cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cover Picture: Nanohybrid Shish-Kebabs: Periodically Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (Adv. Mater. 9/2005)

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-seeded controlled polymer crystallization provides a simple yet effective means to periodically modify CNT surfaces in work reported by Li and co-workers on p. 1198. The cover shows CNTs periodically decorated with polyethylene single crystals, with a periodicity of ∼50–70 nm. Both single- and multiwalled CNTs have been successfully decorated with polyethylene and Nylon 6,6, implying that coupling crystalline polymers with functional groups might be a generic method for CNT functionalization in an ordered and controlled manner.
Hallucinogens as Medicine

The article discusses research on the use of hallucinogens including psilocybin for medical therapies applicable to cancer, drug addiction, and psychological problems. Psilocybin studies being undertaken at Johns Hopkins University are discussed. Psilocybin is referred to as a classic hallucinogen, a category said to include psilocin, mescaline, and LSD. Johns Hopkins' research on psilocybin includes assessment of the drug's psychospiritual effects among healthy volunteers and its use in easing psychiatric and behavioral disorders in those so affected.
Comparison of human and animal rotavirus strains by gel electrophoresis of viral RNA

Abstract Many rotavirus strains have been detected but few have been grown in vitro and this has hampered the development of serologic tests and antigenic comparison of strains obtained from the same or different host species. Because of this limitation of growth in vitro a different approach for distinguishing rotaviruses was undertaken. The rotavirus genome could be separated into 11 discrete RNA segments by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Differences in RNA migration pattern were observed among human strains as well as between human and animal strains; the number of interspecies differences was greater than the number of intraspecies differences. Three distinct patterns were observed among the eight human rotaviruses obtained from each of four successive annual rotavirus epidemics in the Washington, D.C. area. Each of four animal rotaviruses also had distinct patterns which differed from the human patterns in the mobility of from four to seven RNA segments.
Deciding where to fish: The skipper's dilemma in Southeast Alaskan salmon seining

Abstract Deciding where to fish is the principal responsibility and privilege of being skipper on a seine boat. In making these decisions, a skipper is constrained by ecological variables, governmental regulation of the fishery, cannery capacities, his knowledge of seining lore, and the expectations of his crew. Initially, he tries to assess fluctuating conditions and make a rational choice of seining location. But, his final selection does not necessarily follow from the preliminary considerations. This paper describes the social context of this decision process and the difficulties of trying to maintain an image of rationality when making reasonable, not rational, decisions.
Maximum deviation of error density estimators in censored linear regression

Abstract This paper considers the maximum deviation of the error density estimator in linear regression with right censored data. Based on the Kaplan–Meier estimator of the residual distribution, we define the kernel-smoothed estimator of an error density function. The limit distributions for the maximum deviation of the estimator are obtained.
Variability of stable carbon isotopic compositions in individual fatty acids from combustion of C4 and C3 plants: implications for biomass burning

Abstract The isotopic characterization of trace organic species produced during biomass burning may allow a better understanding of the source and fate of combustion-derived organic matter. In order to assess the utility of compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of fatty acids as a means to distinguish the sources of these species in atmospheric aerosols, the isotopic signatures of fatty acids extracted from unburned C 4 and C 3 vegetation have been determined. Carbon isotopic signatures of fatty acids from unburned C 4 vegetation ranged from −21.1‰ to −28.2‰, whereas those from C 3 vegetation ranged from −32.4‰ to −38.5‰. Fatty acids isolated from aerosols produced during controlled laboratory burns of C 4 vegetation showed an isotopic depletion of 2‰ to 6‰ relative to those extracted from the unburned plant. However, the opposite relationship was observed for C 3 vegetation, with the aerosol fatty acids exhibiting and isotopic enrichment of 2‰ to 7‰ relative to those from the unburned plant. Combustion-derived fatty acids may be distinguished from those species that arise from erosion of unburned plant debris. CSIA of fatty acids produced during field burns of C 4 and C 3 vegetation suggests that isotopic characterization of these species in atmospheric aerosols may be useful in determining the fate of organic matter produced during biomass burning.
Effect of Diet on Growth and Plasma Ascorbic Acid in Chicks

Abstract Six experiments were conducted to study the effect of diet on growth and plasma ascorbic acid in chickens. D-Glucuronolactone failed to improve growth with either a crude yeast-fish meal diet or a purified diet based on casein and gelatin. With the purified diet, D-glucuronic acid and L-gulonolactone also failed to improve growth and did not influence plasma ascorbic acid levels. Dietary ascorbic acid improved growth of chicks with a purified diet in most cases, but not with a corn-soybean diet. Meat meal and fish meal caused slight increases in plasma ascorbic acid, whereas soybean meal, safflower meal, and cottonseed meal caused greater increases when used in a purified diet. Gulonolactone oxidase activity in the kidney was not different between chicks fed the purified or the corn-soybean diets, but was reduced by 0.1% dietary ascorbic acid. The mechanism for the increase in plasma ascorbic acid with the addition of soybean meal and other plant protein sources to the diet is not known.
The Two Faces of SAM

