cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 005: A Comparison of Methods for Identifying Hospital Performance Outliers in Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: A number of statistical approaches have been advocated and implemented to estimate adjusted hospital outcomes for public reporting or reimbursement. Nonetheless, the ability of these methods to identify hospital performance outliers in support of quality improvement has not yet been fully investigated. Methods: We leveraged data from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery between 2012-2015 at 33 hospitals participating in a statewide quality collaborative. We applied 5 different statistical approaches (1: indirect standardization with standard logistic regression models, 2: indirect standardization with fixed effect models, 3: indirect standardization with random effect models, 4: direct standardization with fixed effect models, 5: direct standardization with random effect models) to estimate hospital post-operative pneumonia rates adjusting for patients’ risk. Unlike the standard logistic regression models, both fixed effect and random effect models accounted for hospital effect. We applied each method to each year, and subsequently compared methods in their ability to identify hospital performance outliers. Results: Pneumonia rates ranged from 0 % to 24 %. The standard logistic regression models for 2013-2015 had c-statistics of 0.73-0.75, fixed effect models had c-statistics of 0.81-0.83, and random effect models had c-statistics of 0.80-0.83. Each method differed in its ability to identify performance outliers (Figure 1). In direct standardization, random effect models stabilized the hospital rates by moving the estimated rates toward the average rate, fixed effect models produced larger standard errors of hospital effect (particularly for hospitals with low case volumes). In indirect standardization, the three models showed high agreement on their derived observed: expected ratio (intraclass correlation =0.95). Indirect standardization with fixed effect or random effect models, identified similar hospital performance outliers in each year. Conclusion: The five statistical approaches varied in their ability to identify performance outliers. Given its higher sensitivity to outlier hospitals, indirect standardization methods with fixed or random effect models, may be best suited to support quality improvement activities.
How gut transcriptional function of Drosophila melanogaster varies with the presence and composition of the gut microbiota.

Despite evidence from laboratory experiments that perturbation of the gut microbiota affects many traits of the animal host, our understanding of the effect of variation in microbiota composition on animals in natural populations is very limited. The core purpose of this study on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster was to identify the impact of natural variation in the taxonomic composition of gut bacterial communities on host traits, with the gut transcriptome as a molecular index of microbiota-responsive host traits. Use of the gut transcriptome was validated by demonstrating significant transcriptional differences between the guts of laboratory flies colonized with bacteria and maintained under axenic conditions. Wild Drosophila from six field collections made over two years had gut bacterial communities of diverse composition, dominated to varying extents by Acetobacteraceae and Enterobacteriaceae. The gut transcriptomes also varied among collections and differed markedly from those of laboratory flies. However, no overall relationship between variation in the wild fly transcriptome and taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota was evident at all taxonomic scales of bacteria tested for both individual fly genes and functional categories in Gene Ontology. We conclude that the interaction between microbiota composition and host functional traits may be confounded by uncontrolled variation in both ecological circumstance and host traits (e.g., genotype, age physiological condition) under natural conditions, and that microbiota effects on host traits identified in the laboratory should, therefore, be extrapolated to field population with great caution.
Comparing Globalizations: Conclusions, Questions, Speculations

As should now be obvious most of the chapters in this collection hold to views that see globalization as a set of ancient processes, which only took on the more recent manifestations and became truly global in the last century or so. They all underscore that even processes new in current globalization processes did not appear de novo.
An exploratory analysis of the joint contribution of HPA axis activation and motivation to early adolescent depressive symptoms.

This study examines the interactive contribution of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and approach-avoidance motivation systems to longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms across the adolescent transition. In the summer prior to, or fall of, 4th grade, 132 youth (68 girls; 64 boys; M age = 9.46 years) participated in a social challenge task and reported on their depressive symptoms. In the winter of 6th grade, youth completed a semi-structured interview of depression and a self-report measure of approach-avoidance motivations. Analyses revealed two profiles of risk for adolescent depressive symptoms, with some gender differences: (1) excessive disengagement, reflected in HPA underactivation along with low approach motivation or high avoidance motivation; and (2) excessive engagement, reflected in HPA overactivation along with high approach motivation. This research highlights the importance of a multi-system perspective on development, suggesting that the implications of HPA dysregulation for depressive symptoms are contingent on adolescents' tendencies toward approach versus avoidance.
INTEGRATING THE SUPPLY CHAIN WITH RFID: A TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the technical and business implications of adopting Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in organizational settings. The year 2004 marked a significant shift toward adopting RFID because of mandates by large retailers and government organizations. The use of RFID technology is expected to increase rapidly in the next few years. At present, however, initial barriers against widespread adoption include standards, interoperability, costs, forward compatibility, and lack of familiarity. This paper describes basic components of an RFID system including tags, readers, and antennas and how they work together using an integrated supply chain model. Our analysis suggests that business needs to overcome human resource scarcity, security, legal and financial challenges and make informed decision regarding standards and process reengineering. The technology is not fully mature and suffers from issues of attenuation and interference. A laboratory experiment conducted by the authors shows that the middleware is not yet at a “plug-and-play” stage, which means that initial adopters need to spend considerable effort to integrate RFID into their existing business processes. Appendices contain a glossary of common RFID terms, a list of RFID vendors and detailed findings of the laboratory experiment.
Distress Intolerance and Smoking Topography in the Context of a Biological Challenge.

