cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whole neuraxis irradiation to address central nervous system relapse in high-risk neuroblastoma

Background As systemic control of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) has improved, relapse in the central nervous system (CNS) is an increasingly recognized entity that carries a grim prognosis. This study describes the use of craniospinal irradiation (CSI) for CNS relapse and compares outcomes to patients who received focal radiotherapy (RT). Methods A retrospective query identified 29 children with NB treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center since 1987 who received RT for CNS relapse. At CNS relapse, 16 patients received CSI (median dose, 2160cGy), and 13 received focal RT. Of those who underwent CSI, 14 (88%) received intra-Ommaya (IO) radioimmunotherapy (RIT); one patient in the non-CSI cohort received IO-RIT. Results Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Time to CNS relapse was 20 and 17 months for the CSI and non-CSI cohorts, respectively. At a median follow-up of 28 months, 12 patients (75%) in the CSI group are alive without CNS disease, including two patients with isolated skeletal relapse. Another patient is alive without disease after a brain relapse was retreated with RT. Three patients died—one with no NB at autopsy, one of CNS disease, and one of systemic disease. The two patients who died of NB did not receive IO-RIT. All 13 patients in the non-CSI cohort died at a median of 8.8 months. Conclusions Low-dose CSI together with IO-RIT provides durable CNS remissions and improved survival compared with focal RT and conventional therapies. Further evaluation of long-term NB survivors after CSI is warranted to determine the treatment consequences for this cohort.
Theory Construction in the Study of Communication: The System Paradigm

The central argument of this paper is that the process of explanation as defined by the covering law model of science contains stringent criteria which often cannot be met by communication scientists and that an alternative model for explanation, less powerful but more obtainable-the systems paradigm-ought to be adopted. Four types of explanation are reviewed to provide a context for a discussion of the systems paradigm alternative: Scientific explanations, What-explanations, Mental concept explanations, and Reason-giving explanations. The covering law and system paradigms are compared and five criteria are established for distinguishing the two explanatory genres. Three major advantages in using the system paradigm are discussed. These include a shift in the particular sets of variables which are selected for study, an increase in the complexity of analysis which may be employed, and the ability to integrate current research into a wider perspective. The article concludes with a suggestive example of one application of theory construction utilizing the system paradigm. Propositions in small group communication are combined into a system of equations the solution of which shows the dependence of each variable on all of the other variables in the system.
Wettability of nanotextured metallic glass surfaces

The wettability of different nanotextured metallic glass surfaces is investigated. Wettability is quantified by the sessile drop technique using a distilled water droplet. It is demonstrated that hydrophilic–hydrophobic nature of the metallic glass surface can be controlled through nanotopography. The contact angle was found to increase from 70° for the flat metallic glass surface to 110° for a nanorod patterned surface. The difference in contact angle is explained in terms of the surface topography/roughness measured using atomic force microscopy.
Robotically Controlled Variation of the Instantaneous Center of Rotation: The Effects on Kinetics and Kinematics of Cervical Spine

Cervical spine loads are complex, with different head and neck movements producing different spine loading conditions. Imagine performing a chin tuck, (this simple action predominantly utilizes mostly upper cervical segments), or stretching out your neck to look down over something (this action requires the utilization of lower level cervical segments). The effect in both cases is neck flexion, but cervical spine loads may vary greatly. With a trend towards increasing fidelity and in vivo applicability of in vitro simulations [1], this study aimed to provide a novel biomechanical assessment of the influence of varying the location of the regional Instantaneous Center of Rotation (ICR) on the kinetics and kinematics of the cervical spine.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Effect of drought on phytyl wax esters in Phaseolus leaves

Abstract The small amount of phytol which is bound as wax ester in mature bean leaves is increased 10–20 fold by drought. Watering the plants before permanent wilt reverses this trend. Maximum amounts of phytyl wax esters in plants still viable are higher in the drought resistant tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) than in the less resistant garden bean (P. vulgaris).
Fractal River Basins–Chance and Self‐organization

The first question a reader might ask is, how could anyone write a 547-page book on fractal river basins? Actually, the content of Fractal River Basins—Chance and Self-Organization is considerably broader than is indicated by the title. The general problem of the erosional evolution of landforms is considered, and background material on the underlying concepts of fractals, multifractals self-affinity, and self-organized criticality is given. The book is generally well written and is highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in theoretical geomorphology from the modern point of view. Cambridge University Press has done its usual excellent job of production, and the price is not unreasonable for such a specialized volume.
Structural properties of Gabor transforms and numerical algorithms

