cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turnover of Detrital Organic Carbon in a Nutrient-Impacted Everglades Marsh

Phosphorus loading to the Everglades from nearby agricultural areas has become a major concern, and is considered to be a significant factor in the encroachment of cattail (Typha domingensis Pers.) and other rapidly growing vegetation into endemic sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense Crantz) marsh. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the variability in turnover of organic C in plant and soil detrital pools along a P enrichment gradient in an Everglades marsh and to identify substrate characteristics and environmental factors controlling C turnover. Potential rates of C mineralization in plant litter and peat were determined by measuring aerobic and anaerobic microbial respiration under controlled conditions in laboratory incubations. Potential C mineralization decreased with depth and, consequently, substrate age, in the plant-soil profile. Within individual detrital pools [standing dead plant material, soil litter layer, surface peat (0-10 cm depth) and subsurface peat (10-30 cm depth)], potential C mineralization decreased down gradient from the source of nutrient loading to WCA-2A. Overall, 91% of the variability in aerobic C mineralization in peat and plant litter was accounted for by substrate P concentration and lignocellulose composition. Anaerobic C mineralization rates were consistently about one-third of aerobic rates. Results indicated that organic C turnover in detrital pools in WCA-2A is significantly affected by accelerated P loading, but is also controlled by O 2 availability and substrate C quality.
Challenging philosophical assumptions about mind

The UC Berkeley philosopher John Searle is well known for his provocative writings about the mind, most notably, The Rediscovery of Mind [1]. Searle takes seriously the relationship between mind and brain, and has aroused interest in the phenomena of consciousness in his critical reviews of nobel laureates Francis Crick and Gerald Edelman's neuroscientific studies of the brain and mind, among others [2]. Described on the book cover as ‘a dragonslayer by temperament’, Searle possesses the unrivaled ability to penetrate forbiddingly complex ideas with wit and incisiveness that rewards the non-expert but attentive reader.
Modeling and analysis of nonlinear sleeve joints of large space structures

A nonlinear sleeve joint model that accounts for the presence of clearances, impact damping, and dry (Coulombic) friction is developed. By studying the free and forced response of this model, it is seen that the overall damping appears to be predominantly viscous-like in nature. This is found to be true even for the cases studied in which dry friction is the sole source of energy dissipation. In addition, the nonlinear behavior of a rigid beam inserted into a sleeve joint is investigated and discussed.
The combined effect of salinity, temperature and oil on the growth pattern of embryos of the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus Walbaum

Abstract Embryos of the estuarine teleost, Fundulus heteroclitus , were exposed during development to different concentrations of the water-soluble fractions (WSF) of a No. 2 fuel oil under various temperature-salinity combinations. Temperatures and salinities were, respectively: 20, 25 or 30°C and 10, 20 or 30%S. The WSF were extracted from No. 2 fuel oil daily and diluted to concentrations of 15, 20 or 25% of the original mixture. Controls were exposed to seawater without WSF at each temperature-salinity combination. The length of eleutheroembryos was markedly decreased by exposure to WSF. Temperature exerted an effect on growth at low WSF concentrations (0 and 15% WSF) but not at higher ones. The two highest WSF concentrations had a predominant effect on growth that was not further modified by physical factor influences. Conversely, as the WSF exposure increased, the yolk diameter increased, indicating a decreased utilisation of yolk material during development. The mean number of vertebrae in the eleutheroembryos decreased at high WSF concentrations and at high temperatures. Morphological abnormalities consisted predominantly of spinal deformations (scoliosis and lordosis). The data indicate that the survivors of chemical toxicity during embryo development exhibit sublethal responses which would reduce their survival potential in later life.
Combined manometric-pH recording catheter for esophageal function tests.

Abstract A combined manometric-pH recording catheter for performance of esophageal function tests is described. This combined unit has been used successfully in more than 300 patients. It has the advantages of (1) eliminating the need for introduction of two separate recording catheters into the esophagus and (2) permitting simultaneous dynamic recordings of intraesophageal pressures and pH in assessing competence of the distal esophageal high-pressure zone.
Loss of Wdfy3 in mice alters cerebral cortical neurogenesis reflecting aspects of the autism pathology

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex and heterogeneous developmental disabilities affecting an ever-increasing number of children worldwide. The diverse manifestations and complex, largely genetic aetiology of ASDs pose a major challenge to the identification of unifying neuropathological features. Here we describe the neurodevelopmental defects in mice that carry deleterious alleles of the Wdfy3 gene, recently recognized as causative in ASDs. Loss of Wdfy3 leads to a regionally enlarged cerebral cortex resembling early brain overgrowth described in many children on the autism spectrum. In addition, affected mouse mutants display migration defects of cortical projection neurons, a recognized cause of epilepsy, which is significantly comorbid with autism. Our analysis of affected mouse mutants defines an important role for Wdfy3 in regulating neural progenitor divisions and neural migration in the developing brain. Furthermore, Wdfy3 is essential for cerebral expansion and functional organization while its loss-of-function results in pathological changes characteristic of ASDs.
Water use patterns of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and the effects of human disturbance

