cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Private insurance is the strongest predictor of women receiving breast conservation surgery for breast cancer.

Abstract Background It is widely accepted that mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with irradiation yield similar results, yet many women continue to receive mastectomy. This study evaluates factors contributing to surgical decision-making in breast cancer. Registry data were obtained on all patients treated at the Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center (SWCTRC) between 2002 and 2006. Patient demographics, including age and race, and insurance type, tumor characteristics, surgical procedure performed, lymph node status, stage, adjuvant therapy, and outcome were analyzed against mastectomy versus BCS using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results There was a higher proportion of uninsured patients in the mastectomy cohort, which also included more patients with later stage disease, larger tumor size, and a higher number of lymph node metastases. The only independent predictors of BCS were fewer lymph node metastases and having insurance. Patients with private insurance were almost 4 times more likely to receive BCS (odds ratio 3.90, 95% confidence interval 1.20–12.67). Conclusions Insurance status is an important predictor determining whether a patient receives BCS or mastectomy for breast cancer.
Multispectral near-perfect metamaterial absorbers using spatially multiplexed plasmon resonance metal square structures

Near-perfect IR light absorption at multiple wavelengths has been experimentally demonstrated by using multiplexed metal square plasmonic resonance structures. Optical power absorption over 95% has been observed in dual-band metamaterial absorbers at two separate wavelengths, and optical power absorption over 92.5% has been observed in triple-band metamaterial absorbers at three separate wavelengths. The peak absorption wavelengths are primarily determined by the sizes of the metal squares in the multiplexed structures. Electrical field distributions in the middle of the dielectric spacer layer were calculated at the peak absorption wavelengths. It is found that the strong light absorption corresponds to local quadrupole plasmon resonance modes in the metamaterial structures.
START UP OR LEARNING CURVES–SOME NEW APPROACHES

The traditional start up or learning curve is presented in a somewhat different way to encourage increased application of the start up curve as a useful tool for management planning, control, and decision purposes. It is shown that the parameter estimation problem can be avoided in those situations in which the percent start up or learning is known or can be estimated. Several interesting approaches allowing simplified computations are presented for those common situations in which (a) the point at which the marginal cost per unit stabilizes is known, (b) the cost of the first unit is known, and (c) the percent start up for both (a) and (b) is known. The relationship between breakeven analysis and start up curves is shown, as well as the relationship between marginal cost-revenue analysis and start up curves.
Estimation of Velocities in Mobile-to-Mobile Wireless Fading Channels

This paper proposes a new crossing-rate-based estimator that jointly estimates velocities of both the transmitter and receiver in mobile-to-mobile communications (M-to-M). The proposed estimator is designed for narrow-band wireless M-to-M communications over noise-free isotropic fading channels. The proposed estimator is evaluated through extensive computer simulations and the results show that the proposed algorithm provides very good estimation accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed estimator is tested in the presence of a non-isotropic scattering, line-of-sight propagation, and Gaussian noise and the results show that the good estimation accuracy is preserved.
Capillary supercritical fluid chromatography of archaebacterial glycerol tetraether lipids

The analysis of bacterial glycerol tetraethers by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography is described. Complete separation of ethers, differing only by the number of cyclopentane rings present in the isopranyl side chains could be achieved. On a 50% methylphenylpolysiloxane coated capillary, the ethers eluted in the order of increasing cyclopentane content. The analysis revealed the presence of two previously unreported structural isomers of glycerol tetraethers. The method can be used qualitatively and quantitatively as a fast and sensitive screening test for such compounds in living organisms and sedimentary organic matter.
DANA (Digital Archive Network for Anthropology): a model for digital archiving

This is a report of work on an internet-based digital library called the Digital Archive Network for Anthropology (DANA). DANA provides a model for a generalized method for implementing digital archives. This federation of databases will link researchers, students, and the general public to distributed databases that include realistic, accurate, three-dimensional (3D), visual representations of artifacts, fossils, and other objects, along with 2D digitized documents (e.g., maps, plan views, excavation profiles, and photographs) and various associated data. DANA will have a strong data mining component which will allow users to find relationships in the data which correspond to facts about the actual artifacts and fossils. The data mining techniques involve a new spatial data mining structure called the Ptree. DANA is being created through development and implementation of cross-platform, open standards that will facilitate interoperability and exchange of information between remote systems. DANA enables dynamic use of digital models, virtual measurement tools, and an array of data supplied by contributing content providers (collaborators) for education and scholarly research.
Incidence de l'embolie pulmonaire après court-circuit gastrique à ciel ouvert ou laparoscopique

