cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactions of sulfur dioxide on calcium carbonate single crystal and particle surfaces at the adsorbed water carbonate interface

Sulfur dioxide reactions with calcium carbonate interfaces at 296 K in the presence and absence of adsorbed water result in the formation of adsorbed sulfite and sulfate. The extent of reaction is significantly enhanced, approximately five- to ten-fold for particulate and single crystal CaCO3 (calcite), respectively, in the presence of adsorbed water between 30 and 85% RH. Atomic force microscopy following the reaction shows that adsorbed water facilitates surface reactivity by enhancing the mobility of surface ions, giving rise to the formation of nanometer sized product crystallites approximately 1 nm in height. Simultaneous with the formation of these crystallites is pitting and etching of the underlying substrate, which occurs preferentially in the vicinity of monoatomic surface steps. In the absence of water, there is little pitting and no evidence for the formation of crystallites. X-Ray photoelectron core and valence band spectra confirm the presence of two sulfur adsorbed species, SO2−3 and SO2−4, with nearly equal amounts of SO2−3 and SO2−4 in the absence of adsorbed water and approximately five times more SO2−3 relative to SO2−4 in the presence of adsorbed water. From these data, it is proposed that the nanometer-sized crystallites are composed primarily of CaSO3.
Spontaneous regression of an anterior skull base mass

Spontaneous regression of an intracranial mass is rare. We report a 77-year-old man with spontaneous regression of an anterior skull base mass suspected to be an inflammatory pseudotumor. The patient attended our outpatient department approximately once per month for a regular check-up following a brain stem infarction. A small mass was detected at the anterior skull base by MRI. The mass gradually grew to about 3 cm over a period of 5 years and then remained stable for 3 years. Thereafter, the mass showed spontaneous regression 8 years after it was first visible on MRI. 'Inflammatory pseudotumor' is a broad category and the natural history of these lesions is highly variable. Although the definition does include some types of malignant lesion, most masses are benign lesions that can regress spontaneously, as in our patient. A 'wait-and-see' policy is appropriate for such patients.
An investigation of disequilibrium growth processes of plagioclase in the system anorthite-albite-water by methods of numerical simulation

Compositional zoning of plagioclase is useful as a recorder of dynamic geological conditions if the mechanisms of crystal growth are known. Although the present lack of quantitative information on specific kinetic processes limits their accuracy, numerical simulations of phenoycryst plagioclase growth are useful both for identifying the most influential kinetic processes (for example, diffusion) that should receive priority in experimental measurements and for designing informative growth experiments. The interaction of kinetic processes at a crystal face is so complex that the overall result cannot be assessed intuitively. A primary purpose of these papers is to explore this interaction in the plagioclase system as quantitatively as data permit. The growth of a single face of a plagioclase crystal in an infinite melt was simulated in computer models for: (1) anhydrous and hydrous plagioclase melts; (2) for different undercoolings; and (3) for both interface-controlled and melt-transport controlled growth. Major uncertainties include the velocity and nonequilibrium partitioning laws in the interface-controlled model, and transport coefficients for melt components. Comparison of computed models with published growth velocity data for anhydrous melts was used to estimate a transport coefficient (with the form for diffusion), and that coefficient was extrapolated to hydrous melts on the basis of the Stokes-Einstein relationship. The results of simulations suggest that undercoolings reasonable for plutonic systems could result in deviations of crystal composition from that in equilibrium with the melt of several mole % An; geothermometers based on the assumption of equilibrium partitioning will be in error significantly. Similarly, the volatile content and composition of melt trapped during growth would deviate significantly from bulk melt properties. The velocity of crystal growth and deviation of crystal composition from equilibrium show low sensitivity to water content because larger water contents result in greater accumulation of water at the interface and a consequent depression of effective undercooling. The large magnitude of the derived transport parameter suggests that local convection as well as diffusion may occur during growth in the anhydrous system. The addition of water to the system reduces viscosity and increases the density gradients near the crystal, making local convection even more probable. Our meagre knowledge of transport by diffusion and convection in the melt is probably the most important factor limiting the accuracy of growth simulations.
Activation of Rac, Cdc42 and other downstream signalling molecules by Bartonella bacilliformis during entry into human endothelial cells.

Summary Bartonella bacilliformis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen of human endothelial cells. In vitro incubation of B. bacilliformis with human endothelial cells leads to the formation of filamentous actin extensions (filopodia) within 30 min, followed by formation of membrane rufflings or lamellipodia within 1 h of incubation. By immunofluorescence, F-actin phalloidin staining and anti-Rac antibodies were shown to co-localize in the membrane rufflings, indicating the recruitment of activated Rac at lamellipodia. Preincubation of endothelial cells with the Clostridial toxin, TcdB-10463, which inactivates the Rho-family GTPases, Rho, Rac and Cdc42, inhibited the entry of B. bacilliformis by 50–90%. Preincubation of endothelial cells with the Clostridial toxin, TcsL-1522, which specifically inactivates Rac and, to a lesser extent, Cdc42, but not Rho, inhibited entry by 30–40%. A 3.4–5.0-fold increase in activated (GTP-bound) ­intracellular Rac and Cdc42 was observed in affinity precipitation assays. Increased kinase activity of p21-activated kinase (PAK), a specific downstream effector of activated Rac/Cdc42 was also observed during the time course of infection. Activation of SAPK/JNK-1 and 2, and p38 MAPKs in signalling pathways, was also detected during infection with Bartonella, as was increased binding activity of AP-1 transcription ­factor.
Homogeneous differentiation of mammary alveolar cells.