Abstract To aid the effectiveness of water developments, patterns of deer visiting water sources and the responses of deer to disturbance were examined. Deer visited water sources day and night, but not all deer at water sources drank. Thus, the assumption that radio-telemetry locations within arbitrary distances of water indicate drinking events may lead to overestimates of watering frequency. Human disturbance did not preclude or seriously impede use of water by deer. Deer reacted by adjusting the amount of time spent at water sources, moving away from water to return later and/or increasing the frequency with which they drank.
A semiempirical study on the interaction between BF3 and the compounds dimethyl and perfluorodimethyl ether

Abstract A semiempirical molecular orbital method (AM1) was used to study the interaction between BF3 (a Lewis acid) and the compounds dimethyl and perfluorodimethyl ether. The results indicated the existence of a Lewis acid-base interaction between the BF3 molecule and dimethyl ether but no interaction with the perfluorodimethyl ether, in agreement with experimental results. These results do not support the hypothesis that surface Lewis acid sites are responsible for the catalytic decomposition of perfluoropolyalkylethers.
Stimulation of mRNA Export by an F-box Protein, Mdm30p, in Vivo

Abstract Mdm30p, a nucleus-encoded F-box protein, which binds to the substrate for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, is involved in maintenance of fusion-competent mitochondria for various cellular functions. Recently, Mdm30p has been implicated in regulation of gene expression. However, its mode of action in gene regulation is not clearly known in vivo. With this view, we have systematically analyzed here the role of Mdm30p in regulation of transcriptional initiation, elongation, mRNA processing, and export in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using a formaldehyde-based in vivo cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay in conjunction with RT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. We show that Mdm30p is dispensable for formation of the preinitiation complex assembly, association of elongating RNA polymerase II, and recruitment of mRNA capping enzyme, cap-binding complex, and 3′ end formation machinery at the transcriptionally active genes such as ADH1, PHO84, and RPS5. Intriguingly, we find that Mdm30p facilitates the recruitment of the transcription–export complex at these genes. Consistently, the export of mRNAs of these genes is significantly impaired in the absence of Mdm30p as revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and RT-PCR analysis of cytoplasmic mRNA. However, such an impaired mRNA export is not dependent on mitochondrial fusion, as the deletion of FZO1, an essential gene for mitochondrial fusion, does not alter the export of ADH1, PHO84, and RPS5 mRNAs. Together, our data demonstrate that Mdm30p selectively controls mRNA export independently of mitochondrial fusion, revealing a novel function of an F-box protein in mRNA export.
A new technique for pumping hydrogen gas

Abstract A system for pumping hydrogen gas without isotopic fractionation has been developed. The pump contains uranium metal, which when heated to about 80°C reacts with hydrogen to form UH 3 . The UH 3 is heated to above 500°C to decompose the hydride and regenerate the hydrogen.
The effect of electrolyte solutions on hydrodynamic and backmixing characteristics in bubble columnns

Abstract Gas holdup and axial heat dispersion coefficient measurements in the presence of an electrolyte solution are presented. The experiments were carried ou
Location-adaptive density estimation and nearest-neighbor distance

Abstract A location-adaptive hybrid of the fixed-bandwidth kernel density estimate and the nearest-neighbor density estimate is introduced in this paper. It is constructed via a simple adhoc truncation and smoothing of nearest-neighbor distance. Simulations show that the hybrid outperforms its parent estimators, according to quadratic loss. Empirical process techniques are employed to obtain rates of uniform convergence of the random location-adaptive bandwidth to a deterministic function, from which uniform consistency of the hybrid, rates of convergence of the ISE, and asymptotic optimality of the ISE for the cross validatory choice of the smoothing parameter are obtained.
Spontaneous deposition of Pd on a Ru(0001) surface

Abstract Spontaneous deposition of Pd on a Ru(0 0 0 1) single crystal surface has been demonstrated by an in situ scanning tunneling microscopy technique. The immersion of an ultrahigh vacuum prepared Ru single crystal in a palladium ion containing solution results in a formation of an epitaxial and textured multilayer Pd deposit without applying an external potential. The amount of deposited Pd can be indirectly controlled by the amount of Pd ions confined in the solution volume in contact with a Ru surface. The results suggest that the initial Pd growth involves formation of an ordered monolayer, while further growth results in formation of a three-dimensional Pd deposit.
Cellular bases of activity-dependent paralysis in Drosophila stress-sensitive mutants

