cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-speed laryngeal imaging compared with videostroboscopy in healthy subjects.

Objective To describe normal vocal fold vibratory characteristics recorded with high-speed digital imaging (HSV) of the larynx. Design Prospective study of healthy subjects who volunteered to undergo laryngeal HSV and videostroboscopy. Image analysis was randomly assigned to 3 blinded raters. Setting Community-based clinic with a specialty in laryngology. Participants Fifty healthy subjects aged 21 to 65 years who were nonsmokers and who had no voice problems, laryngopharyngeal reflux, or reactive airway disease. Main Outcome Measures The following characteristics of vibration were described: glottal configuration, phase closure, vibratory symmetry, mucosal wave propagation, amplitude of vibration, and periodicity of vibration. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities were calculated for both imaging modalities. Results The range of findings for each measure is described. The comparison of videostroboscopy ratings with ratings from HSV studies did not reveal any significant difference between the 2 modalities for any of the measures except for the assessment of periodicity. Aperiodic vibratory characteristics were noted on 30% of the videostroboscopy studies (n = 15) and in only 4% of the HSV studies (n = 2) ( P Conclusion This preliminary study describes a range of normal values for vocal fold vibratory characteristics as recorded with laryngeal HSV, providing a basis for comparison of studies in patients with voice problems.
Seasonal Nitrogen Concentration, Uptake, and Partitioning Pattern of Irrigated Acala and Pima Cotton as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertility Level

A better understanding of plant nitrogen (N) dynamics in modern varieties of Acala (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Pima (G. barbadense L.) cotton grown with prevailing management practices may help in the design of N management strategies that optimize N utilization and lint yields. The response of Acala cotton to different N fertility levels was evaluated on a Panoche day loam (fine-loamy, mixed (calcareous), thermic Typic Torriorthents) and on a Wasco sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, nonacid, thermic Typic Torriorthents). Nitrogen treatments of 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha -1 and check plots were established in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Plant shoots were collected and fractionated into different components at several growth stages for determination of N concentration. Both Acala and Pima tissue N concentrations were strongly affected by developmental stage and N treatment. Acala tissue N concentrations differed significantly between soil types. Maximum N uptake rates of both Pima and Acala occurred between early square and early bloom. Physiological N use efficiency averaged 1L4 kg lint kg -1 plant N for Acala grown on the Panoche day loam and 9.4 kg kg -1 on the Wasco sandy loam, and 13.2 kg kg -1 for Pima grown on Panoche day loam. Leaf N concentration as an in-season indicator of N status and estimates of seasonal soil N mineralization potential may be useful in optimizing cotton N management.
The partial reinforcement effect after minimal acquisition: Single pellet reward

Achievement for a PREE following a small number of acquisition trials has posed a problem for several explanations of the PREE. One explanation of the effects achieved with minimal acquisition assumes Ss make multiple responses on each trial due to the use of multiple pellets or wet mash. A partial and a consistent group were run, using a single pellet as reward. The usual PREE was achieved.
Self-monitored smoking motives

The motives for smoking in 73 low, medium, and high rate smokers were surveyed and were evaluated the validity of the Reasons for Smoking scale (RFS) by correlating RFS scores with self-monitored reasons for smoking. Combined sample correlations were significant for 5 of the 6 RFS reasons. However, all correlations were modest, the number of correlations varied with smoking rate, and the RFS was not a valid measure of pleasurable relaxation, the reason most frequently reported during self-monitoring. The unexpected finding that pleasurable relaxation, not reduction of negative affect, was the most frequently endorsed reason conflicts with previous surveys, almost all of which sampled older smokers. Smoking behavior of younger smokers may differ from older smokers in ways important to the study of smoking motivation. These differences may explain why experimental studies with undergraduates generally find no relationship between smoking and negative affect while studies with older subjects do.
Regenerating temperate forests under elevated CO2 and nitrogen deposition: comparing biochemical and stomatal limitation of photosynthesis