The word “radical” ( 1 ) is often associated with highly energetic species (atoms or molecules) that chemically react with, and modify or destroy, molecules that they encounter. All organisms devote considerable metabolic effort to “control” radicals, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (for example, the hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide), and to repair the damage that they inflict on macromolecules and small molecules alike. Radical-based reactions, however, also play an important role in metabolism. Evolution has produced mechanisms that harness radicals' reactivity to carry out difficult chemical transformations with exquisite specificity. For instance, while the common cellular compound called S -adenosylmethionine (SAM) is well known to play a role in the methylation of nucleophiles by a typical substitution reaction, in seminal work, Knappe and Schmitt ( 2 ) demonstrated that SAM mediates radical chemistry in organisms grown anaerobically (see the figure). Since then, investigators have implicated SAM in many unusual and diverse radical-based transformations.
A review of Mauthner-initiated escape behavior and its possible role in hatching in the immature zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio

In certain fish rapid escape responses have been observed to occur from early stages of embryogenesis. It is the purpose of this review to consider the development of one escape pattern, the C-type fast-start. During this behavior the animal initially coils its body into the shape of a letter ‘C’, and then rapidly uncoils and propels itself through the water. Relative to body size, the speed of the embryonic and larval C-start is comparable with that of the adult. These responses in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio, are utilized in the escape from predators, such as the protozoan Coleps sp. C-starts are triggered by the firing of one of the Mauthner (M-) cells, a single pair of large neurons in the brain stem. These neurons receive a rich supply of connections from sensory and integrative centers in the brain. The M-cells activate the escape movement by driving motor and relay neurons controlling the various muscular contractions associated with the behavior. During hatching, the rupturing of the egg envelope appears to be triggered by strong tail contractions following dissolution of the envelope by hatching enzymes. These contractions are similar to those known to be driven by the M-cell. The M-cell fires spontaneously up to the normal time of emergence from the egg, but is quiescent afterwards. This spontaneous activity of the M-cell may result in behavior that helps to break the egg envelope. The M-cell also reliably fires to repeated stimulation up to about the normal time of hatching, but habituates rapidly thereafter. We suggest that the M-cell may be utilized in escaping from the egg when it is under attack by a small predator.
Biological and geochemical controls on diel dissolved inorganic carbon cycling in a low-order agricultural stream: Implications for reach scales and beyond

Abstract Movement of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) through the hydrologic cycle is an important component of global carbon budgets, but there is considerable uncertainty about the controls of DIC transmission from landscapes to streams, and through river networks to the oceans. In this study, diel measurements of DIC, δ13C-DIC, dissolved oxygen (O2), δ18O-O2, alkalinity, pH, and other parameters were used to assess the relative magnitudes of biological and geochemical controls on DIC cycling and flux in a nutrient-rich, net autotrophic stream. Rates of photosynthesis (P), respiration (R), groundwater discharge, air–water exchange of CO2, and carbonate precipitation/dissolution were quantified through a time-stepping chemical/isotope (12C and 13C, 16O and 18O) mass balance model. Groundwater was the major source of DIC to the stream. Primary production and carbonate precipitation were equally important sinks for DIC removed from the water column. The stream was always super-saturated with respect to carbonate minerals, but carbonate precipitation occurred mainly during the day when P increased pH. We estimated more than half (possibly 90%) of the carbonate precipitated during the day was retained in the reach under steady baseflow conditions. The amount of DIC removed from the overlying water through carbonate precipitation was similar to the amount of DIC generated from R. Air–water exchange of CO2 was always from the stream to the atmosphere, but was the smallest component of the DIC budget. Overall, the in-stream DIC reactions reduced the amount of CO2 evasion and the downstream flux of groundwater-derived DIC by about half relative to a hypothetical scenario with groundwater discharge only. Other streams with similar characteristics are widely distributed in the major river basins of North America. Data from USGS water quality monitoring networks from the 1960s to the 1990s indicated that 40% of 652 stream monitoring stations in the contiguous USA were at or above the equilibrium saturation state for calcite, and 77% of all stations exhibited apparent increases in saturation state from the 1960/70s to the 1980/90s. Diel processes including partially irreversible carbonate precipitation may affect net carbon fluxes from many such watersheds.
Human occupation of the eastern La Plata Basin and the adjacent littoral region during the mid-Holocene