Stress-sensitive mutants in Drosophila have been shown to exhibit activity-dependent defects in neurotransmission. Using the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), this study investigates synaptic function more specifically in two stress-sensitive mutants: stress-sensitive B (sesB), which encodes a mitochondrial ADP/ATP translocase (ANT); and Atpα2206, a conditional mutant of the Na+/K+ ATPase α-subunit. Mechanical shock induces a period of brief paralysis in both homozygous and double heterozygous mutants, but further analysis revealed distinct activity-dependent neurotransmission lesions in each mutant. Basal neurotransmission appeared similar to wild-type controls in both mutants under low frequency stimulation. High frequency stimulation, however, caused pronounced synaptic fatigue as well as slow and incomplete synaptic recovery in sesB mutants while Atpα2206 mutants displayed an increase (25-fold) in synaptic failures. Perhaps to compensate for these activity dependent defects, the neuromuscular synapse was found to be overgrown in both mutants. Passive electrotonic stimulation, which initiates synaptic transmission independent of action potentials, ameliorated synaptic failures and resulted in increased neurotransmission amplitude in Atpα2206 mutants. In addition, spontaneous synaptic vesicle fusion rates were increased in Atpα2206 mutants, suggesting that, in the absence of action potential requirements, these synaptic terminals are healthy, if not hyperactive. Dye labeling studies revealed aberrant synaptic vesicle cycling in sesB mutants indicating a reduction of functional synaptic vesicles. We therefore postulate that both stress-sensitive mutants harbor unique neurotransmission defects: Atpα2206 mutants are unable to maintain ionic gradients required during repetitive action potential propagation, and sesB mutants cannot maintain synaptic vesicle cycling during periods of high demand. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60:328–347, 2004
A polymer lab chip sensor with microfabricated planar silver electrode for continuous and on-site heavy metal measurement

Abstract This paper presents a reusable polymer lab chip sensor for continuous and on-site heavy metal monitoring in nature. In particular, detection of lead (Pb(II)), which is the most common heavy metal pollutant, has been performed using the proposed lab chip sensor. The miniaturized lab chip sensor consists of a microfabricated silver working electrode that replaces the conventional mercury and bismuth electrodes, an integrated silver counter and quasi-reference electrode, and microfluidic channels. The proposed sensor targets on-site environmental monitoring in a continuous fashion without disturbing or contaminating the sensing environment when it is reused. The reusability of the miniaturized lab chip sensor was characterized through forty-three consecutive measurements in non-deoxygenating standard solutions inside the microchannels using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). With only 13.5 μL of sample volume the sensor chip showed a correlation coefficient of 0.998 for the Pb(II) concentration range of 1–1000 ppb with the limit of detection of 0.55 ppb at 300 s deposition time. The peak potentials during the forty-three consecutive SWASV measurements showed a relative standard deviation of 1.0%, with a standard deviation of 0.005 V. The high repeatability and linearity of the sensor over the large, three orders of magnitude, dynamic range of 1–1000 ppb showed that the developed sensor chip can be reused for a variety of on-site measurements such as for soil pore water or groundwater, using only micro-volumes.
Chirale ebthi-Titan- und -Zirconiumkomplexe als Reagentien und Katalysatoren für die enantioselektive C-C- und C-H-Verknüpfung

Die Entwicklung katalytischer Prozesse zur enantioselektiven Bindungsbildung unter milden Bedingungen ist eine wichtige und herausfordernde Aufgabe der modernen chemischen Synthese. In diesem Zusammenhang haben chirale, C2-symmetrische ansa-Metallocene (verbruckte Metallocene) als Katalysatoren bemerkenswerte Anwendungen gefunden. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz werden diese chiralen Metallocene im Hinblick auf ihren Nutzen fur katalytische, enantioselektive C-C- und C-H-Verknupfungen diskutiert. Zusatzlich werden diese Reaktionen, soweit moglich, mit ahnlichen enantioselektiven katalytischen Prozessen verglichen. Viele der vorgestellten Reaktionen verlaufen mit hoher Enantioselektivitat in Gegenwart katalytischer Mengen der Komplexe und sind von groser Bedeutung fur die Herstellung neuer Materialien und Therapeutica. Beispielsweise katalysieren Zirconocenkomplexe die enantioselektive Addition von Alkylmagnesiumhalogeniden an Alkene und kationische Derivate die hochgradig stereoregulare Copolymerisation terminaler Alkene. Titanocene sind ebenfalls von Nutzen und werden in vielen asymmetrischen katalytischen Reaktionen einschlieslich der enantioselektiven Hydrierung von Olefinen, Iminen und Ketonen verwendet. In diesem Aufsatz wird versucht, sowohl die praktischen Aspekte der Verwendung der [(ebthi)M]-Komplexe von Ubergangsmetallen der Gruppe 4 (Katalysator-Synthese und Enantiomerentrennung) als auch die vorgeschlagenen Mechanismen darzustellen, nach denen die chiralen, C2-symmetrischen Liganden stereoselektive Reaktionsverlaufe bedingen. Es wird versucht, auch die weniger gut verstandenen Aspekte dieser Chemie hervorzuheben, um zukunftigen Forschungsbedarf aufzuzeigen.
Drug Insight: abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Although the development of tumor necrosis factor antagonists has improved the clinical outcome of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), some patients fail to respond to these drugs or have contraindications preventing their use. Other approaches for treating this disease are, therefore, keenly sought. As T cells promote numerous disease pathways in RA, these cells are a logical target for anti-inflammatory therapy. One of the approaches being investigated involves targeting the co-stimulatory signals that accompany antigen-derived signals involved in the activation of T cells. Abatacept is a recombinant fusion protein that interrupts the T-cell co-stimulatory signal mediated through the CD28-CD80/CD86 pathway. Several clinical trials have now confirmed the efficacy of this compound in the treatment of RA. This article discusses the proposed mechanism of action of abatacept and reviews the data from phase II and phase III clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of this drug in RA.
Chemical diffusivity and electrical conductivity in TiO2 containing a submicron dispersion of SiO2