L'obesite augmente de maniere independante le risque d'embolie pulmonaire (EP). Nous comparons une population de grands obeses (index de masse corporelle [BMI] > 55 kg/m2) subissant des courts-circuits gastriques a ciel ouvertes (OGB) a un groupe apparie de courts-circuits gastriques laparoscopiques (LGB) pour voir si l'incidence de l'EP est differente. Nous avons inclus tous les patients subissant un OGB ( n = 193, BMI moyen = 51 kg/m2) dans notre etablissement par un seul chirurgien entre juillet 1999 et avril 2001. Trente et un patients etaient de grands obeses (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Les LGB ont ete introduits dans notre etablissement en avril 2001. Depuis lors 213 patients (BMI moyen = 52 kg/m2) ont subi cette intervention. Cent neuf de ces patients etaient de grands obeses. La prophylaxie pre- et postoperatoire incluait des bas de compression graduee et de l'heparine sous-cutanee. En postoperatoire, les patients qui ont developpe des signes d'hypoxie, une tachypnee, ou une tachycardie ont eu une radiographie thoracique et un scanner helicoidal. En outre, tous les patients decedes au cours des 30 jours postoperatoires ont ete autopsies. Les donnees ont ete analysees a l'aide du test du Chi 2 . Dans le groupe OGB, quatre patients (2,1%) ont developpe une EP. Toutes les EP se sont produites chez les grands obeses avec BMI > 55 kg/m2. Trois furent fatales et une non fatale. Aucun de ces patients n'avait des antecedents de thrombose veineuse profonde (DVT), d'EP, d'insuffisance veineuse, ou d'hypertension pulmonaire. Dans le groupe LGB, un patient (0,9%) a eu une EP non fatale. Ce patient avait un antecedent de thrombose veineuse profonde. L'incidence de l'EP etait statistiquement plus elevee dans le groupe des grands obeses traites par OGB ( p 55 kg/m2 pourraient avoir un risque accru d'EP independamment de la voie d'abord.
Measuring Cash‐to‐Cash Performance

The cash‐to‐cash (C2C) metric has evolved as one of the first measurements bridging across the firm. Therefore, it is important for managers to understand how the C2C metric is calculated, as well as how a company should compare in its C2C performance. In this paper, we define C2C and how to calculate it. Then, we provide an analysis and summary of C2C in 2001 for 5,884 companies using median performance by industry. A typology is introduced to classify industry performance using a 2 x 2 x 2 matrix based on the three variables of the C2C metric: accounts payable, inventory, and accounts receivable. We also consider how performance has changed since 1986, identify the key drivers to this change, and describe which industries have experienced the greatest change in C2C performance. Finally, managerial implications and future research questions are offered.
Enhanced bondability between inorganic particles and a polysaccharide substrate by encapsulation with regenerated cellulose

Inorganic fillers are widely used in coatings, paints, printing inks, and papermaking. A general problem in such applications is the poor compatibility and weak bondability of the filler with polymeric substrates. Surface modification and encapsulation are common methods adapted to enhance interactions between the filler surface and the substrate. This article presents a bondability improvement between inorganic particles and a polysaccharide substrate by the use of cellulose-coated, inorganic core–shell nanoparticles. The crystallinity of the coated carbohydrate layer is shown to significantly affect the bondability of the core–shell particles. The impact of the coating layer on the light scattering efficiency has also been studied with theoretical Mie scattering calculations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Retaliatory equity as a factor in humor appreciation

Abstract Squelches depicting a protagonist who is provoked and who then retaliates against his provoker were manipulated to effect a variation in the degree of retaliation achieved: extreme underretaliation, underretaliation, fair retaliation, overretaliation, and extreme overretaliation. It was proposed that retaliatory equity, i.e., a situation in which the negative consequences inflicted upon the provoker by the retaliator are of a similar magnitude to the negative consequences initially inflicted upon the retaliator, constitutes an optimal condition for mirth, and that both types of retaliatory inequity, under- and overretaliation, impair humor appreciation in proportion to the magnitude of the resultant inequity. The findings fully supported these propositions.
Optimal Structural Health Monitoring Feature Selection via Minimized Performance Uncertainty

Power spectral measurements are very ubiquitous for their utility in generating structural health monitoring (SHM) features, because of their clear physical interpretation and easy computation through Fourier transform. In most SHM applications, optimal features are always desired to perform whatever level of assessment is required. Optimal in this sense refers to a measure of performance capability to enhance decision-making, because structural health monitoring inevitably involves, at some level, a hypothesis test: in the binary case, the question becomes are the features extracted from data derived from a baseline condition? (baseline can also mean linear, or any reference condition designated the null hypothesis) or ...from data derived from a different (test) condition. Inevitably, this decision involves stochastic data, as any such candidate feature is compromised by noise, which we may categorize as (i) operational and environmental, (ii) measurement, and (iii) computational/estimation. Regardless of source, this noise leads to the propagation of uncertainty from inception to final estimation of the feature; in all cases, the subsequent distribution of the features can lead to significant false positive (Type I) or false negative (Type II) errors in the classification of the features via the hypothesis test. Frequency domain approaches for SHM typically involve estimation of some form of transfer function, typically the usual frequency response function (FRF). Based upon the statistical modeling of the uncertainty of feature estimations, this paper evaluates the performance of two FRF-derived features, namely the dot-product difference (DPD) and Euclidian distance (ED), and statistical significance detection qualities are quantitatively compared. In each of the feature evaluations, the performance comparison is executed under the condition of best trade-off between sensitivity and specificity, adopting receiver operating characteristics as the performance indicator. Monte Carlo simulation and lab-scaled tests on plate-like structures are both implemented to validate the optimal feature selection process and demonstrate performance enhancement. The comparisons are facilitated through computation of receiver operating characteristics (ROCs), which are data-driven methods for comparing detection rates to error rates as a function of decision boundaries established between data distributions, independent of the actual underlying distribution.
Model for planning the location and size of urban schools

