSTER ANALYSIS

The application of factor and cluster analysis to the determination of the origins of elements observed in urban aerosols is discussed. The mathematical bases of factor and cluster analysis are presented, and the application of these techniques to the resolution of a set of aerosol compositions from the Boston metropolitan area is considered. This approach has the advantage of a source resolution that is analogous to that done using the chemical balance procedure. It permits a direct determination of the number of independent sources, the elemental distribution for each source, and the contribution of each source to the total particulate loadings. The initial results encourage the further exploration of the method to refine and calibrate it in such a way as to ensure its reliability and accuracy.
Arterial function in youth: window into cardiovascular risk

Noninvasive measures of arterial function, such as intima-media thickness (IMT), endothelial function, and arterial stiffness are associated with and are prognostic of cardiovascular events in adults. Postmortem evidence, however, has established that the atherosclerotic process starts in childhood. Furthermore, cardiovascular morbidities in childhood disrupt arterial health and may lead to adverse outcomes in adulthood. Thus it is important to examine the developmental changes in IMT, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness in healthy youth in contrast to the arterial health profile of youth with cardiovascular morbidities and to examine the effect of lifestyle interventions. In healthy youth, IMT may increase slightly, arterial stiffness increases, but there is no change in endothelial function from 5 to 20 years of age. In youth with cardiovascular risk factors there are larger increases in IMT and arterial stiffness, and reductions in endothelial function compared with healthy youth. The reduced arterial function in youth with cardiovascular risk factors may be related to the atherosclerotic process. Exercise and physical activity appear to exert a protective effect on arterial function, and exercise training can improve arterial function in children with cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, although diet alone can improve arterial function in children, the combination of exercise and diet appears to be more effective than either intervention alone. Future studies need to focus on the mechanism by which exercise and diet improve arterial function, the most effective types of diet and exercise, and if intervening in childhood leads to favorable outcomes in adulthood.
Cofactor Determination and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Selenium-Dependent Purine Hydroxylase from Clostridium purinolyticum

Purine hydroxylase (PH) from Clostridium purinolyticum contains a labile selenium cofactor and belongs to a class of enzymes known as the selenium-dependent molybdenum hydroxylases. The presence of approximately 1.1 mol of molybdenum, 0.87 mol of selenium, and 3.3 mol of iron per mol of PH was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Enzyme preparations with lower than stoichiometric amounts of selenium exhibited correspondingly lower hydroxylase activities. Bound FAD, 1 mol per mol enzyme, was confirmed by UV−vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. CMP, released by acid hydrolysis, indicated the presence of a molybdopterin cytosine dinucleotide cofactor. The fully active PH utilized NADP+ as an electron acceptor, and kinetic analysis revealed an optimal kcat of 412 s-1 using hypoxanthine as the hydroxylase substrate. Xanthine, NAD+, and NADPH had no significant effect on this reaction rate. A selenium-independent NADPH oxidase activity was exhibited by native PH. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectrosc...
Domestic War: Locke's Concept of Prerogative and Implications for U.S. “Wars” Today

This article explores Hobbes's and Locke's justifications for the exercise of prerogative power domestically. The argument challenges the conventional separation of the state into welfare and warfare and suggests that the State of Nature is not temporally displaced by civil society but rather exists alongside it. This analysis also contests the notion that prerogative power in a liberal democracy was only conceived of as being exercised internationally. Rather, it is deployed against individuals whose status places them in the State of Nature and marks them as “bare life” in Giorgio Agamben's words. Finally, it is contended that prerogative power is exercised through bureaucracy—that the rule of law can lead to the suspension of law—thus explaining how the War on Drugs and the War on Terror are examples of prerogative and yet involve the dispersion of power and reference to the rule of law.
Isolation and characterization of e3B1, an eps8 binding protein that regulates cell growth.