Evidence of human occupation in this area of southeastern South America during the mid-Holocene is described and interpreted. The archaeological data and the cultural development are evaluated in the context of paleoenvironmental information. The analysis and interpretation of the available evidence confirms that climatic and environmental fluctuations during the Mid-Holocene affected several aspects of the human occupation of such area: the arrival of new ethnic groups, their dispersion and cultural diversification, changes in technology and subsistence strategies, population growth and territorial expansion, and increase in cultural complexity.
Preparation of substituted chlorins and benzochlorins

Abstract The synthesis of functionalized benzochlorins has been achieved by cyclization of appropriately meso substituted porphyrins. Depending upon reaction conditions, a new class of chlorin derivatives can also be formed.
The online calibration, operation, and performance of the CMS pixel detector

Abstract The CMS pixel detector consists of approximately 66 million silicon pixels whose analog signals are read out by 15,840 programmable Readout Chips. With the recent startup of the LHC, the detector is now collecting data used for precise vertexing and track-finding. In preparation for data taking, the detector's Readout Chips and their supporting readout and control electronics were calibrated. The calibration that has taken place since the detector's installation in the summer of 2008 will be described. These calibrations focused on the optimization of the Readout Chips’ thresholds and analog response. The operation of the detector during the early running of the LHC will also be discussed. The calibrations that are performed on a regular basis and a mechanism to handle the readout of large beam background events will be described.
Nonoperative management of blunt extrahepatic biliary duct transection in the pediatric patient: Case report and review of the literature☆

Abstract An 11-year-old boy sustained a grade IV liver injury and complete disruption of the left hepatic duct (LHD) secondary to a sledding accident. Although he became hemodynamically stable after initial resuscitation in the emergency department and the intensive care unit (ICU), serial paracentesis procedures were necessary to manage abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The fluid initially was serosanguinous but subsequently became bile stained. A bile leak was confirmed by a technetium 99m dimethyliminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan and an endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERCP). The LHD transection was treated with percutaneous drainage of the subhepatic space and a transampullary biliary stent. The leak sealed within 8 days, and follow-up ERCP as an outpatient showed no extravasation but could not visualize the LHD. Repeat computed tomography (CT) scan 3½ months after injury showed the liver laceration to be healed with atrophy of the left lobe and no ductal dilatation. The patient has had a complete recovery, resumed all activities, and currently is 20 months after his injury with no sequelae. J Pediatr Surg 37:1612-1616. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
In Situ FT-IR Study on the Effect of Cobalt Precursors on CO Adsorption Behavior'

Cobalt−rhenium based catalysts were prepared by coimpregnation from two different cobalt precursors: cobalt nitrate [CoRe(N)] and cobalt acetate [CoRe(A)]. They were characterized by H2-TPR, ICP, X...
The erection hardness score and its relationship to successful sexual intercourse.

ABSTRACT Introduction The Erection Hardness Score (EHS), recently validated, was developed in 1998 as a simple (one‐item) method to quantify erection outcome data. Although it is intuitive that erection hardness and successful sexual intercourse (SSI) are related, the link has not been directly established. Objective To evaluate the relationship between erection hardness (assessed by EHS) and SSI, establishing the EHS as a clinically useful tool. Methods The data set (N = 307) was from a multinational, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (with open‐label extension) of sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction. Main Outcome Measures Event‐based modeling used every intercourse attempt and the EHS to estimate the odds ratio of SSI between adjacent EHS categories. Mean‐based modeling used mean EHS per patient to determine its relationship to percentage of SSI. Mediation‐based modeling used mean EHS and mean percentage of SSI over the double‐blind phase to estimate the direct effect of sildenafil treatment on SSI and the indirect effect of sildenafil treatment on SSI via erection hardness. Results The odds of SSI for EHS 3 (hard enough for penetration but not completely hard) were 41.9 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.0–53.2; P P P Conclusion The close and direct relationship between erection hardness and SSI supports the broader use of the EHS—a simple, valid, reliable, and responsive measure—in clinical practice. Goldstein I, Mulhall JP, Bushmakin AG, Cappelleri JC, Hvidsten K, and Symonds T. The erection hardness score and its relationship to successful sexual intercourse. J Sex Med 2008;5:2374–2380.
Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Vicinity of Ibadan, Nigeria, with Special Reference to Cocoa Pods as a Breeding Habitat

In a previous paper (Williams 1964), I reported that some 10 species of Culicoides , most of which have been reported to ingest human blood, selected discarded, rotting cocoa pods as a larval breeding medium in Trinidad, W. I., and emerged from this previously unrecognized larval habitat in very significant numbers.
Application of artificial neural networks to predict the bond strength of FRP-to-concrete joints

Abstract A Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model for predicting the bond strength of FRP-to-concrete joints is proposed. Published single-lap shear test specimens were used to predict the bond strength of externally bonded FRP systems adhered to concrete prisms. A database of one hundred and fifty experimental data points from several sources was used for training and testing the BPNN. The data used in the BPNN are arranged in a format of six input parameters including: width of concrete prism; concrete cylinder compressive strength; FRP thickness; bond length; bond width (i.e. FRP width); and FRP modulus of elasticity. The one corresponding output parameter is the bond strength. A parametric study was carried out using BPNN to study the influence of each parameter on the bond strength and to compare results with common existing analytical models. The results of this study indicate that the BPNN provides an efficient alternative method for predicting the bond strength of FRP-to-concrete joints when compared to experimental results and those from existing analytical models.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype modulates pulmonary function and exercise capacity in treated patients with congestive stable heart failure.

