cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust three-dimensional object definition in CT and MRI

This work describes the application of an object definition algorithm to the medical imaging environment for the task of automated detection of anatomical boundaries in three dimensions in the presence of low spatial frequency nonstationarities. We have chosen the Liou-Jain algorithm and have modified it for use with 3D medical image datasets and extended it by including a recruitment operator that corrects for the algorithm's inherent volume underestimation. The algorithm avoids problems in both traditional statistical segmentation and 2D techniques and elegantly bridges the gap between traditional gradient-based edge finding and regression-based segmentation techniques. Results are shown for MRI datasets from the human abdomen and brain and for a CT dataset of a liver tumor, as well as an MRI scan of a glioma in a rat brain. For comparison, the human abdomen dataset was processed by a multivariate, statistical classifier. The results demonstrate the statistical technique's susceptibility to low spatial frequency nonstationarities due to rf field inhomogeneity; the Liou-Jain algorithm is shown to be immune to this effect. Further, the results show spatial consistency as a result of inherent characteristics of the algorithm. Volumes identified by the algorithm are visualized and assessed qualitatively in three dimensions. Quantitative accuracy of the algorithm's volume estimates is assessed by the use of a phantom. This work demonstrates that this technique is effective in automatically detecting anatomical organ and lesion surfaces in 3D medical datasets that are corrupted by low spatial frequency nonstationarity and in obtaining volume estimates.
"Seeing like a rover": embodied experience on the mars exploration rover mission

Although they work with two non-humanoid robots located several million miles away, the distributed team that operates the Mars Exploration Rovers demonstrates an uncanny sympathy for their robotic teammates. This paper examines not only how the Rovers are anthropomorphized by the human team, but also how the team takes on characteristics of the Rovers while conducting science and operations on Mars. Based on two years of ethnographic fieldwork with the Mars Rover mission, the paper places the configuration of the user in social context and probes the role of the machine as social resource, with implications for HCI.
Multiflavor and multiband observations of neutrinos from core collapse supernovae

It has been proposed that the gamma-ray burst--supernova connection may manifest itself in a significant fraction of core collapse supernovae possessing mildly relativistic jets with wide opening angles that do not break out of the stellar envelope. Neutrinos would provide proof of the existence of these jets. In the present paper we calculate the event rate of $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ neutrino-induced cascades in ${\mathrm{km}}^{3}$ detectors. We also calculate the event rate for $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ neutrinos of all flavors with the DeepCore low energy extension of IceCube. The added event rate significantly improves the ability of ${\mathrm{km}}^{3}$ detectors to search for these gamma-ray dark bursts. For a core collapse supernova at 10 Mpc we find $\ensuremath{\sim}4$ events expected in DeepCore and $\ensuremath{\sim}6$ neutrino-induced cascades in IceCube/KM3Net. Observations at $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ are mostly sensitive to the pion component of the neutrino production in the choked jet, while the $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ depends on the kaon component. Finally we discuss extensions of the ongoing optical follow-up programs by IceCube and Antares to include neutrinos of all flavors at $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ and neutrino-induced cascades at $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ energies.
Activated biochar removes 100 % dibromochloropropane from field well water

Dibromochloropropane was one of the primary chemical soil fumigants used to control nematodes. As a consequence, dibromochloropropane is now occurring widely in groundwater. This situation requires treating drinking water before human consumption because exposures to dibromochloropropane have shown linkage to infertility and circulatory system diseases. Here, activated biochar was produced from almond shells and used in the field to remove dibromochloropropane from a municipal water well. Results show that activated biochar removed 100 % of the dibromochloropropane for approximately 3 months and continued to remove it to below treatment standards for an additional 3 months. The breakthrough was modeled by a liquid film mass transfer model that described the experimental data very well. This manuscript reports on the efficient use of local resources such as almond shells to address local environmental needs.
O-methyl oximes of sugars. Analysis as O-trimethylsilyl derivatives by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry

Abstract The mass spectra of aldoses, partially methylated aldoses, deoxyaldoses, and ketoses containing 3–7 carbons, were recorded on the ethers of the trimethylsilyl O-methyl oxime derivatives. Each compound gave a distinctive spectrum indicating the carbon-chain length and the location of substituents. The gas-liquid chromatographic properties of most compounds in this study were also examined.
Successful methods to reduce false-positive mammography interpretations.