Abstract In order to determine whether the synthesis of the specialized milk proteins α-lactalbumin and casein occur together within all mammary epithelial secretory cells or within separate cell types, the cells containing these proteins were identified by immunofluorescent staining. Both proteins were detected in virtually all the secretory epithelial cells using monospecific antisera. These results support the concept that cell differentiation of mammary secretory cells involves the formation of cells which synthesize both these specialized proteins.
Safety of and Cellular Response to Segmental Bronchoprovocation in Allergic Asthma

Rationale Despite its incorporation into research studies, the safety aspects of segmental allergen bronchoprovocation and differences in cellular response among different allergens have received limited consideration.
Approximate solution to the radiative equilibrium between concentric spheres

Abstract An approximate method was developed for the study of the radiative energy transfer through a gray gas layer enclosed between black concentric spheres which are maintained at uniform but different temperatures. The basic concept consists of assuming a temperature distribution through the gas layer, and assigning appropriate jump boundary conditions to evaluate the flux distribution using the exact integral equation governing the flux for this geometry. The approximate solutions have been found to agree very well (6 per cent maximum deviation) with the existing exact numerical solution throughout the entire range of optical thickness.
Discovery of Versatile Temporal Subspace Patterns in 3-D Datasets

Most existing methods for clustering temporal data are based on either a strict similarity metric or a precisely defined temporal profile such as a sine, exponential wave etc. Also, these methods compute similarity metric across the entire time-span of the objects. However these types of temporal patterns are more useful in many biological analysis, where it is important to observe gene expression pattens across arbitrary subintervals. These types of temporal patterns are very useful in bioinformatics, where it is important to observe gene expression pattens across arbitrary subintervals. In this paper we present an algorithm for searching for multiple contiguous temporal subintervals within which the selected objects demonstrate existence of clear patterns. We demonstrate the power and advantages of our algorithm by using a synthetic dataset and a pharmacokinetics dataset for which other researchers have recently published their results. We compare and contrast our results with these results to show superiority of our approach.
On the (Mis)Definition of Q

Important developments in the study of the Sayings Tradition (Q) and growing aware ness of this issue beyond critical circles demand renewed attention to how the Sayings Tradition is defined and to the terminology by which it is described. Definitions based upon where this tradition is found or how it was used are no longer adequate. Future descriptions must be based upon the fundamental identity of this tradition and upon its role in the development of early Christianity. Furthermore, it is time to rethink the terminology by which we refer to the collection of Jesus' sayings. The relevance of the designation 'Q' is questionable, and the propriety of speaking of a Sayings Gospel is debatable. In light of these problems, new terminology is proposed, and a more descriptive definition of the Sayings Tradition is offered.
Diversity of Desert-Dwelling Mammals: A Comparison of Australia and North America

There are more species of desert-dwelling mammals in North America (109) than in Australia (73), but this difference does not appear to be due to the comparative age, size, or physiography of the desert regions. An analysis of the trophic structures of the two faunas shows that the greater mammalian diversity in North American deserts is due mainly to the abundance of granivorous species. Granivorous birds and ants are more diverse in Australian deserts, and it seems likely that these groups have secured the granivorous trophic role at the expense of mammalian granivores. In contrast, insectivorous mammals are richer in species in Australian deserts; in North America the insectivorous trophic role is at least partially filled by omnivorous rodents. The differences in the two mammalian faunas suggest that convergence between them is limited.
Selection and description of cancer clinical trials participants—Science or happenstance?