ABSTRACT Let g be a Gabor window of length N, (a, b) be a pair of lattice constants. The time and frequency translates { MmbTnag} of g forms so-called Gabor family (or Weyl-Heisenberg wavelet system). In this note, we present the structural properties of the discrete Gabor transforms, and determine the best approximation of a signal x Ein a very general case by linear combinations from a given Gabor family (we do not assume here whether thisfamily forms a frame or not). For this task, we are determining the (generalized) dual Gabor atom. We proposethe conjugate-gradient (CG)-method with 0(N) complexity for fixed lattice constants (a, b) to solve the problem.Key words: discrete Gabor transform (DGT), (generalized) dual Gabor atom (GDGA), (generalized)tight Gabor atom (GTGA), 'R-symmetry. 1 Introduction A discrete Gabor expansion of signal x VN with respect to a Gabor triple (g, a, b) is a series expansion ofthe form x = : ZL—1 b—i i Cmgnm , (1) n=O m=O where Gabor elementary functions g are given as MmbTnag. a and b are referred to as lattice constants,
Explaining Regional Differences in Black Earnings Discrimination among Full-time Working Men

Using data from the 2000 Census 1% PUMS, this paper analyzes the causes of regional differences in Black earnings discrimination. The methodology is a two stage process used to generate and analyze a cross section of earnings discrimination across cities. In the first stage, a city measure of discrimination is constructed using the Oaxaca decomposition method. The second stage then utilizes these estimated measures of discrimination as a dependent variable in OLS models to test various discrimination theories. While the second stage offers some evidence that increases in the size of both the Black labor force and immigrant labor force are positively related to greater discrimination, increasing overall income inequality is found to robustly increase Black earnings discrimination.
Comparison of a Stationary Digital Breast Tomosynthesis System to Magnified 2D Mammography Using Breast Tissue Specimens

Rational and Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (s-DBT) system to a conventional mammography system in a study of breast specimens. Radiologist evaluation of image quality was assessed in a reader study. This study represents the first human tissue imaging with the novel carbon nanotube–based s-DBT device. Materials and Methods Thirty-nine patients, with known breast lesions (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 or 5) by conventional mammography and scheduled for needle localization biopsy, were recruited under an institutional review board–approved protocol. Specimen images were obtained using a two-dimensional (2D) mammography system with a ×1.8 magnification factor and an s-DBT system without a high magnification factor. A reader study was performed with four breast fellowship-trained radiologists over two separate sessions. Malignancy scores were recorded for both masses and microcalcifications (MCs). Reader preference between the two modalities for MCs, masses, and surgical margins was recorded. Results The s-DBT system was found to be comparable to magnified 2D mammography for malignancy diagnosis. Readers preferred magnified 2D mammography for MC visualization (P Conclusions Here, we report on the first human data acquired using a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system. The novel s-DBT system was found to be comparable to magnified 2D mammography imaging for malignancy diagnosis. Given the trend of preference for s-DBT over 2D mammography for both mass visibility and margin assessment, s-DBT could be a viable alternative to magnified 2D mammography for imaging breast specimens.
Applications of food composition data: Data sources and considerations for use

Abstract Sources of food composition data for nutrition professionals include electronic and hardcopy databases, which may be listed in database directories, and data from the food industry and the scientific literature. When data are not available from these sources, it may be necessary to impute or calculate values for a food, and the procedures used should be documented. Considerations for selecting data from various sources for a particular food include the food name and description, reliability of the source, data quality, and data variability. Food composition data are used for many purposes—dietary intake surveys/studies, reference work, patient care, student education, product development, dietary assessment, and clinical research. Understanding of the limitations of the data should be considered before using them for these various purposes. For example, it may not be appropriate to use data from a reference database for clinical studies where food component intakes are related to physiological measurements. More precise data from direct analysis of the food(s) under study may be required. Using food composition data from other countries may be appropriate, but might require modification for local ingredients or preparation methods. The many and varied sources of food composition data should be used with consideration for their appropriateness in national surveys, patient care, education, clinical practice, clinical research, and product development.
Polymeric composite systems with two continuous phases

A general mixture rule, which has the correct type of phase symmetry, is proposed for estimating the properties of composites having two continuous phases. The form of this equation is different from the equations used to predict the properties of composites with one continuous phase and one dispersed phase. The proposed equation for property P is where the volume fractions of components A and B are oA and oB, respectively, and n is a constant. A simple model is used to correlate the morphology of systems having two continuous phase with the parameter n of the mixture rule. The connectivity of the phase varies with concentration. The properties, such as elastic modulus, depend primarily upon the modulus of the material with the higher modulus. In general, the properties depend very little on the morphology of the system.
The Zn(II)/Zn exchange reaction in KOH solution—II. exchange current density measurements using the double-impulse method

Abstract Exchange cd measurements have been made using the double-impulse method of Gerischer and Krause. Values obtained are greater than those previously reported (part I) using the single impulse method. The exchange cd is independent of the zincate ion concentration and rises to a maximum value at ca 8 mol/1 KOH concentration, confirming the pattern of the galvanostatic experiments. The enthalpy of activation for the charge-transfer process is ca 13 kJ/mol. Possible mechanisms for these observations are discussed.
Postmarketing studies of drug safety

A European initiative could help bring more transparency and rigour to pharmacoepidemiology
Children's emergent leadership: The relationships with group characteristics and outcomes

This study is focused on the relationships that children’s self-perceived emergent leadership shares with group characteristics, such as gender and ability groups, and with outcomes, such as perfor...
Familial incidence of dermatitis herpetiformis.

Dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten-sensitive enteropathy are diseases in which exposure to gluten results in an inflammatory response. Both diseases are associated with certain human lymphocyte antigen alleles, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy is well known to cluster in families. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy has also been reported in families of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, Despite this evidence that dermatitis herpetiformis is a genetic disease, reports of the familial occurrence of dermatitis herpetiformis are rare. We have obtained family histories from 92 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis with 740 first-degree relatives. Six of these relatives have dermatitis herpetiformis. Comparison of these data with the expected prevalence of dermatitis herpetiformis shows this incidence to be highly significant (p
Pharmaceutical applications of solid dispersion systems: Dissolution of griseofulvin–succinic acid eutectic mixture

Abstract The dissolution profile of the griseofulvin–succinic acid eutectic mixture system was evaluated using the powder and constant‐surface area tablet methods. Factors contributing to the enhancement of griseofulvin dissolution from the dispersion in succinic acid are discussed. Contrary to the original proposal of Sekiguchi and coworkers, dissolution rates of griseofulvin from solid dispersions were found to be markedly affected by the particle size of solid dispersions.
Syntheses of Ni3S2, Co9S8, and ZnS by the decomposition of diethyldithiocarbamate complexes

Abstract Three useful sulfides, Ni 3 S 2 , Co 9 S 8 , and ZnS, have been prepared by the decomposition of their respective diethyldithiocarbamate complexes. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, crystallite size determination, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The problems associated with organometallic precursors for the synthesis of metal sulfides are discussed and the method is compared with the direct conversion of sulfate salts to sulfides in a controlledH 2 /H 2 S environment.
Redox Cycling of Catechol Estrogens Generating Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Sites and 8-oxo-Deoxyguanosine via Reactive Oxygen Species Differentiates Equine and Human Estrogens

Metabolic activation of estrogens to catechols and further oxidation to highly reactive o-quinones generates DNA damage including apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites. 4-Hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN) is th...
Anticipation Work: Cultivating Vision in Collective Practice

Problems of temporality in distributed cooperative work have emerged as an important theme of CSCW and HCI work. This paper draws on ethnographic fieldwork into large-scale infrastructure development in ecology and ocean science and analyses of futurism in science and technology studies to call attention to "anticipation work": the practices that cultivate and channel expectations of the future, design pathways into those imaginations, and maintain those visions in the face of a dynamic world. We advance three basic claims: first, that long term technological development and sustainability in science is guided by complex and distributed forms of futurism; second, that all actors (both individual and collective) orient towards the future (at both temporally close and distant scales); and third, that actors engage in complex and skilled forms of anticipation work -- individual and collective, formal and informal -- that guide and shape the present character and experience of collaborative life.
Liberal Equality, Exploitation, and the Case for an Unconditional Basic Income

This paper considers whether arguments presented in Philippe Van Parijs' Real Freedom for All: What (if Anything) Can Justify Capitalism? succeed in rebutting the objection that the introduction of a substantial unconditional basic income (UBI) would allow non-working citizens to free-ride on the efforts of, and so exploit, working citizens. It considers Van Parjis' ‘external assets argument’ for UBI, and finds that this argument does not succeed in reconciling payment of a substantial UBI with the reciprocity principle which underpins this ‘exploitation objection’. It considers and rejects Van Parijs' implicit claim that the exploitation objection must be grounded in a distributive principle which contradicts the egalitarian commitment to prevent brute luck inequality. It concludes that Van Parjis has failed, thus far, to articulate a convincing response to the exploitation objection.
Theory of optical double resonance at high photon densities

We consider the excitation spectrum of a three-level atom interacting with an electromagnetic field whose two initially populated modes ω a and ω b are in resonance with two atomic transition frequencies while the remaining unpopulated modes are simultaneously coupled to the atomic states. It is found that at high photon densities, the Green's functions describing the lower and upper systems corresponding to the transition frequencies ω a and ω b respectively are-independent of each other. The spectral functions for the lower and upper systems consist of seven lorentzian lines describing the central peak and three pairs of sidebands where each pair is symmetrically located with respect to the transition frequency. For the lower system, the lines are peaked at frequencies ω = ω a , ω = ω a ± Ω a , ω = ω a ± Ω b and ω = ω a ± Ω ab with radiative widths γa 0/2, 3γa 0/4, (γa 0 + γb 0)/4 and (γa 0 + 3γb 0)/4 respectively, where Ω a and Ω b are the energy shifts of the populated modes ω a and ω b , Ω ab 2 = Ω b...
To P or Not to P: That Is the Question