Introduction Distress intolerance (DI), one's perceived or behavioral incapacity to withstand distress, is implicated in psychopathology and smoking. This study evaluated the effect of DI on smoking reinforcement in the context of a carbon dioxide (CO2) biological challenge. Methods Adult daily smokers (n = 90; 48.9% female) were randomized to receive a single inhalation/breath of 35% CO2-enriched air (n = 45) or compressed room air (n = 45). Perceived DI was assessed before the challenge. Smoking reinforcement was examined via average post-challenge puff volume across puffs and at the puff-to-puff level. Results Higher DI was associated with an increased average puff volume (b = -4.7, p = .031). CO2 produced decreased average puff volume compared with room air (b = -7.7, p = .018). There was a DI* condition interaction (ƒ2 = 0.02), such that CO2 decreased average puff volume compared with room air in smokers with higher DI (b = -13.9, t = -3.06, p = .003), but not lower DI. At the puff-to-puff level, there was a significant interaction between DI, condition, and cubic time (b = 0.0003, p =. 037). Specifically, room air produced large initial puff volumes that decreased from puff to puff over the cigarette for high- and low-DI smokers. CO2 produced persistent flat volumes from puff to puff over the cigarette for higher DI smokers, whereas CO2 produced puff volumes like that of room air in lower DI smokers. Discussion Findings suggest DI heightens smoking reinforcement generally, and in the context of intense cardiorespiratory distress, is associated with stable and persistent smoking. DI is a promising therapeutic target that, if addressed through psychological intervention, may improve cessation outcomes by decreasing smoking reinforcement. Implications This study contributes to our understanding of the relationship between DI and smoking reinforcement, via examining these processes in response to acute cardiorespiratory distress. Specifically, we found that smokers who are less tolerant of distress, as opposed to those who are more tolerant, evince a decrease in average puff volume, and consistently low puff-to-puff volume, in response to a biological stressor. These findings suggest that smokers high in DI alter smoking behavior following acute cardiorespiratory distress, perhaps to reduce overstimulation, yet also persist in smoking in a manner that suggests an inability to achieve satiation.
Blockholder Board Representation and Debt Contracting

We examine the impact of blockholder board representation on a borrower’s bank loan contract terms. We find that blockholder board representation is associated with lower spreads and fewer covenants, consistent with debtholders viewing blockholder-directors favorably. When examining the potential channels behind the relationship, we find that blockholder-directors who take dedicated monitoring roles, as opposed to short-term or confrontational positions typically associated with activist shareholders, drive the overall relationship. The findings, which are robust to alternative model specifications and explanations, suggest that blockholder-directors can serve as substitute monitors to debtholders when their incentives are aligned. Our research highlights the heterogeneity of blockholders, even among those who actively influence the management process.
Primary Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual and Gender Minorities

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. Not only does IPV among SGMs occur at high rates, but there are also deleterious consequences, thus creating a sense of urgency to identify primary prevention efforts to stop IPV among SGMs. Research suggests that there are myriad individual—(e.g., alcohol use), relational—(e.g., deviant peer association), and community—(e.g., poverty) level risk factors for IPV experiences that have been documented in samples comprised of largely cisgender, heterosexual individuals; although it is presumable that these are similar for IPV in SGM samples. Consistent with the minority stress model, SGM individuals also face unique stressors such as discrimination and internalized homo/trans-negativity, that increases their risk for IPV and can explain the higher rates of IPV among SGM individuals compared to cisgender, heterosexual individuals. Moreover, most primary prevention programs for IPV have been developed for a heterosexual audience, and few studies have examined whether these programs work for SGM individuals which is a critical area for future work. However, IPV-focused programming alone will not eradicate IPV in SGM populations. Effective IPV prevention must also address minority stress, both at its root causes (e.g., eliminating discriminatory policies) and by helping SGM individuals cope with experiences of minority stress. More research is needed to determine how to most effectively prevent IPV in SGMs which must include a focus on eradicating minority stress at all levels of the social ecology in addition to including IPV-focused prevention programming.
Commentary: What’s so special about girls on the autism spectrum? – a commentary on Kaat et al. (2020)

