cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of node-positive disease after radical prostatectomy on biochemical recurrence and oncologic outcomes in men with prostate cancer.

306Background: The diagnostic and therapeutic value of pelvic lymph node dissection (LND) at radical prostatectomy (RP) remains unclear. Thus, we aim to characterize the oncologic value of LND and ...
A New Method for Assessing the Construct Validity of Accounting Measures: Looking Where the Action is

We propose and demonstrate a new method for validating proxies for accounting constructs. Our method consists of first identifying high-value observations, which are those statistically most responsible for generating a coefficient of interest, and second determining whether those observations exhibit accounting attributes consistent with theory. This method allows researchers to validate proxies for key theoretical constructs by testing whether high-value observations contain the accounting attributes implied by the theory and lack attributes that run counter to the theory. The method also allows researchers to identify potentially confounding factors and to address alternative explanations for primary results. We demonstrate the method by assessing the validity of two measures for conditional accounting conservatism. However, the method applies generally to large-sample settings and is flexible in its application to key coefficients. We also demonstrate how researchers can compare alternative measures of the same construct to select the best measure for their research context.
Griselda as Mary: Chaucer’s Clerk’s Tale and Alanus de Rupe’s Marian Exemplum

In 1997, Anne Winston-Allen published a few of the exempla in Von dem psalter und Rosenkranz unserer lieben Frau, a compilation of stories by Alanus de Rupe; Ann W. Astell recognized one of these to be an adaptation of the Griselda story, an analogue of Chaucer’s Clerk’s Tale. Intended as companion pieces, the essay by Astell and the following article, transcription, and translation by Winston-Allen bring this newly discovered analogue to scholarly attention. Comparing Chaucer’s Marian Grisildis to the Griselda-like Mary of Alanus de Rupe and contrasting both of these fictional Marys with the Mother of Sorrows so prominent in late-medieval piety, Astell argues that Chaucer’s numerous allusions to Mary in the Clerk’s Tale disturb a reception of Grisildis as Stoic heroine and Christian saint. Instead, they characterize Grisildis as a failed Pieta, whose lack of expressed compassion for her two children repulses the pity her own sufferings within a sacrificial economy evoke. Locating Chaucer’s Marian tale of Grisildis at a midpoint within a Griselda tradition that spans from mythic, monstrous origins (no longer extant) to the fifteenth-century Dominican exemplum of Marian devotion facilitates characterization of the tale as caught between two worlds, critical of its own sacrificial gestures.
The Sheep of the Fold: The Audience and Origin of the Gospel of John

The last generation of gospel scholarship has considered the reconstruction and analysis of the audience behind the gospels as paradigmatic. The key hermeneutical template for reading the gospels has been the quest for the community that each gospel represents. This scholarly consensus regarding the audience of the gospels has been reconsidered. Using as a test case one of the most entrenched gospels, Edward Klink explores the evidence for the audience behind the Gospel of John. This study challenges the prevailing gospel paradigm by examining the community construct and its functional potential in early Christianity, the appropriation of a gospel text and J. L. Martyn's two-level reading of John, and the implied reader located within the narrative. The study concludes by proposing a more appropriate audience model for reading John, as well as some implications for the function of the gospel in early Christianity.
Comparative evaluation of three continuous speech recognition software packages in the generation of medical reports.

Objective: To compare out-of-box performance of three commercially available continuous speech recognition software packages: IBM ViaVoice 98 with General Medicine Vocabulary; Dragon Systems NaturallySpeaking Medical Suite, version 3.0; and L&H Voice Xpress for Medicine, General Medicine Edition, version 1.2. Design: Twelve physicians completed minimal training with each software package and then dictated a medical progress note and discharge summary drawn from actual records. Measurements: Errors in recognition of medical vocabulary, medical abbreviations, and general English vocabulary were compared across packages using a rigorous, standardized approach to scoring. Results: The IBM software was found to have the lowest mean error rate for vocabulary recognition (7.0 to 9.1 percent) followed by the L&H software (13.4 to 15.1 percent) and then Dragon software (14.1 to 15.2 percent). The IBM software was found to perform better than both the Dragon and the L&H software in the recognition of general English vocabulary and medical abbreviations. Conclusion: This study is one of a few attempts at a robust evaluation of the performance of continuous speech recognition software. Results of this study suggest that with minimal training, the IBM software outperforms the other products in the domain of general medicine; however, results may vary with domain. Additional training is likely to improve the out-of-box performance of all three products. Although the IBM software was found to have the lowest overall error rate, successive generations of speech recognition software are likely to surpass the accuracy rates found in this investigation.
Death in the Emergency Department

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine9s position on the death of a child in the emergency department that appeared in the May 1994 issue of Pediatrics omitted a critical issue, in my opinion.1 The paper did not address what pediatric residency programs are or should be doing to train physicians to be more effective in crisis counseling. Unfortunately, the most inexperienced physicians are often expected to inform parents that their child has died and then counsel them.
Seasonal variation in soluble uric acid concentration in Littorina saxatilis (Olivi)