In 1993 Eugene Harris, a well-known biostatistician at the NIH, wrote an editorial for Clinical Chemistry regarding the use of P values vs confidence intervals in the evaluation of scientific data (1). This has long been a contentious topic in the scientific world and one with which each new generation of scientists has had to grapple on the basis of arguments advanced for the use of various statistical approaches. Harris recommended use of the statistical technique that best met the objectives of the experiment, but this presumes at least some knowledge of the underlying statistical techniques. An excellent and instructive article recently appeared in Nature that explores this subject further, giving insights into the ramifications of incorrect interpretation of statistics (2). This article, written by Regina Nuzzo, is highly recommended to our readership because it provides a very clear and interesting presentation. The article presents a history of the competing models of legendary statisticians, the model of Ronald Fisher, who initially proposed …
Infrequent neuropsychological impairment in asymptomatic persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Previous investigators have reported subtle cognitive impairments in up to 44% of persons with asymptomatic HIV infection (AHIV+). The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment in groups of AHIV+ persons who had been stratified according to T-helpercell percentages (Th%). Neuropsychological tests were administered to 53 AHIV+ persons who were stratified into three groups; (1) Th% 30 (n = 14). Comparison of the groups' neuropsychological scores with normative data showed that all group means were within normal ranges, although 17% of Group 1 subjects were impaired on two or more tests. Intergroup comparisons indicated that Group 1 had significantly lower vocabulary scores than did Groups 2 or 3 (p = .03). No other significant differences were noted. Our findings do not support reports of a substantial incidence of cognitive impairment in AHIV+ persons, although there may be a somewhat increased incidence of impairm...
Policy orientation effects on performance with licensing to start-ups and small companies

Abstract This study empirically tests a model of a university's selectivity and support policy orientation for technology licensing and its interaction with the external environment for entrepreneurship. Using a sample of 134 US research universities, we investigate main, two-way and three-way interaction effects for two measures of technology transfer performance—licenses with companies that subsequently go public and product royalties. Results indicate both main and moderating effects for both measures of performance. Implications for practice and policy are offered, with special attention to public universities.
Analysis of electric relaxation in sodium trisilicate and lithium fluoroborate glasses from 102 to 109 Hz and 25 to 300°C

Abstract It was found that subtraction of effects of an assumed ‘Warburg’ surface impedance, z = z 1 (i gw − a , from measured parallel capacitance and conductance yields constants low frequency values with relaxation of both at higher frequencies. After subtraction of dc conductance, the remaining complex, ϵ ∗ , is described quite well by the Cole-Davidson (CD) relaxation function with β ∼ 0.36 plus excess absorption at the highest frequencies. The high frequency conductivity approaches the linear variation with ω proposed by Wong and Angell. It can also be joined smoothly to extrapolated far IR reflectivity measurements of damped cation motion resonances (unpublished results of Burns and Risen). The following unified interpretation is proposed: cation vibrations in local potential minima are precursors of occasional escapes to adjacent sites and ensuing diffusive charge displacements and transport which is ultimately blocked by space charge accumulations near electrodes.
Physiology of blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A transesophageal echocardiographic study.

BACKGROUNDThere are two competing theories of the mechanism of blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The "cardiac pump" theory postulates that blood flows because the heart is squeezed between the sternum and the spine. The "thoracic pump" theory postulates that blood flows from the thorax because intrathoracic pressure exceeds extrathoracic vascular pressure and that flow is restricted to the venous-to-arterial direction because of venous valves that prevent retrograde flow at the thoracic inlet. To determine which mechanism is operative during actual cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 20 patients were imaged with transesophageal echocardiography during resuscitation.METHODS AND RESULTSTransesophageal two-dimensional and pulse Doppler echocardiography was begun within 7 minutes of initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the 18 patients who could be analyzed, the mitral valve opened during the release phase (diastole) and closed during the compression phase (systole) of cardiopulmonary resu...
Research Spotlight: Lightning not detected on Titan

[1] Scientists have speculated that lightning on Saturn's moon Titan could produce changes in atmospheric chemistry and could even spark production of organic compounds that could be precursors to the evolution of life, but so far there has been no conclusive detection of lightning on Titan. Extending previous searches for lightning on Titan, Fischer and Gurnett analyzed radio data up to the 72nd close flyby of Titan by the Cassini spacecraft. They found no evidence of lightning and concluded that if lightning occurs at all on Titan, it is probably a very rare event. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047316, 2011)
A fully parallel block independent set algorithm for distributed sparse matrices