BACKGROUND The selection of clinical trials participants is a critical step in study design, because it affects the generalizability of recommendations made on the basis of trial results and public acceptance of medical research. The authors assessed the heterogeneity of subgroups in cancer treatment and prevention trials and the analysis of subgroups in the evaluation of trial outcomes. METHODS The authors reviewed published reports (1990–2000) of cancer prevention and treatment trials from 11 journals. They report here on all Phase III cancer treatment and prevention trials that had at least 100 participants and were conducted among adults in the United States. A structured abstract was developed and used to extract data from the 261 published reports. Descriptive summaries of the abstracted data provided the information included in this systematic review. RESULTS Age and gender of study participants were reported in more than 90% of these trials, whereas fewer than 30% of the trials reported race or ethnicity. Gender was reported as an explicit criterion for participant selection primarily in studies of gender specific malignancies. Race and ethnicity were reported as explicit selection criteria for participant selection for five of the prevention trials and for none of the cancer treatment trials. The 105 treatment trials that reported including both men and women had 42,355 participants, and 38.6% of those participants were women. The 26 prevention trials that reported including both men and women had 73,995 participants, and 34.7% of those participants were women. Fifty-seven treatment trials reported participant ethnic diversity: There were 45,815 participants, with 10.5% African-American participants and with less than 1% Hispanic, Asian, or Native American participants. Seventeen prevention trials reported participant ethnic diversity: There were 91,741 participants, with 5.5% African-American participants, 1.7% Hispanic participants, and less than 1% Asian or Native American participants. CONCLUSIONS Cancer treatment and prevention trial reports provide scant information about participant race and ethnicity. Such studies use participant selection criteria that do not define diverse subgroups, and few subgroup analyses are conducted. Improvements in the selection, reporting, and analysis of clinical trials participants are needed. Cancer 2002;95:950–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10785
What is an intelligent machine

From the "intelligent" processes we must first split off those that are peculiar to the living brain, but only because they are not commonly met with elsewhere. These processes are of interest but are neither intelligent nor stupid, neither good nor bad.The "intelligent" processes par excellence are the goal-seeking--those that show high power of appropriate selection. Man and computer show their powers alike, by appropriate selection. But both are bounded by the fact that appropriate selection (to a degree better than chance) can be achieved only as a consequence of information received and processed.Machines can be made as intelligent as we please, but both they and Man are bounded by the fact that their intelligence cannot exceed their powers of receiving and processing information.
A MEASUREMENT OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL CLUSTERING OF C IV ABSORPTION-LINE SYSTEMS ON SCALES OF 5¨1000 h~1 MPC

We examine the three-dimensional clustering of C IV absorption-line systems using an extensive catalog of QSO heavy-element absorbers drawn from the literature. We measure clustering by a volume-weighted integral of the correlation function called the reduced second-moment measure, and include information from both along and across QSO lines of sight, thus enabling a full determination of the three-dimensional clustering of absorbers, as well as a comparison of along- and across-line-of-sight clustering properties. Here we present the three-dimensional reduced second-moment estimator for a three-dimensional point process probed by one-dimensional lines of sight, and apply our algorithm to a sample of 345 C IV absorbers with median redshift z = 2.2, drawn from the spectra of 276 QSOs. We confirm the existence of significant clustering on comoving scales of up to 100 h-1 Mpc (q0 = 0.5), and find that the additional across-line-of-sight information strengthens the evidence for clustering on scales from 100 to 150 h-1 Mpc. There is no evidence of absorber clustering along or across lines of sight for scales from 150 to 1000 h-1 Mpc. We show that with a 300 times larger catalog, such as that to be compiled by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (100,000 QSOs), use of the full three-dimensional estimator and across-line-of-sight information will substantially increase clustering sensitivity. We find that standard errors are reduced by a factor of 2-20 on scales of 30-200 h-1 Mpc, in addition to the factor of (300)1/2 reduction from the larger sample size, effectively increasing the sample size by an extra factor of 4-400 at large distances.
Open Bankart Repair Versus Arthroscopic Repair With Transglenoid Sutures or Bioabsorbable Tacks for Recurrent Anterior Instability of the Shoulder A Meta-analysis

BackgroundIn published comparative studies, it remains unknown if arthroscopic techniques for performing Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability equal the success of open repair.HypothesisThe current literature supports a lower rate of recurrent instability after open Bankart repair compared to arthro-scopic repair with bioabsorbable tacks or transglenoid sutures.Study DesignMeta-analysis.MethodsA Medline search identified all randomized controlled trials or cohort studies that directly compared open repair to arthroscopic techniques of Bankart repair for traumatic, unilateral, recurrent anterior instability. Data collected from each study included patient demographics, surgical technique, rehabilitation, outcome, and complications.ResultsSix studies met all inclusion criteria. There were 172 patients in the arthroscopic group (90 patients with transglenoid sutures, 77 patients with arthroscopic tacks, and 5 patients with suture anchors) and 156 patients in the open group. The groups were similar...
Matching donor to recipient in lung transplantation: How much does size matter?