13 samples of Littorina saxatilis were collected from a Maine shore on an approximately monthly basis and analysed for soluble uric acid concentration. This concentration varied significantly, with summer concentrations as much as 6 times higher than winter concentrations. While it may be that the accumulation of uric acid in summer is related to desiccation, we suggest that it is more likely to be a result of increased protein catabolism.
Mothers Without Custody: Treatment Issues

Mothers without custody often suffer from lack of role clarification, problems with parenting at a distance and feelings of victimization. This paper explores how networking and universalization of the experiences of these women can be effectively applied in practice to empower the status of noncustodial mothers.
Unusual luminescence of octahedrally coordinated divalent europium ion in Cs2M2+P2O7 (M2+=Ca, Sr)

Abstract The excitation and emission spectra of octahedrally coordinated europium ion (Eu 2+ ) ions in Cs 2 M 2+ P 2 O 7 (M 2+ =Ca, Sr) are reported and discussed. The remarkable features of the Eu 2+ luminescence in these phosphate materials include (a) very large Stokes shift of emission (∼1 eV), (b) high luminescence quenching temperature, and (c) unusually low energy of the emitted photons for Eu 2+ luminescence in phosphate-based materials. The broad emission bands of Eu 2+ in Cs 2 CaP 2 O 7 and Cs 2 SrP 2 O 7 peak at 607 and 563 nm, respectively. The Stokes shift, crystal field splitting, centroid shift and the red shift of the Eu 2+ 4f 6 5d 1 electronic configuration have been estimated from the relevant optical data. The radiative lifetime of the Eu 2+ emission in Cs 2 M 2+ P 2 O 7 is ∼1.2 μs. The nature of the Eu 2+ emission in Cs 2 M 2+ P 2 O 7 is discussed and arguments are presented to associate the luminescence with an extreme case of normal 4f 6 5d 1 →4f 7 [ 8 S 7/2 ] emission.
Modeling a solitary wave interaction with a fixed floating body using an integrated analytical–numerical approach

Abstract This paper presents the development of an integrated analytical–numerical model to simulate a solitary wave propagating past a fixed and partially immersed body. The velocity potentials of the inner fluid region beneath the structure are determined analytically with unknown coefficients evaluated from a system of newly formulated matching equations with the uses of continuous velocity and velocity potential as well as the orthogonal properties of the eigenfunctions. For the outer region, the propagation of an incident solitary wave and its subsequent wave reflection and transmission after the wave–body interaction are modeled by solving the generalized Boussinesq (gB) equations. Time variations of the wave profiles and hydrodynamic forces for various wave and structural conditions are computed. A series of experimental measurements of wave elevations were carried out for verification of the model performance. The wave elevations obtained from the model simulations are found to agree closely with the measured data. The parametric studies were performed to examine the effects of wave amplitude, structural submergence, and structural width on the transmitted and reflected waves. An increase of structural submergence results in a decrease of the transmitted wave amplitude. Also, with an increase in structural width, the transmitted wave amplitude decreases.
Pedagogically effective programming environment for teaching mechanism design

The CH programming environment is an open system. Users can enhance the system through its various user interfaces. CH is specially designed for applications in mechanical systems engineering, although it is applicable to many other disciplines as well. CH has been successfully used as a teaching and learning tool for an undergraduate course, Computer-Aided Mechanism Design, at the University of California, Davis in Fall 1993. In this article we will present the CH programming environment and programming features developed for teaching and student learning. We will describe how a teaching toolbox is developed and used for teaching mechanism design. Source codes in the teaching toolbox are available to students so that they can study the software implementation of algorithms and modify the codes to solve similar problems. Although the developed teaching toolbox is specific for instruction on mechanism design, the CH programming environment and ideas presented in this article are general, and they are applicable to instructional improvement for a wide range of subjects in engineering.
Getting a “quick fix”: First-year college students’ use of Wikipedia

College students use Wikipedia frequently, despite educators’ highly divided opinions about it, and so it is important to understand how and why they are using it. This study followed a first-year class of undergraduate, liberal arts students over the course of their first semester to see how they used, were influenced about, and rated Wikipedia. Data was collected via two surveys of the first-year class, as well as focus groups and a survey of college faculty. This study found that first-year students are uncertain about the variety of ways to use information sources like Wikipedia, and that a direct and balanced approach to this area from instructors may lead to better outcomes than strict prohibition or silence.
A SUPPRESSOR OF MATING-TYPE LOCUS MUTATIONS IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE: EVIDENCE FOR AND IDENTIFICATION OF CRYPTIC MATING-TYPE LOCI