Eps8, a substrate of receptor tyrosine kinases, is an SH3 domain containing protein that plays an important role in mitogenic signaling. To determine the cellular function of eps8, we used the SH3 domain of eps8 to screen a human fibroblast M426 expression library and identified, a full-length cDNA clone of 3.2 kb. We designated this clone e3B1 for eps8 SH3 domain binding protein 1. Northern analysis revealed that expression of e3B1 mRNA was ubiquitious in human tissues. The e3B1 gene encodes a SH3 domain containing protein. We show that anti-e3B1 antibodies detect three cytosolic protein species of 65, 68 and 72 kDa in cell lysate isolated from asynchronously growing NIH3T3 cells. E3B1 binds to the SH3 domain of eps8 and Abl in vitro. We also demonstrated that e3B1 associates with eps8 in vivo. Phosphatase digestion and phosphoamino acid analysis revealed that p65e3B1 is a phosphoserine containing protein and p72e3B1 and p68e3B1 are hyperserine-phosphorylated form of p65e3B1. We further determined that the p65e3B1 was the most abundant in serum-starved NIH/EGFR cells. Time course studies initiated by the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) revealed that the p72e3B1 started to accumulate at 4 h, peaked at 8 h and remained high until 24 h. Finally, we demonstrate that NIH/EGFR fibroblasts overexpressing e3B1 grow more slowly relative to matched controls.
Reproductive physiology and behavior in the male rat following acute and chronic peripheral adrenergic depletion by guanethidine

The effect of guanethidine, an adrenergic neuron blocking agent, on sexual behavior, penile reflexes, and spontaneous seminal emission (SSE) in the rat was studied by acute (i.e., 4 hours prior to testing) and daily IP injection of a low (5 mg/kg) and moderately high (25 mg/kg) dose of the drug. Acute low dose treatment eliminated the expulsion of a seminal plug with behavioral ejaculation without affecting sexual behavior; while acute high dose administration significantly decreased the number of intromissions preceding ejaculation and eliminated emission in copula and SSE for 3 days, with no evidence of retrograde ejaculation. Acute high dose treatment also increased the number of long flips displayed in the penile reflex test, and resulted in significant depression in plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Daily injection with the low dose eliminated emission in and ex copula for 4 weeks, without altering sexual behavior or penile reflexes. Seminal emission in copula reappeared more rapidly after stopping injections than SSE. Chronic high dose treatment was also without effect on copulatory activity. There was a partial recovery of emission in copula by the fourth week of treatment, suggesting that a nonadrenergic mechanism had assumed this function. In penile reflex tests conducted after 4 and 8 weeks, significantly fewer erections were displayed by drug-treated animals. During the period of initial recovery of emission in copula, emission during the reflex test was markedly increased, but SSE was decreased. Plasma T was significantly suppressed after two and four weeks of daily injections, but not thereafter, while plasma LH levels were not affected by the drug.
Crossing the Line Online: Racial Preference of Internet Daters

The use of the Internet has transformed the way singles date and how families are formed. Frequencies and multinomial logistic regression in this exploratory study reveal that although some singles are willing to date a person of any race, they are more likely to prefer to date someone of their same race. Dominant racial norms remain prevalent even when structural barriers of contact are reduced. This study demonstrates how use of the Internet provides unique data on actual dating preferences and illustrates the continued importance of race in partner selection. Additional research should expand on this study and the use of Internet dating sites as sources of data to continue to examine partner preferences and how technology influences partner selection.
Successful treatment for major depressive episodes

The stigma of mental illness is powerful. Clients are afraid of being discriminated against if they admit they are depressed. Fifty percent of U.S. adults believe people with depression are simply lazy despite evidence that depression has biologic causes and is a treatable mental illness. In fact, depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the United States, affecting as much as 10% of the adult population. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that during any 1-year period, 17.6 million U.S. adults suffer from a depressive illness.
Expanded-Duty Dental Practice Acts: Who Knows Them?