This commentary on the multisite integrative analysis of sex differences on gold standard measures of autism by Kaat and colleagues (2020) provides perspective on its contributions to the debate surrounding sex differences in autism. While this study reports important findings regarding sex differences using currently available tools and samples, innovative research approaches are needed to develop new tools and methodologies to improve our understanding of how autism manifests across the gender spectrum. This includes developing meaningful research partnerships with autistic colleagues, actively recruiting more diverse samples, and augmenting conventional tools and methodologies with new, and equally rigorous, approaches.
A model-driven alternative to programming in blocks using rule-based transformations

The recent surge in computer science (CS) education for children has led to the popularization of blocks-based programming languages (BBPLs), which offer a syntax-directed approach to teach fundamental programming concepts. Most BBPL environments are designed with imperative programming in mind. The primary building blocks represent the key constructs that support sequencing, iteration, and selection, all in an imperative style. Some BBPL environments support bi-directionality and can show the source code of the same program represented as either blocks or in a general-purpose textual language. There have been few alternatives to the imperative primitives used in these environments. In this Vision paper, we propose a paradigmatic change to the underlying and front-facing structures of BBPL environments by replacing them with Model-driven Engineering (MDE) primitives, such as declarative transformation rules and metamodels. We have implemented a prototype of our envisioned system in a modeling environment to show the feasibility of the approach, which we believe could be used by young children. The contribution of our vision is a demonstration of the potential for a new thread of research that lies at the intersection of modeling and CS education for children. We aim to spark an interest in MDE among CS education researchers, while encouraging the modeling community to consider how MDE might be taught to younger students.
LLR-Based Successive-Cancellation List Decoder for Polar Codes With Multibit Decision

Due to their capacity-achieving property, polar codes have become one of the most attractive channel codes. To date, the successive-cancellation list (SCL) decoding algorithm is the primary approach that can guarantee outstanding error-correcting performance of polar codes. However, the hardware designs of the original SCL decoder have a large silicon area and a long decoding latency. Although some recent efforts can reduce either the area or latency of SCL decoders, these two metrics still cannot be optimized at the same time. This brief, for the first time, proposes a general log-likelihood-ratio (LLR) based SCL decoding algorithm with multibit decision. This new algorithm, referred to as $\text{LLR}-2^{K}\ \text{b-SCL}$ , can determine $2^{K}$ bits simultaneously for arbitrary $K$ with the use of LLR messages. In addition, a reduced-data-width scheme is presented to reduce the critical path of the sorting block. Then, based on the proposed algorithm, a VLSI architecture of the new SCL decoder is developed. Synthesis results show that, for an example (1024, 512) polar code with list size 4, the proposed $\text{LLR}-2^{K}\ \text{b}-\text{SCL}$ decoders achieve a significant reduction in both area and latency as compared to prior works. As a result, the hardware efficiencies of the proposed designs with $K=2\ \text{and}\ 3$ are 2.33 times and 3.32 times of that of the state-of-the-art works, respectively.
Book Review: The Fight for Fair Housing: Causes, Consequences and Future Implications of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act, Edited by Gregory D. Squires

This is a book review of The Fight for Fair Housing: Causes, Consequences and Future Implications of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act ed. Gregory D. Squires (Routledge 2018). In addition to summarizing and evaluating all 15 chapters this review highlights the two major contributions of the volume: (1) Some chapters (especially chapters 10, 11, 13, and 15) begin to articulate an argument that effective implementation of fair housing law is not just good for members of protected classes but valuable for everyone because it can help markets work better, promote democracy, and expand opportunity for all; (2) the chapters addressing racial residential segregation (especially chapters 12 through 15) present a very dynamic and comprehensive view of the nature of racial residential segregation, which is necessary for effective action to end it and mitigate its effects.
A survey of wireless network simulation and/or emulation software for use in higher education

In this paper, we survey network simulators and/or emulators with support for wireless networks. We selected six tools, OMNeT++/INET, ns-3, Packet Tracer, Mininet-WiFi, CORE and Komondor, and further investigate them in regards to their potential use in higher education. These simulators/emulators are readily available and have support for wireless networks in one form or another. The goal of the paper is to help instructors in choosing adequate software to assist online teaching of courses related to wireless networks, including laboratories, using virtual devices, with a minimum investment.
Interdependence and Vulnerability in Systems: A Review of Theory for Autonomous Human-Machine Teams