We present a fully parallel algorithm for constructing block independent set for general sparse matrices in a distributed environment. The block independent set is used in the construction of parallel multilevel preconditioners in solving large sparse matrices on distributed memory parallel computers. We compare a few implementations of the parallel multilevel ILU preconditioners with different block independent set construction strategies. Numerical experiments indicate that the parallel block independent set algorithm is effective in reducing both the parallel multilevel preconditioner construction time and the size of the last level reduced system.
Behavior in CHARGE syndrome: introduction to the special topic

Challenging behavior in children with CHARGE syndrome has been increasingly a concern of parents, educators, and health professionals. This article introduces the special topic in the American Journal of Medical Genetics on behavior in individuals with CHARGE syndrome. It provides background on CHARGE syndrome, diagnostic criteria, and the relationship of sensory and other physical deficits with both development and behavior. Four themes related to our developing understanding of behavior in CHARGE are described: children with CHARGE have behaviors different from those seen in other syndromes with or without deafblindness. The behavior they display is often very adaptive to their environment and to their own disabilities. These behaviors may be partially related to problems with arousal and self-regulation. And, finally, all papers point to behavior as communication, especially within relationships, where it is essential for maximizing intellectual and social outcomes.
Regressive Evolution in the Mexican Cave Tetra, Astyanax mexicanus

Summary The evolutionary forces driving the reduction of eyes and pigmentation in cave-adapted animals are unknown; Darwin famously questioned the role of natural selection in eye loss in cave fishes: "As it is difficult to imagine that eyes, although useless, could be in any way injurious to animals living in darkness, I attribute their loss wholly to disuse" [1]. We studied the genetics of eye and pigmentation regression in the Mexican cave tetra, Astyanax mexicanus , by mapping and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. We also mapped QTL for the putatively constructive traits of jaw size, tooth number, and numbers of taste buds. The data suggest that eyes and pigmentation regressed through different mechanisms. Cave alleles at every eye or lens QTL we detected caused size reductions, consistent with evolution by natural selection but not with drift. QTL polarities for melanophore number were mixed, however, consistent with genetic drift. Arguments against a role for selection in the regression of cave-fish eyes cited the insignificant cost of their development [2, 3], but we argue that the energetic cost of their maintenance is sufficiently high for eyes to be detrimental in the cave environment. Regression can be caused either by selection or drift.
Point-deflection method for in-situ stress determination of advanced lithographic masks

The point-deflection method provides a relatively new approach to in-situ stress measurements for freestanding thin films. By applying a small concentrated transverse force at the center of a prestressed film, and measuring the corresponding out-of-plane displacements at selected locations, the average internal stress can be readily evaluated. The load-deflection relationships, which have been derived for both circular and rectangular shapes, are essentially independent of film material properties, and quite robust with respect to variations in boundary constraints. Finite element simulations have further substantiated the method.
Spinwave and Uniform Precession Linewidths in Rare-Earth Substituted Yttrium Iron Garnet

The temperature dependence of the spinwave and uniform precession linewidths of yttrium iron garnet substituted with the order of one atomic percent of holmium, erbium, and europium was measured from 4.2° to 300°K. The data are compared to the theory of de Gennes, Kittel, and Portis which attributes the line-width to the rapidly relaxing rare-earth ions. Although the theory qualitatively predicts the temperature dependence of the linewidth, the detailed behavior varies considerably in these materials and remains to be accounted for. A new technique is briefly described that is used for obtaining ΔH k from the main resonance nonlinear behavior of the susceptibility which avoids the detailed point measurements previously necessary.
The Mid-Quaternary Climatic Transition as the Free Response of a Three-Variable Dynamical Model

A simplified version of a previously described dynamical model governing global ice mass, atmospheric carbon dioxide, and mean ocean temperature is shown to possess solutions, in a realistic parameter range, that can replicate the main features of the climatic variations implied by the full, two million years, Quaternary delta-O-18 record. These variations include a major 'transition' between a low-ice delta-O-18, low variance mode before roughly 900 kyr BP to a high-ice, high (near 100 kyr period) variance mode after that time to the present. The model contains only three free parameters in this simplified form. No external earth-orbital forcing is prescribed; i.e., the model represents only internal dynamics. From the previous studies it seems clear that additional variance representing such features as the 'rapid' deglaciation and the phase of the major Quaternary oscillation can be largely explained with no more than four additional parameters representing an internal asymmetry and the external perodic forcing. The present results, therefore, constitute a first-order account for the existence of the 'ice age' fluctuations over the last two million years, including the concomitant variations of atmospheric CO2.
Distortion-rate bounds for distributed estimation using wireless sensor networks