A mutation has been identified that suppresses the mating and sporulation defects of all mutations in the mating-type loci of S. cerevisiae. This suppressor, sir1-1, restores mating ability to mat alpha 1 and mat alpha 2 mutants and restores sporulation ability to mat alpha 2 and mata1 mutants. MATa sir1-1 strains exhibit a polar budding pattern and have reduced sensitivity to alpha-factor, both properties of a/alpha diploids. Furthermore, sir1-1 allows MATa/MATa, mat alpha 1/mat alpha/, and MAT alpha/MAT alpha strains to sporulate efficiently. All actions of sir1-1 are recessive to SIR1. The ability of sir1-1 to supply all functions necessary for mating and sporulation and its effects in a cells are explained by proposing that sir1-1 allows expression of mating type loci which are ordinarily not expressed. The ability of sir1-1 to suppress the mat alpha 1-5 mutation is dependent on the HMa gene, previously identified as required for switching of mating types from a to alpha. Thus, as predicted by the cassette model, HMa is functionally equivalent to MAT alpha since it supplies functions of MAT alpha. We propose that sir1-1 is defective in a function. Sir ("Silent-information regulator"), whose role may be to regulate expression of HMa and HM alpha.
Glaucoma and its treatment: a review.

Purpose. A review of glaucoma and its treatment is presented. Summary. Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can cause irreversible blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and other industrialized countries. In most cases, the symptoms of early-stage glaucoma are minimal or nonexistent. There are several different types of glaucoma, and they have been classically divided into the categories of primary or secondary open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma. Secondary forms of glaucoma are caused by various ocular or systemic diseases. Every available treatment to prevent progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy has potential adverse effects and involves a certain amount of risk and financial expense. Conventional first-line treatment of glaucoma usually begins with the use of a topical selective or nonselective β-blocker or a topical prostaglandin analog. Second-line drugs of choice include α-agonists and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Parasympathomimetic agents, most commonly pilocarpine, are considered third-line treatment options. For patients who do not respond to antiglaucoma medications, laser trabeculoplasty and incisional surgery are further methods that can be used to lower intraocular pressure. The results of clinical trials have reaffirmed the utility of antiglaucoma medications in slowing the progression of the disease. Conclusion. Glaucoma is a common eye disease that is usually associated with an elevated intraocular pressure. Treatment options for patients with glaucoma include medications, laser therapy, and incisional surgery. The risks and benefits of each type of treatment must be carefully considered to maximize the treatment’s benefits while minimizing adverse effects.
Auditory localization of nearby sources. III. Stimulus effects.

A series of experiments has examined the auditory localization of a nearby (<1 m) sound source under four conditions: (1) a fixed-amplitude condition where loudness-based distance cues were available; (2) a monaural condition where the contralateral ear was occluded by an ear-plug and muff; (3) a high-pass condition where the stimulus bandwidth was 3 Hz to 15 kHz; and (4) a low-pass condition where the stimulus bandwidth was 200 Hz to 3 kHz. The results of these experiments were compared to those of a previous experiment that measured localization performance for a nearby broadband, random-amplitude source [Brungart et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 106, 1956–1968 (1999)]. Directional localization performance in each condition was consistent with the results of previous far-field localization experiments. Distance localization accuracy improved slightly in the fixed-amplitude condition relative to the earlier broadband random-amplitude experiment, especially near the median plane, but was severely degraded in the monaural condition. Distance accuracy was also found to be highly dependent on the low-frequency energy of the stimulus: in the low-pass condition, distance accuracy was similar to that in the broadband condition, while in the high-pass condition, distance accuracy was significantly reduced. The results suggest that low-frequency interaural level differences are the dominant auditory distance cue in the proximal region.
High-energy tibial plateau fractures:Staged management

Abstract High-energy fractures of the tibial plateau create difficult treatment scenarios. Both osseous and soft tissue injuries can challenge the most experienced trauma surgeon. Because the injury is frequently the result of a crushing mechanism the soft tissues of the proximal leg may initially present an envelope unsuitable for extensile surgical incisions. A closed soft tissue envelope may be associated with marked contusion or significant degloving threatening skin viability, while rapid swelling may prohibit acute surgical wound closure. An open fracture may require multiple debridements, skin grafts, or free tissue transfer to achieve ultimate sterile wound coverage. Still, the vast majority of these fractures benefit from skeletal stabilization with restoration of joint congruity and coronal and sagittal alignment. We routinely deal with this combination of severe bone and soft tissue injury with provisional knee spanning external fixation within 24 hours of injury, aggressive management of open wounds followed by a period of soft tissue rest, then delayed ORIF 2 to 3 weeks after fixator application. Well planned minimal surgical incisions at this time accompanied by meticulous attention to soft tissue handling reproducibly result in successful restoration of alignment and fracture and soft tissue healing.
Using fragmentation trees and mass spectral trees for identifying unknown compounds in metabolomics