Objective The impact of size matching between donor and recipient is unclear in lung transplantation. Therefore, we determined the relation of donor lung size to 1) posttransplant survival and 2) pulmonary function as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Methods From 1990 to 2006, 469 adults underwent lung transplantation with lungs from donors aged 7 to 70 years. Donor and recipient total lung capacities were calculated using established formulae (predicted total lung capacity), and actual recipient lung size was measured in the pulmonary function laboratory. Disparity between donor and recipient lung size was expressed as a ratio of donor predicted total lung capacity to recipient predicted total lung capacity—the predicted total lung capacity ratio—and predicted donor total lung capacity to actual recipient total lung capacity—the actual total lung capacity ratio. Survival was measured by multiphase hazard methodology and repeated measures of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey–normalized forced expiratory volume in 1 second analyzed by temporal decomposition. Results Predicted total lung capacity ratio and actual total lung capacity ratio ranged widely, from 0.55 to 1.59 and 0.52 to 4.20, respectively. Overall survival was unaffected by predicted total lung capacity ratio ( P = . 3) or actual total lung capacity ratio ( P = . 5). Patients with emphysema and an actual total lung capacity ratio of 0.67 or less or 1.03 or greater had higher predicted mortality ( P = . 01). During the first posttransplant year, forced expiratory volume in 1 second increased and then gradually declined. Predicted total lung capacity ratio and actual total lung capacity ratio had a small impact on forced expiratory volume in 1 second, primarily in the late phase after transplant in a disease-specific manner. Conclusion Size matching between donor and recipient using predicted total lung capacity ratio and actual total lung capacity ratio is an effective technique. Wide discrepancies in lung sizing do not affect overall posttransplant survival or pulmonary function. Therefore, a greater degree of lung size mismatch can likely be accepted, thereby improving patients' odds of undergoing transplantation.
In-gel β-elimination and aqueous-organic partition for improved O- and sulfoglycomics

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a widely used technique for protein separation, and in-gel tryptic digestion of resolved protein bands has enhanced the resolution of protoeomic analysis. To augment this technology and expand its usefulness for glycoproteomics, we have developed and improved methods to release and recover O-linked glycans from proteins resolved in SDS-PAGE gels for subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). Gel pieces containing target proteins are washed to remove contaminants. O-linked glycans are released through reductive β-elimination by hydrating gel pieces in base and adding reductant. Following straightforward sample cleanup, this simple treatment of glycoprotein gel pieces produces material suitable for MS analysis. We have applied this method to the analysis of mucin-type glycoproteins that are expected to carry high densities of sialylated and sulfated O-linked glycans. However, the strongly acidic nature of the sulfate moiety suppress...
Abandonment of Unaweep Canyon (1.4–0.8 Ma), western Colorado: Effects of stream capture and anomalously rapid Pleistocene river incision

Cosmogenic-burial and U-series dating, identification of fluvial terraces and lacustrine deposits, and river profile reconstructions show that capture of the Gunnison River by the Colorado River and abandonment of Unaweep Canyon (Colorado, USA) occurred between 1.4 and 0.8 Ma. This event led to a rapid pulse of incision unlike any documented in the Rocky Mountains. Following abandonment of Unaweep Canyon by the ancestral Gunnison River, a wave of incision propagated upvalley rapidly through Mancos Shale at rates of ∼90–440 km/m.y. The Gunnison River removed 400–500 km 3 of erodible Mancos Shale and incised as deep as 360 m in 0.17–0.76 m.y. (incision rates of ∼470–2250 m/m.y.). Prior to canyon abandonment, long-term (ca. 11–1 Ma) Gunnison River incision averaged ∼100 m/m.y. The wave of incision also caused the subsequent capture of the Bostwick–Shinn Park River by the ancestral Uncompahgre River ca. 0.87–0.64 Ma, at a location ∼70 km upvalley from Unaweep Canyon. This event led to similarly rapid (to ∼500 m/m.y.) but localized river incision. As regional river incision progressed, the juxtaposition of resistant Precambrian bedrock and erodible Mancos Shale within watersheds favored the development of significant relief between adjacent stream segments, which led to stream piracy. The response of rivers to the abandonment of Unaweep Canyon illustrates how the mode and tempo of long-term fluvial incision are punctuated by short-term geomorphic events such as stream piracy. These short-term events can trigger significant landscape changes, but the effects are more localized relative to regional climatically or tectonically driven events.
A practical program for preventing delirium in hospitalized elderly patients

Delirium in hospitalized elderly patients is common and often unrecognized (especially the hypoactive type), and can lead to serious complications. A systematic program can improve the rate of recognition of this problem and decrease its incidence, and is cost-effective.
Transitioning to Ada in an introductory course for non-majors

All students attending the U.S. Air Force Academy are required to take an introductory course in computer science. Last year we transitioned to Ada in this course. In this paper we explain our rationale for making this transition and discuss some potential (though not significant) concerns for those considering a similar transition.
Speech enhancement by combining statistical estimators of speech and noise

This paper presents a novel speech enhancement algorithm that can substantially improve the signal-to-residual spectrum ratio by combining statistical estimators of the spectral magnitude of the speech and noise. The noise spectral magnitude estimator is derived from the speech magnitude estimator, by appropriately transforming the a priori and the a posteriori SNR values. By expressing the signal-to-residual spectrum ratio as a function of the estimator's gain function, we derive a hybrid strategy that can improve the signal-to-residual spectrum ratio when the a priori and the a posteriori SNR are detected to be lower than 0 dB. Experimental results showed that the signal-to-residual spectrum ratio as well as the PESQ scores can be improved substantially in stationary and quasi-stationary noise conditions with the proposed hybrid estimators. Informal listening tests revealed improved speech quality and no musical noise.
Intrinsic tumour suppression