Abstract Owing to the electrically charged nature of crystal defects in oxides, the possibility exists to reduce diffusivity with a two-phase microstructure of sufficiently small dimensions. A diminution of the order of 10 times in the chemical diffusivity at 1153°C has been repeatedly observed in polycrystalline rutile with an initial second-phase particle size of about 50 A. The dependence of the diffusivity and electrical conductivity upon particle size and volume fraction is explained in terms of the alteration of concentrations of transport-related point defects by the transfer of charged species to internal surfaces.
Amount of information and polarity of attraction

In two experiments, subjects given larger sets of information judged others more extremely than did subjects given smaller sets. This set-size effect emerged only when subjects were made aware of relative numerosity of stimuli. The condition of awareness helps reconcile previous disparities between studies in which subjects judge one-size vs. multiple-sized sets. It is suggested that increased confidence underlies the polarizing effect of larger set size and that confidence requires knowledge that one could have received less information. This knowledge is often lacking when subjects are given only one set size.
Inhibiting HIV-1 Entry: Discovery of D-Peptide Inhibitors that Target the gp41 Coiled-Coil Pocket

The HIV-1 gp41 protein promotes viral entry by mediating the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. A prominent pocket on the surface of a central trimeric coiled coil within gp41 was previously identified as a potential target for drugs that inhibit HIV-1 entry. We designed a peptide, IQN17, which properly presents this pocket. Utilizing IQN17 and mirror-image phage display, we identified cyclic, D-peptide inhibitors of HIV-1 infection that share a sequence motif. A 1.5 A cocrystal structure of IQN17 in complex with a D-peptide, and NMR studies, show that conserved residues of these inhibitors make intimate contact with the gp41 pocket. Our studies validate the pocket per se as a target for drug development. IQN17 and these D-peptide inhibitors are likely to be useful for development and identification of a new class of orally bioavailable anti-HIV drugs.
Association Between Preoperative Chemotherapy and Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Ovarian Cancer.

This study sought to determine the association between preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer patients. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify women who underwent surgery for ovarian cancer between 2005 and 2012. The women were divided into two groups based on whether they had received chemotherapy within 30 days before surgery or not. Preoperative variables, intraoperative measures, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared using χ 2 and Student’s t test. Multivariable analyses using logistic regression modeling were used to correct for potential confounding variables. Of 1807 patients, 1612 (89.2 %) underwent primary surgery, and 195 (10.8 %) received preoperative chemotherapy. The chemotherapy group had a lower preoperative platelet count (317,640 vs 249,740 plt/μL; P < 0.001), hematocrit (36.9 vs 33.1 %; P < 0.001), and white blood cell (WBC) count (7970 vs 6060 WBC/μL; P < 0.001). Postoperatively, the chemotherapy group had a higher rate of organ/space infection (2.2 vs 4.6 %; P = 0.04; odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.01–4.47) and a higher blood transfusion rate (17.1 vs 32.3 %; P < 0.001; OR, 2.31; 95 % CI, 1.67–3.20). A subanalysis of only those with disseminated cancer showed myelosuppression and an increased blood transfusion rate in the chemotherapy group. In multivariable analyses, preoperative chemotherapy, hematocrit, and ascites were independent predictors of postoperative blood transfusion in the entire cohort, whereas preoperative chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of postoperative blood transfusion in the disseminated cancer group. Preoperative chemotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer is associated with myelosuppression and an increased risk of postoperative blood transfusion.
A City-Wide Smart Wireless Sewer Sensor Network Using Parasitic Slot Array Antennas

A city-wide wireless sewer sensor network can be made intelligent by having parasitic slot array manhole cover antennas. The utilization of parasitic antennas is explored to demonstrate the effect of limited beam scanning on a real sensor network system. The combination of an electronically steerable beamforming capability and an angular diversity technique in this antenna allowed the antenna to adapt to its radio environment and find optimal receive characteristics. The sensor measurement result indicates that the intelligence of the antenna significantly improves packet reception rate and received signal strength indication (RSSI). We improved by 64% in packet rate and 10 dB in RSSI, compared to a uniformly radiating dipole antenna.
Design Optimization of Micro Synthetic Jet Actuator for Flow Separation Control