There is now solid scientific evidence, derived from several randomized controlled trials, of a statistically significant breast cancer mortality reduction for women age 40 and older who undergo routine screening mammography. 2,6,21 Because of the convincing nature of this evidence, the remaining controversy about the widespread use of screening has, for the most part, shifted to concerns about the risks (harms) of mammography, concentrating on the morbidity and economic costs of false-positive cases. 3,13,14 It is beyond the scope of this article to join in the debate. Rather, the aim herein is to discuss several already demonstrated methods that permit radiologists safely and effectively to reduce the frequency of false-positive mammography interpretations. In my opinion, the widespread implementation of these successful methods currently represents the best argument in defense of mammography that can be advanced by the radiology community. One must remember that the primary goal of mammography is to detect nonpalpable, favorable-prognosis cancer; it is not to have relatively few false-positive cases. As a first priority, the radiologist should strive to achieve a high cancer detection rate, with the great majority of cancers being nonpalpable and early in stage. Only once such a level of success is demonstrated should one attempt to reduce the rate of false-positive interpretations. In other words, first establish the benefit and then attempt to minimize the harms (while maintaining an acceptable level of benefit). Because any strategy designed to reduce the frequency of false-positive cases requires examinations otherwise interpreted as positive to instead be read as negative, and because this leads to a reduction in the number of true-positive cases if any cancers are thereby overlooked, it is clear that successful approaches to reducing false-positive interpretations achieve this goal only if there is no more than a minor decrease in the early detection of favorable-prognosis cancers. Any initially overlooked cancers should still be of good prognosis when ultimately detected, demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes after treatment.
Comparing consistency of R2* and T2*-weighted BOLD analysis of resting state fetal fMRI

Understanding when and how resting state brain functional activity begins in the human brain is an increasing area of interest in both basic neuroscience and in the clinical evaluation of the brain during pregnancy and after premature birth. Although fMRI studies have been carried out on pregnant women since the 1990's, reliable mapping of brain function in utero is an extremely challenging problem due to the unconstrained fetal head motion. Recent studies have employed scrubbing to exclude parts of the time series and whole subjects from studies in order to control the confounds of motion. Fundamentally, even after correction of the location of signals due to motion, signal intensity variations are a fundamental limitation, due to coil sensitivity and spin history effects. An alternative technique is to use a more parametric MRI signal derived from multiple echoes that provides a level of independence from basic MRI signal variation. Here we examine the use of R2* mapping combined with slice based multi echo geometric distortion correction for in-utero studies. The challenges for R2* mapping arise from the relatively low signal strength of in-utero data. In this paper we focus on comparing activation detection in-utero using T2W and R2* approaches. We make use a subset of studies with relatively limited motion to compare the activation patterns without the additional confound of significant motion. Results at different gestational ages indicate comparable agreement in many activation patterns when limited motion is present, and the detection of some additional networks in the R2* data, not seen in the T2W results.
Synthesis and solid state structure of bis(μ-acetate)bis(p-methylbenzyl)bis(trimethylphosphine)-dimolybdenum (MoMo), Mo2(O2CCH3)2(CH2Ph-p-Me)2(PMe3)2

Abstract The reaction of Mo2(OAc)4[OAcO2CCH3] with 2 equivalents of Mg(CH2Ph-p-Me)2 (CH2Ph-p-Me = p-methylbenzyl) in the presence of PMe3 has led to the isolation of the acetate bridged dimer Mo2(OAc)2(CH2Ph-p-Me)2(PMe3)2 as deep pink crystals which have been studied by X-ray diffraction methods. Crystal data for Mo2P2O4C26H42, Mr = 672.45, P 1 , a = 9.476(6), b = 11.828(3), c = 15.202(3) A; α = 96.89(2), β = 97.27(4), γ = 111.18(4)°, V = 1550(2) A3, Z = 2, Dx = 1.440 g cm−3, Mo Kα, λ = 0.71703 A, μ = 9.17 cm−1, F(000) = 688.0, T = 24.0 °C, R = 0.060 for 4043 unique observation reflections. The unit cell contains two independent but essentially identical molecules. The structures consist of two molybdenum atoms bridged by two acetate molecules with a terminally bound benzyl and phosphine ligand at each metal center. The coordination geometry at each metal is approximately tbp, with a MM distance consistent with a bond order of four.
Victims No More: Postfeminism, Television, and Ally McBeal

(2002). Victims No More: Postfeminism, Television, and Ally McBeal. The Communication Review: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 315-335.
Growth hormone and aging

Aging is associated with a significant decline in secretion of growth hormone. This in turn leads to reduced circulating IGF-I and changes in IGF-binding proteins. Growth hormone replacement to growth hormone-deficient individuals has been shown to improve quality of life, enhance bone and muscle mass, and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, studies with growth hormone therapy in the elderly have been somewhat disappointing with minimal changes in lean body mass, musculoskeletal function, and overall quality of life. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that high normal serum IGF-I levels may be associated with a greater risk of several neoplastic disorders. Hence, there is less enthusiasm for reversing the changes of the “somatopause” with recombinant growth factors. An overview of these issues and the prospects for the future will be discussed in this article.
Adaptive optimal control of an autonomous underwater vehicle in the dive plane using dorsal fins

In this paper, adaptive control of low speed bio-robotic autonomous underwater vehicles (BAUVs) in the dive plane using dorsal fins is considered. It is assumed that the model parameters are completely unknown and only the depth of the vehicle is measured for feedback. Two dorsal fins are mounted in the horizontal plane on either side of the BAUV. The normal force produced by the fins, when cambered, is used for the maneuvering. The BAUV model considered here is non-minimum phase. An indirect adaptive control system is designed for the depth control using the dorsal fins. The control system consists of a gradient based identifier for online parameter estimation, an observer for state estimation, and an optimal controller. Simulation results are presented which show that the adaptive control system accomplishes precise depth control of the BAUV using dorsal fins in spite of large uncertainties in the system parameters.
The incentives for China’s climate actions