Abstract This paper describes a model to be used in the evaluation of educational policy relative to the location and concentration of school plants within an urban environment. The model attempts to consider these decisions in terms of the broad factors that determine the effectiveness of these decisions, and is therefore highly aggregate. Several submodels are described, the urban submodel, the school submodel, the effectiveness submodel and the cost submodel. The urban submodel is described by area units which are defined by their location and their socioeconomic characteristics. The school submodel is described by functional classifications of school plant space requirements and personnel staffing ratios. The effectiveness submodel is described by measures of achievement and the racial and socioeconomic composition of the school attendance area. The cost submodel is described by initial capital and operating cost estimates of the school system. The operational measures that are the output of the above two submodels are used as a quantitative basis for the selection among alternate policies. No attempt is made to maximize these decisions relative to a defined utility function.
Global stressors and the global decline of amphibians: tipping the stress immunocompetency axis

There is a widespread consensus that the earth is experiencing a mass extinction event and at the forefront are amphibians, the most threatened of all vertebrate taxa. A recent assessment found that nearly one-third (32%, 1,856 species) of the world’s amphibian species are threatened. Amphibians have existed on the earth for over 300 million years, yet in just the last two decades there have been an alarming number of extinctions, nearly 168 species are believed to have gone extinct and at least 2,469 (43%) more have populations that are declining. Infectious diseases have been recognized as one major cause of worldwide amphibian population declines. This could be the result of the appearance of novel pathogens, or it could be that exposure to environmental stressors is increasing the susceptibility of amphibians to opportunistic pathogens. Here I review the potential effects of stressors on disease susceptibility in amphibians and relate this to disease emergence in human and other wildlife populations. I will present a series of case studies that illustrate the role of stress in disease outbreaks that have resulted in amphibian declines. First, I will examine how elevated sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific since the mid-1970s have affected climate over much of the world and could be setting the stage for pathogen-mediated amphibian declines in many regions. Finally, I will discuss how the apparently rapid increase in the prevalence of amphibian limb deformities is linked to the synergistic effects of trematode infection and exposure to chemical contaminants.
Color flow Doppler determination of transmitral flow and orifice area in mitral stenosis: experimental evaluation of the proximal flow-convergence method.

Abstract To evaluate the in vivo accuracy of color Doppler flow-convergence methods for determining transmitral flow volumes and effective orifice areas in mitral stenosis, we studied two models for flow-convergence surface geometry, a hemispheric (HS) model and an oblate hemispheroid (OH) model in a chronic animal model with quantifiable mitral flows. Color Doppler flow mapping of the proximal flow-convergence region has been reported to be useful for evaluation of intracardiac flows. Flow-convergence methods in patients with mitral stenosis that use HS assumption for the isovelocity surface have resulted in underestimation of actual flows. Chronic mitral stenosis was created surgically in six sheep with annuloplasty rings (group 1) and in 11 sheep with bioprosthetic porcine valves (group 2). Hemodynamic and echocardiographic/Doppler studies ( n = 18 in group 1; n = 21 in group 2) were performed 20 to 34 weeks later. Left ventricular inflow obstruction was of varied severity, with mean transmitral valve gradients in group 1 ranging from 1.3 to 18 mm Hg and in group 2 ranging from 6.3 to 25.6 mm Hg. Although transmitral flows derived by both geometric flow convergence models showed significant correlations with reference cardiac outputs, the correlations for the OH model were better than those for the HS model (group 1, r = 0.86 for the OH model vs r = 0.72 for the HS model; group 2; r = 0.84 for the OH model vs r = 0.62 for the HS model). The OH model was also superior to the HS model in determining effective orifice areas compared to reference orifice areas determined by postmortem planimetry of anatomic orifices (group 1 only, r = 0.64 for OH vs 0.58 for HS), by the Gorlin and Gorlin formula (group 1, r = 0.63 for OH vs 0.72 for HS; group 2, r = 0.82 for OH vs 0.76 for HS), and by the Doppler pressure half-time method (group 1, r = 0.76 for OH vs 0.69 for HS; group 2, r = 0.84 for OH vs 0.62 for HS). The percentage differences between the reference values and calculated data with the OH model were significantly smaller for transmitral flows (−5.8% vs −59% in group 1 and −13% vs −63% in group 2) and for effective orifice areas in both groups, p p
Corticotypic technics in Tetrahymena taxonomy.