Summary • Photosynthesis of temperate trees growing in a competitive environment was investigated here in a factorial design of community composition (deciduous, coniferous and mixed species), carbon dioxide and nitrogen treatments. This study included seedlings of three deciduous (Betula alleghaniensis, Quercus rubra, Acer rubrum) and three coniferous (Pinus strobus, Picea rubens, Tsuga canadensis) species. • Nitrogen partitioning changed significantly in response to the treatments. Higher area-based nitrogen concentrations (Na) in the conifer needles, however, did not induce higher growth rates. • Analysis of biochemical limitations of photosynthesis revealed that deciduous trees invested more nitrogen into carboxylation (Vcmax), electron transport (Jmax) and Pi regeneration capacity, but at much lower absolute concentrations for Na than conifers; consequently conifers maintained much higher rates for all three parameters. Deciduous species showed a strong stomatal limitation, whereas conifers maintained higher stomatal conductance at increasing mesophyll internal carbon dioxide concentration, indicating a much stronger assimilatory response to elevated carbon dioxide. • Differences between the biochemical and stomatal response to elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen indicate that within mixed stands, individual plant responses do not fully characterize community response.
Dengue virus infection of human skin fibroblasts in vitro production of IFN-beta, IL-6 and GM-CSF.

Dengue virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitos. In our efforts to understand the pathogenesis of dengue virus infection, we examined whether skin fibroblasts can be infected in vitro with dengue viruses. Fibroblasts could be infected with dengue viruses, yellow fever virus and West Nile virus. Dengue virus antigen-positive cells were detected as early as 4h and the percentage of dengue virus antigen-positive cells reached maximum levels by 24h after infection. High titers of infectious dengue virus were also detected in the culture supernatants at 20h after infection. Dengue virus-infected fibroblasts produced interferon-β (IFN-β), and the IFN-β protected uninfected fibroblasts from dengue virus infection. Dengue virus-infected fibroblasts also produced interleukin 6 (IL-6) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulation factor (GM-CSF).
The effects of PaCO2 on the cerebrovascular response to nitrous oxide in the halothane-anesthetized rabbit.

Several authors have observed that nitrous oxide increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or intracranial pressure (ICP) in experimental situations and in humans. However, the effects of hippomania on the cerebrovascular responses to NzO have not been investigated. Therefore, six New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized with ⌣1.0 MAC halothane (mean end-tidal concentration 1.26%) and surgically prepared for recording of ICP, the EEG, and both cortical and global CBF (by the H2-clearance method). After preparation was complete, measurements were obtained during ventilation with 70% nitrogen (in O2), and after the inspired gas mixture was changed to 70% N2O (still with 1.0 MAC halothane). Two such data pairs (N2-N2O) were obtained, one during hypocarbia (Paco2 ⌣ 20 mm Hg) and the other during normocarbic (Paco2 ⌣ 40 mm Hg) conditions. Mean arterial pressure (MABP) was held constant within each data pair by infusing angiotensin II as needed. Nitrous oxide resulted in a consistent increase in EEG frequency and decrease in amplitude as compared with N2, and produced small (⌣1 mm Hg) but statistically significant increases in ICP during both hypo-and normocarbic conditions. Nitrous oxide administration also increased CBF as measured both in frontal cortex and globally, with similar changes seen during hypo-and normocarbic conditions, e.g., cortical CBF increased from 42 ± 8 to 59 ± 15 ml·100 gm−1·min−1 during hypocarbia, and from 61 ± 13 to 75 ± 15 ml·100gm−1·min−1 during normocarbia. These results confirm that N2O is a potent cerebrovasodilator in the rabbit, and also indicate that reductions in Paco2 do not blunt the cerebrovascular responses to N2O.
Surface oxidation of carbon supports due to potential cycling under PEM fuel cell conditions

The corrosive operating conditions of a PEM fuel cell causes significant oxidation of its carbon supports, thus severely affecting the fuel cell performance and lifetime. PEM fuel cells in transportation or automobile applications typically experience potential cycling due to start-up/shutdown cycles or varying loads further deteriorating the long-term performance of a fuel cell. Here we report that the rate of surface oxidation of carbon supports significantly increases during potential cycling making the carbon support prone to further oxidation. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we identify the various carbon–oxygen groups formed on the surface of carbon support due to potential cycling and compare them with those treated under potential hold conditions. Interestingly, these surface groups vary in proportion from those formed on carbon support during idle potential conditions reported in the literature.
Study of the temperature dependence of isothermal spherulitic growth rate data for poly(pivalolactone) in blends with poly(vinylidene fluoride): a link between coherent secondary nucleation theory and mixing thermodynamics☆