Although China is not subject to the emission targets set by the Kyoto Protocol, it has ramped up significant effort in climate mitigation on its own. The Greenhouse Gas Emission Control Plan in the twelfth Five-Year Plan sets carbon intensity targets for provinces, taking into account different stages of economic development and industrial structure. Although China’s climate policy-making is centralized, the successful implementation needs the compliance of provincial governments. However, climate policy is challenged by economic growth and social stability, the Chinese government’s top priority. In the context of climate governance, China’s success depends on the willingness of the political center.
Chinchilla models of selective cochlear hair cell loss.

Abstract Although it is well known that ethacrynic acid (EA) can enhance gentamicin (GM) ototoxicity, there has been no systematic study of the relationship between dosing parameters and inner ear pathology. We examined the effects of two parameters, GM dose and time delay between GM and EA administration, on cochlear and vestibular hair cell loss in chinchillas. ‘No delay’ groups received one injection of GM (125, 40, 20, or 10 mg/kg i.m.) followed immediately by EA (40 mg/kg i.v.); ‘delay’ groups received GM (10 mg/kg i.m.) followed by EA 1 or 1.5 h later. Animals were sacrificed 7 days later for evaluation of hair cell loss in the cochlea and vestibular end organs (cristae, saccule and utricle). Vestibular function was assessed prior to sacrifice by measuring the duration of nystagmus induced by cold caloric stimulation. No delay groups had ∼100% loss of outer hair cells and dose-dependent losses of inner hair cells, ranging from ∼100% to 58%. In 1 and 1.5 h delay groups, inner hair cell losses were ∼19% and 0%, outer hair cell losses were ∼74% and 47%, and outer hair cell loss followed a typical base to apex gradient. Two results were remarkable. First, the three groups with partial inner hair cell loss showed an atypical lesion pattern in which losses were substantially greater in the apical half than in the basal half of the cochlea. Second, there was no vestibular pathology in any group. The results establish dosing parameters that can be used to produce animal models with defined patterns and magnitudes of cochlear hair cell damage, but normal vestibular function and morphology.
ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH MULTI-VESSEL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: OUTCOMES IN THE AGE OF STAGED PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Multivessel (MV) coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with worse outcomes than single vessel (SV) CAD in the setting of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Staged-PCI has recently been proposed as a treatment strategy in this setting. Data on the utilization and outcomes
Attosecond time-resolved photoelectron dispersion and photoemission time delays.

We compute spectrograms and relative time delays for laser-assisted photoemission by single attosecond extreme ultraviolet pulses from valence band (VB) and $2p$ core levels (CLs) of a Mg(0001) surface within a quantum-mechanical model. Comparing the time-dependent dispersion of photoelectron (PE) wave packets for VB and CL emission, we find striking differences in their dependence on the (i) electron mean free path (MFP) in the solid, (ii) screening of the streaking laser field, and (iii) chirp of the attosecond pulse. The relative photoemission delay between VB and $2p$ PEs is shown to be sensitive to the electron MFP and screening of the streaking laser field inside the solid. Our model is able to reproduce a recent attosecond-streaking experiment [S. Neppl et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 087401 (2012)], which reveals no relative streaking time delay between VB and $2\mathit{\text{p}}$ PEs.
The weighted finite element method for elasticity equations on unbounded domains

Abstract By introducing the Weighted Riesz-Galerkin Method with a special weight function, Oh-Jou [23] made it possible to apply MAM (the Method of Auxiliary Mapping, introduced by Babuska—Oh) to general elliptic boundary value problems on unbounded domains. In this paper, this method is further generalized to yield highly accurate approximate solutions for linear elasticity problems on unbounded domains with bounded (or unbounded) boundaries. It is shown that, in the framework of the p -version of the FEM, this method does efficiently handle elasticity problems on unbounded domains and yields accurate solutions at low cost.
The hyperfine spectrum of sodium bromide

Abstract The molecular beam electric resonance technique has been used to examine in detail the hyperfine spectrum of both isotopes of NaBr in vibrational states v = 0–5 and rotational states J = 2–6. Frequencies of 166 observed transitions have been measured with a precision of a few hertz by extrapolating the experimental frequencies to zero field. State-dependent molecular hyperfine constants have been determined for the quadrupole, spin-rotation, spin-spin, and octupole interactions, fitting the spectrum to a reduced χ 2 of 3.39 for Na 79 Br and 1.55 for Na 81 Br.
Robust Stability and Stabilization of a Class of Nonlinear Itô-Type Stochastic Systems via Linear Matrix Inequalities

This article presents a new approach to robust quadratic stabilization of nonlinear stochastic systems. The linear rate vector of a stochastic system is perturbed by a nonlinear function, and this nonlinear function satisfies a quadratic constraint. Our objective is to show how linear constant feedback laws can be formulated to stabilize this type of stochastic systems and, at the same time maximize the bounds on this nonlinear perturbing function which the system can tolerate without becoming unstable. The new formulation provides a suitable setting for robust stabilization of nonlinear stochastic systems where the underlying deterministic systems satisfy the generalized matching conditions. Our sufficient conditions are written in matrix forms, which are determined by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which have significant computational advantage over any other existing techniques. Examples are given to demonstrate the results.
Sex without emotional involvement: an evolutionary interpretation of sex differences.