Identification of unknown metabolites is the bottleneck in advancing metabolomics, leaving interpretation of metabolomics results ambiguous. The chemical diversity of metabolism is vast, making structure identification arduous and time consuming. Currently, comprehensive analysis of mass spectra in metabolomics is limited to library matching, but tandem mass spectral libraries are small compared to the large number of compounds found in the biosphere, including xenobiotics. Resolving this bottleneck requires richer data acquisition and better computational tools. Multi-stage mass spectrometry (MSn) trees show promise to aid in this regard. Fragmentation trees explore the fragmentation process, generate fragmentation rules and aid in sub-structure identification, while mass spectral trees delineate the dependencies in multi-stage MS of collision-induced dissociations. This review covers advancements over the past 10 years as a tool for metabolite identification, including algorithms, software and databases used to build and to implement fragmentation trees and mass spectral annotations.
Mechanism on the permeation of ethanol in nitrile gloves studied using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was applied to study the mechanism of ethanol diffusion through commercial nitrile rubber gloves. Even though the untreated raw samples were very different in their colors and area densities (g/cm2), the correlation between the ethanol diffusion coefficient from permeation test and the free volume from PALS measurement is well consistent with the Vrentas-Duda model. Via combining the PALS technique and the Vrentas-Duda theory, it is revealed that (a) the diffusion coefficient is correlated to the number of free volume holes rather than the average size of holes, (b) the diffusion process is not regulated by the size of ethanol molecule but by the size of critical volume for polymer segments to migrate, (c) nitrile group does not present in the free volume hole where the diffusion of ethanol molecule takes place, but is embedded in polymer matrix, and therefore, does not directly interact with ethanol molecule, and (d) nitrile group affects the average size, but not the number of free volume holes. The experiment demonstrates that the PALS technique, being mainly used in pure academic researches, might have application in the glove industry due to its ability in measuring terminal free volume quantities, which are directly related to the permeation of small organic molecules through protective gloves. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41282.
Evaluation of transcutaneous bilirubinometry in preterm neonates

To determine the accuracy and precision of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements in preterm neonates. Neonates were stratified into three groups on the basis of gestational age: 24 to 28 weeks (Group 1, n=30), 29 to 31 weeks (Group 2, n=29) and 32 to 34 weeks (Group 3, n=31). TcB was measured using the Draeger Air Shields JM-103, and when possible, measurements were made by two observers. TcB and total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements were compared, and interobserver precision for TcB measurements was assessed. Correlations between TcB and TSB ranged from 0.79 to 0.92. Most of the differences between TcB and TSB were ±2 mg per 100 ml, and there was no trend for the difference to increase with increasing bilirubin values. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values ranged from 0.67 to 1.0, 0.29 to 0.81 and 0.60 to 1.0, respectively. Intraclass correlations were 0.87 to 0.92. TcB correlates significantly with TSB in preterm neonates, and interobserver precision is significant. Routine measurement of TcB in preterm neonates may provide enhanced clinical monitoring for hyperbilirubinemia.
Solid-state structure of N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylhydrazinium bromide

The solid state structure of single-chain N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylhydrazinium bromide (1) was determined. Compound 1 crystallized in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P1 (Z=2) in a unit cell of dimensions a=5.8182 (5) A, b=8.1663 (6) A, c=19.418 (2) A, α=79.028 (7)°, β=87.271 (7)°, γ=71.895 (5)° and V=860.83 (13) A3. The crystal packing is characterized by an interdigitated bilayer structure featuring London forces among the alkyl chains and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding within the polar head group region. The alkyl chains pack in the T|| mode and the molecular and chain cross sections are 47.51 A2 (S) and 19.56 A2 (Σ), respectively.
Symmetry based potential expansion technique for molecules and point charge lattices

Abstract A systematic method is presented for evaluating the electrostatic potential of point charge systems with inversion symmetry. By considering two simple ‘dumbbell’ structures, concise general potential expressions are deduced for point charge symmetries of the point groups containing the inversion operation. The explicit formulae presented for the most common basic symmetries are used as a basis to write down the potential for more complicated geometries formed by the combination of any number of basic symmetries. The equations are also valid for geometries obtained by certain distortions of the basic symmetry. The method presented here gives the potential at any general space point. The use of expressions in terms of the real spherical harmonics facilitates matrix element calculations, and with the potentials in such a form, symmetry arguments can be directly applied to eliminate many terms which vanish.
Transient Exposure to Transforming Growth Factor Beta 3 Improves the Mechanical Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Laden Cartilage Constructs in a Density-Dependent Manner