Mutations that drive uncontrolled cell-cycle progression are requisite events in tumorigenesis. But evolution has installed in the proliferative programmes of mammalian cells a variety of innate tumour-suppressive mechanisms that trigger apoptosis or senescence, should proliferation become aberrant. These contingent processes rely on a series of sensors and transducers that act in a coordinated network to target the machinery responsible for apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest at different points. Although oncogenic mutations that disable such networks can have profound and varied effects on tumour evolution, they may leave intact latent tumour-suppressive potential that can be harnessed therapeutically.
Serotonin Mechanisms in Pain and Functional Syndromes

A young woman presented with multiple central hypersensitivity disorders, including fibromyalgia, headache, pelvic pain and several smooth muscle spasm disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder and Raynaud’s phenomenon. She also had significant fatigue and sleep problems. Her case illustrates the importance and surprising frequency of atypical bipolar mood disorders in people with multiple central hypersensitivity pain disorders, especially with depression and anxiety resistant to antidepressant treatment. Considering neurological mechanisms common to her overlapping disorders was very helpful in guiding treatment choices. This experience illustrates the value of serotonin receptor type 2 (5HT2) inhibition with atypical neuroleptics, of neural cation channel and glutamate inhibition with anticonvulsants, and the potential usefulness of antidepressants after establishing 5HT2 control to enhance downward inhibitory tracts. Medications with combined usefulness for both bipolar mood and...
The transport of intensity equation for optical path length recovery using partially coherent illumination.

We investigate the measurement of a thin sample’s optical thickness using the transport of intensity equation (TIE) and demonstrate a version of the TIE, valid for partially coherent illumination, that allows the measurement of a sample’s optical path length by the removal of illumination effects.
Karl Weick and the Aesthetics of Contingency

In this essay, I reflect on Karl Weick’s best-known texts as a means of tracing his influence on the field of organizational communication. From this perspective, his main contributions are: (1) recognizing the centrality of language and interaction in the social construction of organizational realities; and (2) focusing squarely on communicative praxis as a site for improving our understanding of cognition and culture. Beyond these substantive contributions, an ‘aesthetics of contingency’ pervades Weick’s writings. I maintain that this perspective presents a much needed alternative to seeking meaning and stability through the pursuit of various fundamentalisms.
The Transplant Recipient and Issues in Bone Metabolism

Changes in mineral metabolism parameters and the skeleton are commonly seen in kidney transplant recipients, especially in the first 6 months post-transplant. They include correction of complications of end-stage kidney disease, such as hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism—although the latter itself may not resolve fully or may develop de novo with time. Hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia may occur due to imbalance of their respective regulatory hormones or effects of immunosuppressive medications. Bone formation tends to decrease, and although significant loss of bone mineral density is common, the association of these changes with the significantly increased fracture risk is not well established. Therapeutic approaches have included the use of calcium, vitamin D compounds, bisphosphonates, or calcimimetics which have positively impacted bone mineral density; however, limited data are available in regard to fracture prevention. Thus, studies assessing hard clinical outcomes are urgently needed.
Towards integrated optical quantum networks in diamond

We demonstrate coupling between the zero phonon line (ZPL) of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond and the modes of optical micro-resonators fabricated in single crystal diamond membranes sitting on a silicon dioxide substrate. A more than ten-fold enhancement of the ZPL is estimated by measuring the modification of the spontaneous emission lifetime. The cavity-coupled ZPL emission was further coupled into on-chip waveguides thus demonstrating the potential to build optical quantum networks in this diamond on insulator platform.
Rotational predissociation and libration in the infrared spectrum of ArHCl

Abstract Fully resolved rotational structure in the high-frequency vibrational region of the ArHCl van der Waals complex has been recorded under thermal equilibrium conditions at T =127 K with a tunable difference-frequency laser. Both the fundamental HCl stretch and its combination with the low-frequency large-amplitude bend (libration) have been observed with comparable intensities. An abrupt cutoff of the spectrum at high J due to rotational predissociation yields a measure of the binding energy of the complex. The band centre shifts and rotational and distortion constants provide much information about the interaction potential surface and its vibrational dependence and about perturbations from other low-frequency modes not directly observed.
Surface reactivity of alkylgold(I) complexes : substrate-selective chemical vapor deposition of gold from RAuP(CH3)3 (R = CH2CH3, CH3) at remarkably low temperatures

The reactivity of CH 3 CH 2 AuP(CH 3 ) 3 and CH 3 AuP(CH 3 ) 3 is investigated on silicon, chromium, copper, PMDA-ODA polyimide, and silicon dioxide surfaces at temperatures ranging from 25 to 400 o C in an ultrahigh-vacuum chamber. By exploitation of the advantages of kinetically controlled reaction conditions and atomically clean surfaces, high-purity gold films are deposited at temperatures as low as room temperature. The surface reaction generating elemental gold is subject to an unusual level of control. Excursions to only moderately higher temperature serve to tune the process from one which is completely selective for metal and semiconductor surfaces to one which provides blanket deposition
Microbial reductive dechlorination of PCBs.

