cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality of suspended fine particulate matter in the Little Tennessee River

Fine particulate organic matter is a major food resource in southeastern river food webs, but natural variability in the quality of this resource has not been assessed. We measured the quality of suspended fine particulate matter (SFPM) along the Little Tennessee River at four sites ranging from 5th to 7th order. SFPM quality was measured using traditional measures: nitrogen to carbon ratio (N/C), calories (cal g−1 DM), % lipids, % inorganic matter, bacteria (# cells g−1 DM) and % diatoms. Instantaneous growth rates of chironomids fed SFPM were used as an integrated measure of food quality. Traditional measures of SFPM quality varied among sites, with higher N/C and % inorganic downstream, higher % lipids and bacteria upstream, and no pattern in the % diatoms and calories. Although percent mortality did not differ among chironomids fed SFPM from different sites, instantaneous growth rates (IGRs) of chironomids fed SFPM from the most downstream site were significantly higher than those fed SFPM from the most upstream site, implying higher food quality at the downstream site. IGRs were not significantly different among seasons for any site. The traditional measures individually and in combination (using principal components analysis) were not related to IGRs. IGRs are a more realistic indicator of food quality than measures of individual attributes, because IGRs integrate the consumer’s response. The quality of a food resource is not merely the sum of its measurable parts (% lipids, calories, % inorganic, and diatoms), and one or a combination of measures is not adequate to predict food quality. The Little Tennessee River has very high secondary production of filtering invertebrates at the 7th order site. The quality of SFPM as a food resource and extensive favorable habitat of macrophytes on bedrock, support the high secondary production of filtering invertebrates at this site.
A germanium bent-crystal monochromator for nuclear spectroscopy

Abstract A precision bent crystal gamma-ray monochromator with stationary source has been built. The instrument consists of three physically independent units: The line source (a radioactive source or the anode of an X-ray tube), the 2 meter-radius bent diffraction-crystal with its pivot and sine-motion mechanism, and the heavy-duty curved track framework which supports the collimator, detector and shielding. The motions of the crystal-pivot unit and of the detector-carriage unit are linked together in such a way that the reflection condition is satisfied. Results are presented showing that the precision of the monochromator for measurement of γ-ray wavelenghts is 0.003 x-units. The line width at half maximum, Δλ, observed when the (800) planes of a bent germanium crystal are used is 0.08 x-units. The resolution which has been attained with the germanium crystal is illustrated by a measurement of the 244.264 keV, 246.056 keV, and the previously unobserved 245.237 keV gamma line in the decay of W183. Finally, experimental results obtained using the monochromator to observe nuclear resonance excitation in F19 and Mn55 are described.
Alpha-synuclein overexpression in oligodendrocytic cells results in impaired adhesion to fibronectin and cell death

Abstract The cardinal pathological features of multiple system atrophy (MSA) are the presence of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in oligodendrocytes and loss of oligodendrocytes. To understand the mechanisms underlying MSA, we examined the effects of overexpression of human α-synuclein (hα-syn) in CG-4 oligodendrocytic progenitor cells. CG-4 cells overexpressing hα-syn (hα-syn CG-4) demonstrated severely impaired adhesion and increased cell death when plated on fibronectin compared to laminin. The expression of the αv integrin subunit in whole cell lysates was also significantly downregulated in hα-syn CG-4. These results demonstrate a cytotoxic consequence of hα-syn overexpression in CG-4. This cytotoxicity appears to be the result of alterations in cell–extracellular matrix interactions, where impaired adhesion to fibronectin is associated with downregulation of the αv integrin subunit and increased cell death. It may, therefore, be one of the mechanisms underlying the loss of oligodendrocytes in MSA.
Utilization of prior flaw information in ultrasonic NDE: An analysis of flaw scattering amplitude as a random variable

Probabilistic approaches to flaw detection, classification, or characterization often assume prior knowledge of the flaw distribution. It is implicit that there is a scattering amplitude distribution associated with the flaw distribution. In a number of previously published probabilistic analyses, it has been assumed that scattering amplitude is an uncorrelated, Gaussian random variable with zero mean and known variance. In the work reported here, these assumptions are evaluated for the case of a lognormal distribution of spherical flaws. The correlation, mean, variance, and nature of the scattering amplitude distribution are considered as a function of frequency and as a function of the breadth of the assumed flaw distribution. It is shown for the assumed flaw distributions that scattering amplitude is not uncorrelated and does not have zero mean. It is shown that errors in estimating the flaw distribution variance affect both the scattering amplitude mean and variance. Using both analytical and numerical procedures, the scattering amplitude distribution is shown to be lognormal at long wavelength for a lognormal distribution of spherical scatterers. At high frequency, the distribution is shown to have a bimodal character.
Sustained delivery of NT-3 from lens fiber cells in transgenic mice reveals specificity of neuroprotection in retinal degenerations.