A two-part study was designed to determine dentists’ understanding of dental practice acts concerning auxiliaries. In the nationwide study, presidents and secretaries of state dental associations were surveyed. A 78.5% agreement was found between the officers on laws pertaining to hygienists, and an 8 6 % agreement was found for laws pertaining to assistants. Also in the study, dentists in Pennsylvania and New Jersey responded to 82 questions about duties delegable to hygienists and assistants. Forty-five percent of the responses of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey dentists were correct for laws pertaining to hygienists, and 49% of the responses of Pennsylvania dentists and 68% of those of New Jersey dentists were correct on duties delegable to assistants. The results of the survey show that rural dentists with no auxiliary help are least aware of the laws.
Puerto Rican Fertility: An Examination of Social Characteristics, Assimilation, and Minority Status Variables

This study examines the Goldscheider-Uhlenberg theory of minority group fertility by making a direct assessment of the importance of assimilation and minority status variables on Puerto Rican fertility behavior before and after controlling for social characteristics. The utility of the theory is evaluated in two generations of currently married Puerto Rican women. For both methodological and theoretical reasons, the younger generation represents a more adequate study group for assessing the theory than the older generation. The influence of assimilation on the fertility behavior of both generations is mediated through social characteristics. Minority status insecurity, however, significantly adds to explained variance in the fertility behavior of the younger generation. Thus minority-related insecurity supplements the importance of social characteristics in understanding minority group fertility. The publication of Goldscheider and Uhlenberg's "Minority Group Status and Fertility" in 1969 not only reignited research interest in ethnic fertility differentials, but also initiated a vigorous debate on the relative importance of social characteristics and minority status as explanations of ethnic fertility differentials (Gurak, a, b; Johnson; Kennedy; Kritz and Gurak; Lopez
Seismic Testing to Determine Quality of Hot-Mix Asphalt:

Existing practices for acceptance of hot-mix asphalt are based on parameters such as adequate density, adequate thickness, and adequate air voids of the placed and compacted materials. Current mechanistic routines for structural design of flexible pavements consider mainly the modulus of each layer. Therefore, a procedure to measure the modulus of each pavement layer shortly after placement is highly desired. Laboratory tests on specimens prepared from material retrieved during construction, such as the simple-performance tests, can be used to determine these moduli. However, these methods are time-consuming, and the equipment costs are high. In addition, prepared specimens may not be representative of as-placed materials. Seismic tests are more practical because they are rapid to perform and are nondestructive, immediate results are obtained, and the material is tested in its natural state. The portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA) is an example of such a device. The PSPA is presented as a real-time ...
Preparation of autologous antiserum against SSV nonproducer cells and its partial characterization.

Abstract In order to prepare an autologous antiserum against SSV nonproducer cells (SSV-NP cells), goat fibroblasts from a biopsy specimen were infected with SSV (SSAV) and transformed nonproducer clones were isolated. One of these clones was propagated in autologous goat serum and inoculated into the same goat. Characterization of the resulting antiserum by a surface specific binding assay showed specific reactivity with NRK-SSV nonproducer cells, which cannot be adsorbed by an SSAV virus resin. The data suggest that the serum recognizes cell surface molecules, which might be specific for transformation by SSV.
‘Work’ or ‘leisure’? The protestant work ethic and participation in an employee fitness program

Is a company's in-house fitness center perceived as a place to engage in ‘leisure ’activities that are distinct from ‘work’, or as an extension of normal ‘work ’activities? This exploratory study examined the possibility that Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) beliefs might influence the frequency with which employees use their company's exercise programs and facilities. If exercise programs are regarded as ‘leisure’, then PWE endorsers would likely not participate, but the reverse might be true to the extent that such programs are seen as ‘work’. A short survey was completed by 335 employees of a large Canadian corporation which maintained an in-house fitness center that had been in operation for 16 months. The sample was almost evenly divided between users and non-users of the facilities. Results indicated that PWE endorsement was positively related both to the frequency with which respondents visited their company's fitness center, and to the perception that exercise provided work-related benefits, and these findings suggest that on-the-job fitness is regarded more as a component of ‘work ’than of ‘leisure’. ‘A corporate fitness program is the hottest perk since the executive washroom ’(Hoffman and Hobson, 1984, p. 110).
Medical mimics: Medical and neurological conditions simulating ADHD