Two samples of male (n= 243) and female (n= 298) college students completed sexual surveys, and in-depth, oral interviews were conducted with 28 highly sexually active female college students. Findings supported five predictions derived from evolutionary (parental-investment) theory. Even when females voluntarily engaged in low-investment copulation, coitus typically caused them to feel emotionally vulnerable, and to have thoughts expressing anxiety about partners' willingness to invest. For females, increasing numbers of partners correlated positively with the incidence of these feelings and thoughts; for males, these correlations were negative. Females' attempts to continue regular coitus when they desired more investment than partners were willing to give produced feelings of distress, degradation, and exploitation despite acceptance of liberal sexual morality. Increasing numbers of partners did not mitigate these reactions in females and may exacerbate them. Multiple-partner females developed techniques for dealing with their emotional reactions to low-investment copulation: They frequently tested their partners for signs of ability and willingness to invest (e.g., dominance, prowess, jealousy, nurturance), and they limited or terminated sexual relations when they perceived partners' investment as inadequate. Results were consistent with the view that the emotional-motivational mechanisms that mediate sexual arousal and attraction are sexually dimorphic.
A new species of Erigeron (Asteraceae) and its relatives in southwestern Utah

A narrow endemic of southwestern Utah,Erigeron flagellaris A. Gray var.trilobatus Maguire ex Cronq., is given specific status asErigeron proselyticus Nesom. It is closely related to two other rare endemics of the Zion National Park area,Erigeron religiosus Cronq. andErigeron sionis Cronq., but it does not share a similarly close relationship with typicalE. flagellaris. Erigeron proselyticus is diploid;E. sionis is tetraploid and probably agamospermic; three diploid populations and several triploid populations ofE. religiosus are known, including a population of triploids from the site of a paratype collection of this species. Variation in these triploids suggests the possibility of hybridization withErigeron divergens Torr. & Gray, or with an unknown species no longer occurring sympatrically withE. religiosus.
Potential Retinal Hazards: Instrument and Environmental Light Sources

Light can cause retinal damage by mechanical, thermal, or photochemical mechanisms. Mechanical and thermal injury require a very intense light exposure, but photochemical injury is caused by a prolonged exposure to light levels that probably would be well tolerated if experienced only transiently. The existence of photochemical retinal damage has prompted concern about its possible role in macular degeneration. and reexamination of the safety of clinical light sources. An analysis of the potential hazardousness of these light sources is presented, in addition to a review of retinal damage mechanisms, and suggestions for pertinent patient counseling.
Determining Binder and Fiber Composition of Carbon Fiber Fabrics

Methods are described for determining the binder and fiber contents of nonwoven fabrics bonded with a polyester binder and containing either carbon fibers or a blend of carbon and polyester fibers. The amounts of fiber and binder in a nonwoven made with only carbon fibers are determined by weighing the fibers after removing the binder with concentrated sulfuric acid. Analysis of a nonwoven containing a blend of carbon and polyester fibers is accomplished by removing the binder with 70% sulfuric acid and weighing the total fibers. Then the fibers are treated with concentrated sulfuric acid and the carbon fibers are weighed.
Scaling properties of azimuthal anisotropy of mesons and baryons at RHIC

Detailed measurements of the azimuthal anisotropy (\v2) for identified charged particles are reported as a function of transverse momentum ($p_T$) and centrality for Au+Au collisions at \sqrtsNN = 200 GeV. The measurements indicate clear evidence for eccentricity and particle flavor scaling over a broad range of centralities and transverse rapidity $y_T$, indicating a hydrodynamical origin of the fine structure of azimuthal anisotropy at RHIC. The observed scaling supports the picture of a suddenly hadronizing (recombining) fluid of quarks. An apparent breaking of flavor scaling at relatively large values of $y_T$ points to an important change in the mechanism for particle emission.
A summary of the major global 3-D FDTD modeling capabilities to-date

Global three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) models of the Earth-ionosphere waveguide first appeared in the literature a decade ago. Over the past 10+ years, many advances have expanded the capabilities of these models and broadened their applicability. The capabilities are summarized in this Paper.
Bacterial Communities of the Coronal Sulcus and Distal Urethra of Adolescent Males

Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiotas are associated with reproductive health and STI resistance in women, whereas altered microbiotas are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), STI risk and poor reproductive outcomes. Putative vaginal taxa have been observed in male first-catch urine, urethral swab and coronal sulcus (CS) specimens but the significance of these observations is unclear. We used 16 S rRNA sequencing to characterize the microbiota of the CS and urine collected from 18 adolescent men over three consecutive months. CS microbiotas of most participants were more stable than their urine microbiotas and the composition of CS microbiotas were strongly influenced by circumcision. BV-associated taxa, including Atopobium, Megasphaera, Mobiluncus, Prevotella and Gemella, were detected in CS specimens from sexually experienced and inexperienced participants. In contrast, urine primarily contained taxa that were not abundant in CS specimens. Lactobacilllus and Streptococcus were major urine taxa but their abundance was inversely correlated. In contrast, Sneathia, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma were only found in urine from sexually active participants. Thus, the CS and urine support stable and distinct bacterial communities. Finally, our results suggest that the penis and the urethra can be colonized by a variety of BV-associated taxa and that some of these colonizations result from partnered sexual activity.
Heterostructure Transistor Technology - A New Frontier in Microwave Electronics

Two transistors are taking over the lead in the race for highest speed: the High-Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) and the Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT). Both devices exploit unique aspects of electron transport at the interface between compound semiconductors of different bandgaps. These heterostructure transistors will expand the usable frequency range of three-terminal devices to 100 GHz. They will have the way for a rapidly expanding market in mm-wave monolithic circuits. This overview paper examines the potential of the two transistors, reviews the progress in microwave and digital applications and highlights future technical challenges.
Effects of Correspondence Training in an Abduction Prevention Training Program

ABSTRACT Thirty-one children ages 4 to 5 participated in an abduction prevention program consisting of instructions, role plays, corrective feedback, and praise. The children were assigned to one of two groups. In one group, reinforcement was given for the correct performance of the three target behaviors during the role plays, whereas in the second group, reinforcement was given for verbal-nonverbal correspondence. Abduction prevention skills were assessed through self-reports and in situ probes at pretraining and posttraining. Those who met criteria at the posttraining probe were reassessed at a one-month follow-up. Those who did not meet criteria at the posttraining probe were given a booster session and were reassessed one week later. Although it was expected that participants in the correspondence group would demonstrate higher levels of correspondence between self-reports and in situ probes and would be more likely to engage in the target behaviors, the results indicated that there were no group dif...
Mandible matrix necrosis in beagle dogs after 3 years of daily oral bisphosphonate treatment.

Purpose An increasing number of reports have implicated bisphosphonates as contributing to osteonecrosis of the jaw. The goal of this study was to evaluate mandible necrosis in beagle dogs treated for 3 years with oral alendronate (ALN). Materials and Methods Skeletally mature female beagles were treated daily for 3 years with oral doses of vehicle (VEH) or ALN (0.20 or 1.0 mg/kg/day). These doses approximate, on a mg/kg basis, those used for postmenopausal osteoporosis and Paget's disease, respectively. At necropsy, the second molar region of the mandible was excised, stained en bloc with basic fuchsin, and assessed for matrix necrosis and intracortical bone turnover rate using histology. Matrix necrosis was defined as a region greater than 500 μm2 that was void of basic fuchsin stain, assessed using both bright-field and confocal microscopy. Results No animals developed exposed bone lesions in the oral cavity during the 3-year study. Matrix necrosis was observed in 25% of ALN0.2 animals, 33% of ALN1.0 animals, and was noticeably absent from all vehicle animals (P < .05 pooled ALN doses vs VEH). These necrotic regions occurred predominately in the alveolar bone and were clearly void of patent canaliculi. Intracortical bone turnover rate of the alveolar mandible bone region was significantly lower (−75%, P < .05) in ALN-treated animals compared with VEH. Conclusions Three years of daily oral bisphosphonate treatment reduces bone turnover significantly and increases the incidence of matrix necrosis within the mandible of dogs.
Linkages between primary seed dispersal, hydrochory and flood timing in a semi‐arid region river

Questions Are seed release and hydrochory of riparian plants coupled with seasonal flood pulses for a river with bimodal flows? What phenological hydrochore guilds are present? How representative of riparian vegetation are hydrochores? What is the role of hydrochory in riparian plant community composition in arid land streams? Location Verde River, central Arizona, USA. Methods We recorded phenology of flowering and primary seed dispersal monthly for >100 riparian plant species, seined hydrochores 12 times during the growing season, sampled the extant plant community, and collected soil seed bank samples. Emergence of seedlings from hydrochore and soil samples was monitored for 1 yr in a greenhouse. Plant species were classified as to wetland indicator status and assessed for traits including life span, growth form and seed mass. Results Flowering and primary seed dispersal at the community level was bimodal for dryland species but more constant through time for wetland species. Numbers and richness of wetland hydrochores were high during the three floods that occurred in the atypical study year, while dryland species pulsed during a single flood. Three of 56 hydrochore taxa were vernal flood specialists, characterized by a spring hydrochore pulse during their period of seed release, and one was associated with summer floods. Another six were phenological generalists, with hydrochores constant or semi-constant through time (including before and after primary dispersal) and persistent soil seed banks. Hydrochorous species spanned a wide range of traits, but overall had smaller seeds and higher wetland affinity than extant riparian vegetation. Conclusions As with other regions, hydrochory in dryland rivers is governed by the individual and combined influences of extrinsic factors, such as seasonal flow patterns and hydraulics, and intrinsic factors, such as timing of seed release and seed traits. Floods at different times during the season disperse distinct guilds, emphasizing the importance of flow variability for structuring riparian plant communities. Identifying temporal flood specialists and flood generalists is important, both for informing environmental flow regimes and for understanding patterns of plant distribution. The phenological dispersal plasticity of the generalist hydrochore species allows for adaptability to varying flow conditions and likely contributes to their broad geographic distributions.
Electron paramagnetic resonance of Fe3+ in natural topaz