Several neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are effective in protecting retinal photoreceptor cells from the damaging effects of constant light and slowing the rate of inherited photoreceptor degenerations. It is currently unclear whether, if continuously available, all NTFs can be protective for many or most retinal degenerations (RDs). We have used transgenic mice that continuously overexpress the neurotrophin, NT-3, from lens fibers under the control of the αA-crystallin promoter to test for neuroprotection in light-damage experiments and in four naturally occurring or transgenically induced RDs in mice. Lens-specific expression of NT-3 mRNA was demonstrated both by in situ hybridization in embryos and by RT-PCR in adult mice. Furthermore, NT-3 protein was found in abundance in the lens, ocular fluids and retina by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. Overexpression of NT-3 had no adverse effects on the structure or function of the retina for up to at least 14 months of age. Mice expressing the NT-3 transgene were protected from the damaging effects of constant light to a much greater degree than those receiving bolus injections of NT-3. When the NT-3 transgene was transferred into rd/rd, Rds/+, Q344ter mutant rhodopsin or Mertk knockout mice, overexpression of NT-3 had no protective effect on the RDs in these mice. Thus, specificity of the neuroprotective effect of NT-3 is clearly demonstrated, and different molecular mechanisms are inferred to mediate the protective effect in light-induced and inherited RDs.
The parabolic edge reconstruction method (PERM) for Lagrangian particle advection

We describe a Lagrangian particle advection scheme which is intended for use in hybrid finite-volume (FV) large-eddy simulation/filtered density function (LES/FDF) methods for low-Mach flows, but which may also be applicable to unsteady probability density function (PDF) methods, direct numerical simulation (DNS) or any other situation where tracking fluid particles is of concern. A key ingredient of the scheme is a subgrid reconstruction of the filtered velocity field with desirable divergence properties, which is necessary for accurate evolution of the particle number density. We develop reconstructions for 2D and 3D Cartesian staggered non-uniform grids. The reconstructed velocity field is continuous and piecewise parabolic in the velocity-component direction. In the direction normal to the velocity component the reconstruction is piecewise linear. The divergence of the reconstructed field is bilinear in 2D (trilinear in 3D) within a given cell and consistent with the discrete divergence given by the staggered-grid velocities. Though the reconstructed divergence field may be discontinuous from cell to cell, the norm of the differences between the vertex values of the reconstructed divergence for neighboring cells is minimized. As a consequence, the divergence is everywhere zero for the constant-density case. A two-stage Runge-Kutta scheme is employed for advancement of the particle positions. To assess the performance of the scheme we utilize a set of non-trivial velocity test functions which are designed to mimic realistic flow fields. We show that an advection scheme based on the new velocity reconstruction method is effective at maintaining an accurate particle number density in the particle-tracking limit.
Relation between individual differences in sexual behavior and plasma testosterone levels in the guinea pig

After 3 tests for male sex behavior, adult male guinea pigs were classified as either low-activity (LA, no ejaculations) or high-activity (HA, ejaculation during at least 2 behavior tests). In one experiment, resting levels of peripheral plasma testosterone (T), measured by radioimmunoassay, did not differ between the groups (LA=2.22 +/- 0.17 ng/ml, HA=2.09 +/- 0.11 ng/ml, X +/- SEM). However, plasma T levels were significantly higher in HA males 2 min after a sex test (2.27 +/- 0.24 ng/ml) than in LA males (1.40 +/- 0.20 ng/ml). A second experiment confirmed these results and also demonstrated that exposure of HA or LA males to an estrous female placed on the opposite side of a wire mesh barrier similarly led to higher T levels in HA than in LA males. These results indicate that a) behavioral differences between HA and LA guinea pigs are not attributable to differences in resting T levels, b) HA and LA males perceive the sex test situation differently, leading to slight increases in T in HA males and slight decreases in T in LA males, and c) these changes in T level are not dependent on copulation but can be induced by mere exposure to the sight smell and/or sound of an estrous female.
The Alien Hand Syndrome. Clinical and Postmortem Findings

• Two patients had automatonlike movements of their left hands and arms (alien hand syndrome) following damage to the brain. Autopsy findings in one patient demonstrated gunshot wound damage to the medial frontal white matter bilaterally, as well as the corpus callosum, right basal ganglia, internal capsule, and thalamus. The other patient had a ruptured anterior communicating aneurysm, with subsequent resection of the right frontal gyrus rectus. We postulate that this syndrome is due to the combination of a partial callosectomy and mesial frontal lesions.
High-Sensitivity Bi-Directional Flow Sensor Based on Biological Inspiration of Animal Haircell Sensors

Artificial haircell (AHC) sensor is presented for highly sensitive flow-field measurements. Design considerations and MEMS process flows are given. Oscillating flow field measurements show sensitivity down to 0.6 mm/s flow rates, steady state flow fields detected down to 0.1 mm/s.
53BP1 links DNA damage-response pathways to immunoglobulin heavy chain class-switch recombination