SYNOPSIS. Strains of Tetrahymena pyriformis have a cryptic polymorphism reflected in the production of individuals with different numbers of ciliary rows (meridians). Within a strain certain cortical features—particularly the numbers and positions of contractile vacuole pores, the numbers of postoral meridians, and the stability of the cell type-vary in a systematic way with meridianal multiplicity. A preliminary survey of strains representing 10 genetically isolated groups reveals several patterns of correlation of cortical elements. All the groups examined appear to be distinctive with the possible exception of the strains from syngens 6 and 8, which are known to be genetically compatible under certain conditions. These studies encourage a belief that the heterogeneous assembly of genetic species now sheltered under the taxonomic umbrella of T. pyriformis can soon be given independent morphologic identification and appropriate specific designations.
Alcohol treatment research assessment exposure subject reactivity effects: part II. Treatment engagement and involvement.

Objective: This is the second of two articles in this issue on participant reactivity to alcohol treatment research assessment protocols. In the first article, Clifford et al. presented experimental evidence that the combination of less frequent and less comprehensive assessment results in the least assessment reactivity, as measured by alcohol use and related consequences at 1 year after admission for adult outpatient treatment for alcohol problems. In addition, Part I revealed that the presence of either frequent or comprehensive research assessment tends to result in a greater degree of reactivity. This article extends the analyses by Clifford et al. to treatment for substance use-disorders engagement and involvement across a 1-year follow-up. Method: The design, participants, and procedures were identical to those described in Clifford et al. Treatment data were obtained from hospital records and participants' self-reports as part of the Timeline Followback interview. Results: Analyses revealed severa...
Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor to Brain Via Intranasal Administration and Enhancement of Brain Uptake

ABSTRACT The main objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of chitosan to facilitate brain bioavailability of intranasally administered nerve growth factor (NGF). In vitro permeability studies and electrical resistance studies were carried out across the bovine olfactory epithelium using Franz diffusion cells. The bioavailability of intranasally administered NGF in rat hippocampus was determined by carrying out brain microdialysis in Sprague–Dawley rats. The in vitro permeation flux across the olfactory epithelium of NGF solution without chitosan (control) was found to be 0.37±0.06 ng/cm 2 /h. In presence of increasing concentration of chitosan (0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%, w/v) the permeation flux of NGF was found to be 2.01±0.12, 3.88±0.19, and 4.12±0.21 ng/cm 2 /h respectively. Trans-olfactory epithelial electrical resistance decreased ∼34.50±4.06% in presence of 0.25% (w/v) chitosan. The C max in rats administered with 0.25% (w/v) chitosan and NGF was 1008.62±130.02 pg/mL, which was significantly higher than that for rats administered with NGF only 97.38±10.66 pg/mL. There was ∼14-fold increase in the bioavailability of intranasally administered NGF with chitosan than without chitosan. Chitosan can enhance the brain bioavailability of intranasally administered NGF. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3640–3646, 2009
As-awareness in Tor path selection

Tor is an anonymous communications network with thousands of router nodes worldwide. An intuition reflected in much of the literature on anonymous communications is that, as an anonymity network grows, it becomes more secure against a given observer because the observer will see less of the network. In particular, as the Tor network grows from volunteers operating relays all over the world, it becomes less and less likely for a single autonomous system (AS) to be able to observe both ends of an anonymous connection. Yet, as the network continues to grow significantly, no analysis has been done to determine if this intuition is correct. Further, modifications to Tor's path selection algorithm to help clients avoid an AS-level observer have not been proposed and analyzed.Five years ago a previous study examined the AS-level threat against client and destination addresses chosen a priori to be likely or interesting to examine. Using an AS-level path inference algorithm with improved accuracy, more extensive Internet routing data, and, most importantly, a model of typical Tor client AS-level sources and destinations based on data gathered from the live network, we demonstrate that the threat of a single AS observing both ends of an anonymous Tor connection is greater than previously thought. We look at the growth of the Tor network over the past five years and show that its explosive growth has had only a small impact on the network's robustness against an AS-level attacker. Finally, we propose and evaluate the effectiveness of some simple, AS-aware path selection algorithms that avoid the computational overhead imposed by full AS-level path inference algorithms. Our results indicate that a novel heuristic we propose is more effective against an AS-level observer than other commonly proposed heuristics for improving location diversity in path selection.
The relationship between diet and perceived and objective access to supermarkets among low-income housing residents.