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the use of these cells has been limited by their reduced ability to form functional tissue compared to chondrocytes when placed in three-dimensional culture systems. To optimize MSC functional chondrogenesis, we examined the effects of increasing seeding density and transient application of transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-beta3), two factors previously shown to improve growth of chondrocyte-based constructs. Chondrocytes seeded in agarose at 20 million cells/mL and MSCs seeded at 20 or 60 million cells/mL agarose were cultured for 7 weeks under continuous or transient application of TGF-beta3. In the transient group, cell-laden constructs were exposed to TGF-beta3 for the initial 3 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of culture in medium without TGF-beta3. Compressive properties, biochemical content, and gene expression were assessed at 3, 5, and 7 weeks. Matrix distribution and collagen type was determined using histology and immunohistochemistry, and chondrogenic and osteogenic markers were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. When maintained continuously with TGF-beta3, chondrocyte-seeded constructs achieved a higher equilibrium compressive modulus than MSCs similarly maintained. Although properties of both groups increased with respect to starting values, there was no difference in bulk mechanical or biochemical properties with higher seeding density when MSCs were cultured with constant TGF-beta3. Findings also showed that while transient application of TGF-beta3 elicited robust growth from chondrocyte-laden gels, MSCs seeded at the same density failed to respond, although constructs maintained their previously accrued properties and continued to express cartilaginous genes after TGF-beta3 removal. Conversely, MSCs seeded at 60 million cells/mL exhibited a strong anabolic response with transient TGF-beta3 exposure, achieving an equilibrium modulus of approximately 200 kPa. Although this represents the highest modulus we have been able to achieve with MSC-seeded constructs using our culture system, further work remains to optimize MSC chondrogenesis for cartilage tissue engineering, particularly in terms of collagen content and dynamic mechanical properties.
Intracellular recording of light responses from visually identified ganglion cells in the rabbit retina.

Abstract In this report electrophysiological recordings were made from fluorescently labeled ganglion cells in the rabbit retina. Using a retinal strip preparation, cells in the ganglion cell layer were stained following a brief application of the fluorescent dye acridine orange to the bathing solution. Through an epifluorescence microscope the tip of a recording microelectrode could be positioned near a cell of interest. Extracellular recordings from ganglion cells showed that good recovery of light responses was obtained following a brief exposure of the retina to fluorescent light (400–440 nm excitation). The rate of recovery, however, depended upon the prevailing background light level. Large acridine orange-stained cell bodies in the peripheral retina were impaled under visual control by micropipette electrodes filled with either Lucifer Yellow or the fluorescent dye pyranine. When stained intracellularly, all possessed an axon identifying them as ganglion cells. The majority (~ 80%) of the cells recorded intracellularly were identified physiologically as either ON-center or OFF-center brisk ganglion cells. The other cells encountered were ON-OFF directionally selective ganglion cells.
Concepts associated with new regulations governing radiation exposure

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has adopted revised regulations governing occupational and non-occupational doses of nuclear radiation to individuals. The regulations, which will appear in the Code of Federal Regulations as 10 CFR Part 20, are a complete overhaul of the old version of Part 20, which has been in effect since 1957. The new regulations are based on principles for radiation protection that were formulated and recommended by national and international authorities, including the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. An important goal of the revision was to incorporate modern understanding of the principles of radiation effects and control in the NRC`s regulatory scheme. This article provides a review of some of the important concepts and provisions of the revised regulation. 6 refs., 2 tabs.
ABNORMAL AMINO-ACID EXCRETION IN CEREBRAL DISEASE.

Zusammenfassung Abnormale Aminosauren-Ausscheidungen bei Zerebrallahmung Bei 174 von einer Gesamtzahl von 219 Kindern mit erwiesener Zerebrallahmung fand man Aminosauren im Harn. Bei keinem der Patienten war eine Ausscheidung von Succinoarginisaure erweisbar. Das Ubermass der Aminosauren war bei den meisten Patienten in der Form von Aminosauren enthaltendem Schwefel. Es gelang nicht eine Korrelation zwischen dem klinischen Zustand und den Aminosauren im Harn festzustellen. Ahnliche Schablonen fand man, wenn man den Harn einzelner Patienten zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten analysierte. Die Aminosauren im Liquor folgten keiner bestimmten Schablone.
Synthesis of 2′(3′)-O-DL-alanyl hexainosinic acid using T4 RNA ligase: suppression of the enzymic reverse transfer reaction by alkaline phosphatase

Abstract 2'(3')-O-DL-Alanyl (Ip)5I was synthesized by a new method. An alanine ortho ester of inosine 5'-phosphate was added to (Ip)4I using the ATP-independent reaction of T4 RNA ligase, and the product was converted smoothly to the desired ester. The enzymic reverse transfer reaction was conveniently suppressed by the dephosphorylation of the adenosine 5'-phosphate coproduct, catalyzed in situ by alkaline phosphatase.
Composite membranes from photochemical synthesis of ultrathin polymer films

THERE has recently been a resurgence of interest in synthetic membranes and membrane-based processes1–12. This is motivated by a wide variety of technological applications, such as chemical separations1–7, bioreactors and sensors8,9, energy conversion10,11 and drug-delivery systems12. Many of these technologies require the ability to prepare extremely thin, defect-free synthetic (generally polymeric) films, which are supported on microporous supports to form composite membranes. Here we describe a method for producing composite membranes of this sort that incorporate high-quality polymer films less than 50-nm thick. The method involves interfacial photopolymerization of a thin polymer film on the surface of the microporous substrate. We have been able to use this technique to synthesize a variety of functionalized ultrathin films based on electroactive, photoactive and ion-exchange polymers. We demonstrate the method here with composite membranes that show exceptional gas-transport properties.
Analysis of Interconnection Networks and Mismatch in the Nose-to-Nose Calibration