The mammalian protein 53BP1 is activated in many cell types in response to genotoxic stress, including DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). We now examine potential functions for 53BP1 in the specific genomic alterations that occur in B lymphocytes. Although 53BP1 was dispensable for V(D)J recombination and somatic hypermutation (SHM), the processes by which immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region exons are assembled and mutated, it was required for Igh class-switch recombination (CSR), the recombination and deletion process by which Igh constant region genes are exchanged. When stimulated to undergo CSR, 53BP1-deficient cells exhibited no defect in C(H) germline transcription or AID expression, however these cells had a profound decrease in switch junctions. The current findings, in combination with the known 53BP1 functions and how it is activated, implicate the DNA damage response to DSBs in the joining phase of class-switch recombination.
Anisometropia and the rod-and-frame task.

Ss were 77 female college freshmen. Anisometropic Ss (defined as having more than 1′ of visual angle of difference in resolving power between the two eyes as measured while viewing Orthorater stimuli binocularly) were significantly poorer in rod-and-frame performance than were isometropic Ss. Similarly, Ss with poor rod-and-frame performance were found to be anisometropic significantly more often than Ss with good rod-and-frame performance. There was no difference in rod-and-frame performance between anisometropic Ss who did or did not become isometropic when tested monocularly on the Orthorater. These results are tentatively interpreted as due to cyclophoria leading to visual suppression.
Double-outlet right ventricle in an Angus calf.

Double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a conotruncal malformation where both great arteries arise from the right ventricle. Anatomic variations of DORV are classified according to the position of the great arteries in relation to each other, the relationship between a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and the great arteries, and the presence and degree of pulmonary stenosis. The prevalence of congenital cardiac defects in bovine fetuses has been reported at approximately 0.7 %, with VSDs representing the most common congenital cardiac defect. DORV has been described in veterinary literature in few cats and dogs, a foal, and 2 calves with variable clinical and pathologic documentation. In this report, we describe the angiographic, echocardiographic, and postmortem examination findings in a calf with a DORV with concurrent pulmonary stenosis, subaortic VSD, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), aberrant left subclavian artery, and a tracheal malformation.
11-Deoxylandomycinone and landomycins X-Z, new cytotoxic angucyclin(on)es from a Streptomyces cyanogenus K62 mutant strain

Four new angucyclin(on)es, 11-deoxylandomycinone (1) and landomycins X–Z (2–4) were isolated from the crude extract of Streptomyces cyanogenus K62 mutant strain, along with the recently reported landomycins S, T and V (5–7) and five other known compounds. The structures of the new compounds 1–4 were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR studies along with HR-MS analyses. Unique about the structures is that the fourth sugar moiety (sugar D) in landomycins X–Z (2–4) was β-D-amicetose instead of β-D-olivose, usually found in this position. The new angucyclin(on)es were biologically evaluated in comparison with previously known congeners against a small panel of MCF-7 (estrogen responsive) and MDA 231 (estrogen refractory) breast cancer cell lines. 11-deoxylandomycinone (IC50 2.1±0.3 and 1.2±0.4 μM) and landomycin Y (IC50 1.0±0.1 and 2.0±0.1 μM) showed the highest cytotoxic potencies against both the cell lines.
Thoracic surgery in the elderly: areas of future research and studies.

Geriatrics, first named and identified as a special field of knowledge in 1909, laid dormant through most of the twentieth century. A renaissance began in the mid-1970s, gaining strength over the next 3 decades. This renaissance was limited initially to the care of older patients within internal medicine, family medicine, psychiatry, and neurology. Only recently have surgeons realized that there is a separate and distinct need for a focus on geriatrics. Much of the literature on surgical outcomes defines the elderly population as any adult aged more than 65 years. In the literature that deals with patient populations of octogenarians or nonagenarians, the data and conclusions often support the concept that a surgical team can perform operations on these groups with ‘‘acceptable results.’’ These investigators feel that they are still fighting ageism among referring physicians and surgeons. They believe that the statement ‘‘we achieved acceptable results’’ should be sufficient to prove their hypothesis; however, some institutions that operate routinely on the oldest old are beginning to transcend ageism and are looking for ways not only to maintain ‘‘acceptable results’’ but also to optimize quality of life for the elderly.
Functionalized nanodiamond as a charge transporter in organic solar cells

Abstract We demonstrate for the first time the efficiency improvement of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)–fullerene (C 60 ) bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells by the introduction of functionalized nanodiamonds (NDs) into the photoactive layer. A novel covalently bonded C 60 ND composite was synthesized via a microwave induced functionalization approach. As compared to control devices with only C 60 , the addition of carboxylated ND resulted in 53% improvement in short circuit current density J sc . Such a device design takes advantages of both C 60 for electron accepting and ND for efficient electron transport. The results indicate that C 60 decorated NDs are promising additives for the performance enhancement of polymer photovoltaic cells.
A visible and infrared study of the eclipsing dwarf nova Oy Carinae – II. The infrared light curves

On presente trois courbes de lumiere simultanees dans le visible (V) et l'IR (J, H, K) de ce systeme binaire a eclipse nova naine en periode calme
Effect of renal decapsulation on hypertension induced by single episode of acute choline deficiency.