In the U.S., supermarkets serve as an important source of year-round produce (Chung & Myers, 1999), and yet access to supermarkets may be scarce in “food deserts,” or poor, urban areas that lack sources of healthy, affordable food (Cummins & Macintyre, 2002). This study examined objective distance to the nearest supermarket and participant-report of supermarket access in relation to fruit and vegetable intake. Street-network distance to the closest supermarket was calculated using GIS mapping. Perceived access was assessed by a survey question asking whether participants had a supermarket within walking distance of home. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 828 low-income housing residents in three urban areas in greater-Boston. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the association between perceived and objective supermarket access and diet. Fruit and vegetable consumption was low (2.63 servings/day). Results suggest that most low-income housing residents in greater-Boston do not live in “food deserts,” as the average distance to a supermarket was 0.76 km (range 0.13–1.22 km). Distance to a supermarket was not associated with fruit and vegetable intake (p = 0.22). Perceived supermarket access was strongly associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake (0.5 servings/day) after controlling for socio-demographic covariates (p < 0.0001). Patterns of mismatch between perceived and objective measures revealed that mismatch between the two measures were high (31.45%). Those who did not report a supermarket within walking distance from home despite the objective presence of a supermarket within 1 km consumed significantly fewer fruits and vegetables (0.56 servings/day) than those with a supermarket who reported one, even after controlling for socio-demographic variables (p = 0.0008). Perceived measures of the food environment may be more strongly related to dietary behaviors than objective ones, and may incorporate components of food access not captured in objective measures.
Noradrenaline deters marine invertebrate biofouling when covalently bound in polymeric coatings

Abstract Marine biofouling is the unwanted accumulation of marine organisms on submerged structures and ships. Attempts to develop effective marine antifouling paints and coatings have had deleterious effects on marine and aquatic ecosystems. Current research efforts for designing an effective antifouling coating are focused on understanding the biology of the fouling organisms. Prior to settlement and metamorphosis, larvae of many marine invertebrates investigate surfaces using exploratory structures bearing an array of sensory cells. Interfering with these settlement and attachment mechanisms could be a promising alternative to existing antifouling strategies. Herein, we report the innovation of “fouling deterrence”, an antifouling strategy in which marine invertebrate larval exploratory behaviors are exploited to defeat biofouling. Our approach is predicated upon larval recognition of covalently bound ligands, such as the catecholamine, noradrenaline which presents ‘unfavorable’ cues to deter larval settlement. To test this concept, we developed noradrenaline conjugated poly-HEMA (hydroxyethylmethacrylate) and poly-MAA (methacrylic acid) polymer systems. The bioactivity of covalently conjugated noradrenaline molecules was assessed using oyster hemocyte cellular assays followed by larval settlement assays using pediveliger larvae of the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica and the cyprid larvae of the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite. Noradrenaline conjugated polymer surfaces induced apoptosis in oyster hemocytes and deterred larval settlement in both oysters and barnacles.
Enhancing the information assurance and security (IAS) in CS education with mobile-device based hands-on labs

To enhance the Information Assurance and Security in computer science (CS) education and to prepare students for the challenges of security issues, this paper presents our ongoing work on developing mobile-based hands-on security learning modules that will be integrated into existing courses in CS curriculum.
Kinetics of chemisorption of oxygen in aluminium

Abstract The chemisorption of oxygen on evaporated aluminum films was found to be approximately one-half order in both the sub- and postmonolayer regions. Such behavior is interpreted in terms of an equilibrium dissociative mechanism. In all pressure regimes Elovich kinetics are obeyed. The initial chemisorption rates correspond to sticking coefficients varying from 0.15 at 10−6 Torr to 0.0011 at 4 × 10−3 Torr.
Superconvergence of discontinuous Galerkin and local discontinuous Galerkin methods: Eigen-structure analysis based on Fourier approach

Various superconvergence properties of discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and local DG (LDG) methods for linear hyperbolic and parabolic equations have been investigated in the past. Due to these superconvergence properties, DG and LDG methods have been known to provide good wave resolution properties, especially for long time integrations (Zhong and Shu, 2011) 26]. In this paper, under the assumption of uniform mesh and via Fourier approach, we observe that the error of the DG or LDG solution can be decomposed into three parts: (1) dissipation and dispersion errors of the physically relevant eigenvalue; this part of error will grow linearly in time and is of order: 2 k + 1 for DG method and 2 k + 2 for LDG method (2) projection error: there exists a special projection of the exact solution such that the numerical solution is much closer to this special projection than the exact solution itself; this part of error will not grow in time (3) the dissipation of non-physically relevant eigenvectors; this part of error will be damped exponentially fast with respect to the spatial mesh size Δ x . Along this line, we analyze the error for a fully discrete Runge-Kutta (RK) DG scheme. A collection of numerical examples for linear equations are presented to verify our observations above. We also provide numerical examples based on non-uniform mesh, nonlinear Burgers' equation, and high-dimensional Maxwell equations to explore superconvergence properties of DG methods in a more general setting.
Evaluating stream restoration projects

River and stream restoration projects are increasingly numerous but rarely subjected to systematic postproject evaluation. Without conducting such evaluation and widely disseminating the results, lessons will not be learned from successes and failures, and the field of river restoration cannot advance. Postproject evaluation must be incorporated into the initial design of each project, with the choice of evaluation technique based directly upon the specific project goals against which performance will be evaluated. We emphasize measurement of geomorphic characteristics, as these constitute the physical framework supporting riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Techniques for evaluating other components are briefly discussed, especially as they relate to geomorphic variables. Where possible, geomorphic, hydrologic, and ecological variables should be measured along the same transects. In general, postproject monitoring should continue for at least a decade, with surveys conducted after each flood above a predetermined threshold. Project design should be preceded by a historical study documenting former channel conditions to provide insights into the processes suggest earlier, potentially stable channel configurations as possible design models.
Constraints on voltage sensor movement in the shaker K+ channel.