Background— The gene encoding ACE exhibits an insertion/deletion polymorphism resulting in 3 genotypes (DD, ID, and II), which affects serum and tissue ACE activity as well as other vasoactive substances. Pulmonary function is frequently abnormal in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), the mechanism of which has not been completely characterized. ACE inhibition has been shown to improve diffusion across the alveolar-capillary membrane and to improve exercise capacity and gas exchange in CHF. The aim of the current study was to determine if ACE genotype is associated with altered pulmonary function and exercise intolerance in patients with treated CHF. Methods and Results— Fifty-seven patients (stratified according to ACE genotype as17 DD, 28 ID, 12 II) with ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, and <10 pack-years of smoking history were studied. All patients were receiving standard therapy for left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Pulmonary function...
Educational Restructuring--The Process for Change?.

In Dade County Florida, decentralization had in late 1989 affected structure more than instruction.
Complementary and alternative medicine for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies: characteristics of users and caregivers.

Abstract Background Complementary and alternative medicine is frequently used in the management of chronic pediatric diseases, but little is known about its use by those with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy. Methods Complementary and alternative medicine use by male patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy and associations with characteristics of male patients and their caregivers were examined through interviews with 362 primary caregivers identified from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network. Results Overall, 272 of the 362 (75.1%) primary caregivers reported that they had used any complementary and alternative medicine for the oldest Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network male in their family. The most commonly reported therapies were from the mind-body medicine domain (61.0%) followed by those from the biologically based practice (39.2%), manipulative and body-based practice (29.3%), and whole medical system (6.9%) domains. Aquatherapy, prayer and/or blessing, special diet, and massage were the most frequently used therapies. Compared with nonusers, male patients who used any therapy were more likely to have an early onset of symptoms and use a wheel chair; their caregivers were more likely to be non-Hispanic white. Among domains, associations were observed with caregiver education and family income (mind-body medicines [excluding prayer and/or blessing only] and whole medical systems) and Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network site (biologically based practices and mind-body medicines [excluding prayer and/or blessing only]). Conclusions Complementary and alternative medicine use was common in the management of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies among Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network males. This widespread use suggests further study to evaluate the efficacy of integrating complementary and alternative medicine into treatment regimens for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies.
Strategies for residue explosives detection using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The ability to detect trace amounts of explosives and their residues in real time is of vital interest to Homeland Security and the military. Previous work at the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) demonstrated the potential of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the detection of energetic materials. Our recent efforts have been focused on improving the sensitivity and selectivity of LIBS for residue explosives detection and on extending this work to the standoff detection of explosive residues. One difficulty with detecting energetic materials is that the contribution to the oxygen and nitrogen signals from air can impede the identification of the explosive material. Techniques for reducing the air entrainment into the plasma—such as using an argon buffer gas or a collinear double-pulse configuration—have been investigated for this application. In addition to the laboratory studies, ARL’s new double-pulse standoff system (ST-LIBS) has recently been used to detect explosive residues at 20 m. The efficacy of chemometric techniques such as linear correlation, principal components analysis (PCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for the identification of explosive residues is also discussed. We have shown that despite the typical characterization of LIBS as an elemental technique, the relative elemental intensities in the LIBS spectra are representative of the stoichiometry of the parent molecules and can be used to discriminate materials containing the same elements. Simultaneous biohazard and explosive residue discrimination at standoff distances has also been demonstrated.
Avian Influenza Virus Prevalence in Migratory Waterfowl in the United States, 2007–2009

SUMMARY We analyzed 155,535 samples collected for surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), in the United States from 2007 to 2009, from migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans). The goal was to elucidate patterns of prevalence by flyway and functional groups to determine targets for future surveillance. Apparent prevalence of AIV was highest in the Pacific Flyway in 2007–2008 (14.2% and 14.1%, respectively), in the Mississippi Flyway in 2009 (16.8%), and lowest each year in the Atlantic Flyway (range, 7.3%–8.9%). Dabbling ducks had higher apparent prevalence of AIV (12.8%–18.8%) than diving ducks (3.9%–6.0%) or geese and swans (3.6%–3.9%). We observed highest apparent prevalence in hatch-year waterfowl (15.6%–18.9%). We further analyzed 117,738 of the 155,535 samples to test the hypothesis mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) had highest prevalence of AIV. We compared apparent prevalence and odds ratios for seven species of ducks and one species of goose commonly collected across the United States. Ma...
Disrupted intricacy of histone H3K4 methylation in neurodevelopmental disorders

Methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me) is an intricately regulated posttranslational modification, which is broadly associated with enhancers and promoters of actively transcribed genomic loci. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing have identified a number of H3K4me regulators mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia. Here, we aim to summarize the molecular function of H3K4me-regulating enzymes in brain development and function. We describe four H3K4me methyltransferases (KMT2A, KMT2C, KMT2D, KMT2F), four demethylases (KDM1A, KDM5A, KDM5B, KDM5C), and two reader proteins (PHF21A, PHF8) mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding the role of these chromatin regulators in the development and maintenance of neural connections will advance therapeutic opportunities for prevention and treatment of these lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders.
The “Post-64” Era of Coronary CT Angiography: Understanding New Technology from Physical Principles

Multidetector CT now provides noninvasive coronary imaging, and patients with a low or intermediate probability of coronary artery disease can be imaged with radiation levels comparable to catheterization. Cardiac imaging drives rapid progress in CT hardware. To best apply evolving technology, imagers and referring clinicians need a solid understanding of spatial resolution, temporal resolution, volume coverage, and radiation dose. This article defines and discusses interactions between these parameters for state-of-the-art CT.
Developments in CD4 and viral load monitoring in resource-limited settings

CD4 counts and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load testing are essential components of HIV care, and making these tests available in resource-limited settings is critical to the roll-out of HIV treatment globally. Until recently, the evidence supporting the importance of laboratory monitoring in resource-limited settings was lacking, but there is now a consensus emerging that testing should become routine to ensure the longevity of treatment programs. Low-cost, point-of-care testing offers the potential to fill this role as it potentially improves all aspects of HIV care, ranging from the diagnosis and staging of HIV infection in both infants and adults to monitoring for treatment failure once antiretroviral therapy has been initiated. It is imperative for low-cost solutions to become a reality, but it is equally imperative that close scrutiny be given to each new device that hits the market to ensure they perform optimally in all settings.
Molecular Biology of the OXPHOS System

The mitochondrion contains a circular DNA genome (mtDNA) that serves as the basis for its own genetic system. This system is semiautonomous because the coding capacity of mtDNA is Umited to 13 subunits of the respiratory chain apparatus and the rRNAs and tRNAs necessary for their translation. The inheritance of mtDNA differs from that of nuclear DNA in that it segregates randomly during mitosis and meiosis and is transmitted exclusively through the female germ line. Nucleus-encoded enzymes and factors direct the transcription and replication of mtDNA within the mitochondrial matrix. Mitochondrial trans­ lation also relies upon nucleus-encoded ribosomal proteins, synthetases and translation factors. In recent years, molecular mechanisms for the bi-genomic control of mitochondrial biogenesis and function have been elucidated.
Query Decomposition: A Multiple Neighborhood Approach to Relevance Feedback Processing in Content-based Image Retrieval

Todays Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) techniques are based on the "k-nearest neighbors" (k- NN) model. They retrieve images from a single neighborhood using low-level visual features. In this model, semantically similar images are assumed to be clustered in the high-dimensional feature space. Unfortunately, no visual-based feature vector is sufficient to facilitate perfect semantic clustering; and semantically similar images with different appearances are always clustered into distinct neighborhoods in the feature space. Confinement of the search results to a single neighborhood is an inherent limitation of the k-NN techniques. In this paper we consider a new image retrieval paradigm — the Query Decomposition model - that facilitates retrieval of semantically similar images from multiple neighborhoods in the feature space. The retrieval results are the k most similar images from different relevant clusters. We introduce a prototype, and present experimental results to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of this new approach to content-based image retrieval.
The Rise and Rule of Tamerlane

List of maps Acknowledgements A note on usage and transcription 1. Introduction 2. The Ulus Chaghatay in the mid-fourteenth century 3. Temur's rise to power: the politics of the Ulus Chaghatay 4. Temur's army of conquest: the Ulus Chaghatay 5. Temur's army of conquest: outsiders and conquered peoples 6. Structure and function in Temur's administration 7. The struggle for succession 8. Conclusion Appendices Notes Bibliography Index.
Domino logic synthesis minimizing crosstalk

Based on the new concept of crosstalk immunity set (CIS), procedures to minimize capacitive cross-coupling effects are developed for domino logic circuit. The nets in a crosstalk immunity set are free from crosstalk effects for any combination of input vectors. New algorithms for CIS identification and minimization are proposed to maximize the chance of crosstalk minimization in routing step. Our routing algorithm augmented with CIS information searches for optimal solution to minimize maximum crosstalk the circuit would experience. Experimental results show that the reduction of maximum crosstalk is up to 30% with CIS-augmented routing.
Educational level, fatness, and fatness differences between husbands and wives.