SummaryBilateral renal decapsulation, performed one week after an acute episode of ‘hemorrhagic kidneys’ in choline deficient rats, prevents the development of hypertension in such animals and restores blood pressure to normal when the operation is performed in rats in which such hypertension is already established. Administration of ACTH to such renal decapsulated rats restores their hypertension but is essentially without effect on the pressures of normal rats, hypertensive rats, or renal decapsulated rats which never were choline deficient.
The Rise (and Frequent Fall) of Evangelical Politicians: Organization, Theology, and Church Politics

Latin American evangelicals have become a common presence in legislative politics. Brazil exemplifies the potential clout of evangelical legislators and a troubling tendency toward political corruption. This article explains the quality of evangelical interest representation by focusing on church organization and theology, arguing that evangelicals approach electoral politics via three different modes: rejection; participation as individual, politically engaged believers; and engagement as church corporate project. While individual participation is unrelated to political corruption, the corporate model fosters machine politics, characterized in Brazil by resource-based politics, narrow voter bases, and frequent party switching. We link these characteristics to evangelical involvement in two corruption scandals that occurred during the administration of President Lula da Silva. The analysis shows the central role of evangelical organization and theology in shaping interest representation and suggests future duplication of the church-as-political-machine model, particularly where the “Prosperity Theology” variant of pentecostalism is strong.
Levels of Serum LH in Rhesus Monkeys After Intrapituitary Infusion of Synthetic LH-RH or Median Eminence Extracts1

Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of Macaca mulatta females were compared by radioimmunoassay after iv and intrapituitary administration of sheep (o) and rabbit (ra) median eminence extracts (SME) and synthetic LH-releasing hormone (LH-RH). Both intrapituitary infusion and iv injection of oSME and raSME caused nearly equal and significant (p < 0.05) elevations in serum levels of LH within 30 min. Intrapituitary infusion of 40 μg of LH-RH into rhesus at each of 3 stages–days 6 to 7, 11 to 14, or 20 to 23–of their menstrual cycles also caused significant, but equal, increases in serum LH. In contrast, an iv injection of 40 or 85 ng LH-RH during the early follicular or periovulatory stages of the cycle failed to elevate serum LH or FSH significantly above preinjection levels. Since the concentrations of serum LH after LH-RH never approached the LH levels observed during the spontaneous midcycle surge regardless of the LHRH dosage, its mode of administration, or t...
Bilayer asymmetry in lysophosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (1:1) vesicles. A phosphorus-31 NMR study.

Prolonged sonication (3 h) of equimolar amounts of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) and cholesterol (chol) produces small unilamellar vesicles. Phosphorus-31 NMR (32.20 MHz) of the vesicles gave rise to a single peak (40.5 ppm) which was split upon addition of lanthanide ions. An additional, more intense signal appeared downfield near 51.0 ppm due to 2.4 mM Pr3+, upfield near 34.3 ppm due to 5 mM Yb3+. The more intense signals responsive to paramagnetic ions were assigned to lysoPC located in the outer vesicle leaflet; the signal not shifted by the ions was assigned to inside lysoPC. Based on peak intensities, an outside-to-inside lysoPC ratio (Ro/i) of 6.5–6.6 was determined. Essentially the same Ro/i values (6.6–6.8) were obtained when Pr3+ was present only in the vesicle interior or when Pr3+ was on the inside and Pr3+ and Yb3+ were on the outside. Ion leakage did not occur. Our data demonstrate that lysoPC/chol (1:1) vesicles are drastically asymmetric and that lysoPC shows a distinct preference for the outer bilayer leaflet.
Density functional theory and complete basis set ab initio evaluation of proton affinity for some selected chemical systems

Abstract Extensive complete basis set ab initio and density functional theory computational study of selected chemical systems were performed with target being to evaluate the most accurate computational method for the evaluation of their proton affinities. Three groups hybrid, gradient-corrected, and local density functional theory methods in combination with the 6-311G(2d,2p) basis set were used for these studies. Selected chemical systems are hydrogen derivatives of carbon, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphor with their methyl derivatives. Computed proton affinities are compared with the experimental data and the accuracy of these methods was discussed.
Efficient hardware trojan detection with differential cascade voltage switch logic