In nerve and muscle cells, the voltage-gated opening and closing of cation-selective ion channels is accompanied by the translocation of 12–14 elementary charges across the membrane9s electric field. Although most of these charges are carried by residues in the S4 helix of the gating module of these channels, the precise nature of their physical movement is currently the topic of spirited debate. Broadly speaking, two classes of models have emerged: those that suggest that small-scale motions can account for the extensive charge displacement, and those that invoke a much larger physical movement. In the most recent incarnation of the latter type of model, which is based on structural and functional data from the archaebacterial K + channel KvAP, a “voltage-sensor paddle” comprising a helix-turn-helix of S3–S4 translocates ∼20 A through the bilayer during the gating cycle (Jiang, Y., A. Lee, J. Chen, V. Ruta, M. Cadene, B.T. Chait, and R. MacKinnon. 2003. Nature . 423:33–41; Jiang, Y., V. Ruta, J. Chen, A. Lee, and R. MacKinnon. 2003. Nature . 423:42–48.; Ruta, V., J. Chen, and R. MacKinnon. 2005. Cell . 123:463–475). We used two methods to test for analogous motions in the Shaker K + channel, each examining the aqueous exposure of residues near S3. In the first, we employed a pore-blocking maleimide reagent (Blaustein, R.O., P.A. Cole, C. Williams, and C. Miller. 2000. Nat. Struct. Biol . 7:309–311) to probe for state-dependent changes in the chemical reactivity of substituted cysteines; in the second, we tested the state-dependent accessibility of a tethered biotin to external streptavidin (Qiu, X.Q., K.S. Jakes, A. Finkelstein, and S.L. Slatin. 1994. J. Biol. Chem . 269:7483–7488; Slatin, S.L., X.Q. Qiu, K.S. Jakes, and A. Finkelstein. 1994. Nature . 371:158–161). In both types of experiments, residues predicted to lie near the top of S3 did not exhibit any change in aqueous exposure during the gating cycle. This lack of state dependence argues against large-scale movements, either axially or radially, of Shaker9s S3–S4 voltage-sensor paddle.
The neural organization of semantic memory: Electrophysiological activity suggests feature-based segregation

Despite decades of research, it remains controversial whether semantic knowledge is anatomically segregated in the human brain. To address this question, we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) while participants viewed pictures of animals and tools. Within the 200–600-ms epoch after stimulus presentation, animals (relative to tools) elicited an increased anterior negativity that, based on previous ERP studies, we interpret as associated with semantic processing of visual object attributes. In contrast, tools (relative to animals) evoked an enhanced posterior left-lateralized negativity that, according to prior research, might reflect accessing knowledge of characteristic motion and/or more general functional properties of objects. These results support the hypothesis of the neuroanatomical knowledge organization at the level of object features: the observed neurophysiological activity was modulated by the features that were most salient for object recognition. The high temporal resolution of ERPs allowed us to demonstrate that differences in processing animals and tools occurred specifically within the time-window encompassing semantic analysis.
Analysis of buck converters for on-chip integration with a dual supply voltage microprocessor

An analysis of an on-chip buck converter is presented in this paper. A high switching frequency is the key design parameter that simultaneously permits monolithic integration and high efficiency. A model of the parasitic impedances of a buck converter is developed. With this model, a design space is determined that allows integration of active and passive devices on the same die for a target technology. An efficiency of 88.4% at a switching frequency of 477 MHz is demonstrated for a voltage conversion from 1.2-0.9 volts while supplying 9.5 A average current. The area occupied by the buck converter is 12.6 mm/sup 2/ assuming an 80-nm CMOS technology. An estimate of the efficiency is shown to be within 2.4% of simulation at the target design point. Full integration of a high-efficiency buck converter on the same die with a dual-V/sub DD/ microprocessor is demonstrated to be feasible.
Sex and the nose: human pheromonal responses

The chemosensory functions of the human nose are underappreciated. Traditional teaching is that the sense of smell detects volatile compounds, which may then allow the identification of substances that may be beneficial or harmful—such as good versus putrefied food. However, increasing evidence from research in other animals suggests that olfaction may serve another and more important purpose, that of mate selection in sexual reproduction; indeed, olfaction may be an essential impetus for evolution.
Paediatric cardiac surgery in a patient with cold agglutinins