Abstract The EPR spectra of Fe 3+ , the dominant paramagnetic impurity in natural topaz, showed marked “super- hyperfine” structure allowing the crystal site to be determined. Angular dependent spectra revealed strong zero-field splitting as predicted by an appropriate spin-Hamiltonian.
Functional-group effects on the ion-exchange properties of organically modified silicates

Abstract The ion-exchange and permselectivity of organically modified silicate films prepared from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTEOS) have been investigated as a function of film structure and functionality. In this study, APTEOS was hydrolyzed and co-polymerized with either isobutyltrimethoxysilane (BTMOS), phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMOS), methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS), or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), and the resultant hybrid sol spin cast on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The magnitude and rate of the ion-exchange and permselectivity of the modified electrode in pH 4, 0.05 M potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) buffer solutions of potassium ferricyanide (Fe CN 6 3− ) and ruthenium hexaammine (Ru NH 3 6 3+ ) were evaluated via cyclic voltammetry and visible spectrophotometry. In a 1 mM Fe CN 6 3− solution, the organically modified silicate films showed a ca. 4–10 fold increase in Faradaic current (relative to a bare electrode) after 10–120 min, whereas the voltammetric response of 1 mM Ru NH 3 6 3+ was completely or nearly completely suppressed. The magnitude and rate of ion-exchange and permselectivity depend strongly on the amount of ion-exchange sites and the type of modifier introduced into the material. Films prepared from APTEOS and either PTMOS or BTMOS showed significantly faster ion-exchange relative to films prepared with either TMOS or MTMOS, presumably due to a more open silicate framework. In terms of both ion-exchange and permselectivity, films prepared with a 1 : 1 mole ratio of modifier to APTEOS provided the best results.
Prevalence of Smoking in Anxiety Disorders Uncomplicated by Comorbid Alcohol or Substance Abuse

This study examined the point prevalence of smoking in patients with anxiety disorders who do not have comorbid alcohol or substance abuse or dependence (ASAD). In a retrospective chart review, the smoking status of 581 patients with anxiety disorders was assessed. Patients, ages 18–65, were seeking treatment for anxiety disorders at an outpatient clinic that specialized in anxiety and related disorders. All participants were interviewed using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule—IV, during which their smoking status was assessed. The prevalence of smoking across all anxiety disorders was 14.8%, which is much lower than found in the general population (23.3%; CDC, 2002) and even lower than previous estimates in individuals with comorbid anxiety and ASAD. Individuals with panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder had the highest prevalence of smoking, although these rates were still considerably lower than those found in previous studies of smokers with anxiety disorders. Reasons for lower prevalence estimates are discussed.
Numerical study of the breaking of an internal soliton and its interaction with a slope

Abstract The full Navier-Stokes and diffusion equations are applied to study the breaking of an internal soliton on the continuously stratified pycnocline in a two-layer system and its interaction with a slope. First, these equations are solved numerically to study the limiting height and breaking of the soliton in the case of constant total depth. Breaking occurs when the particle velocity in a region of flow field exceeds the wave celerity. This results in a gravitational instability with a patch of dense water entraining into the upper layer in the lee of the wave. The numerically determined breaking criterion is supported by an estimate using the first-order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) theory. Then, the model is used to examine the interaction of the soliton with a slope-shelf topography and a uniform slope. In both cases, the relative depths of the layers change at the turning point along the slope. Mechanisms of the wave breaking and wave propagation processes for both cases are described. Scaled bottom stresses and total wave run-up on the slope are also presented.
A rapid synthesis of nitrogen‐13 labelled amphetamine