Offshore fabrication, assembling and packaging challenge chip security, as original chip designs may be tampered by malicious insertions, known as hardware Trojans (HTs). HT detection is imperative to guarantee the chip performance and safety. Existing HT detection methods have limited capability to detect small-scale HTs and are further challenged by the increased process variation. To increase HT detection sensitivity and reduce chip authorization time, we propose to exploit the inherent feature of differential cascade voltage switch logic (DCVSL) to detect HTs at runtime. In normal operation, a system implemented with DCVSL always produces complementary logic values in internal nets and final outputs. Noncomplementary values on inputs and internal nets in DCVSL systems potentially result in abnormal power behavior and even system failures. By examining special power characteristics of DCVSL systems upon HT insertion, we can detect HTs, even if the HT size is small. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves up to 100% HT detection rate. The evaluation on ISCAS benchmark circuits shows that the proposed method obtains a HT detection rate in the range of 66% to 98%.
Case report: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the uterine cervix treated with radical vaginal trachelectomy

Abstract Background. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare tumors which occur primarily in major nerve trunks and most commonly in patients with neurofibromatosis. Only seven prior cases of these tumors arising in the uterine cervix have been reported, all of which were treated by hysterectomy. Case. We report a 22-year-old woman with MPNST of the uterine cervix which recurred after loop electrocautery excision and had positive margins on cone biopsy. She was treated definitively with radical trachelectomy and is well with no sign of recurrence 20 months later. Conclusions. MPNST of the uterine cervix is a rare, but potentially aggressive neoplasm. This is the first case of such a tumor treated successfully with preservation of the patients fertility.
Glass Transition of a Synthetic Phospholipid in the Lamellar Phase

A synthetic phospholipid, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), was studied by differential scanning calorimetry at different hydration levels. A glass transition was observed in the lamellar gel (Lβ) phase but was not detected in a more ordered lamellar crystalline phase. The glassy state of the Lβ phase of POPE has properties that are typical of other glass-forming materials, i.e., nonexponential relaxation behavior below the glass transition temperature, a broad distribution of relaxation times, and plasticization by water. The significance of the glass transition in biological membranes is discussed.
precocity and acceleration

Precocious kids have the motivation and the ability to surge ahead of what is normative for their ages and grade levels. Many first and second graders learn to read at levels in the reading curriculum that are typical for third to fifth graders. Some surge ahead in math too but not as many as get ahead in reading. To get ahead precocious kids need access to advanced material, and that is easier to do in reading than in math. Brief contact without formal instruction often is all precocious kids need to learn and master advanced material.
Interannual Variation of the East Asian Cold Surge Activity

Abstract The occurrence frequency of the east Asian cold surge exhibits an interannual variation in concert with the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. That is, the cold surge occurs more (less) frequently during warm (cold) ENSO winters. Because the cold surge high–low dipoles are coupled with the upper-level synoptic short waves, any mechanism modulating the activity of these waves would affect the cold surge activity. The streamfunction budget analysis in the short-wave regime indicates that the development of the cold surge short-wave train over east Asia and the northwest Pacific is modulated by the North Pacific ENSO short-wave train. Due to the coupling between the upper-level cold surge short-wave train and the surface cold surge dipole, it is inferred from this streamfunction budget analysis that the interannual variation of the cold surge occurrence frequency is a result of this modulation.
Effective Discharge Dynamics for Plasma Actuators

Some effective control parameters for active separation mitigation using asymmetric dielectric barrier discharges is studied by considering the weakly ionized gas flow past a flat plate at angle of attack. A self- consistent plasma actuator model is employed to couple the electric force field to the momentum of the neutral gas. The equations governing the motion of electrons, ions and neutrals are solved with Poisson equation to study separation control for different parameters. It is observed that dielectric surface becomes negatively charged and a time averaged force acts on the plasma predominantly downstream, with a transverse component towards the wall. Momentum of the plasma couples to neutral gas through collisions, which results enhancement of near-wall momentum yielding a wall-jet-like feature that effectively eliminates the separation bubble. The impact of several physical and geometric parameters such as the amplitude and shape of excitation, dielectric constants, the initial ionization level, and the electrode shape is discussed. It is found that for an optimum distance between the exposed electrodes kept at a single phase the momentum transfer to the neighboring gas is cumulative showing, however, a diminishing return with increasing number of electrodes.
Finiteness, negation and the directionality of headedness in Bangla

This paper investigates a pattern in the South Asian language Bangla which strongly resembles the finite/non-finite positioning of verbs in English and French reported in Pollock (1989). In finite clauses in Bangla, verbs precede negation, as in English, while in non-finite clauses verbs follow negation, as in French. The paper considers whether the analysis of (leftwards) movement of the verb to Tense/Agreement in finite clauses argued for by Pollock for French should be assumed to operate in the SOV language Bangla as well, potentially supporting a Linear Correspondence Axiom (LCA) head-initial analysis of Bangla, which has elsewhere regularly been taken to be a head-final language. Considering other patterns in the language relating to negative polarity item (NPI) licensing and quantifier scope in finite and non-finite clauses, it is argued that a leftwards head-movement analysis is unable to account for such patterns. A different analysis of the alternating position of negation and verbs is then suggested, which attributes this to the realization of negation either in the specifier or head position of NegP, drawing on Pollock’s (1989) analysis of the dual location of negative morphemes in French and on much recent work on alternations between specifier and head lexicalization (van Gelderen 2004 and others).
Reanalysis of U.S. National Weather Service Flood Loss Database