Interdependence exists in all social interactions as constructive or destructive interference. States of interdependence transmit both positive (constructive) and negative (destructive) effects in the interaction. In this chapter, we review the theory of interdependence, and its effects when positive (e.g., innovations, marriages, mergers) or negative (e.g., patent failures, divorces, bankruptcies). We apply the theory to human-machine teams to predict the best and worst teams. And with the theory of interdependence, we review our newest discovery of vulnerability in an opposing team or in our own team. We consider vulnerability to be a fundamental principle of organization in preparation for a competition, during a competition, or in the post-hoc reviews of a competition between teams or organizations. One of the new issues for this chapter is to apply interdependence theory to whether or not convergence has a positive or negative effect in a competition, as with models for system dynamics. We conclude that if a model, concept or leader of a team addresses only a team’s convergence effects, the team will itself be left vulnerable to its opponent and ignorant of the vulnerabilities in its opponent.
Social Emotional Development in School: The Anatomy of One School's Role in Adolescent Female Development

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SCHOOL: THE ANATOMY OF ONE SCHOOL'S ROLE IN ADOLESCENT FEMALE DEVELOPMENT By Tanya E Forneris, M.Sc. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006 Major Director: Steven J. Danish, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Psychology Department Social and emotional learning enables individuals to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish and maintain positive relationships, handle challenging situations effectively, achieve academically, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that competent young people who are socially and emotionally competent are more likely to succeed both academically and personally and have strong personal and interpersonal skills. The purpose of this study was to examine one school's process in helping its students develop both socially and emotionally. For this study social-emotional learning was examined using the individual competencies and guidelines for schools outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Individual interviews were conducted with four teachers, seven school personnel, nine alumnae, four students, and four parents. Focus groups were also conducted with students from each of the four grade levels and students completed personal reflections. In addition, v11 the researcher observed many events througho~~t the school year. A number of themes emerged from the interviews, personal reflections and observations that overlapped among the different groups of participants. These themes included: the care and support provided by the teachers to the students, the opportunities for the students to be involved and become contributing members in their school and communities; the availability of structured activities to enhance relationships among peers; incorporation of values in the curriculum; having a strong and caring leader; and the structure of the school being small and all female. These results support previous research related to the enhancement of social-emotional development and parallel the five recommendations outlined by CASEL related to how schools as institutions can promote social-emotional development.
'Sephardic' Halakhah? The Attitude of Sephardic Decisors to Women’s Torah Study: A Test Case

This paper examines Sephardic rabbinic attitudes to women’s religious studies, and more specifically, advanced Talmud study. I draw on Halakhic texts written in the second half of the 20th century by leading Sephardic rabbis that immigrated to Israel. I first examine the terms Mizraxi and Sephardic and explain on what grounds I find reason to compare the rabbis discussed. I argue that there is no monolithic Sephardic halakhic tradition and that the rabbis discussed hail from diverse communities that experienced and reacted to western and secular influences in unique ways. I then describe how these rabbis reacted to changes in women’s religious and secular education, changes they were forced to confront as their communities were exposed to changing values and social realities. Examining how Sephardic rabbis have responded to the challenge of women’s Torah study allows us to test the claim that the Sephardic halakhic tradition is more flexible and tolerant of change than the Ashkenazi orthodox halakhic tradition.
Theta functions and modular jets

Let ⌈ be a subgroup of the modular group PSL(2,Z ) then ⌈ acts on the upper half plane H = {zЄC : Im z > 0} and we can form the Riemann surface M = H/⌈ , see [3]. The complex line bundles on a Riemann surface M form a group H 1 (M , *), see [4], and whenever we raise a line bundle to a power it will be in this group. Let κ denote the canonical bundle on M then a modular form of weight ν is a section of the bundle . A modular n -jet is then a section of J n the n -th jet bundle, see [7]. We can reformulate these ideas in the following terms. A modular form can be viewed as a function Φ: H → C and a modular n -jet as a vector valued function Φ: H → C n+1 both of which satisfy a transformation law under the elements of Γ .
A Comparison of iPads and Worksheets on Math Skills of High School Students with Emotional Disturbance.

ABSTRACT: The authors used an alternating treatments design to compare the effects of a worksheet condition and an iPad condition on math fluency and active academic engagement during a high school math class in an alternative school setting. Following group instruction, the three participants engaged in independent seatwork either by completing problems on a worksheet or completing problems presented on an iPad. Based on visual analyses, students solved more math problems correctly in less time and demonstrated higher levels of active engagement in the iPad condition as compared to the worksheet condition. Social validity assessments indicated that the teacher and three students preferred the iPad condition to the worksheet condition during the math lessons. A discussion on study limitations, implications, and future research directions is included.
Effects of alloying additions on the α ⇋ γ transformation of cerium Part II. Effects of scandium, thorium and plutonium additions