Abstract The spherulitic growth rates of α-phase poly(pivalolactone) (PPVL) in blends with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2) were measured by polarized optical microscopy as a function of blend composition and isothermal crystallization temperature Tx between 160 and 215°C. The PPVL weight fraction in the blends ranges from 100 to 10 wt%, which constitutes the largest compositional range investigated in any such study. Using the Lauritzen-Hoffman kinetic theory of crystallization, the composition dependent equilibrium melting temperatures Tm the nucleation constants Kg(II) and Kg(III) and the surface free energy product σσe were determined directly from the temperature dependence of the spherulitic growth rate data for each blend. The equilibrium melting temperature, the nucleation constants and the product of the fold and lateral surface free energies of PPVL a-phase crystals are observed to decrease with increasing PVF2 content. The observed depression in equilibrium melting temperature was successfully analysed following the treatment proposed by Nishi and Wang and based on Scott's expression for chemical potentials in a binary polymer mixture to yield a negative interaction parameter (ξ=−0.13±0.05). The magnitude of this interaction parameter is consistent with that found in earlier studies of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends. Finally, the observed decrease in crystal/melt surface free energy product is discussed in the context of a recent model correlating the lateral crystal/melt interfacial free energy with the characteristic ratio of the crystallizable polymer chain. Our analysis suggests that the lateral crystal/melt interface thickness should increase with PVFZ concentration in the blend in order to minimize the demixing of a crystallizable chain as it diffuses into the melt/crystal interface to become physically adsorbed onto the crystal growth front.
The use of the sociocultural attitudes towards appearance questionnaire with middle school boys and girls.

Objective To assess the psychometric validity of versions of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ) designed for use with middle school girls and boys. Method As part of a larger study, the SATAQ was administered to 505 middle school children. To assess concurrent validity, scales concerning the use of Weight Control and Muscle Building Techniques as well as the Body Esteem Scale (BES) were also administered. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. Results Both the girls and boys versions of the SATAQ showed adequate validity. Two SATAQ subscales, Internalization and Awareness of societal ideals of thinness, were identified for girls. For boys, three SATAQ subscales were identified: Internalization and Awareness of a muscular, non-fat ideal and a scale tapping the the importance of a Muscular Look. The subscales and total score showed acceptable concurrent validity. Even after controlling for BMI, they contributed significant explained variance for the use of Weight Control Techniques in both boys and girls and use of Muscle Building Techniques in boys. Patterns of relationships among variables differed by gender. Discussion The results suggest that sociocultural influences play a role in the use of Weight Control and Muscle Building Techniques for middle school boys although their influence is not as strong as it is for the use of Weight Control Techniques by middle school girls. The SATAQ seems to be an adequate measure of the nature of some of these influences. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 29: 216–223, 2001.
Transesophageal color flow Doppler features of aorta to right ventricle fistula.

A patient developed aortic-to-right ventricular fistula after aortic valve replacement surgery and infective endocarditis. The fistula was not detected by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and color flow Doppler. The transesophageal study, however, was instrumental in diagnosing this entity and prompting surgical resection of the fistula. (Chest 1993; 103:1907-09)
Isotope and trace element insights into heterogeneity of subridge mantle

Geochemical data for abyssal peridotites are used to determine the relationship to mid-ocean ridge basalts from several locations at ridge segments on the SW Indian Ridge (SWIR), the Mid-Cayman-Rise (MCR), and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Based on chemical and petrological criteria peridotites are categorized as being either dominantly impregnated with melt or being residual after recent melting. Those that are considered impregnated with melt also have isotopic compositions similar to the basalts indicating impregnation by an aggregate MORB melt. A SWIR and MCR residual peridotite Nd-isotopic compositions partly overlap the Nd-isotopic compositions of the basalts but extend to more radiogenic compositions. The differences between peridotite and basalt Nd-isotopic compositions can be explained by incorporating a low-solidus component with enriched isotopic signature in the subridge mantle: a component that is preferentially sampled by the basalts. At the MAR, peridotites and associated basalts have overlapping Nd-isotopic compositions, suggesting a more homogeneous MORB mantle. The combined chemistry and petrography indicates a complex history with several depletion and enrichment events. The MCR data indicate that a low-solidus component can be a ubiquitous component of the asthenosphere. Residual abyssal peridotites from limited geographic areas also show significant chemical variations that could be associated with initial mantle heterogeneities related to events predating the ridge-melting event. Sm-Nd model ages for possible earlier depletion events suggest these could be as old as 2.4 Ga.
Bottom-gate coplanar graphene transistors with enhanced graphene adhesion on atomic layer deposition Al2O3