To understand the nature of increasing flood damage in the United States, accurate data are needed on costs and vulnerability associated with flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) is the only organization that has maintained a long-term historical record of flood damage throughout the country. The NWS estimates are obtained from diverse sources, compiled soon after each flood event, and not verified by comparison with actual expenditures. This paper presents results of a comprehensive reanalysis of the scope, accuracy, and consistency of NWS damage estimates from 1926 to 2000 and recommends appropriate methods for data use and interpretation. Estimates for individual flood events are often quite inaccurate, but when estimates from many events are aggregated the errors become proportionately smaller. With the precautions described in this paper, the reanalyzed NWS damage estimates can be a valuable tool to aid researchers and decision makers in understanding the changing character of damaging floods in the United States. The reanalyzed data are available at http://www.flooddamagedata.org/.
Obesity, Regional Fat Distribution, and Syndrome X in Obese Black Versus White Adolescents: Race Differential in Diabetogenic and Atherogenic Risk Factors

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children is increasing with the increasing prevalence of obesity, particularly in African-American children. We hypothesized that African-American obese adolescents are more insulin resistant than their white peers, but have lower insulin secretion, thus increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study investigated insulin sensitivity and secretion, visceral adiposity (VAT), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile in black obese adolescents (BOA) vs. white obese adolescents (WOA). Twenty-four BOA and 26 WOA underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to assess insulin sensitivity, a hyperglycemic clamp to determine insulin secretion, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry for body composition and computed tomography scan at L4–L5 to measure VAT and sc abdominal adipose tissue. Fasting lipid and automated blood pressure measurements were obtained. The WOA and BOA groups were divided into low VAT and high VAT groups. BOA compared with WOA of...
Who is missing the message? Targeting strategies to increase food label use among US adults

Objective: To evaluate the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics and food label (FL) use in US adults. Design: Data from the 1994–1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey were used. High socio-economic status (SES) was defined as .high school education and poverty–income ratio (PIR) .350 %, low SES as ,high school level or PIR ,130 %. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24 h recalls. Setting: Metropolitan statistical area-central city, -suburban, and rural areas in the USA. Subjects: US adults (n 2797; 1460 men, 1337 women) aged 20–64 years. Results: Approximately 80 % of Americans reported using FL, including checking the nutrition panel, list of ingredients, short phrases, serving size, or health benefits. Only 26 % used all FL information. Compared with white women of higher SES, white men, black men and women with lower SES were 77–90 % less likely to use FL. Rural residents were 40 % less likely (OR 5 0?60; 95 % CI 0?42, 0?86). Participants with good nutrition knowledge, perceptions and beliefs were twice as likely to check FL for nutrient content of foods (OR 5 2?28; 95 % CI 1?53–3?40). Those who were unaware of diet–disease relationships were less likely to use FL (OR 5 0?53; 95 % CI 0?32–0?85). Among overweight/obese Americans (BMI $ 25 kg/m 2 ), those who perceived their weight ‘about right’ were 51 % less likely to use FL than those perceiving themselves as overweight. Conclusions: Men, especially black men, women of low SES, rural residents and overweight Americans with inaccurate self-perception of body weight are less likely to use FL and should be targeted for increased intervention.
Dimensionality Reduction using a Mixed Norm Penalty Function

The dimensionality of a problem that is addressed by neural networks is related to the number of hidden neuron in the network. Pruning neural networks to reduce the number of hidden neurons reduces the dimensionality of the system, produces a more efficient computation and yields a network with better ability to generalize beyond the training data. This work introduces a novel penalty function that is shown to reduce the number of active neurons. The performance of this function is superior to other known penalty functions. To best implement this function, we use bi-level optimization, which enables us to reduce dimensionality while maintaining good classification performance
The bilingual emotion lexicon and emotion in vivo

The keynote article by Aneta Pavlenko provides a compelling framework for the mental representation of emotion concepts in the two languages of the bilingual (novice or expert), and this may very well be its most telling contribution to the literature. However, I would like to concentrate my remarks on the author's development of the notion of emotionality in the latter third of the paper. I do this, first, because it seems to me that the majority of our work on the bilingual emotion lexicon derives from studies that have been done in the absence of actual emotional experience, and, second, because I believe that the author's development of the concept of emotionality sets the agenda for the next stage of research in this field.
X‐linked fetal cardiomyopathy caused by a novel mutation in the TAZ gene