We deal with centralized and distributed rate-constrained estimation of random signal vectors performed using a network of wireless sensors (encoders) communicating with a fusion center (decoder). For this context, we determine lower and upper bounds on the corresponding distortion-rate (D-R) function. The nonachievable lower bound is obtained by considering centralized estimation with a single-sensor which has all observation data available, and by determining the associated D-R function in closed-form. Interestingly, this D-R function can be achieved using an estimate first compress afterwards (EC) approach, where the sensor (i) forms the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) estimate for the signal of interest; and (ii) optimally (in the MSE sense) compresses and transmits it to the FC that reconstructs it. We further derive a novel alternating scheme to numerically determine an achievable upper bound of the D-R function for general distributed estimation usingmultiple sensors. The proposed algorithm tackles an analytically intractable minimization problem, while it accounts for sensor data correlations. The obtained upper bound is tighter than the one determined by having each sensor performing MSE optimal encoding independently of the others. Numerical examples indicate that the algorithm performs well and yields D-R upper bounds which are relatively tight with respect to analytical alternatives obtained without taking into account the cross-correlations among sensor data.
Silicon and tungsten oxide nanostructures for water splitting

Inorganic semiconductors are promising materials for driving photoelectrochemical water-splitting reactions. However, there is not a single semiconductor material that can sustain the unassisted splitting of water into H 2 and O 2 . Instead, we are developing a three part cell design where individual catalysts for water reduction and oxidation will be attached to the ends of a membrane. The job of splitting water is therefore divided into separate reduction and oxidation reactions, and each catalyst can be optimized independently for a single reaction. Silicon might be suitable to drive the water reduction. Inexpensive highly ordered Si wire arrays were grown on a single crystal wafer and transferred into a transparent, flexible polymer matrix. In this array, light would be absorbed along the longer axial dimension while the resulting electrons or holes would be collected along the much shorter radial dimension in a massively parallel array resembling carpet fibers on a microscale, hence the term "solar carpet". Tungsten oxide is a good candidate to drive the water oxidation. Self-organized porous tungsten oxide was successfully synthesized on the tungsten foil by anodization. This sponge-like structure absorbs light efficiently due to its high surface area; hence we called it "solar sponge".
Equity, efficiency, and identity: Grounding the debate over population and sustainability

If social scientists are to provide a more useful contribution to international debates over population and environment, we must find ways to combine the insights of our competing theoretical traditions. Political economy, rational choice, and cultural institutionalist perspectives are each associated with a different assessment and characterization of the population “problem”, as well as divergent strategies of response, prioritizing in turn the goals of equity, efficiency, and cultural identity. The principal argument of this paper is that these three perspectives, and the goals which they embody, are like the three legs of a stool; none is sufficient and each is necessary to uphold socially acceptable responses to population growth in the context of broader challenges of sustainability. Each perspective is reviewed in turn, distinguishing narrow and polarizing applications that trivialize the way social and economic systems rely on the natural environment from applications that are useful in fashioning a more integrated approach. The paper concludes with reflections on how this approach may support and enrich a focus on sustainable livelihoods in development planning.
Stacking Ellipses -- Revisited

Response to the article “Stacking Ellipses” by Richard E. Pfiefer in The College Mathematics Journal, Vol. 22, No. 4 (Sep., 1991), pp. 312-313.
Prescribed burning in uneven-aged stand management of ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forests

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of low intensity prescribed fires on wildfire hazard reduction, site preparation and tree mortality of uneven-aged managed ponderosa pine/Douglas fir ( Pinus ponderosa/Pseudotsuga menziesii ) forests. The study also provided the opportunity to determine the effects of uneven-aged silviculture on fire hazards. Burning followed the individual-tree selection cutting and full-tree utilization of an uneven-aged silvicultural prescription, which was developed for two stands in western Montana, U.S.A. Prescribed burning, following the full-tree utilization, proved to have no usefulness on fire hazard reduction. Uneven-aged cutting without any fuel management treatment showed substantial fire behavior potential, far beyond the control limit of direct attack methods. Residual duff depth was not significantly different between the burned and the unburned treatment units. Mineral soil exposure of the burned unit was significantly greater than the unburned unit in only one of the study stands. Removal of the litter fuels was significantly greater in the burned units, contributing to a receptive seedbed for natural regeneration of shade-intolerant tree species. Fire succeeded in eliminating Douglas fir regeneration. Losses of ponderosa pine seedlings were substantial, but a few saplings and seedlings did survive the fire. Fire also killed 6·5 to 9% of the overstory trees (over 3 m in height). Overstory mortality was statistically significant, but this mortality was confined to smaller trees (less than 12 cm in d.b.h.). Guidelines are offered for a safe and effective prescribed burning under standing timber in ponderosa pine stands.
DNA methylation is independent of RNA interference in Neurospora.