In 1017 husband-wife pairs aged 20-49 y, both fatness and weight of the wives is inversely and linearly related to educational level whereas the husbands' summed skinfold measurements bear a curvilinear, parabolic relationship to years ofschooling. Overall, fatness differences between husbands and wives diminish with increased education, and be- yond I 3 y of education husbands often exceed the subcutaneous fat thickness of their wives. When the education of one spouse is held constant at 9- 12 y, women who marry up to men ofgreater education are systematically leaner and women who marry down are both fatter and heavier. These findings in spouse pairs sharing a common family income suggest that assorta- tive mating with respect to educational level accounts for much ofthe socioeconomic effect in fatness including the fatness differences between women who marry down and those who marry up. These data also demonstrate that women are not fatter than men at all socioeco- nomic levels. Am J C/in Nuir l989;50:740-5.
Testing Collective Action Theory

The goal of this book is to attempt to extend, expand and test empirically the implications of the Collective Action Research Program. This set of rational theories began with Mancur Olson (Olson 1965). It broke with the prevailing theory of pluralism, which posited that groups would form around the interests of citizens. Yet, empirical research showed that, instead of knitting, bird-watching, and classic auto clubs, 90% of the organizations comprised only labor and management. Clearly, pluralism was wrong. Olson put his creative thinking toward the process of mobilization. In other words, how would one recruitmembers of an interest group to lobby Congress? Olson thought through the problem systematically: first, it would be necessary to have a public good, that is, some goal that could not diminish with use and would be available to everyone in a region. Economists call these nonrival or noncompetitive goods. Examples of such objectives are clean air, defense, clean water, lower taxes, or more tax subsidies. Given that this is the case, a second conclusion is necessary: no particular person would have to participate to receive the public good. Thus, he reasoned, most people would not participate. And indeed, 95% of people do not participate (Lichbach 1995). These non-participants are called free-riders. They gain the benefit of a new public policy, but do nothing toward its implementation. This conclusion created yet another problem: how would one be able to recruit members to lobby? Given that success would benefit everyone in a class, the incentive to participate would necessarily be larger for active members. Olson (Olson 1965) called these selective incentives, special payments in favors, goods or money to active members that were unavailable to free-riders. Suddenly the empirical world of labor and management groups and the absence of bird-watching groups made sense: pluralism was wrong, but collective action theory worked. And this theory differed from its predecessors in a fundamental way: it assumed that people think. Structural models force people to act by conditions, but Olson focused on individuals.
MAgNET: mobile agents for networked electronic trading

Electronic commerce technology offers the opportunity to integrate and optimize the global production and distribution supply chain. The computers of the various corporations, located throughout the world, will communicate with each other to determine the availability of components, to place and confirm orders, and to negotiate delivery timescales. We describe MAgNet, a system for networked electronic trading that is based on the Java mobile agent technology, called aglets. Aglets are dispatched by the buyer to the various suppliers, where they negotiate orders and deliveries, returning to the buyer with their best deals for approval. MAgNET handles the deep supply chain, where a supplier may need to contact further suppliers of subcomponents in order to respond to an enquiry. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of using the Java aglet technology for electronic commerce.
Analysis of Conflicts among Non-Functional Requirements Using Integrated Analysis of Functional and Non-Functional Requirements

Conflicts among non-functional requirements are often identified subjectively and there is a lack of conflict analysis in practice. Current approaches fail to capture the nature of conflicts among non-functional requirements, which makes the task of conflict resolution difficult. In this paper, a framework has been provided for the analysis of conflicts among non-functional requirements using the integrated analysis of functional and non-functional requirements. The framework identifies and analyzes conflicts based on relationships among quality attributes, functionalities and constraints. Since, poorly structured requirement statements usually result in confusing specifications; we also developed canonical forms for representing non-functional requirements. . The output of our framework is a conflict hierarchy that refines conflicts among non-functional requirements level by level. Finally, a case study is provided in which the proposed framework was applied to analyze and detect conflicts among the non-functional requirements of a search engine.
Comparative in vivo toxicity of topical JP-8 jet fuel and its individual hydrocarbon components: identification of tridecane and tetradecane as key constituents responsible for dermal irritation.