We analyze the input networks of the samplers used in the nose-to-nose calibration method. Our model demonstrates that the required input network conditions are satisfied in this method and shows the interconnection errors are limited to measurement uncertainties of input reflection coefficients and adapter S-parameters utilized during the calibration procedure. Further, the input network model fully includes the effects of mismatch reflections, and we use the model to reconcile nose-to-nose waveform correction methods with traditional signal power measurement techniques.
The macroeconomics of trade liberalization

Abstract This paper analyzes the short-run, macroeconomic consequences of trade liberalization in LDCs. It is shown that linkages between the tradables and nontradables sectors, the effect of imported inputs on the economy's productive structure, and certain patterns of factor substitution can go a long way toward explaining the perverse, contractionary effects frequently seen in liberalization programs.
Establishment in the United States of Peridesmia discus (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), an egg predator of the alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Peridesmia discus (Walker), a pteromalid egg predator of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), which was previously introduced from Europe as a biological control agent, is now known to be established at seven localities in Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Techniques are described for recovering this species from overwintering weevil eggs in stems of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. An unusual glabrous stripe on the head of the adult male, which is diagnostic for the species, is illustrated. Data from positive rearing sites indicate that from 5.3 to 16.7% (average, 7.1%) of overwintering weevil eggs were destroyed by P. discus . These mortality rates are similar to those reported from France.
Estimated Risk of Perihippocampal Disease Progression after Hippocampal Avoidance during Whole-brain Radiotherapy: Comprehensive Multi-institution Review of 371 Patients with 1133 Brain Metastases

No patients had a metastasis within the hippocampus. A 1-cm 3 increase in the aggregate volume of intracranial metastatic disease was associated with an odds ratio of 1.02 (95% CI 1.006-1.034, p = 0.003) for the presence of perihippocampal metastasis. Aggregate intracranial disease volumes of 1-cm 3 , 10-cm 3 , and 35-cm 3 were associated with estimated incidences of perihippocampal metastasis of 6.4%, 7.5%, and 11.8%, respectively. The remaining clinical and radiographic variables, including number of intracranial metastases, were not predictive. Conclusions:If we assume that the risk of development of a subsequent brain metastasis within the hippocampal avoidance region scales in the same proportion as that at presentation, we conclude that a patient treated with HA-WBRT will derive 91.4% of the relative benefit of WBRT in terms of preventionof the emergenceof radiographically visible intracranial lesions,with a lower 95% confidence limit of 88.5%. Intracranial volume of metastatic disease, but not number of metastases, predicts for increased risk of developing perihippocampal metastases.
Time-based multiple organ functional images

Computer generation of functional images has gained recognition as a valuable method of analyzing physiologic data. However, most mathematical models used to produce these images are frequency-based, which requires that the entire function be examined. Because frequency-based characteristics are only indirectly related to physiologic characteristics, this technique has inherent deficiencies that may be minimized through various manipulations. Our technique is to base such images on time-related features, rather than frequency-based. This technique deals directly with regional count rate behavior, which in turn reflects function. Benefits from such an approach include the ability to generate images from isolated portions of an event and the removal of sinusoidal models that may or may not accurately represent function. Our experience with such an approach to the generation of functional images of the heart, lungs, and liver has been highly successful.
An asymptotic solution of conical shells of constant thickness.

Constant thickness elastic conical shells subject to lateral loads, deriving asymptotic solution
Electron microprobe analysis of silica cells in leaf epidermal cells of Cyperus alternifolius

Electron microprobe analysis was used to examine relative amounts of selected accessory elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Mn, and Fe) associated with silicon in silica cells in leaf epidermal cells ofCyperus alternifolius. In the leaf epidermal cells, silicon is localised in significant quantities in silica cells and in a few long epidermal cells. Silicon could not be detected in the stomatal apparatuses. The accumulation of significant amounts of silicon in the silica cell appears to retard the accumulation of K and to enhance the accumulation of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and P. Sodium was detected in very small traces in the silica cells. The possible functional significance of the altered deposition patterns for these elements inCyperus is discussed.
Comparing pilot-error accident rates of male and female airline pilots

Abstract This study analyzes whether differences existed in the pilot-error accident rates of male and female United States airline pilots. Results are based on data of aviation accidents in the years 1986–1992, obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration. The study found that females employed by major airlines had significantly higher accident rates than their male counterparts overall. However, female airline pilots, on average, were less experienced and much younger than males. Male pilot-error accidents were modeled using logistic regression, regressing on age, experience (total flying hours), risk exposure (flying hours in the last 6 months), and employer (major/non-major airline). The male model provided a good fit for female airline pilots as well as for males. After adjusting for variables included in the model, accident rates of males and females were not significantly different. These findings suggest that neither males nor females are a safer pilot group. Airlines should make every effort to recruit and retain experienced females. The key challenge for managers of airline flight operations is to learn how to manage diversity in the workplace, while maintaining the highest level of safety.
Defined structural changes occur in a nucleosome upon Amt1 transcription factor binding.