A graphene transistor with a bottom-gate coplanar structure and an atomic layer deposition (ALD) aluminum oxide (Al2O3) gate dielectric is demonstrated. Wetting properties of ALD Al2O3 under different deposition conditions are investigated by measuring the surface contact angle. It is observed that the relatively hydrophobic surface is suitable for adhesion between graphene and ALD Al2O3. To achieve hydrophobic surface of ALD Al2O3, a methyl group (CH3)-terminated deposition method has been developed and compared with a hydroxyl group (OH)-terminated deposition. Based on this approach, bottom-gate coplanar graphene field-effect transistors are fabricated and characterized. A post-thermal annealing process improves the performance of the transistors by enhancing the contacts between the source/drain metal and graphene. The fabricated transistor shows an Ion/Ioff ratio, maximum transconductance, and field-effect mobility of 4.04, 20.1 μS at VD = 0.1 V, and 249.5 cm2/V·s, respectively.
Transient Response of a Distillation Column Plate. Part III. Model Evaluation from Concentration Pulse Data on a Plate for the Benzene–Carbon Tetrachloride System

Abstract A 3-plate distillation column was operated with the benzene–carbon tetrachloride system. The liquid composition entering the second plate was pulsed by direct injection of liquid into the downcomer. The output compositions of the two downcomers below the input were monitored. Vapor and liquid flow rates from 400 to 1000 ml/min were used, with the column at total reflux. The column was a 6-in. diameter column with one glass bubble cap tray on each plate. The composition–time data were numerically Laplace transformed, and the frequency response form was statistically fit to four models; (1) perfectly mixed; (2) plug flow; (3) perfectly mixed with downcomer delay; and (4) dispersion. The composition–time data for each model were reconstructed using the best fit parameters, and are compared with experimental data. The statistically best model was the dispersion model. A satisfactory model which is much simpler is the perfectly mixed tray with delay in the downcomer.
Small bowel obstruction and the Garren-Edwards gastric bubble: an iatrogenic bezoar.

Subsequent to its introduction as an adjunct to diet and behavioral modification in the management of exogenous obesity, the major complication of the Garren-Edwards© gastric bubble (GEB) was small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to balloon deflation and obstruction in the jejunum or ileum. Seventy-two cases of patients with SBO due to the GEB requiring surgery and 15 cases of patients with SBO treated medically were reviewed in an attempt to determine risk factors predicting obstruction and to evaluate for treatment methods that might avoid the need for surgery. In these patients a deflated GEB behaved as a typical blunt foreign body. If the device is found to be in the small bowel and fails to pass or move and is associated with fever, leukocytosis, or complete SBO, surgery is required since the bowel may become ischemic, predicting the same high risk outcome seen with other blunt foreign bodies. With the introduction of other similar devices in the near future, since these devices behave as blunt foreign bodies, it cannot be assumed that they will pass uneventfully and appropriate evaluation and therapy must be initiated.
Thermal shift and broadening of the 6A1g → 4A1, 4E(4G) pure electronic transition in RbMnF3

Abstract Temperature dependence of the shift and broadening of the 3975 A line of RbMnF 3 is presented with comparison to the behavior predicted by simple spin wave theory due to Raman scattering of magnons.
The epidemiology of Thoroughbred racehorse injuries