Despite widespread exposure to military jet fuels, there remains a knowledge gap concerning the actual toxic entities responsible for irritation observed after topical fuel exposure. The present studies with individual hydrocarbon (HC) constituents of JP-8 jet fuel shed light on this issue. To mimic occupational scenarios, JP-8, 8 aliphatic HC (nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane) and 6 aromatic HC (ethyl benzene, o-xylene, trimethyl benzene, cyclohexyl benzene, naphthalene, dimethyl naphthalene) soaked cotton fabrics were topically exposed to pigs for 1 day and with repeated daily exposures for 4 days. Erythema, epidermal thickness, and epidermal cell layers were quantitated. No erythema was noted in 1-day in vivo HC exposures but significant erythema was observed in 4-day tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, and JP-8 exposed sites. The aromatic HCs did not produce any macroscopic lesions in 1 or 4 days of in vivo exposures. Morphological observations revealed slight intercellular and intracellular epidermal edema in 4-day exposures with the aliphatic HCs. Epidermal thickness and number of cell layers significantly increased ( p < 0.05) in tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, and JP-8-treated sites. No significant differences were observed in the aromatic HC-exposed sites. Subcorneal microabscesses containing inflammatory cells were observed with most of the long-chain aliphatic HCs and JP-8 in 4-day exposures. Ultrastructural studies depicted that jet fuel HC-induced cleft formation within intercellular lipid lamellar bilayers of the stratum corneum. The degree of damage to the skin was proportional to the length of in vivo HC exposures. These data coupled with absorption and toxicity studies of jet fuel HC revealed that specific HCs (tridecane and tetradecane) might be the key constituents responsible for jet fuel-induced skin irritation.
Structural features of the murine dihydrofolate reductase transcription termination region: identification of a conserved DNA sequence element

Structural features of the transcription termination region for the mouse dihydrofolate reductase gene have been determined and compared with those of several other known termination regions for protein coding genes. A common feature identified among these termination regions was the presence of a 20 bp consensus DNA sequence element (ATCAGAATATAGGAAAGTAGCAAT). The results imply that the 20 bp consensus DNA sequence element is important for signaling RNA polymerase II transcription termination at least in the several vertebrate species investigated. Furthermore, the results suggest that for the dhfr gene and possibly for other genes in mice as well, the potential termination consensus sequence can exist as part of a long interspersed repetitive DNA element.
The Colorado River Delta of Mexico: Endangered Species Refuge

Ecological resources are often a source of competition and conflict between bordering countries. Ecosystem boundaries do not follow legal borders, and it is often difficult for stakeholders to view them holistically and to develop policies that are mutually beneficial with minimal negative impact on the natural resource. National competition to fully exploit shared resources often results in ecosystem integrity being compromised. Neighboring countries share equally in the burden of damaged ecosystems, even if the exploitation and benefits have not been equivalent. This practice may have long-term negative consequences for the natural environment and its ability to support economic activities. Legal instruments are currently inadequate to deal directly with these issues and piecemeal negotiation results. Holistic geographic analysis offers insight and potential solutions for these multidisciplinary problems.
Waveform design for MIMO radar with low probability of intercept (LPI) property

A joint waveform and array signal processing approach is proposed to minimize MIMO radar antenna radiation power for best low probability of intercept (LPI) property in pre-selected directions and to achieve near-optimum target detection simultaneously. Some simulation results are presented.
Broadening the Trade Space in Designing for Warship Survivability

In littoral warfare against a competent adversary, affordable levels of stealth and defensive weapons will not prevent our warships from being hit by antiship weapons. As our ships will be hit, we must design them to absorb these hits and continue to fight. In this paper, we consider the future threat and four approaches to design for survivability: stealth, defensive weapons, passive defensive design, and increased numbers. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed. Only a balanced strategy that incorporates the elements of all four approaches is likely to be both survivable and affordable.
Evidence of a relation between El NIno and QBO, and for an El Nino in 1991–92

The possibility of a relation between El Nino and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in equatorial low stratosphere is investigated. Based on the 9 El Ninos and 16 quasi-biennial variations in 50 mb zonal wind at Singapore between 1954 and 1991, the sea-surface temperature (SST) in eastern equatorial Pacific has averaged nearly 0.5°C warmer one season after QBO east-wind maximum than 4–5 seasons before and after this maximum, but this difference in temperature is not statistically significant. Because of the difference in period of these oscillations (2 1/4 years on average in the case of the QBO, about 4 1/2 years on average in the case of El Nino), there can not be an El Nino associated with every QBO east-wind maximum, i.e., any relation between El Nino and QBO east-wind maximum has to “skip a beat” on occasion. This paper presents evidence for a pattern in this “skip”, such that an El Nino is associated with a QBO east-wind maximum except when the El Nino associated with the previous east-wind maximum was a major one and/or the SST maximum followed the previous east-wind maximum by a few seasons. On the basis of this pattern an El Nino would not have been expected in 1989 or 1990 (because the El Nino of 1987 was a major one) but would be expected in 1991 or 1992 in association with the QBO east-wind maximum projected to occur in the northern summer of 1992. Comparison with earlier “skips” shows that an El Nino would be most likely before the next east-wind maximum, or at the end of 1991. Because it would follow the aborted warm event of 1990, it probably would not be a major El Nino.
Design and Cognitive Level of Student Dialogue in Secondary School Online Courses