Here, we study the binding of the transcription factor Amt1 to its recognition site near the dyad of a highly positioned nucleosome. We find that the DNA binding domain of Amt1 binds to nucleosomes with only threefold reduced affinity compared to free DNA. We show by fluorescence resonance energy transfer that factor binding at the nucleosomal dyad is accompanied by the partial dissociation of the DNA ends from the histone octamer surface; however, no dissociation or subtle rearrangements of histone subunits is observed. A poly(dA dT) DNA sequence element adjacent to the transcription factor binding site appears to facilitate factor binding, but is not essential. The methods that we describe here characterize for the first time the subtle structural changes that occur upon transcription factor binding to nucleosomes, and demonstrate the ability of the nucleosome to structurally adapt in response to outside influences.
I. ANTIGENICITY OF OXYPOLYGELATIN AND GELATIN IN MAN

It has been demonstrated that there are normally occurring antibodies to gelatin in human sera. Immunization with gelatin can in many cases increase the antibody level. The presence of these antibodies does not result in cutaneous reactions of the wheal and erythema type after injection of antigen. Many of the properties of the gelatin-antigelatin reaction and the precipitates formed are those of a truly specific antigen-antibody aggregate. Explanations have been advanced both as to the possible sources of the gelatin antibody and its significance.
Plants in space.

Virtually all scenarios for the long-term habitation of spacecraft and other extraterrestrial structures involve plants as important parts of the contained environment that would support humans. Recent experiments have identified several effects of spaceflight on plants that will need to be more fully understood before plant-based life support can become a reality. The International Space Station (ISS) is the focus for the newest phase of space-based research, which should solve some of the mysteries of how spaceflight affects plant growth. Research carried out on the ISS and in the proposed terrestrial facility for Advanced Life Support testing will bring the requirements for establishing extraterrestrial plant-based life support systems into clearer focus.
Chemical evolution of the galaxy: abundances of the light elements (sodium to calcium).

The abundances of the light (Na to Ca) elements in disc and halo stars are reviewed. New analyses are emphasized. Elements considered are the α-nuclei (Mg, Si, and Ca), and the odd-even nuclei (Na and Al, also25Mg and26Mg). The α-nuclei are overabundant (relative to Fe) in the old disc and halo stars. Halo stars ([Fe/H] < —1.2) have [α/Fe] ∼0.3 with extreme halo ([Fe/H] ≲ −2.0) stars showing possibly higher overabundances. The scatter in [α/Fe] at a given [Fe/H] is small. To within the observational errors, the abundance patterns for Mg, Si, and Ca are identical. For disc stars, the Na and Al abundances relative to Mg are almost independent of the [Fe/H]. Halo stars ([Fe/H] < −1) show [Na/Mg] < 0 and [AI/Mg] < 0, but the form of the mean relation and the scatter about the relation between [odd-even/Mg] and [Fe/H] remains uncertain.
A lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase gene is rearranged and overexpressed in the murine T cell lymphoma LSTRA

Protein-tyrosine kinases are implicated in the control of normal and neoplastic cell growth. We have used molecular cloning strategies to characterize a lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase gene distinct from but closely related to src and yes. This gene, encoded by a genetic locus defined here as lskT, is rearranged and overexpressed in the murine T cell lymphoma LSTRA. Thus alterations in the structure or expression of this protein-tyrosine kinase gene may in some cases mediate neoplastic transformation. In addition, transcription of the normal lskT gene is restricted to cells of lymphoid origin. We infer that the lskT-encoded protein-tyrosine kinase may aid in transducing proliferative or differentiative signals unique to lymphocytes.
Assessing the Reliability of the Gambling Functional Assessment

Dixon and Johnson (Analysis of Gambling Behavior 2007, 1:44–49) introduced the Gambling Functional Assessment (GFA), which attempts to identify the consequences that may be maintaining a person’s gambling behavior. The present study had 949 introductory psychology students complete the GFA, with 124 of them completing the measure a second time 12 weeks later. Measures of internal consistency were quite good regardless of whether “non-gamblers” were included or excluded. Test–retest reliability was somewhat mixed, with Escape scores yielding substandard coefficients, especially among females. Both internal and test–retest reliability were typically poorer for female respondents. In general, the GFA performed within the limits of acceptable reliability, and coefficients compared favorably with similar measures. Future investigations will need to determine the reliability and validity of the instrument, especially as it pertains to its intended population, pathological gamblers.
Memory-driven processing in human medial occipital cortex: An event-related optical signal (EROS) study