Abstract Some influences of scandium, thorium and plutonium additions to cerium on the α ⇋ γ transformation have been studied. From this investigation it was learned that valency of the solute has important influence on this transformation, that these solutes prevent the formation of the β-Ce and that the heat of transformation is increased by scandium and plutonium and decreased by thorium. Furthermore, it was found that the critical point of pure cerium is lowered considerably by thorium additions.
Genetics and immunology: reinvigorated

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is changing oncology by improving the outcome of patients with advanced malignancies. Our research has revealed the genetic features of tumors present in patients who initiate a successful antitumor immune response and derive clinical benefit from immune checkpoint blockade therapy versus non-responders.
Circulatory and Metabolic Correlates of Brain Function in Normal Humans

The sections in this article are: 1 Methods 1.1 Tracer Strategies 1.2 Instrumentation 1.3 Anatomical Localization Procedures 1.4 Statistical Considerations 2 Relationship of Neuronal Activity to Blood Flow and Energy Metabolism 2.1 Neuronal Function and Energy Metabolism 2.2 Blood Flow and Energy Metabolism 2.3 Effect of Elementary Stimulus Variables 3 Resting Awake Brain: Changes in Blood Flow and Metabolism 3.1 Normal Features 3.2 Sleep 3.3 Anxiety 3.4 Age 3.5 Anatomical Asymmetries and Atrophy 4 Activated Brain: Changes in Blood Flow and Metabolism 4.1 Voluntary Motor Activity 4.2 Somatosensory Stimulation 4.3 Visual Stimulation 4.4 Auditory Stimulation 4.5 Speech and Language 4.6 Mental Work 5 Conclusions
Local climate and cultivation, but not ploidy, predict functional trait variation in Bouteloua gracilis (Poaceae)

Efforts to improve the diversity of seed resources for important restoration species has become a high priority for land managers in many parts of the world. Relationships between functional trait values and the environment from which seed sources are collected can provide important insights into patterns of local adaptation and guidelines for seed transfer. However, little is known about which functional traits exhibit genetic differentiation across populations of restoration species and thus may contribute to local adaptation. Here, we report the results of a common garden experiment aimed at assessing genetic (including ploidy level) and environmental regulation of several functional traits among populations of Bouteloua gracilis, a dominant C4 grass and the most highly utilized restoration species across much of the Colorado Plateau. We found that leaf size and specific leaf area (SLA) varied significantly among populations, and were strongly correlated with the source population environment from which seeds were collected. However, variation in ploidy level had no significant effect on functional traits. Leaves of plants grown from commercial seed releases were significantly larger and had lower SLA than those from natural populations, a result that is concordant with the overall relation between climate and these two functional traits. We suggest that the patterns of functional trait variation shown here may extend to other grass species in the western USA, and may serve as useful proxies for more extensive genecology research. Furthermore, we argue that care should be taken to develop commercial seed lines with functional trait values that match those of natural populations occupying climates similar to target restoration sites.
Direct calculation of electron density in density-functional theory.

A new approach for the study of ground states of many-electron systems is developed via direct calculation of the density in density-functional theory. Not using the Kohn-Sham equations, the method divides a system into subsystems in physical space and determines the density for each subsystem. The method is demonstrated with calculations for the nitrogen molecule, which is divided into two atomic subsystems. We expect this approach to enable calcultions for large molecules beyond the reach of conventional methods.
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Intravenous Versus Intramuscular Vitamin K in Parenteral Nutrition Patients

Efficacy and safety of intravenous and intramuscular vitamin K were compared prospectively in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. Sixty patients randomly received either a 1-mg daily iv injection (iv group) or a 10-mg weekly injection group (im group). Efficacy was determined by the prolongation of twice-weekly prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin (APTT) times. The prolongation of both was not significantly different between the im and iv groups. The percent of PTs outside the normal range was not different for the two groups, although the iv group had more APTT values outside the range than did the im group (p = 0.002). The number of adverse reactions reported in the iv (5) and im (4) groups was also similar. Reactions were minor, not reproducible, and all patients recovered without sequelae. PT results from the iv and im groups were combined and compared to values from 28 patients in an earlier study who did not receive vitamin K. PTs in the no-vitamin K group were significantly prolonged over the vitamin K group (p = 0.0004). The results confirm that regular addition of vitamin K to TPN regimens decreases the incidence of elevated PTs. When administered appropriately, iv and im administration of vitamin K appear to be equally safe and effective in maintaining normal PTs and APTTs.
Addiction: A global public health challenge for nurses