This study investigated the impact of discussion forum design and facilitative strategies on student participation and cognitive levels of student dialogue. A multiple-case study design was used. Three online classes taught by the same instructor participated (n = 55). Data were collected from observations, discussion transcripts, and teacher interviews. Results from content analysis of the discussion transcripts showed that the teacher’s role in online discussions is influential in student participation and learning. Instructional strategies such as participation requirements and question design were related to an increase in participation and cognitive levels of student dialogue.
Nitric Oxide Down-Regulates Topoisomerase I and Induces Camptothecin Resistance in Human Breast MCF-7 Tumor Cells

Camptothecin (CPT), a topoisomerase I poison, is an important drug for the treatment of solid tumors in the clinic. Nitric oxide (·NO), a physiological signaling molecule, is involved in many cellular functions, including cell proliferation, survival and death. We have previously shown that ·NO plays a significant role in the detoxification of etoposide (VP-16), a topoisomerase II poison in vitro and in human melanoma cells. ·NO/·NO-derived species are reported to modulate activity of several important cellular proteins. As topoisomerases contain a number of free sulfhydryl groups which may be targets of ·NO/·NO-derived species, we have investigated the roles of ·NO/·NO-derived species in the stability and activity of topo I. Here we show that ·NO/·NO-derived species induces a significant down-regulation of topoisomerase I protein via the ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway in human colon (HT-29) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Importantly, ·NO treatment induced a significant resistance to CPT only in MCF-7 cells. This resistance to CPT did not result from loss of topoisomerase I activity as there were no differences in topoisomerase I-induced DNA cleavage in vitro or in tumor cells, but resulted from the stabilization/induction of bcl2 protein. This up-regulation of bcl2 protein in MCF-7 cells was wtp53 dependent as pifithrine-α, a small molecule inhibitor of wtp53 function, completely reversed CPT resistance, suggesting that wtp53 and bcl2 proteins played important roles in CPT resistance. Because tumors in vivo are heterogeneous and contaminated by infiltrating macrophages, ·NO-induced down-regulation of topoisomerase I protein combined with bcl2 protein stabilization could render certain tumors highly resistant to CPT and drugs derived from it in the clinic.
Patch occupancy of stream fauna across a land cover gradient in the southern Appalachians, USA

We modeled patch occupancy to examine factors that best predicted the prevalence of four functionally important focal stream consumers (Tal- laperla spp., Cambarus spp., Pleurocera proxima, and Cottus bairdi) among 37 reaches within the Little Tennessee River basin of the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. We compared 34 models of patch occupancy to examine the association of catchment and reach scale factors that varied as a result of converting forest to agricultural or urban land use. Occupancy of our taxa was linked to parameters reflecting both catchment and reach extent character- istics. At the catchment level, forest cover or its conversion to agriculture was a major determinant of occupancy for all four taxa. Patch occupancies of Tallaperla, Cambarus, and C. bairdi were positively, and Pleurocera negatively, correlated with forest cover. Secondarily at the reach level, local availability of large woody debris was important for Cambarus, availability of large cobble substrate was important for C. bairdi, and stream calcium concentration was important for P. proxima. Our results show the abundance of stream organisms was determined by the taxon-dependent interplay between catchment- and reach-level factors.
Helmet Use and Head Injury in Homer's Iliad.

Homer's detailed descriptions of head injuries inflicted during the Trojan War are of particular interest to those in the medical community. While studies have examined the prevalence of such injuries, none have examined the preventative measures taken to avoid them. An in depth review of helmet use in Homer's Iliad was conducted to address this previously unexplored facet of the epic. An English translation of Homer's text was reviewed for all references to helmet use. The number of helmet references in each book was recorded, along with other pertinent details for each reference. A total of 87 helmet references were recorded (40 combat, 47 noncombat). The helmet(s) belonged to a Greek warrior in 41 cases (47.1%), a Trojan warrior in 38 cases (43.6%), a divinity in 5 cases (5.7%), and a general group of warriors in 3 cases (3.4%). Helmet use provided protective benefit to Greek warriors at a rate of 30.0% (3/10) and Trojan warriors at a rate of 11.1% (2/18). This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.23). The overall combined protective benefit of helmet use in the text was 17.9% (5/28). Helmets belonging to 15 specific Greek warriors and 18 specific Trojan warriors were referenced in the text. Helmets belonging to Hector (n=12) and Achilles (n=8) were most frequently mentioned. Helmet use and head injury both play a prominent role in Homer's Iliad. Helmets are frequently utilized in combat settings, but with relatively little success. Helmets are also used in various noncombat settings. Language: en