RNA has emerged as an important regulatory substance. Studies with worms, plants, and the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa have demonstrated that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can cause degradation of matching mRNA, resulting in RNA interference (RNAi) ([ 1 ][1]). In fission yeast [reviewed in ([
A COMPARISON OF THE GUINEA PIG AND CHICK THYROID IN THE ASSAY OF THE THYROTROPIC HORMONE1 2

ABOUT 10 years have passed since Loeb and Bassett (1) reported that. injections of extracts of the bovine pituitary produced marked hypertrophy of the guinea pig thyroid. This observation was soon confirmed by Aron (2). In a comparison of several species, Thurston (3) observed that the sensitivity of the thyroid gland to thyrotropic hormone was low in the mouse and rat but increased in the rabbit, cat, pigeon and guinea pig. Most investigators have suggested the use of the immature guinea pig in the biological assay of this hormone (4–7, 9–13) although Collip and Anderson have used the hypophysectomised rat and Smelser (14,15) the day-old chick. As a measure of activity, histological observation of the thyroid gland was employed most frequently in the earlier papers (4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12) while weight increase of the thyroid is gradually becoming more popular (10,11,14,15,16).
Generalized Random Decrement Method for Analysis of Vibration Data

The Random Decrement method used in system identification for analysis of random vibration data is considered from a rigorous mathematical perspective. It is shown that the Random Decrement signature deviates from the system free vibration curve of an associated linear system, unless the corresponding input excitation is white. The error induced by approximating the system excitation by a white noise process is examined. Further, a generalized Random Decrement signature is introduced; it is used to estimate efficiently the auto-correlation function of an ergodic Gaussian random process. Several examples are discussed to elucidate the theoretical developments.
Lis1 and doublecortin function with dynein to mediate coupling of the nucleus to the centrosome in neuronal migration

Humans with mutations in either DCX or LIS1 display nearly identical neuronal migration defects, known as lissencephaly. To define subcellular mechanisms, we have combined in vitro neuronal migration assays with retroviral transduction. Overexpression of wild-type Dcx or Lis1, but not patient-related mutant versions, increased migration rates. Dcx overexpression rescued the migration defect in Lis1 +/− neurons. Lis1 localized predominantly to the centrosome, and after disruption of microtubules, redistributed to the perinuclear region. Dcx outlined microtubules extending from the perinuclear “cage” to the centrosome. Lis1 +/− neurons displayed increased and more variable separation between the nucleus and the preceding centrosome during migration. Dynein inhibition resulted in similar defects in both nucleus–centrosome (N-C) coupling and neuronal migration. These N-C coupling defects were rescued by Dcx overexpression, and Dcx was found to complex with dynein. These data indicate Lis1 and Dcx function with dynein to mediate N-C coupling during migration, and suggest defects in this coupling may contribute to migration defects in lissencephaly.
Mining the Past: Historical Context and the Changing Implications of Natural Resource Extraction

Residents and leaders of rural or less-developed regions often believe that the exploitation of natural resources will provide an antidote to regional poverty, but the research literature on the topic is decidedly mixed. While many development economists have predicted regional benefits from resource extraction, other analysts have differed; in particular, many dependency scholars have predicted increasing “underdevelopment,” and a number of natural resource sociologists have predicted a more specific problem of “overadaptation.” Obviously, it is not likely that all of these competing expectations are equally accurate. To clarify the conditions under which extraction leads to prosperity or poverty, it is necessary to devote greater attention to the ways in which the developmental dynamics of resource extraction have changed over time — and if possible, to do so in a way that identifies relatively specific causal factors. As an initial step in that direction, this paper calls attention to four such factors, all of which have changed substantially over the past several centuries — historically contingent levels of resource-extraction capacities, pre-existing competition, linkage specialization, and transportation. For all of these factors, the overall pattern of change has been toward decreasing the likelihood that natural resource extraction will lead to local or regional “development.” The net effect is that expectations for local prosperity appear to have been reasonably accurate in earlier years, up through roughly the first half of the 19th century, but increasingly inaccurate thereafter. This preliminary argument is illustrated with three case studies of some of the most “successful” extraction-based development experiences we have been able to identify from the past four centuries, involving British coal mines of the 17th-18th centuries, upper Midwest lead mines of the 19th century, and offshore oil extraction along the U.S. Gulf Coast in the 20th. We conclude by noting the relevance of the experiences from earlier centuries for resource-related decisions of the 21”.
Abdominal pregnancy in a baboon: a first case report

: The abdominal pregnancy is a rare, but life threatening complication of ectopic embryo implantation. Only three cases of abdominal pregnancy have been previously described in primates: in a squirrel monkey, owl monkey and in a rhesus macaque. A 14-year-old wild-caught olive baboon (Papio cynocephalus anubis) was diagnosed at the ultrasound examination with advanced gestational age extrauterine pregnancy. At the initial laparotomy and necropsy the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy was made on Studdiford's criteria. This case indicates the possibility of developing a model for further study of different types of ectopic pregnancy and indicates a cesarean section as a risk factor for abdominal pregnancy.
The tertiary creep and necking of creep damaging solids