The preparation of nitrogen-13 labelled α-methylphenyl-ethylamine (amphetamine), utilizing a sealed reaction system is described.
High dose rate brachytherapy boost treatment in radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Abstract The natural history of prostate cancer is for early invasion of the prostatic capsule and seminal vesicles. This will be present in the majority of patients presenting with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) >10 or Gleason score >7. In these patients a combination of external beam treatment to provide a regional dose of radiation followed by a high dose rate afterloading brachytherapy boost to enable conformal dose escalation within the prostate gland presents an attractive option in local treatment. Accurate placement of catheters is now possible using transrectal ultrasound to provide high quality implants. A number of centres have now developed this technique as a routine clinical tool. There remains variation in the optimal dose fractionation with a range of BED 10 values from 100 to 77 and BED 3 values from 246.6 to 122.5. This does not, however, take into account geometric variations in dose distribution exploiting the physical advantage of BT in achieving a rapid dose fall off close to critical structures such as the rectum. Early results show PSA response levels of around 90% with grade III toxicity in 5–9% of patients. Critical evaluation of this technique in prospective, randomized trials is required.
Down-regulation of epithelial cadherin is required to initiate metastatic outgrowth of breast cancer

Reduced epithelial cadherin (E-cad) is a hallmark of invasive carcinomas that have acquired epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes. Here we show that down-regulated E-cad expression induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and EMT preceded breast cancer outgrowth in three-dimensional (3D) organotypic assays and in the lungs of mice. Pharmacological inhibitors against focal adhesion kinase prevented metastatic outgrowth of newly seeded organoids, but not that of their fully established counterparts. Interrogating the D2-HAN (hyperplastic alveolar nodule) model of breast cancer dormancy and metastasis showed that dormant D2.OR cells produced branched organoid morphologies in 3D-cultures, and expressed robust quantities of E-cad that was uncoupled from regulation by TGF-β. In contrast, metastatic D2.A1 organoids were spherical and wholly lacked E-cad expression. Interestingly, D2.A1 cells engineered to re-express E-cad formed branched organoids, down-regulated β1 integrin expression, and failed to undergo metastatic outgrowth. The tumor-suppressing function of E-cad was inactivated by increased microenvironmental rigidity, and was not recapitulated by expression of an E-cad mutant lacking its extracellular domain. Twist expression, but not that of Snail, reinitiated metastatic outgrowth in dormant D2.OR cells. Our findings show that EMT and its down-regulated expression of E-cad circumvent breast cancer dormancy in part by facilitating β1 integrin expression necessary for metastatic outgrowth.
Analyst Forecasting Performance in Seven Countries

Through an examination of more than 11,000 firms in the United States, Japan, and various European markets in the 1991–95 period, this article shows an association between the level of firms' disclosures and analysts' ability to forecast earnings per share. The findings are consistent with the notion that analysts forecast earnings with more accuracy and less optimistic bias for firms in countries that mandate relatively more disclosure than they do for firms in countries with less stringent mandates. This article also reports the average forecast errors for firms, by country, in the study.
Measurement of the Nitrogen Total Cross Section from 0.5 eV to 50 MeV, and Analysis of the 433-keV Resonance

High-resolution neutron transmission measurements have been made on several thicknesses of nitrogen gas samples from 0.5 eV to 50 MeV at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator (ORELA). A preliminary R-matrix analysis has been done for resonances up to 800 keV. An R-matrix analysis of previous data was done by LANL for ENDF/B-VI, including the lowest energy resonance in 14N at 433 keV. They found a spin of 3/2 (with l = 1) and a peak cross section of 7.0 b. Analysis of the present data yield a spin of 7/2 (requiring l ≥ 2) and a peak cross section of 11.5 b for this resonance. These results are important for transport calculations of neutrons through air. Scattering measurements are planned to determine the parity of this resonance.
Management of hypertension in acute stroke

Hypertension is commonly seen in the setting of an acute stroke. Although hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, the immediate management of elevated blood pressure in this setting is controversial. Questions remain to be definitively answered, such as when to start lowering blood pressure, by how much to lower pressure, which pharmaceutical agents to use and whether to continue or stop previous antihypertensive medications. Recently, pilot studies have been initiated in an attempt to answer these questions and will hopefully lay the foundation for larger definitive studies.
Interactions between HMG boxes

Many proteins consist of subdomains that can fold and function independently. We investigate here the interaction between the two high mobility group (HMG) box subdomains of the nuclear protein rHMG1. An HMG box is a conserved amino acid sequence of approximately 80 amino acids rich in basic, aromatic and proline side chains that is active in binding DNA in a sequence or structure-specific manner. In the case of HMG1, each box can bind structural DNA substrates including four-way junctions (4WJs) and branched or kinked DNA duplexes. Since proteins containing up to six HMG boxes are known, the question arises whether linking subdomains together influences the folding or function of individual boxes. In an effort to understand interactions between individual DNA-binding domains in HMG1, we created new fusion proteins: one is an inversion of the order of the AB di-domain in HMG1 (BA); in the second, we added a third A domain C-terminal to the AB di-domain (ABA). Pairs of boxes, AB or BA, behave similarly and are functionally active. By contrast, the ABA triple subdomain construct is partially unfolded and is less active than individual boxes or di-domains. Thus, long-range interdomain effects can influence the activity of HMG boxes.
A nine-MESFET two-dimensional power-combining array employing an extended resonance technique