Reductive dechlorination is an advantageous process to microorganisms under anaerobic conditions because it is an electron sink, thereby allowing reoxidation of metabolic intermediates. In some organisms this has been demonstrated to support growth. Many chlorinated compounds have now been shown to be reductively dechlorinated under anaerobic conditions, including many of the congeners in commercial PCB mixtures. Anaerobic microbial communities in sediments dechlorinate Aroclor at rates of 3 µg Cl/g sediment × week. PCB dechlorination occurs at 12° C, a temperature relevant for remediation at temperate sites, and at concentrations of 100 to 1000 ppm. The positions dechlorinated are usually meta > para > ortho. The biphenyl rings, and the mono-ortho- and diorthochlorobiphenyls were not degraded after a one year incubation. Hence subsequent aerobic treatment may be necessary to meet regulatory standards. Reductive dechlorination of Arochlors does reduce their dioxin-like toxicity as measured by bioassay and by analysis of the co-planar congeners. The most important limitation to using PCB dechlorination as a remediation technology is the slower than desired dechlorination rates and no means yet discovered to substantially enhance these rates. Long term enrichments using PCBs as the only electron acceptor resulted in an initial enhancement in dechlorination rate. This rate was sustained but did not increase in serial transfers. Bioremediation of soil contaminated with Aroclor 1254 from a transformer spill was dechlorinated by greater than 50% following mixing of the soil with dechlorinating organisms and river sediment. It is now reasonable to field test reductive dechlorination of PCBs in cases where the PCB concentration is in the range where regulatory standards may be directly achieved by dechlorination, where a subsequent aerobic treatment is feasible, where any co-contaminants do not pose an inhibitory problem, and where anaerobic conditions can be established.
A New Era in Governmental Reform: Realizing Community

The “good government” models of the 1990s realized a focus that included reinventing, reengineer-ing, rethinking, quality, empowerment, and devolution of the organization. These organizational reform ideologies sought to increase involvement, improve productivity, manage performance, and drive results. One essential key that has been disregarded in these government models is the involvement of community in the decision-making process. This paper points to the importance of involving and empowering citizens in the decision-making process, particularly in regard to community justice based on the notion of “restorative justice system.” Community justice, a modern day reform movement with international proportions, is based on the principles of empowering community, repairing harm caused by a crime or disturbance, and reducing risk to the community.
New fish feeding deterrents, including a novel sesquiterpenoid heterogorgiolide, from the brazilian gorgonian heterogorgia uatumani(Octocorallia, gorgonacea)

Studies of the Brazilian gorgonian octocoral Heterogorgia uatumani have resulted in the discovery of two metabolites that inhibit fish feeding under natural conditions. These are the previously reported eunicellane diterpenoid, (6E)-2α,9α-epoxyeunicella-6,11(12)-dien-3β-ol (1) and a new sesquiterpene lactone, heterogorgiolide (2). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of spectral data with literature values. Field bioassays of the two compounds, at their natural concentrations, confirmed that they deter predation by a complex assemblage of reef fishes. This is an unusual observation showing that defenses are derived from both sesqui- and diterpenoid metabolites.
Spectral energy distribution of submillimeter sources

Abstract The submillimeter universe has now been explored with the Submillimeter Common User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) camera on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, and claims have been made to the presence of a new population of optically unidentified starforming dusty galaxies at high redshifts. An alternative interpretation of the submillimeter (submm) emission from these sources, however, is that their far infrared emission is due to the presence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) enshrouded by dust. Using examples of submm sources, selected primarily due to the availability of multiwavelength observations, we investigate whether the spectral energy distribution (SED) selected sources is consistent with either the dusty starforming or dusty AGN scenarios. Among these sources, we find that the SED of HDF850.4, one of the sources detected in the Hubble Deep Field (HDF), and CFRS14F, one of the sources in the Canada France Redshift Survey Fields, are fully consistent with the dusty starformation hypothesis, while the SED of APM 08279+5255 is consistent with a dusty AGN. For some submm sources, it is suggested that observations at rest wavelengths between ∼1 μm and 100 μm may be needed to differentiate between the dusty starformation and dusty AGN scenarios. We discuss implications of our results for the interpretation of submm sources and suggest that dusty AGNs can contribute up to ∼30% of the submm source counts. However, an exact observational determination on the ratio of dusty star-forming to dusty AGN contribution to submm counts require detailed followup observations of a flux limited source catalog, beyond what is currently available.
Experimental studies of chemosensitivity testing of urothelial cancer grown in nude mice