A computational analysis and design methodology is presented for effective microflow control using synthetic jets. The membrane is modeled as a moving boundary to accurately compute the flow inside the jet cavity. Compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved with boundary conditions for the wall slip and the temperature jump conditions encountered for a specific range of Knudsen numbers. For validation, microchannel flow and microfilter flow are successfully computed. Then, flow past a backward-facing step in a microchannel is considered. Analysis is coupled with a design methodology to improve the actuator effectiveness. The objective function is selected to be the square of the vorticity (enstrophy) integrated over a separated region. First, from a design of experiments study, orifice and actuator cavity widths are identified as the most effective design variables. Then, a response surface method is constructed to find the improved control of the flow. This optimization results in more than 83% reduction of the enstrophy of the recirculation region.
Variation in Transistor Performance and Leakage in Nanometer-Scale Technologies

Variation in transistor characteristics is increasing as CMOS transistors are scaled to nanometer feature sizes. This increase in transistor variability poses a serious challenge to the cost-effective utilization of scaled technologies. Meeting this challenge requires comprehensive and efficient approaches for variability characterization, minimization, and mitigation. This paper describes an efficient infrastructure for characterizing the various types of variation in transistor characteristics. A sample of results obtained from applying this infrastructure to a number of technologies at the 90-, 65-, and 45-nm nodes is presented. This paper then illustrates the impact of the observed variability on SRAM, analog and digital circuit blocks used in system-on-chip designs. Different approaches for minimizing transistor variation and mitigating its impact on product performance and yield are also described.
Economic Insecurity and Social Policy Expansion: Evidence from Interwar Europe

What is the impact of economic insecurity on the development of institutions of social insurance? Existing studies have examined this question by exploring the impact of various measures of economic volatility on aggregate government expenditures or revenues. These aggregate data are, however, an imperfect proxy of the character of institutions of social protection. To overcome the limitations of earlier studies, this article explores the conditions under which economic insecurity leads to the extension of the level of social insurance coverage. I argue that economic insecurity sharpens a sectoral cleavage between coalitions in “high-risk” and “low-risk” sectors. Workers (and some employers) in high-risk sectors will favor the introduction of social insurance institutions characterized by broad levels of coverage and a high redistribution of costs across occupations. In contrast, a cross-class alliance in low-risk sectors will oppose proposals aiming at the introduction of redistributive social policies, fearing that these policies will turn them into subsidizers of high-risk industries. A redistributive social insurance policy will be introduced only if the “high-risk” coalition is larger. The article tests both the micro- and macro-level implications of this theory, by examining the development of unemployment insurance policies in interwar Europe.I gratefully acknowledge comments from Carles Boix, Peter Gourevitch, and two anonymous referees. Many thanks to Stefano Bartolini, John Fitzgerald, and Michael Tomz for sharing data with me.
Bevacizumab and its use in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGF, a circulating protein involved in the promotion of angiogenesis and probably tumor growth and progression. Bevacizumab has demonstrated anticancer activity in several cancers, either combined with chemotherapy or when used as a single agent, and has been approved by the US FDA as a treatment for several cancers. As VEGF has been implicated in ovarian cancer progression and ascites formation, and high levels of VEGF have been found in plasma and ascites in women with ovarian cancer, bevacizumab has been tested as an anticancer therapy in ovarian cancer. Documented single-agent activity of bevacizumab in recurrent ovarian cancer has led to combination studies with both biologic agents as well as other chemotherapy agents in both recurrent and newly diagnosed cancer. One trial in patients with recurrent, heavily pretreated ovarian cancer demonstrated a higher than predicted risk of gastrointestinal perforation, and although a lower incidence of gastroi...
Chemical communication in a post-genomic world

With genome sequences accumulating at a rapid pace, one major goal of biology is to understand the function of genes. Many gene functions are comprehensible only within the context of chemical communication, and emerging research on genomics and chemical communication has catalyzed development of this highly productive interface. Many of the most abundantly represented genes in the genomes characterized to date encode proteins mediating interactions among organisms, including odorant receptors and binding proteins, enzymes involved in biosynthesis of pheromones and toxins, and enzymes catalyzing the detoxification of defense compounds. Chemosensory signaling shares several features irrespective of taxon; components of the vast majority of chemosensory signaling systems include a receptor that interacts with a signal molecule, a …
Not all men are sexually coercive: A preliminary investigation of the moderating effect of mate desirability on the relationship between female infidelity and male sexual coercion

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated the utility of men’s perceptions of their partner’s infidelity as a predictor of male sexual coercion in the context of an intimate relationship ( Goetz and Shackelford, 2006 , Starratt, in press ). Not all men who suspect partner infidelity are sexually coercive, however. Using reports secured from 280 men in a committed, sexual relationship with a woman, the current research provides preliminary evidence of a moderating effect of relative mate desirability in the relationship between perceptions of female infidelity and male sexual coercion. Specifically, men’s perceptions of their partner’s infidelity are positively related to men’s sexual coercion only in those relationships in which the man perceives that he is of equal or greater desirability than his partner. Men’s perceptions of their partner’s infidelity are not related to sexual coercion by men who perceive that they are less desirable than their partners. The discussion addresses interpretations of these findings, limitations of the current study, and directions for future research.
Bacterial cyanogenesis: impact on biotic interactions.