Objectives Mutations in the tafazzin (TAZ) gene at chromosomal locus Xq28 are responsible for Barth syndrome (BTHS), X-linked endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE), X-linked fatal infantile dilated cardiomyopathy (CMD3A), and familial isolated noncompaction of left ventricular myocardium (INVM). This evaluation was performed to determine if a known familial TAZ gene mutation might present with abnormal fetal cardiac pathology findings as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods Prenatal diagnosis revealed that a male fetus was positive for a known familial arg94his TAZ gene mutation. An elective termination with subsequent fetal pathology examination was performed at 18 weeks' gestation. Results Fetal examination revealed cardiomegaly, EFE, and subendocardial vacuolization of the myocytes. Conclusion Characteristic cardiac pathology findings of a TAZ gene mutation are seen in a fetus at 18 weeks' gestation. To our knowledge, this case provides the earliest fetal pathologic description of a TAZ cardiomyopathy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spearcons (Speech-Based Earcons) Improve Navigation Performance in Advanced Auditory Menus

Objective:The goal of this project is to evaluate a new auditory cue, which the authors call spearcons, in comparison to other auditory cues with the aim of improving auditory menu navigation.Backg...
Entente Territorial: Sack and Raffestin on Territoriality

Two of the most prolific contributors to the theoretical literature on territoriality—Robert Sack and Claude Raffestin—treat territoriality in fundamentally different ways. Sack conceives of territ...
CGRP antagonists in the acute treatment of migraine.

2Although triptans were developed as vasoconstrictors of the cerebral circulation, the importance of neural events in migraine pathogenesis has recently been emphasised. 1 In particular, activation of the trigeminovascular system and release of its repertoire of neuropeptides is thought to be a pivotal event in the generation and maintenance of head pain. In keeping with our evolving understanding of migraine pathophysiology, several potential sites of action for triptans have been identified; these include the cranial blood vessels (postsynaptic binding to 5-HT1B receptors), trigeminal nerve endings (presynaptic binding to 5-HT1D receptors), as well as presynaptic or postsynaptic targets in the CNS. 1
Quantum Bayesian methods and subsequent measurements

The use of Bayes theorem in quantum mechanics is discussed. It is shown that the quantum Bayes theorem follows from the ordinary quantum measurement theory, when applied to density operators that represent our a priori knowledge of a system. The examples studied involve measurements on multiple copies of the same (unknown) state. The theorem is used to determine the unknown state by successive measurements on several of the copies of the state. An idealized information-theoretic description of propagating CW laser beams is treated in detail. It is shown how photon detections on part of the beams can be used to determine the phase of the rest of the beams. Also discussed, are the limitations on the accuracy of the phase determination that follow from the fact that it is accomplished by the detection of a finite number of photons. Explicit expressions are derived for the conditional probabilities of detecting photons at different locations, given the numbers of photons detected in the past. The quantitative predictions could be used, in principle, to test proposed quantum states of propagating laser beams.
Introduction to “Mapping the Terrain”: Shaping the Landscape of Communication and Sport Scholarship

In this introduction to a Communication and Sport special issue on “Mapping the Terrain: Shaping the Landscape of Communication and Sport Scholarship,” guest editors Michael Butterworth and Jeffrey...
"Closing the loop" in cervical dystonia: a new clinical phenomenon.

Background : The sensory trick or geste antagoniste is a cardinal feature of cervical dystonia. Patients are often aware of their tricks, using them to their advantage to temporarily improve dystonic symptoms. The typical sensory trick must be internally generated by the patient in order to be effective, and external mechanical pressure alone may not be sufficient. Methods : We present a case description. We present and demonstrate a new clinical phenomenon in patients with cervical dystonia, which we call "closing the loop". Discussion : We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying this finding.
Water Vapor Budget in a Developing Tropical Cyclone and Its Implication for Tropical Cyclone Formation

AbstractEvolution of the water vapor budget from the tropical wave stage to the tropical cyclone stage is examined using a high-resolution numerical model simulation. The focus is on a time window from 27 h prior to genesis to 9 h after genesis, and the diagnoses are carried out in the framework of the marsupial paradigm. Analysis shows that the vertically integrated inward moisture flux accounts for a majority of the total condensation and that its fractional contribution increases from the tropical wave stage to the tropical cyclone stage. The fractional contribution of the local evaporation is much smaller and decreases from the tropical wave stage to the tropical cyclone stage. It is also shown that the radial moisture flux above 850 hPa is rather weak prior to genesis but increases significantly after genesis because of the deepening of the inflow layer. The decrease in the fractional contribution of the local evaporation, or the increase in the fractional contribution of the vertically integrated in...
Mean frequency estimation of narrowband signals and its application to Doppler ultrasound blood velocity waveform estimation