The present study provides information relevant to a number of variables which may influence response to treatment of nude mouse-grown human urothelial cancer. A number of xenotransplanted tumors were exposed to selected treatments at different transplant generations, and at various dose levels and treatment schedules. It was observed that nude mouse-grown tumors were characterized by consistency, reproducibility and biological stability not affected by the transplant generation at which they were examined. Treatment related dose response curves were steep, the sharpness of the curves depending on the degree of tumor sensitivity. Best therapeutic results were obtained at the maximum tolerated dose of cytotoxic agents under study and of importance, a 20% to 40% dose reduction with the same treatment schedule resulted in little or no activity. In addition, treatment schedule, timing and sequence of treatments and to a certain degree, tumor grade were important variables which could influence tumor response. The nude mouse-human tumor system provides important preclinical guidelines on dose, schedule, sequence and timing of treatments and can assist in designing more efficient clinical trials.
Calcium gradients in single smooth muscle cells revealed by the digital imaging microscope using Fura-2

Calcium is believed to control a variety of cellular processes, often with a high degree of spatial and temporal precision. For a cell to use Ca2+ in this manner, mechanisms must exist for controlling the ion in a localized fashion. We have now gained insight into such mechanisms from studies which measured Ca2+ in single living cells with high resolution using a digital imaging microscope and the highly fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive dye, Fura-2. Levels of Ca2+ in the cytoplasm, nucleus and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are clearly different. Free [Ca2+] in the nucleus and SR was greater than in the cytoplasm and these gradients were abolished by Ca2+ ionophores. When external Ca2+ was raised above normal in the absence of ionophores, free cytoplasmic Ca2+ increased but nuclear Ca2+ did not. Thus, nuclear [Ca2+] appears to be regulated independently of cytoplasmic [Ca2+] by gating mechanisms in the nuclear envelope. The observed regulation of intranuclear Ca2+ in these contractile cells may thus be seen as a way to prevent fluctuation in Ca2+-linked nuclear processes during the rise in cytoplasmic [Ca2+] which triggers contraction. The approach described here offers the opportunity of following changes in Ca2+ in cellular compartments in response to a wide range of stimuli, allowing new insights into the role of local changes in Ca2+ in the regulation of cell function.
Teasing Out the Lessons of the 1960s: Family Diversity and Family Privilege

The tumult of the 1960s brought new strains of cultural relativism. I survey the continuing impact of some of these strains on family studies, focusing especially on the study of family diversity as an offshoot of the relativistic project. A dominant discourse still drives much of our work, however, and I illustrate it with some recent examples. The diversity agenda is hampered too often by unintended erasures of large categories of people in nondominant family arrangements. As a corrective to this tendency, I propose an agenda to study family privilege and entitlement, that is, to treat it as a “social problem” much as we treat poverty or juvenile delinquency. I illustrate with my own narrative of how I learned privilege and entitlement growing up male in a White, Jewish, upper-middle-class family. I end with some recommendations about how we might bring this agenda into our research and writing.
Retinal afferents to the pigeon optic tectum: discharge characteristics in response to whole field illumination.

Summary Responses of pigeon retinotectal afferents to changes in whole field illumination are quantitatively analyzed for 313 units recorded in the stratum opticum. One hundred per cent of these units were responsive in unanesthetized birds and 92.9% in urethane anesthetized preparations. Of the responsive units, 92.4% (anesthetized) and 100% (unanesthetized) gave on-responses whose discharge characteristics showed an orderly relationship to stimulus intensity. Following the on-response, discharge generally ceased during sustained illumination. At stimulus termination off-responses frequently occurred, their probability being a function of stimulus intensity and duration. This probability, as well as specific response characteristics, could be predicted to a large extent from on-response characteristics. Anesthesia and level of background illumination predictably affected these response characteristics quantitatively but did not alter them qualitatively. It is hypothesized that with respect to whole field illumination the pigeon's retinotectal afferents constitute a homogeneous population continuously distributed according to threshold for intensity change.
Pricing of risk for loss guaranteed intra-domain internet service contracts

The Internet today offers primarily a best-effort service. Research and technology development efforts are currently underway to allow provisioning of better than best-effort Quality of Service (QoS) assurances. The residual uncertainty in QoS can be managed using pricing strategies. In this article, we develop a spot pricing framework for intra-domain expected bandwidth contracts with loss-based QoS guarantees. The framework builds on a nonlinear pricing scheme for cost recovery from earlier work and extends it to price risk. A utility-based options pricing approach is developed to account for the uncertainties in delivering loss guarantees. Application of options pricing techniques in Internet services provides a mechanism for fair risk sharing between the provider and the customer, and may be extended to price other uncertainties in QoS guarantees.
Micro/Nanotribology of RF MEMS Switches