Summary The ability of bacteria to influence organisms that they associate with via metabolite production is one of the hallmarks of microbial interactions. One metabolite of interest is the metabolic poison cyanide. Production of this metabolite is an unique characteristic of certain bacteria that inhabit a wide array of habitats ranging from the human body to the rhizosphere. This review focuses on four targets of cyanogenic bacteria: the human lung, plant pathogens, plants and invertebrates. For a number of cyanogenic bacteria, the contribution of cyanide to the interaction has been rigorously tested using mutants altered in cyanide production. Both deleterious and stimulatory effects of cyanogenic bacteria on other organisms have been documented. In addition, the HCN synthase-encoding gene cluster hcnABC has served as a marker of cyanogenic capability in the soil environment revealing both genetic diversity at this locus and regulatory influences by other organisms. The pervasive nature of cyanogenesis in a number of different ecological contexts encourages exploration of this bacterial ability and its possible optimization for improving human health, crop production and pest control.
Poetry of the Crowd: A Human Computation Algorithm to Convert Prose into Rhyming Verse

Poetry composition is a very complex task that requires a poet to satisfy multiple constraints concurrently. We believe that the task can be augmented by combining the creative abilities of humans with computational algorithms that efficiently constrain and permute available choices. We present a hybrid method for generating poetry from prose that combines crowdsourcing with natural language processing (NLP) machinery. We test the ability of crowd workers to accomplish the technically challenging and creative task of composing poems.
Ovarian vein thrombosis mimicking acute abdomen: a case report and literature review

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare, but serious condition that affects mostly postpartum women. A high index of suspicion is required in order to diagnose this unusual cause of abdominal pain. A 19-year-old woman at three days postpartum was admitted to our hospital because of severe right lower quandrant abdominal pain and fever 38.5'C. Physical examination revealed an acutely ill patient and right lower quadrant tenderness with positive rebound and Giordano signs. The patient underwent appendectomy which proved to be negative for acute appendicitis. Postoperatively fever and pain persisted and abdominal CT-scan with intravenous contrast agent demonstrated a thrombosed right ovarian vein. The patient was initiated on low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and antibiotic treatment and a month later a new abdominal CT-scan showed a patent right ovarian vein. Pathophysiologically, OVT is explained by Virchow's triad, because pregnancy is associated with a hypercoagulable state, venous stasis due to compression of the inferior vena cava by the uterus and endothelial trauma during delivery or from local inflammation. Common symptoms and signs of OVT include lower abdomen or flank pain, fever and leukocytosis usually within the first ten days after delivery. The reported incidence of OVT ranges 0,05-0,18% of pregnancies and in most cases the right ovarian vein is the one affected. Anticoagulation and antibiotics is the mainstay of treatment of OVT. Complications of OVT include sepsis, extension of the thrombus to the inferior vena cava and renal veins, and pulmonary embolism. The incidence of pulmonary embolism is reported to be 13.2% and represents the main source of mortality due to OVT. OVT is a rare condition, usually in the postpartum period. A high index of suspicion is required for the prompt diagnosis and management especially in cases that mimic acute abdomen.
Knowledge Transfer in Organizations

Great Ormond Street Hospital in Great Britain learned from Ferrari racing crews how to handle patient handovers or transitions from one unit to another more effectively and, thereby, improved patient care (Naik, 2006). General Motors Corporation built identical plants in Argentina, Poland, China, and Thailand so that knowledge acquired at one plant would be relevant for and transferable to others (Blumenstein, 1997). Intel uses a “copy exactly” approach to their multiple facilities in which establishments are replicated down to the color of their paint so that knowledge acquired in one establishment is relevant for others (Reinhardt, 1997). These examples illustrate the importance organizations attach to transferring knowledge in organizations. The organizations realize benefits when one of their units “learns” from another unit or organization. This chapter describes research on one organization learning from another—on knowledge transfer across organizations.
EMINENT DOMAIN: UNUSED TOOL FOR AMERICAN LABOR?