The medical and neurological conditions that simulate ADHD are reviewed, as well as those disorders frequently presenting as comorbidities with ADHD. The localization of ADHD has invoked multiple areas, including frontal lobes, nondominant parietal lobe, and basal ganglia, and the neural network theory of cortical-subcortical-cortical loops has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ADHD. The medical evaluation of patients presenting with ADHD should be comprehensive, with an emphasis on demonstrating chronic and permeating symptoms since early childhood without a better medical explanation. Associated thyroid disorders are reviewed, including the syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormone. Suggested laboratory studies are provided, depending on the clinical circumstances.
Effects of anthropogenic intervention in the land hydrologic cycle on global sea level rise

Abstract Recent studies suggest that anthropogenic modification of land hydrology (e.g. through groundwater mining, dam building, irrigation, deforestation, wetlands drainage, and urbanization) could significantly impact sea-level rise, although the magnitude and sign of this effect have been widely debated. This paper attempts a comprehensive overview of the effects of human activities on land hydrology. Estimates are provided for the volumes of water associated with each of the major anthropogenic processes and the corresponding equivalent in sea level. Groundwater mining; and runoff from paved and built-up areas are two major sources of water added to the ocean. In contrast, storage of water behind dams, losses through percolation, and evapotranspiration from irrigated fields withhold water that would otherwise flow to the sea. The net effect of these processes holds back the equivalent of 0.8 +- 0.4 mm/yr from sea-level rise. This is a magnitude comparable to, but in the opposite direction from the currently observed sea-level rise of 1–2 mm/yr. These estimates are still preliminary, awaiting better documentation. Coupling of improved land hydrology models with GCMs will help in analysis of feedbacks, especially the partitioning of water among runoff, infiltration, and evaporation.
Overcoming challenges to screening and brief intervention implementation with technology: the promise of interactive voice response systems

While the efficacy of screening and brief intervention (SBI) is supported by multiple clinical trials, routine delivery of SBI is hampered by complex factors, both individual and systemic. An alternative to the traditional in-office approach to SBI holds promise as a way of broadening its reach. The purpose of this study is to share our experience using interactive voice response (IVR) technology to deliver and augment SBI in primary care. We draw on experience from a 12-year program of research in this area, summarizing results from prior studies and describing a new trial currently underway. Questions regarding the nature of IVR; how it works; why it might be a helpful modality for fostering, delivering, and/or augmenting SBI; and how others can embark on IVR research are addressed. We provide a brief overview of the IVR applications we have employed in alcohol research, a description of some methodological challenges we encountered in a prior SBI trial, and how these experiences led us to develop our current IVR-based SBI program. We cover technicalities of developing IVR applications and issues of their implementation in research. Interactive voice response is a feasible modality for delivering assessment and advice about drinking. The technology required for implementation is accessible to researchers and clinicians who do not necessarily have specialized training or expertise. Although this technology offers several advantages, including patient comfort with disclosure of personal information and widespread access and availability, it has downsides as well. For example, refusal and noncompliance can be higher than in other modalities. A small body of research suggests that process variables such as interviewer voice characteristics, survey length, and questionnaire-item format may influence consent to participate and compliance with IVR surveys and interventions.
A dielectric study of molecular relaxation in linear polyethylene

Abstract Although the dielectric β glass-rubber relaxation has previously been observed in dipole-decorated branched polyethylenes and in linear polyethylene containing several mole per cent chlorine, it has not been observed in linear polyethylene containing very low dipole concentrations. Dielectric relaxation has been studied here in a linear polyethylene specimen (containing a few carbonyl groups per 1000 methylene units) in the hope of observing the β process. The isochronal loss peak for the β relaxation is not well resolved from that for the α relaxation. However, it is found that the β process is very apparent as an increment in the isochronal dielectric constant scans. This was taken advantage of in characterizing the relaxation. In comparing the results with previous work it is found that there is a progression in the β relaxation T max location towards higher temperature as the degree of crystallinity increases through branched and linear polyethylene specimens.
Retrograde Regulation in the CNS: Neuron-Specific Interpretations of TGF-β Signaling