Cold agglutinins (CAs) lead to organ thrombosis or haemolysis due to increased blood viscosity and red blood cell clumping when blood temperature drops below the thermal amplitude for haemagglutination. Although it is well known that CAs are particularly relevant to adult cardiac surgery with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), paediatric cardiac surgery with congenital heart disease and with CAs has been reported very rarely. We present here a case of paediatric cardiac surgery to repair atrial septal defect with pulmonary stenosis in an 11-month old infant with a family history of CAs. She was detected to have a high titre of CAs preoperatively, and underwent an intracardiac repair with normothermic CPB using temporary electrical fibrillation for added safety. Her post-operative course was uneventful without any complications.
Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Do Age and Gender Make a Difference?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both sexes. The extent to which age and gender are risk factors for increased mortality in RA, however, is still not clear. A review of existing literature on the effect of gender and age on mortality was performed. Twenty-five articles were identified from the world literature over the past decade. Ten articles representative of the existing literature in this field were analyzed in detail. Articles chosen as representative were characterized by peer-reviewed publication, large sample size, and geographic diversity of patient populations. One detailed analysis of prior literature also was included. The results failed to show a clear association between gender, age, and mortality in RA. Retrospective analyses of death certificates suggest an increased mortality among elderly women with RA. Longitudinal studies, however, suggest that both increasing age and male sex portend a worse prognosis in RA. A better understanding of mortality risk factors in RA, particularly with respect to age and gender, would require large randomized prospective trials conducted over long periods.
Strain incompatibility and residual strains in ferroelectric single crystals

Residual strains in ferroelectrics are known to adversely affect the material properties by aggravating crack growth and fatigue degradation. The primary cause for residual strains is strain incompatibility between different microstructural entities. For example, it was shown in polycrystalline ferroelectrics that residual strains are caused due to incompatibility between the electric-field-induced strains in grains with different crystallographic orientations. However, similar characterization of cause-effect in multidomain ferroelectric single crystals is lacking. In this article, we report on the development of plastic residual strains in [111]-oriented domain engineered BaTiO3 single crystals. These internal strains are created due to strain incompatibility across 90° domain walls between the differently oriented domains. The average residual strains over a large crystal volume measured by in situ neutron diffraction is comparable to previous X-ray measurements of localized strains near domain boundaries, but are an order of magnitude lower than electric-field-induced residual strains in polycrystalline ferroelectrics.
Genetics and breeding of seed phosphorus and phytic acid

Summary The isolation of cereallow phytic acid (lpa) mutants provides a novel approach to studying the biology of seed phytic acid (myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate or Ins P6), and to dealing with environmental and nutritional problems associated with it. Seed produced bylpa lines contain normal levels of total phosphorus (P), but greatly reduced levels of phytic acid P. Two phenotypically distinct types oflpa mutants have been isolated in maize (Zea mays L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.). In «lpa1-like» mutants, seed phytic acid P reductions ranging from 50 percnt; to 95 percnt; (in comparison with levels typical of non-mutant seed) are largely matched by corresponding increases in inorganic P. In «lpa2-like» mutants, seed phytic acid P reductions ranging from 50 percnt; to 75 percnt; are matched by increases in both inorganic P and inmyo-inositol (Ins) phosphates containing five or fewer P esters (compared with phytic acid's six P esters). In all cases the sum of seed Ins phosphates (including phytic acid) and inorganic P remains constant and similar to that in normal seeds. Somelpa alleles are lethal as homozygotes, others have a negative effect on plant or seed growth and function but are viable, still others have little effect and are being used to breed «low phytate» maize and barley types. Progress inlpa genetics and breeding, and the animal and human nutrition studies conducted with these new crop types, will be reviewed.
Using the Mplus computer program to estimate models for continuous and categorical data from twins.

Historically, the focus of behavior genetic research was to obtain estimates of the sources of familial resemblance for a single phenotype. Current research strategies have moved beyond heritability estimates to the search for physiological and behavioral mechanisms by which genetic risk is translated into individual differences in behavior and disease liability. Such research questions often require multivariate designs and complex analytic models, including the analysis of continuous and categorical dependent variables within the same model. Recent advances in computer software for categorical data analysis have increased the tools available for researchers in behavior genetics. This paper describes how to use the Mplus software program (Muthen and Muthen, 1998, 2002) for the analysis of data obtained from twins. Example analyses include two- and five-group twin models for univariate and bivariate continuous and categorical variables. Data on alcoholism and age at first drink drawn from the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders are used to illustrate how Mplus can be used to analyze multiple-category variables, recode and transform variables, select subgroups for analysis, handle subjects with incomplete data, include constraints to ensure non-negative loadings, include model covariates, model sex differences, and test alternative hypotheses about mediation of genetic risk by measured variables.
THE METABOLISM OF 3 : 3′ :5′-TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN MAN*