The deindustrialization of America with the concomitant loss of decent paying jobs, the rise of unemployment, and the increasing poverty among the working class requires a novel response. The challenges of “free trade,” globalization and international competition and technological change are all threatening the viability of the labor movement in the U.S. The use of eminent domain offers a meaningful tool that can be implemented to counter this trend. Eminent domain has been legally used and constitutionally sanctioned for community, infrastructure, and development purposes. The time is ripe for a broad-based coalition of legislatures, community interests, labor unions, and social movements to promote the use of eminent domain to expropriate with compensation enterprises in danger of being abandoned and moved offshore by their owners. Decisions by the owners of enterprises have repercussions and societal externalities that legitimize the rights to regulate them by way of eminent domain on behalf of the public interest. Workers in cooperatives in both the U.S. and throughout the world have shown that they can run factories and enterprises without owners and managers if given the necessary financial and legal wherewithal.
Cell–Matrix Interactions Improve β-Cell Survival and Insulin Secretion in Three-Dimensional Culture

Controlled matrix interactions were presented to pancreatic beta-cells in three-dimensional culture within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Dispersed MIN6 beta-cells were encapsulated in gel environments containing the following entrapped extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins: collagen type I, collagen type IV, fibrinogen, fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin. In ECM-containing gels, beta-cell survival was significantly better than in gels without ECM over 10 days. Correspondingly, apoptosis in encapsulated beta-cells was less in the presence of each matrix protein, suggesting the ability of individual matrix interactions to prevent matrix signaling-related apoptosis (anoikis). MIN6 beta-cells cultured in gels containing collagen type IV or laminin secreted more insulin in response to glucose stimulation than beta-cells in all other experimental conditions. Variations in collagen type IV or laminin concentration between 10 microg/mL and 250 microg/mL did not affect insulin secretion. Finally, beta-cell function in hydrogels presenting both collagen type IV and laminin revealed synergistic interactions. With a total protein concentration of 100 microg/mL, three gel compositions of varying ratios of collagen type IV to laminin (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25) were tested. In the presence of 25 microg/mL of collagen type IV and 75 microg/mL of laminin, beta-cell insulin secretion was greater than with laminin or collagen type IV individually. These results demonstrate that specific, rationally designed extracellular environments promote isolated beta-cell survival and function.
Dialoguing with Dreams in Existential Art Therapy

This article presents a theoretical and methodological framework for interactive dialogue and analysis of dream images in existential art therapy. In this phenomenologicalexistential approach, the client and art therapist are regarded as equal partners with respect to sharing in the process of creation and discovery of meaning (Frankl, 1955, 1969; Moon, 1995; Moustakas, 1994; Yalom, 1980). A brief outline of principles that underlie the processes of existential art therapy and dream analysis is provided. These principles guide the development of relationships between art therapists and clients, and with visual artworks depicting dream images. The procedures involved in interacting with dream imagery as presented in this article offer a depth-oriented technique that can be utilized in both brief focal therapy and in ongoing therapeutic relationships.
Infarct restraint attenuates remodeling and reduces chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation after postero-lateral infarction

Abstract Background . Chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is produced by adverse postinfarction ventricular remodeling. We hypothesize that restraining infarct expansion reduces left-ventricular (LV) dilatation and the severity of mitral regurgitation. Methods . Two groups of 6 sheep had coronary snares placed around the second and third obtuse marginal coronary arteries and four piezoelectric transducers sutured within myocardium across the mid short axis of the LV. In one group, a patch of Marlex mesh was precisely fitted and lightly sutured to myocardium destined for infarction (determined by temporary snare occlusion). Two weeks after instrumentation, coronary snares were tied tight to infarct approximately 24% of the postero-lateral LV mass. Transdiaphragmatic echocardiograms were obtained in all animals at baseline, and 30 minutes, and 2, 5, and 8 weeks after infarction. Results . Echocardiograms confirmed similar infarct sizes and locations in both groups. Eight weeks after infarction, IMR grade averaged 3.6+ (scale: 0, no MR; 4, severe MR) in control sheep and 1.9+ in mesh-restrained animals ( p = 0.0001). LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes at the eighth week were less in mesh-treated sheep (87 ± 11.3 vs 113 ± 18.3; 61 ± 10.6 vs 77 ± 14.1, respectively), but differences were not significant. Data from mid short axis piezoelectric transducers indicated significantly less strain in the infarcted myocardium in mesh-restrained sheep than in control. Conclusions . Early restraint of postero-lateral infarct expansion attenuates the severity of ischemic mitral regurgitation and slows ventricular dilatation. However, the remodeling process is not arrested 8 weeks after infarction.
Prolonged Treatment with Transdermal Fentanyl in Neuropathic Pain

Forty-eight patients with noncancer neuropathic pain who had participated in a randomized controlled trial with intravenous fentanyl (FENiv) infusions received prolonged transdermal fentanyl (FENtd) in an open prospective study. Pain relief, side effects, tolerance, psychological dependence, mood changes, and quality of life were evaluated. The value of clinical baseline characteristics and the response to FENiv also was evaluated in terms of the outcome with long-term FENtd. Eighteen patients stopped prematurely because of insufficient pain relief, side effects, or both. Among the remaining 30 patients completing the 12-week dose titration protocol, pain relief was substantial in 13 and moderate in five. Quality of life improved (23%, P < 0.01). Psychological dependence or the induction of depression was not observed. In only one patient did tolerance emerge. There was a significant positive correlation between the pain relief obtained with FENiv and that with prolonged FENtd (r = 0.59, P < 0.0001). We conclude that (1) long-term transdermal fentanyl may be effective in noncancer neuropathic pain without clinically significant management problems and (2) A FENiv-test may assist in selecting neuropathic pain patients who might benefit from prolonged treatment with FENtd.
Small intestinal manifestations of HIV infection