With expanded technologic and communication resources there is growing awareness worldwide of the public health problems caused by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, misuse, abuse and addiction. Trends vary by culture and region but use of tobacco and alcohol is almost universal and is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. While nurses have not universally embraced the prevention and treatment of substance‐related disorders as their province, this is changing as a function of organisations, World Health Organization (WHO) and national initiatives, and the strengthening of nurse education. Actions to promote consensus, identify and review competencies for nurses must consider national and cultural variations, traditions of social change and the need for evidence‐based practice. Collective action by nurses in newly formed and existing organisations, which focus on addictions prevention and treatment, have resulted in initial professional steps. Such progress can be facilitated if achieved in the context of larger international policies and initiatives and in collaboration with members of other professional disciplines.
Sedimentary record of storm deposits from Hurricane Ike, Galveston and San Luis Islands, Texas

Abstract Prehistoric records of land-falling tropical cyclones further our understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of tropical cyclone activity and its relationship with global climatic changes. Here, we describe deposit stratigraphy and sedimentology resulting from overwash during Hurricane Ike, which made landfall on September 13th 2008, to provide a much needed modern analogue for paleo-hurricane deposits and evaluate the hurricane's influence on barrier stability. We compared the volume, grain size distribution, organic content and foraminiferal assemblages of washover deposits at three sites from Galveston and San Luis Islands, Texas that were up to 50 km west of Ike's landfall. Storm surge heights varied between 3.7 and 2.7 m with inland inundation extents of 330 to 113 m. At each of the study sites, Hurricane Ike eroded the shoreline and re-deposited a landward-thinning sand sheet between 0.02 and 0.28 m thick over short-grass prairie/salt-marsh soil. Shoreline erosion estimates suggest that only between 10 and 30% of eroded beach sediment is deposited on land as washover (net gain to barrier elevation), while the remainder is re-deposited subtidally or offshore, a potential net loss to the coastal sediment budget. The washover sediment was readily identifiable by abrupt changes in grain size, organic content, and buried in situ grasses. Foraminiferal assemblages within washover and short-grass prairie/salt-marsh sediments (when present) have similar assemblages, which are dominated by Ammonia spp. and Elphidium spp. These species are common to bay and nearshore environments of the Gulf of Mexico. Foraminiferal species Bolivina subaenariensis , Quinqueloculina seminulum and planktonic species are restricted to the washover deposits, which may suggest sediment provenance from inner shelf environments.
Evolutionary costs of aggression revealed by testosterone manipulations in free-living male lizards

We examined the hypothesis that increased aggression results in decreased survivorship. We tested this hypothesis by increasing aggression of free-living male lizards Sceloporus jarrovi with testosterone implants and evaluating the effects on survivorship. A previous study showed that testosterone-implanted males were more aggressive than controls, suggesting a greater degree of success in male-male competition. Results of the present study show that the same testosterone-implanted lizards experienced greater mortality. Testosterone-treated males were also seen more frequently and more conspicuous ones were less likely to survive. Testosterone-treated males lost more weight over the summer. In controls, survivorship was negatively correlated with the body weight index. These data suggest that conspicuousness and energetic demands interact in their influence on survivorship. Thus, the natural plasma level of testosterone may be at an optimal level balancing any potential selection pressures for a higher level of testosterone through sexual selection with selection pressures for a lower level through a decrease in survivorship.
The Emptiness of Nothingness: Criticism as Imperial Anti-Politics

I wish to set the record straight with regard to the theoretical distortions Bowers's review has generated about Life in Schools.' I feel that Bowers needs to be held accountable for the mean-spirited insinuations he has made throughout his review that amount to nothing less than personal attacks on my motivations as an educator and social theorist. I have also taken the liberty of criticizing Bowers's treatment of Giroux, since Bowers lumps us together so frequently in his criticism. Despite its tone of high seriousness, his review of my work and that of Giroux represents a web of mystification spun in a careless and cavalier fashion. Rarely in his review does Bowers reflect a coherent grasp of what I understand as the process of becoming schooled, the production of subjectivity, the reproduction of institutional hierarchy, or the production of asymmetrical relations of power and privilege within schools and other cultural and social sites. The discourse that Bowers parades as critical reflection not only politically domesticates our work, but also obscures the issues we attempt to raise. In fact, it is hard to escape the irony that his review amounts to little more than a form of obscurantism that places his own ideas in contradiction to themselves. I will attempt to substantiate these criticisms, and others, throughout the rejoinder.
Efficient light collection for a low-cost respiratory oxygen sensor

Fluorescent sensing of oxygen is an optical method for determining the concentration of dissolved or gaseous oxygen in a medium based on flourescent quenching. In the literature, papers on fluorescent quenching oxygen sensor have highlighted certain key problems that limit the sensitivity an disability of these devices. In this paper, we describe a novel optical collection scheme using planar waveguide that overcomes these key issues. The light collection scheme incorporates multiple alterations over the original simple planar waveguide design. These alterations included shearing the end-face of the waveguide, adding reflective coatings, increasing the refractive index of the waveguide material, and finally, tapering one end of the waveguide. The design is modeled and tested using a computer-simulation program. The end result is a light collection scheme that can have a large fluorescing surface are while maintain in a high light collection efficiency. The optimized waveguide is found to guide 7.0% of the total emitted fluorescent power to the detector for an arbitrary surface area of fluorescence material. This design should greatly help to combat a key problem with fluorescent sensing: photo-bleaching.
Use of Fractal Geometry to Model Turbulent Combustion in SI Engines