Memory-driven processing in medial occipital areas (Area V1 and immediately adjacent structures) was investigated noninvasively using the event-related optical signal (EROS). Subjects viewed two letter stimuli presented in the left and right hemifields, respectively. They then viewed a centrally presented test letter and had to indicate whether this letter was the same as either of the letters presented earlier. The initial EROS response to the test stimulus in medial occipital areas (latency: 50–150 ms) was unilaterally suppressed in the hemisphere previously exposed to the same stimulus. This finding suggests that medial occipital cortex activity is modulated by a rapidly adapting hemispheric-specific pattern recognition mechanism.
Estimability and Linear Hypotheses

Abstract A proposition is given which provides an easily justified reason as to why attention should be confined to estimable parametric vectors when formulating linear hypotheses. The possibility of justifying one's linear estimation effort on the estimable parametric functions via an identifiability condition is also mentioned.
Composition and distribution of aerosols over the North Atlantic during the Subsonic Assessment Ozone and Nitrogen Oxide Experiment (SONEX)

We report the mixing ratios of aerosol-associated soluble ions (focusing on SO4= and NO3−) and HNO3 over the North Atlantic during NASA's Subsonic Assessment Ozone and Nitrogen Oxide Experiment (SONEX). The SONEX campaign was designed to quantify the impacts of jet emissions in the North Atlantic Flight Corridor (NAFC) by sampling both directly within and far removed from the organized track system. Beryllium-7 activities were also measured to assess the magnitude of stratospheric influence in the SONEX study region. Mixing ratios of aerosol-associated SO4= and NO3− above 8 km during SONEX were lower than recent measurements over the central United States during the Subsonic Aircraft Contrail and Cloud Effects Special Study (SUCCESS) and the same as those over the remote South Pacific during the Pacific Exploratory Mission-Tropics (PEM-Tropics), suggesting that aircraft emissions cannot yet be a major source of these ions. Furthermore, mean SO4= mixing ratios at high altitudes were 65% higher in regions away from the NAFC than they were directly in the track system just a few hours after peak traffic. Nitric acid mixing ratios at the highest DC-8 sampling altitudes were elevated during SONEX compared to PEM-Tropics, but there was no clear signal of enhancement by jet exhaust. Strong correlations with 7Be indicate that a large fraction of HNO3 and aerosol-associated SO4= measured at high altitudes during SONEX were derived from a stratospheric source.
Brief communication: Conjoined twins at angel mounds? an ancient DNA perspective

Conjoined twins are born when a single fertilized egg partially splits into two fetuses. A hypothetical case of infant conjoined twins from Angel Mounds, a Middle Mississippian site (A.D. 1050–1400) on the Ohio River near Evansville, Indiana, was discovered in 1941. Morphological analysis does not rule out the field interpretation of this double burial as twins. Ancient mitochondrial DNA recovered from both infants demonstrates that they were not maternal relatives, and hence that they cannot have been conjoined twins. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A polynomial-time algorithm for affine variational inequalities

Abstract This short note illustrates that the recently proposed polynomial-time algorithm for convex quadratic programs can easily be extended to solve affine variational inequality problems VI(X, F) where the mapping F is monotone. A small numerical example is used to illustrate the convergence properties of this new algorithm.
Toward the cumulation of demographic knowledge

According to the widely-held theory of the demographic transition, increasing urbanization, education, and industrialization induce declining mortality and, with a lag, declining fertility. But is this generalization supported by the evidence? Empirical studies at Princeton's Office of Population Research (OPR) in the early 1960s raised doubts. A doctoral dissertation by William Leasure showed that the decline of fertility in Spain was not readily explained by this simple version of the demographic transition. Another study by John Knodel and Nathanial Iskandar found only a slight difference in the timing of the marital fertility decline in England and Hungary, despite very different levels of education, mortality, and industrialization. A similarly puzzling parallel in marital fertility decline occurred in Norway and Romania. These seeming contradictions led Ansley Coale in 1963 to initiate one of the most ambitious social science research inquiries ever undertaken, the European Fertility Project (EFP). The purpose of this project was to mine the extensive high quality historical demographic statistics of the countries of Europe to investigate fertility change by province from the predecline period through 1960. In the course of this project, Coale enlisted the collaboration of a number of demographers now of national and international reknown. Seven country studies have so far been published-in order of appearance, Portugal, by Massimo Livi-Bacci; Germany, by John Knodel; France, by Etienne van de Walle; Belgium, by Ron J. Lesthaeghe; Italy, also by Livi-Bacci; Russia, by Coale, Barbara A. Anderson, and Erna Harm; and Great Britain, by Michael S. Teitelbaum. In addition, the present volume's references list numerous articles and several dissertations resulting from the project, a number of them reporting on other areas of Europe than those covered in the monographs. The present volume is the result of a conference held in 1979. The aim, commendably, was not to summarize the country studies, but to attempt to develop generalizations, both descriptive and causal, drawing on data from all of the countries studied. The authors of the volume include either persons who were responsible for the country studies or significant others closely associated with EFP. Some outsiders partici-