Summary: The small intestine is a common site of involvement in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although there are numerous mechanisms by which small intestinal disease may occur in HIV infected patients, the resulting clinical manifestations of these disorders are remarkably similar and include the development of diarrhoea, weight loss and nutrient deficiencesl. In fact, the original designation of AIDS in African countries as the 'slim disease' underlines the importance of small intestinal involvement (most likely secondary to parasitic infections) which commonly occurs in Third World Countries-, The current review will provide a clinically oriented overview of small intestinal disease in patients infected with HIV. Because specific data on treatment of small intestinal diseases in AIDS is often lacking, some presented information is based on the author's experience and opinions.
Compact integration factor methods in high spatial dimensions

The dominant cost for integration factor (IF) or exponential time differencing (ETD) methods is the repeated vector-matrix multiplications involving exponentials of discretization matrices of differential operators. Although the discretization matrices usually are sparse, their exponentials are not, unless the discretization matrices are diagonal. For example, a two-dimensional system of NxN spatial points, the exponential matrix is of a size of N^2xN^2 based on direct representations. The vector-matrix multiplication is of O(N^4), and the storage of such matrix is usually prohibitive even for a moderate size N. In this paper, we introduce a compact representation of the discretized differential operators for the IF and ETD methods in both two- and three-dimensions. In this approach, the storage and CPU cost are significantly reduced for both IF and ETD methods such that the use of this type of methods becomes possible and attractive for two- or three-dimensional systems. For the case of two-dimensional systems, the required storage and CPU cost are reduced to O(N^2) and O(N^3), respectively. The improvement on three-dimensional systems is even more significant. We analyze and apply this technique to a class of semi-implicit integration factor method recently developed for stiff reaction-diffusion equations. Direct simulations on test equations along with applications to a morphogen system in two-dimensions and an intra-cellular signaling system in three-dimensions demonstrate an excellent efficiency of the new approach.
Predicting overweight and obesity in adulthood from body mass index values in childhood and adolescence

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced the clinical use of the body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 ) in growth charts for young males and females. Objective: This study updates our previous report with the use of new CDC BMI charts and definitions of adult overweight and obesity to predict adult overweight or obesity. Design: Logistic models were fitted to relate adult overweight and obesity to childhood and adolescent BMI values at each age for 166 males and 181 females in the Fels Longitudinal Study and were applied to predict adult overweight and obesity at the 75th, 85th, and 95th percentiles on the CDC charts of childhood and adolescent BMI. Results: A child or adolescent with a high BMI percentile on the CDC BMI-for-age growth charts has a high risk of being overweight or obese at 35 y of age, and this risk increases with age. For example, the probability of adult obesity at the 85th percentile for young males was ≤ 20% to 17 y of age and 20‐59.9% afterward; the corresponding probability for young females was 20‐39.9% to 18 y of age and 40‐59.9% afterward. Conclusion: Our clinically applicable method assigns a child’s or adolescent’s BMI value to a group with a known probability of overweight or obesity in adulthood. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:653‐8.
Methods for Studying Irrationality in Organizations, Institutions, and Social Movements: Overview and Two Case Studies: Climate Change Denial and Corporate Acquisitiveness

This chapter discusses two case studies, one of a social movement, the denial of man-made climate change, and one of an institution, the large Anglo-American publicly traded business corporation. Each is often destructive or self-destructive and very bizarre, suggesting the influence of irrational mental processes outside of conscious awareness. My goal in this chapter is to give the reader a more concrete understanding of what this kind of research involves and how it can be accomplished. It is my hope that the readers can apply insights gained from these examples to doing other studies of organizations, institutions, or social movements of special interest to them. The methods explained in this chapter should be helpful in those studies. They include special applications of the following methods: elite and specialized interviewing; use of informants; field work; participant observation; in-milieu observation; systematic random sampling; purposeful sampling; content analysis; and legal research of various kinds.
School Choice, Exit and Voice: Competition and Parental School Decision-making

In his classic work on response to failing organizations, Hirschman (1970) argued that more exit options leads to a reduction in the use of voice to address institutional failures. School choice is premised on the idea that more exit options can lead schools to improve themselves for fear of losing market share, but this change could also lead to a reduction in parental involvement in schools if Hirschman (1970) is correct. We examine how competition among schools influences exit and voice in the schools using the variation in choice context across the United States and a nationally representative sample of parents and students. We find that more choices of a particular type of school do lead to an increase in parental exit to that type of school, but that the effect on voice is more complicated. Specifically, more exit options decreases the use of collective voice intended to affect the functioning of the institution as a whole, but not individual voice focused on the education of one’s own child.
Adolescent sexuality in the light of group processes.

(1980). Adolescent Sexuality in the Light of Group Processes. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 27-47.