Abstract Use of fractal geometry to model the effects of turbulence on flame propagation in an engine is explored using a quasidimensional, 4-stroke, homogeneous charge, SI engine code. This application of fractal geometry requires a new interpretation of the effect of turbulence on the combustion process in an engine. Specifically, flame wrinkling, rather than entrainment, is assumed to be the dominant effect of turbulence on the combustion process. Various simplifications are made in the formulation of the engine model to allow this fractal technique to be investigated as expeditiously as possible. Model predictions are compared to experimental data from an engine with an axisymmetric pancake-shaped combustion chamber. The sensitivity of the model predictions to the fractal dimension, to the effects of flame stretch, and to the ratio of maximum-to-minimum flame wrinkling scales is investigated. It is shown that the predicted initial rate of pressure rise is a strong function of the fractal dimension but...
Spectroscopic investigation of mixed materials using the adsorbed dissipative structures induced by Marangoni convection

A simple method based on self-organization is proposed for the separation of the components of samples on a centimeter-sized substrate plate using a technique to introduce a solvent or solution into the gap between an obliquely placed cover glass and the substrate and then generating a flow of liquid beneath the cover glass. The flow induces adsorption of different components at different positions on the substrate aligned with the cover-glass edge through Marangoni convection without any active intervention. A discussion of the composition and/or structural changes of samples is facilitated by analysis of the adsorbed species using Raman spectroscopy as a micro-probe analytical technique. The separation was demonstrated using mixed proteins, and the separation was strongly dependent not only on the surface energy of the materials and/or the Soret coefficient but also on the molecular interactions of each solute in the solutions and on the shape of the cell. The concentrations of the solutes affected the separation efficiency in this technique.
Fat Bodies in Thin Books: Information Bias and Body Image in Academic Libraries

The authors discuss the impact that the organization of information has on radical fat politics and a fat-positive feminist agenda. In particular, they explore the classification and categorization of books by the Library of Congress, as their cataloging decisions have a profound influence on information retrieval patterns of library users worldwide. At the root of the project is the belief that humans' worth and treatment by others should not be related to their size.
The Homopentameric Ring ATPase Motor of the Bacteriophage T4 Tolerates One Inactive Subunit

Many DNA translocases are multimeric, ringed NTPases. In many cases, how their subunits are coordinated remains poorly understood. Bacteriophage T4 packages its double-stranded DNA genome into a protein capsid using a homopentameric ring of the ATPase gp17. The T4 motor is one of the fastest and most powerful reported to date, translocating DNA at speeds up to 2 kbp/s and capable of packaging against forces greater than 60 pN. Despite extensive biochemical, structural, and single-molecule studies, the mechanism by which the subunits of the T4 motor coordinate to package DNA at high speeds is unknown.In this work, we present single-molecule investigations of the T4 motor coordination mechanism. We constructed gp17 mutants in which ATPase activity was abolished and fluorescently labeled them with a single Cy3 dye molecule. Mixing labeled mutant with unlabeled wild-type gp17 in different ratios, we assembled “poisoned” packaging complexes containing varying numbers of “dead” subunits. We used an instrument combining optical tweezers with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to correlate packaging activity (measured by optical trap) with the number of inactive mutant subunits (measured simultaneously by fluorescence) on each individual complex. Results demonstrate that T4 packaging motors can tolerate a single inactive ATPase in its ring. In contrast to all-wild-type motors, however, packaging in poisoned complexes is interrupted by frequent, transient pauses.These results suggest that, in contrast to other multimeric motors, the T4 packaging ATPases may not be strictly coordinated. Although a defective subunit may cause packaging to pause, the motor may eventually bypass the impediment. We speculate that this mechanism may allow the T4 motor to attain its high translocation speeds.
Structure-performance maps of polymeric, metal, and ceramic matrix composites

This paper presents the results of extensive analytical studies of the thermo-elastic properties of unidirectional laminated composites, as well as two-dimensional and three-dimensional textile structural composites with polymeric, metal, and ceramic matrices. Some comparisons of the theoretical predictions with experimental data have been made. By the construction of the structure-performance maps, the effective composite properties based upon various reinforcement forms and fiber and matrix combinations can be easily assessed. The uniqueness of various textile structural reinforcements also has been demonstrated. These comprehensive performance maps can provide the data base necessary for material selections and guidance for future investigations of advanced composites.
CT, MR Imaging, and MR Angiography in the Evaluation of Patients with Acute Stroke