Retrograde signals influence neuronal survival, differentiation, synaptogenesis, and plasticity. Several recent papers describe novel roles for the well-studied TGF-β pathway in retrograde synaptic signaling. While each dissects spatial and molecular aspects of TGF-β signaling in a specific synaptic context, together these studies demonstrate that a specific retrograde signal may be interpreted in diverse, neuron-specific ways. Thus, a neuron's intrinsic properties and its other extrinsic signaling inputs determine its cellular and genomic response to TGF-β.
A simple method for equal gibbs energy analysis of phase boundaries

Abstract A simple, computational method is presented for fitting the Equal Gibbs Energy Equation (1) to the phase boundary topologies of binary phase diagrams. The method is readily implemented with good results on an 80386 PC with an 80387 coprocessor. The program excels at fitting binary reentrant phase diagrams whose phase boundaries require transitional excess Gibbs energies exhibiting a large temperature dependence.
The economic valuation of saltwater marsh supporting marine recreational fishing in the southeastern United States

Abstract This paper is concerned with placing an economic value on the contribution of wetlands in supporting recreational fishing in the southeastern United States. A production function first links the recreational catch to angler fishing effort and wetlands. The parameters of the recreational fisheries production function are estimated using cross-sectional data by states. To simplify the mathematics, the estimated elasticities are substituted into a Cobb-Douglas production function. For simplicity, a linear demand curve for recreational fishing is postulated which shifts when there is an increase or decrease in the catch (success rate). Therefore, incremental changes in wetlands will via the production function provide incremental changes in the catch which will in turn shift the recreational demand curve, thereby increasing or decreasing consumer surplus. Using a discount rate of 8.125%, the perpetual flow of consumer surplus per incremental acre of wetlands has an estimated asset value of $6,471 and $981 on the East and West Coast of Florida respectively in 1984 dollars. If commercial fisheries and other economically useful functions of wetlands are added to recreational fisheries, it may be more efficient for the State of Florida to acquire more coastal land for preservation from development.
Analysis of head loss gradients using the power law description of air flow

Abstract In mine ventilation, the head loss due to friction is usually calculated using Atkinson's equation. But only in an ideal case is this equation valid. In the present analysis a power law constitutive relation based on Atkinson's equation is introduced and a differential equation for the head loss gradient is derived. The constitutive law proposed here provides a more general description of air flow characteristics in mine ventilation.
“NO RETRIBUTION FOR BEING GAY?”: INEQUALITY IN GAY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES

Sociological studies suggest that there is social change occurring in the acceptance of lesbians and gay men in the workplace. Compared to prior decades, there are more businesses that welcome, value, and even privilege nonheterosexual sexual identities and relationships. Few studies have analyzed workers' experiences in these types of work contexts. In this article, we explore the experiences of “out” LGB women and men who work for organizations that they consider “gay-friendly.” In-depth interviews demonstrated that, although gay and lesbian workers feel that they are accepted in “gay-friendly” organizations, they nevertheless described differential treatment because of their sexual identity. We discuss evidence of stereotyping, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in their work experiences. Although the movement toward greater acceptance of gays and lesbians in the workplace has made significant progress, the transformation is so far incomplete. We conclude with a discussion of the implications...
Sintering of nascent calcium oxide

Abstract The sintering rate of calcium oxide in a nitrogen atmosphere was measured at temperatures from 700 to 1100°C. CaO prepared from ultrapure CaCO 3 was compared with impure CaO derived from limestone and calcium hydroxide. CaCO 3 derivatives yielded an initial surface area of 104m 2 /g and the hydroxides, 76.7m 2 /g. The rate of surface reduction was independent of particle size between 2 and 20 μm, but strongly dependent on temperature and impurities. Impurities increased the rate of sintering at a given temperature and reduced the activation energy. The model of German and Munir (J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 59, 379-383, 1976) correlates the kinetics of surface reduction and identifies lattice diffusion as the mechanism of solid transport. Porosity declined logarithmically with time during the intermediate stage of sintering.
The effects of inter-state conflicts on foreign investment flows to the developing world: Enduring vs. ephemeral risk of conflicts