Many applications involving Doppler signals require the accurate estimation of the power-weighted mean frequency over short durations of the signal due to it's nonstationarity. This paper presents a novel algorithm for estimating mean frequencies using the eigenstructure of the covariance matrix of the Doppler data. Experimental results indicate that this method is superior to the competing non-parametric methods.
Site-directed mutagenesis reveals two epitopes involved in the subtype selectivity of the allosteric interactions of gallamine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Gallamine allosterically modulates the binding of classical muscarinic ligands with a potency order of M2 . M1,M4 . M3,M5. We have suggested previously that the M2/M5 and M2/M3 selectivities are attributable to an epitope in the sixth transmembrane region or third outer loop (o3) region of the receptor. In this study, analysis of numerous point mutations in this region of the M5 receptor found that a mutation of V 3 N resulted in an increased affinity toward gallamine, suggesting that the asparagine residue at M2 419 is responsible for gallamine’s M2/M5 selectivity. Mutations in the other subtypes indicated that the acidic residues found at this position in M1 and M4 are associated with slightly higher affinity toward gallamine, whereas the valine and lysine residues of M5 and M3, respectively, are associated with significantly lower affinity. In the o2 region, replacement of an acidic sequence of M2 (EDGE) by the corresponding neutral sequence of M1 (LAGQ) reduced the affinity toward gallamine, as reported previously by others; the converse substitution of the acidic sequence into M1 significantly increased affinity for gallamine. Substitution of the M1 sequence into this region of M5 markedly reduced affinity toward gallamine, whereas substitution into M4 had no effect. All of the above mutations are consistent with gallamine binding with a similar orientation at each subtype, such that it interacts with acidic residues in the o2 region of M3 and M5 and with acidic residues in the o3 region of M1 and M4; gallamine appears to interact with both regions of the M2 subtype.
Neuropsychological Prediction and Outcome Measures in Relation to EEG Feedback Training for the Treatment of Epilepsy

Neuropsychological tests have been of value in assessing individuals with epilepsy for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use in determining the type and extent of neuropsychological impairment relative to nonepileptic controls (e.g., Dodrill, 1978), they have been used to assess and select candidates for specific interventions and to evaluate changes in functioning following those interventions. Tests have been used to assess patients prior to surgical treatment of seizures and to evaluate changes in cognitive and psychosocial functioning following surgery (Horowitz & Cohen, 1968; Lieb, Rausch, Engel, Brown, & Crandall, 1982; Meier & French, 1965, 1966; Milner, 1975; Novelty, Augustine, Mattson, Glaser, Williamson, Spencer, & Spencer, 1984; Rausch, McCreary, & Crandall, 1977; Wannamaker & Matthews, 1976). They have also been used to evaluate the effects of anticonvulsant therapy on functioning (see reviews by Dodrill, 1981; Trimble & Thompson, 1983).
Earth, motherhood, and the intrauterine device

Commentary is provided on the relationship between the use of the IUD and infertility from the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) preventive behavior for those using an IUD and recent reviews of the Dalkon Shield. Among IUD users who have never been pregnant tubal infertility is increased 2-6 fold (200-600%) and most with tubal infertility will never bear a child. Tubal infertility develops in 11% of patients with PID but most IUD users do not develop PID. The physicians responsibility is 1) to give formal and extensive recognition to the connection that IUD uses causes PID; 2) to inform patients of the potential risk of PID and sterility; 3) to develop proper patient selection for an IUD; 4) to identify and treat PID which may appear initially as abnormal uterine bleeding and mild pain; 5) to recognize that the IUD facilitates the development of PID in patients with Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis even though 25-50% of IUD patients have neither infection; 6) to recognize that the risk of PID is increased in the first 4-6 months of insertion and to research alternatives e.g. the use of available antibiotics to treat selected patients to reduce infections and 7) to realize that most PID occurs 6 months after insertion and indolent abscess formation is expected to increase among longterm copper IUD users. The reviews referred to in this article are ones claiming unfair removal of the Dalkon Shield in 1974 based on flawed study design and analysis of case control and the understanding that the Dalkon Shield is no worse than other IUDs and not related to PID. The author points out that neither review mentions that primary tubal infertility increased 6-fold among Dalkon Shield users who had used only 1 IUD in their life and that infertility increased 3-fold among IUD users compared with the non-IUD using population. The case control studies provide enough evidence for the cause and effect relationship. The Kronmal et al. article did not present convincing new evidence even with reanalysis of the original Lee et al. data. In the Memford and Kessel review case controlled studies are excluded from consideration. Most PID goes unrecognized. The rate of PID cannot be determined. The goal is to protect patients and reduce population. The enemy is not physicians with opposing positions on this issue.
In the absence of overt urothelial damage, chondroitinase ABC digestion of the GAG layer increases bladder permeability in ovariectomized female rats

Loss of integrity of the protective impermeability barrier in the urothelium has been identified as significant in bladder dysfunction. In this study, we tested the theory that the luminal layer of...