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) radio frequency (RF) switches hold great promise in a myriad of commercial, aerospace, and military applications. MEMS switches offer important advantages over current electromechanical and solid state technologies including high linearity, low insertion loss, low power consumption, good isolation, and low cost [1–21]. However, there is little fundamental understanding of the factors determining the performance and reliability of these devices. Our previous work investigated fundamentals of hot-switched direct current (DC) gold (Au) contacts using a modified microadhesion apparatus as a switch simulator [1]. Those experiments were conducted under precisely controlled operating conditions in air at MEMS-scale forces with an emphasis on the role of surface forces and electric current on switch performance, reliability, and durability [1]. Electric current had a profound effect on deformation mechanisms, adhesion, contact resistance (R), and reliability/durability. At low current (1–10 μA), asperity creep and switching induced adhesion were the most important observations, whereas, at high current (1–10 mA), lack of adhesion and switch shorting by nanowire formation were prominent [1].Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The optimal adaptive control law for a linear plant with unknown input gains

The optimal adaptive control law is determined for a dynamic, linear, discrete-time system with unknown input gains when regulation of the state is desired. The expectation of a quadratic cost is minimized. The solution is obtained by extending some of the results of the dual control theory so as to apply to the given problem.
Direct effects of acute administration of 3, 5, 3′ triiodo-l-thyronine on myocyte function

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that acute administration of 3, 5, 3′ triiodo-l-thyroninc (T 3 ) may increase ventricular performance; however, the direct cellular effects of acute T 3 administration are not understood. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether T 3 acts directly on the cardiac muscle cell (myocyte) itself, and (2) whether T 3 acts independently of the myocyte β-adrenergic receptor. Accordingly, isolated myocyte function was examined using video-microscopy in normal porcine myocytes (n = 60) in the control state and in the presence of increasing T 3 concentrations (10 to 500 pmol/L). T 3 caused myocyte shortening extent, shortening velocity, and lengthening velocity to increase in a dose-dependent manner. For example, shortening velocity increased from 49.2 ± 4.3 μm/s at baseline to 66.5 ± 6.1 μm/s with 100 pmol/L T 3 ( p 3 increased shortening velocity further to 168.5 ± 10.9 μm/s. Analysis of variance revealed that this increase with T 3 was independent of and additive to the β-adrenergic receptor system. In summary, T 3 caused a dose-dependent increase in myocyte contractile performance, and these effects were independent of and additive to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Thus, acute T 3 administration may provide a novel modality to improve left ventricular contractile function independent of the β-adrenergic receptor system.
A network mesh method to calculate eddy currents on conducting surfaces

This report describes a network mesh analysis technique which can be used to calculate transient or steady-state eddy current distributions on a conducting surface. In general, the surface may have any continuous three-dimensional shape, may vary in surface resistivity, and may include holes. The surface is divided into a network of branches for each of which are calculated a resistance, a self-inductance, and a set of mutual inductances to all other branches. The resulting branch resistance and branch inductance matrices are transformed into mesh matrices using a conventional network procedure. A set of simultaneous differential equations can then be established to solve for eddy currents. The set of equations is generally solved for a time series of eddy currents caused by an external source of excitation. Various initial conditions can be used to find other solutions of interest such as the self decay of an arbitrary current distribution. Great simplification is possible by imposing boundary conditions to take advantage of symmetry. In addition, the set of equations needs to be solved one time only for the special cases of pure inductance, pure resistance, or steady-state.
New Similarity Measures between Polylines with Applications to Morphing and Polygon Sweeping

We introduce two new related metrics, the geodesic width and the link width, for measuring the "distance" between two nonintersecting polylines in the plane. If the two polylines have n vertices in total, we present algorithms to compute the geodesic width of the two polylines in O(n 2 log n) time using O(n 2) space and the link width in O(n 3 log n) time using O(n 2) working space where n is the total number of edges of the polylines. Our computation of these metrics relies on two closely related combinatorial strutures: the shortest-path diagram and the link diagram of a simple polygon. The shortest-path (resp., link) diagram encodes the Euclidean (resp., link) shortest path distance between all pairs of points on the boundary of the polygon. We use these algorithms to solve two problems:
The effects of heavy metals and metabolic inhibitors on calcium uptake by gills and scales of Fundulus heteroclitus in vitro

Abstract 1. 1. Cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) were inhibitory to calcium uptake by isolated gills of Fundulus heteroclitus in vitro . The metals appeared to act by displacing Ca 2+ ions from protein carriers involved in facilitated diffusion. 2. 2. In saltwater fish, transport of calcium across the serosal membrane of gill chloride cells is partly energy dependent and is likely mediated by Ca 2+ -ATPase. However, much of the calcium transport through the gill epithelium appears to occur by passive processes. 3. 3. Cd (10 −5 M—10 −3 M) and Zn (10 −7 M—10 −3 M) inhibited calcium uptake by isolated scale patches incubated in a physiological saline. 4. 4. Cyanide, oubain, and quercetin treatment of scale patches produced results similar to those of the Cd and Zn treatments suggesting that metal-induced inhibition of ATPases may be responsible for reduced calcium transport by scale osteoblasts.