The patient with acute stroke presents a full challenge to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of medicine in all forms, from community through tertiary care. Patients with brain damage in the ischemic, but not yet infarcted, phase have the greatest potential for recovery. Herein, the author reviews the most commonly employed diagnostic tools that are currently used before stroke therapy. The logistical demands of emergency evaluation of a patient at a given institution often dictate which modality can and should be practically applied. Any of the available modalities, when used well, can offer pertinent diagnostic and even predictive information to assist in the quick, accurate classification of patients to the most appropriate treatment group.
Adolescent pregnancy intentions and pregnancy outcomes: a longitudinal examination.

Abstract Purpose (a) To examine different methods of assessing pregnancy intention; (b) to identify psychosocial differences between those who indicate pregnancy intentions and those who do not; and (c) to examine the relationship between pregnancy intentions and subsequent pregnancy at 6-month follow-up in nonpregnant (at baseline), sexually experienced adolescent females. Methods Longitudinal cohort study of 354 sexually experienced female adolescents attending either a STD clinic or HMO adolescent medicine clinic in northern California. Student's t-tests and regressions examined psychosocial differences between females who reported "any" and "no" pregnancy intentions. ANOVAs examined differences among different combinations of pregnancy plans/likelihood. Chi-square analyses assessed associations between baseline pregnancy intentions and subsequent pregnancy. Results Adolescents' reports of their pregnancy plans and their assessments of pregnancy likelihood differed from one another (χ 2 = 50.39, df = 1, p F [2,338] = 68.96, p F [2,308] = 14.87, p 2 = 19.08, df = 2, p 2 = 8.84, df = 2, p = .015). Conclusions To reduce adolescent childbearing we must assess pregnancy intentions in multiple ways. Information/education might benefit those female adolescents with inconsistent reports of pregnancy intentions.
Optical bistability in photorefractive four-wave mixing

Abstract The coupled wave equations for four-wave mixing (FWM) in a cubic, non-optically-active photorefractive crystal are solved for the case of orthogonally polarized pumping beams. For certain values of the pump and probe beam intensity ratios, the solutions exhibit a multi-valued branching behavior. If the different branches are assumed to be stable, bistability of the phase conjugate reflectivity is predicted. Furthermore, it is shown that this solution is valid for the case where the pump beams are parallel-polarized if the geometry of the four-wave mixing configuration is modified slightly. Our results are therefore applicable to crystals of other symmetry groups, such as barium titanate, using the modified FWM configuration.
Enierging Issues in the Assessment of Young Children With Disabilities: The Expanding Role of School Psychologists

The traditional roles of school psychologists have included the tasks of assessment, consultation, intervention, and program planning and evaluation. These roles have focused primarily on service delivery to school-aged children and youth. With the new focus on early intervention, school psychologists must expand their roles to include service delivery to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in order to effectively identify and treat the special needs of these young children and their families. This article offers an overview of the current issues impacting service delivery to preschoolers and their families, such as assessment, intervention, and training. Finally, several role functions pertinent to the emerging profession of preschool psychology are presented.
Contact Resistance Properties between Nanotubes and Various Metals from Quantum Mechanics

We report on the interfacial structure, the current−voltage (I−V) characteristics, and contact resistance of metal electrode−carbon nanotube contacts for five metals, Ti, Pd, Pt, Cu, and Au, based on first-principles quantum mechanical density functional and matrix Green's function methods. We find that Ti leads to the lowest contact resistance followed by Pd, Pt, Cu, and Au. The sequence, Ti ≫ Pd > Pt > Cu > Au, correlates well with the predicted cohesive strength of the electrode−carbon interface. In addition Ti leads to linear I−V characteristics up to ∼1 V, suggesting an Ohmic contact for both metallic and semiconductor nanotubes. However, the high reactivity of the Ti electrode at the contact to the nanotube distorts the nanotube structure.
Intravenous Drug Therapy of Stokes-Adams Disease Effects of Sympathomimetic Amines on Ventricular Rhythmicity and Atrioventricular Conduction

In the treatment of Stokes-Adams disease emergency resuscitation from cardiac arrest can be effected by external electric stimulation or countershock. For the acute problems of persistent ventricular standstill and frequently recurrent seizures, which often appear immediately after resuscitation, intrinsic ventricular pacemakers must be aroused, accelerated, and maintained. In the treatment of these problems the effects of drugs on ventricular rhythmicity and atrioventricular conduction were evaluated. We have found the slow intravenous administration of dilute solutions of sympathomimetic amines to be an effective and safe technic. Epinephrine and isoproterenol were the most useful agents and were comparable in efficacy and toxicity.