Abstract Tertiary creep and necking of bars composed of creep damaging material are investigated subject to the condition of constant applied load. The creep-damage constitutive model employed in the study is based on the concept of constrained cavity growth which characterizes the phenomenon of grain boundary cavitation in polycrystalline metals under creep conditions. For a perfect bar, tertiary creep arises from the interaction of cavitation with the geometrical effect of uniform thinning of the area cross section. Two coupled differential equations governing the evolution of the axial strain and area cross section are obtained and solved for the case of linear strain dependent nucleation. Necking is analyzed by considering the deformation of an initially imperfect bar modelled as a series of disk elements. The governing equations are integrated in these elements subject to the approximation that stresses and strains remain uniform throughout the deformation. Results indicate that the mechanism of cavitation can significantly affect the creep response of both the perfect and imperfect bars.
Stable isotope ecology in the Ituri Forest

The Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) is an example of a closed canopy forest showing extreme depletion in 13C. δ13C values for plants from the canopy top, from gaps in the canopy, and from the subcanopy average −29.0±1.7‰, −30.4±0.9‰, and −34.0±1.5‰, respectively. The δ13C of forest mammals show these differences, with the subcanopy browsers (okapi, dwarf antelope) having δ13C values for tooth enamel much more negative than subcanopy frugivores who derive their food from the canopy top, and from folivores and omnivores living in gap or clearing areas. Nitrogen isotopes in plants from this ecosystem have an average δ15N value of 5.4±1.8‰ and do not show significant differences at the 95% confidence interval between plants from the canopy top, from gaps in the canopy, and from the subcanopy. The δ18OSMOW values of surface waters in the study area are between −2.0 and −2.7. The δ18OPDB for tooth enamel ranged from −3 to +7‰.
Ultrasound and fluoroscopy are unnecessary for injections into the arthritic hip

We investigated the effectiveness of non-image-guided hip injections. We retrospectively evaluated 369 intra-articular hip injections in 331 patients using anatomical landmarks. The percentage and duration of pain relief was documented. Hip injections were grouped in responders and nonresponders (50 % maximum pain relief as a cut off). In 82% (n = 304) of hip injections, patients responded positively and experienced >50 % pain relief. Nonresponders had a significantly higher body mass index (p = 0.007). Hip injections using anatomical landmarks are an effective treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.
Inability to access buprenorphine treatment as a risk factor for using diverted buprenorphine

Abstract Background As buprenorphine prescribing has increased in the United States so have reports of its diversion. The study purpose was to examine frequency and source of and risk factors for diverted buprenorphine use over a 6-month period in an Appalachian community sample of prescription opioid abusers. Methods There were 503 participants at baseline; 471 completed the 6-month follow-up assessment. Psychiatric disorders and demographic, drug use, and social network characteristics were ascertained at baseline and follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of diverted buprenorphine use over the 6-month period. Results Lifetime buprenorphine use “to get high” was 70.1%. Nearly half (46.5%) used diverted buprenorphine over the 6-month follow-up period; among these persons, 9.6% and 50.6% were daily and sporadic (1–2 uses over the 6-months) users, respectively. The most common sources were dealers (58.7%) and friends (31.6%). Predictors of increased risk of use of diverted buprenorphine during the 6-month follow-up included inability to access buprenorphine treatment (AOR: 7.31, 95% CI: 2.07, 25.8), meeting criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and past 30 day use of OxyContin, methamphetamine and/or alcohol. Conclusions These results suggest that improving, rather than limiting, access to good quality affordable buprenorphine treatment may be an effective public health strategy to mitigate buprenorphine abuse. Future work should evaluate why more persons did not attempt to access treatment, determine how motivations change over time, and how different motivations affect diversion of the different buprenorphine formulations.
Implications of the Gas Compositional Measurements of Pioneer Venus for the Origin of Planetary Atmospheres

Comparisons are made between the volatile inventories of the terrestrial planets, including Pioneer Venus data, and the predictions of three classes of theories for the origin of planetary atmospheres. Serious difficulties arise for the primary atmosphere and external source hypotheses. The grain accretion hypothesis can account for the trends in the volatile inventory from Venus to Earth to Mars, if volatiles were incorporated into planet-forming grains at nearly the same temperature for all of these planets, but at systematically lower pressures in the regions of planet formation farther from the center of the solar nebula.
β-receptor polymorphisms: heart failure's crystal ball

A polymorphism present in about half the general population can predispose to heart failure as well as enhance responsiveness to β-blockers. The mechanism for this is now being revealed (pages 1300–1305).