How do inter-state conflicts affect foreign investment flows to developing countries? Conventional wisdom says conflicts disrupt economic interactions. This article develops and tests two competing...
Movement and degradation of aldicarb residues in South Carolina loamy sand soil

Abstract The movement and degradation of aldicarb (2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde O-(methylcarbamoyl)oxime) residues was measured in a Dotham loamy sand soil in Barnwell County in southern South Carolina. The experiment was designed to compare movement in a fallow plot versus a soya bean plot and to compare residue results from soil suction lysimeters and soil samples. The soil sample data indicate that aldicarb degraded at a rate corresponding to a half life of approximately 9 days with essentially no residues present 4 months after application. This degradation rate is faster than the 14–39-day half-life measured in nearby states. Because this relatively rapid degradation rate generally constrained residue movement to the upper 0.3 m in both plots (resulting in no significant residues in the lysimeters and monitoring wells), comparison between data from soil cores and suction lysimeters was not possible and the reduced evapotranspiration in the fallow plot had little effect on residue movement. Simulations using the unsaturated zone model PRZM with rainfall records from 15 years were used to illustrate that aldicarb residues should be limited to the upper 1.5 m, regardless of year-to-year variations in rainfall.
Temperature Advection by Tropical Instability Waves

Abstract A numerical model of the tropical Pacific Ocean is used to investigate the processes that cause the horizontal temperature advection of tropical instability waves (TIWs). It is found that their temperature advection cannot be explained by the processes on which the mixing length paradigm is based. Horizontal mixing of temperature across the equatorial SST front does happen, but it is small relative to the “oscillatory” temperature advection of TIWs. The basic mechanism is that TIWs move water back and forth across a patch of large vertical entrainment. Outside this patch, the atmosphere heats the water and this heat is then transferred into the thermocline inside the patch. These patches of strong localized entrainment are due to equatorial Ekman divergence and due to thinning of the mixed layer in the TIW cyclones. The latter process is responsible for the zonal temperature advection, which is as large as the meridional temperature advection but has not yet been observed. Thus, in the previous o...
Structural and dynamical behavior of an azide anion in water from ab initio molecular dynamics calculations

The solvation of an azide anion in deuterated water has been investigated using density functional theory based Car‐ Parrinello molecular dynamics calculations. The first solvation shell of the anion was found to contain between five and six hydrogen bonded water molecules, compared to the six to seven waters found in analogous classical studies based on empirical potentials. The stretching modes of the azide ion in solution and in the gas phase are both red shifted by more than 10% compared to experiment. In agreement with inferences from experiment, the asymmetric m3 mode of azide in solution relaxes on a picosecond time scale. The calculated solvent shift of this mode is about a80 cm ˇ1 , which is somewhat greater than the measured value ofa57 cm ˇ1 . ” 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Side views: persistent, on-demand previews for open-ended tasks

We introduce Side Views, a user interface mechanism that provides on-demand, persistent, and dynamic previews of commands. Side Views are designed to explicitly support the practices and needs of expert users engaged in openended tasks. In this paper, we summarize results from field studies of expert users that motivated this work, then discuss the design of Side Views in detail. We show how Side Views' design affords their use as tools for clarifying, comparing, and contrasting commands; generating alternative visualizations; experimenting without modifying the original data (i.e., "what-if" tools); and as tools that support the serendipitous discovery of viable alternatives. We then convey lessons learned from implementing Side Views in two sample applications, a rich text editor and an image manipulation application. These contributions include a discussion of how to implement Side Views for commands with parameters, for commands that require direct user input (such as mouse strokes for a paint program), and for computationally-intensive commands.
Effect of anticoagulants on recanalisation.

Reports have appeared stating that the time required for recanalisation of a vessel occluded by an experimental thrombus is decreased when an anticoagulant of the coumarin variety is administered. The experiments described here were undertaken to verify such reports.
Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Biology, Pathogenesis, Prognostic Factors, and Treatment Approaches

Background Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors known to affect humans and carries a dismal prognosis. Our primary aim was to review its epidemiology, biology, risk factors, and prognostic indicators. We also reviewed the individual and combined roles of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and newer therapeutic options in the management of ATC.