MONOIODOTYROSINE, diiodotyrosine, 3:5:3′-triiodothyronine and thyroxine are native substances in the thyroid gland. Normally, the latter two are secreted into the blood as the definitive thyroid hormones, but mono- and diiodotyrosine escape into the blood only under unusual circumstances (1). The metabolic fate of each of these substances has been observed after intravenous administration in man. Mono- and diiodotyrosine are rapidly degraded (2, 3), whereas thyroxine and triiodothyronine disappear more slowly—thyroxine with a half-time of approximately seven days (4) and triiodothyronine with a half-time of two to three days (5). Recently, evidence has been offered for the existence of 3:3′-diiodothyronine (3:3′-Th) in the thyroglobulin of the rat (6, 7), where it is said to account for as much as 25 per cent of the iodine previously attributed to thyroxine. Similarly it is said to account for as much as 25 per cent of the plasma iodine which previous methods of chromatographic separation had failed to re...
Beef allergy and the persian gulf syndrome

It is suggested that the Persian Gulf Syndrome (PGS) is caused by beef allergy. In the first symptomless phase, as a result of an energetic US Army immunizing program, using sera with adjuvants to produce detectable antibody levels, the subjects not only developed immunity to the targeted substances, but also became sensitized to one or more of the other substances in the immunizing sera, and specifically to beef protein. The subjects remained healthy while in the war zone on a restricted diet essentially free from beef, but developed PGS after they came home, and were again able to obtain steaks and hamburgers.
On the assignment of the 13C‐NMR spectrum of phenothiazine

The assignment of the 13C-nmr spectrum of phenothiazine was made by comparison with the 13C-nmr spectrum of 1,9-dideuteriophenothiazine, synthesized via repeated lithiations and subsequent deuterations of phenothiazine.
ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH' PHEROMONE COMPONENT EMISSION RATES MEASURED AFTER COLLECTION BY GLASS-SURFACE ADSORPTION^

We collected and quantified both synthetic and natural Oriental fruit moth [Grapholitha molesta (Busck)] sex pheromone components in 250-ml round-bottom flasks by hexane rinsing of compounds adsorbed on the glass walls. This simple procedure collected 100% of the pheromone evaporated inside the flask and was useful for quantifying both nanogram and microgram amounts of emitted pheromone. Emission rates of (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate from 1000, 100, and 10 μg-loaded rubber septa were 219, 12, and 1.2 ng/hr, respectively.G. molesta females emitted this component at 3.2 ng/hr, close to the emission rate from a 10 μg-loaded septum, which evokes “long-range” and “close-range” behaviors in the male. The corresponding alcohol, (Z)-8-dodecenyl alcohol, was emitted from rubber septa ca. 3 times faster than the acetate.
Using the Stress and Adversity Inventory as a Teaching Tool Leads to Significant Learning Gains in Two Courses on Stress and Health

The ability to measure cumulative stress exposure is important for research and teaching in stress and health, but until recently, no structured system has existed for assessing exposure to stress over the lifespan. Here, we report the results of two experimental studies that examined the pedagogical efficacy of using an automated system for assessing life stress, called the Stress and Adversity Inventory (STRAIN), for teaching courses on stress and health. In Study 1, a randomized, wait-list controlled experiment was conducted with 20 college students to test whether the STRAIN, coupled with a related lecture and discussion, promoted learning about stress and health. Results showed that this experiential lesson led to significant learning gains. To disentangle the effects of completing the STRAIN from participating in the lecture and discussion, we subsequently conducted Study 2 on 144 students using a 2 (STRAIN versus control activity) by 2 (STRAIN-specific lecture versus general stress lecture) repeated-measures design. Although the STRAIN-specific lecture was sufficient for promoting learning, completing the STRAIN also generated significant learning gains when paired with only the general stress lecture. Together, these studies suggest that the STRAIN is an effective tool for promoting experiential learning and teaching students about stress and health.
Myosin VI Steps via a Hand-over-Hand Mechanism with Its Lever Arm Undergoing Fluctuations when Attached to Actin

Myosin VI is a reverse direction myosin motor that, as a dimer, moves processively on actin with an average center-of-mass movement of approximately 30 nm for each step. We labeled myosin VI with a single fluorophore on either its motor domain or on the distal of two calmodulins (CaMs) located on its putative lever arm. Using a technique called FIONA (fluorescence imaging with one nanometer accuracy), step size was observed with a standard deviation of <1.5 nm, with 0.5-s temporal resolution, and observation times of minutes. Irrespective of probe position, the average step size of a labeled head was approximately 60 nm, strongly supporting a hand-over-hand model of motility and ruling out models in which the unique myosin VI insert comes apart. However, the CaM probe displayed large spatial fluctuations (presence of ATP but not ADP or no nucleotide) around the mean position, whereas the motor domain probe did not. This supports a model of myosin VI motility in which the lever arm is either mechanically uncoupled from the motor domain or is undergoing reversible isomerization for part of its motile cycle on actin.