A spatial power combining circuit that forms a single resonant structure from many active devices is introduced. A large-signal analysis of this power combiner was performed. Based on these results, a two- and a nine-MESFET two-dimensional combiner driving two- and nine-patch antenna elements, respectively, were designed and fabricated. Measured results are presented. An effective radiated power of 6.06 W at 7.33 GHz was obtained from the nine-MESFET combiner. >
The Role of the Corporation in Fostering Sustainable Peace

This Article demonstrates that there is a plausible, conceptual relationship among corporate governance, business ethics, and sustainable peace. First, the Authors begin by outlining the benefits of and protests against globalization and the reciprocal benefits between geopolitical entities and economic activity. The Article then details specific historical events that foreshadow patterns in the relationship between business and sustainable peace. In looking more closely at those patterns, the Authors argue that through economic progress and mitigation of rivalries in the workplace, multinational corporations can contribute to sustainable peace. Thus, if this argument is correct, the stakes increase dramatically for corporations to consider these issues in their governance practices and for governments to create legislative frameworks to encourage such responsible practices. The Authors propose that incorporating attributes of peaceful societies with current successful corporate governance regimes will help to achieve both economic progress and social harmony. The Article concludes that the future will offer increasingly precise corporate models that contribute to the reduction of bloodshed.
No major role for 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine in ultraviolet light-induced mutagenesis.

Abstract Kappes, U. P. and Runger, T. M. No Major Role for 7,8-Dihydro-8-oxoguanine in Ultraviolet Light-Induced Mutagenesis. Radiat. Res. 164, 440–445 (2005). Oxidative DNA damage, in particular 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), has been suggested to mediate mutation formation and malignant transformation after exposure of the skin to long-wave ultraviolet (UVA) light. It is processed primarily by the base excision repair (BER) pathway. The initial step of BER is the removal of the damaged base by a damage-specific DNA-glycosylase, which is 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase (OGG1) for 8-oxoG. To study the contribution of 8-oxoG to UVA-light mutagenesis, we compared UVA- and UVB-light-induced mutation frequencies in mouse embryonal fibroblasts from OGG1 knockout mice and their OGG1-intact littermates using the ouabain mutagenesis assay. After irradiation with various doses of UVA or UVB radiation, mutations in the Na,K-ATPase gene of single cells were detected by testing for colony-forming ability in a selective me...
Reducing PFN marx generator size using nested solid insulation

Current state-of-the-art, high voltage, pulsed power systems above 0.5 GW output power, generally use Marx or Pulse Forming Network (PFN) Marx generator designs. The high voltage insulation of these devices has been traditionally based on either high dielectric strength oil or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The dielectric strength of the insulating medium determines the minimum size of the tank enclosure of the system since it determines the maximum voltage standoff between the fully erected Marx output voltage and the tank wall. We have applied our “Nested High Voltage” (NHV) insulation technology to the problem of PFN pulse generator design. This technique uses solid insulation with field grading foils that minimized the distance from the fully erected voltage and the tank wall. This report describes work performed in adapting this technology to building a PFN pulse generator. We believe that this technology will allow size reductions relative to other insulation technologies. The technology also allows integration of the PFN charge power supply into the PFN. Data will be presented on the performance of a 130kV version of this type of device capable of up to 5kA output. We demonstrated that making a “flat” pulse is feasible in this geometry, and we determined that there is an optimal grading technique for this type of design. Both high gradient insulation and pulse generation have been demonstrated and will be described. The systems will be useful in the 50kV – 2 MV range with impedances in the 20 – 200 ohm range.
Phylogeny and the inference of evolutionary trajectories

Most important organismal adaptations are not actually single traits, but complex trait syndromes that are evolutionarily integrated into a single emergent phenotype. Two alternative photosynthetic pathways, C4 photosynthesis and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), are primary plant adaptations of this sort, each requiring multiple biochemical and anatomical modifications. Phylogenetic methods are a promising approach for teasing apart the order of character acquisition during the evolution of complex traits, and the phylogenetic placement of intermediate phenotypes as sister taxa to fully optimized syndromes has been taken as good evidence of an ‘ordered’ evolutionary trajectory. But how much power does the phylogenetic approach have to detect ordered evolution? This study simulated ordered and unordered character evolution across a diverse set of phylogenetic trees to understand how tree size, models of evolution, and sampling efforts influence the ability to detect an evolutionary trajectory. The simulations show that small trees (15 taxa) do not contain enough information to correctly infer either an ordered or unordered trajectory, although inference improves as tree size and sampling increases. However, even when working with a 1000-taxon tree, the possibility of inferring the incorrect evolutionary model (type I/type II error) remains. Caution is needed when interpreting the phylogenetic placement of intermediate phenotypes, especially in small lineages. Such phylogenetic patterns can provide a line of evidence for the existence of a particular evolutionary trajectory, but they should be coupled with other types of data to infer the stepwise evolution of a complex character trait.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS

Shouldering Risks: The Culture of Control in the Nuclear Power Industry. Constance Perin. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005. 379 pp.