Abstract Musculoskeletal injuries have a huge, adverse effect on the Thoroughbred racehorse industry. Although fatal musculoskeletal injuries have a low prevalence, many lameness conditions have a high prevalence. Many of the common lameness conditions in racehorses occur over weeks to months, giving ample time to intervene. Injuries may be prevented by including management practices to minimize low hoof heel angle, incorporation of more frequent, shorter high speed works or races in exercise regimes, avoiding excessive accumulation of high speed distances over short periods of time, recognizing and rehabilitating horses with mild injuries and avoiding the use of high toe grabs. It appears important to achieve uniformity of racing surfaces and for the spectrum of environmental conditions “seen” by the horse’s musculoskeletal system. Key to tracking the prevalence of injuries and the success (or lack of success) of interventions is a comprehensive method to manage racehorse inventory, horse location, and horse movement.
Second-Line Chemotherapy for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer: Has the Time Come?

Abstract Prostate-specific antigen testing has not only led to an earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer, but also to an earlier identification of hormonerefractory prostate cancer (HRPC). Many patients identified early with HRPC may receive first-line taxane-based chemotherapy. Patients who progress after first-line chemotherapy are still quite healthy and desire further therapy. No proven treatment options exist for the second-line treatment of HRPC. Finding new agents that are active in the secondline setting and identifying relevant outcome variables and predictive pretreatment variables are crucial in improving survival and quality of life for this patient population.
Predator Avoidance Strategies of the Crayfish Orconectes Virilis

Field experiments compared the chemically-mediated responses of the crayfish Orconectes virilis and O. propinquus to food stimuli, alarm substance, disturbance chemicals and a combination of food and alarm. The combination of alarm and food stimuli resulted in a very marked decrease in the number of O. virilis attending a site compared to the food stimulus alone. There were also differences between the disturbance and alarm responses of O. virilis with individuals spending less time near sources of alarm substance as compared to sources of disturbance chemicals. Individuals of O. propinquus showed no differences in responses to the experimental treatments. Variations in the level of activity were consistent with lunar cycle of activity in O. virilis, with the greatest activity near new moon, and the least near full moon.
Sublinear approximate string matching and biological applications

Given a text string of lengthn and a pattern string of lengthm over ab-letter alphabet, thek differences approximate string matching problem asks for all locations in the text where the pattern occurs with at mostk differences (substitutions, insertions, deletions). We treatk not as a constant but as a fraction ofm (not necessarily constant-fraction). Previous algorithms require at leastO(kn) time (or exponential space). We give an algorithm that is sublinear time0((n/m)k log b m) when the text is random andk is bounded by the threshold m/(logb m + O(1)). In particular, whenk=o(m/logb m) the expected running time iso(n). In the worst case our algorithm is O(kn), but is still an improvement in that it is practical and uses0(m) space compared with0(n) or0(m 2). We define three problems motivated by molecular biology and describe efficient algorithms based on our techniques: (1) approximate substring matching, (2) approximate-overlap detection, and (3) approximate codon matching. Respectively, applications to biology are local similarity search, sequence assembly, and DNA-protein matching.
A unique interaction between polyamine and multidrug resistance (P-glycoprotein) transporters in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with mouse mdr-1 gene

We have shown that a functional link exists between the polyamine transporter and the multi-drug resistance (MDR) efflux transporter (P-glycoprotein, P-gp) in MDR-positive cancer cells. To further explore the nature of this interaction, we have examined the effect of reduced polyamine transport activity on cellular expression and activity of P-gp acquired by either selection or transfection. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and their polyamine transport-deficient mutants (CHOMGBG) were transfected with mouse mdr-1b gene. The activity of P-gp in these cells was quantified by measuring cellular accumulation of radiolabeled taxol and etoposide in the presence and absence of the P-gp modulator SDZ PSC-833 (valspodar; a semisynthetic undecapeptide derived from cyclosporin D). The mdr-1b-transfected CHO cells accumulated 2- to 3-fold less taxol and etoposide than the controls, an accumulation defect reversed by the potent MDR modulator PSC-833. Despite expression of P-gp on the surface of mdr-1b-transfected CHOMGBG cells, this classic MDR phenotype was not observed. Similarly, CHO cells, but not CHOMGBG cells, showed MDR activity after selection with doxorubicin as determined by reduced accumulation of radiolabeled taxol. Treatment with 50 microM of reduced polymer of spermine and glutaraldehyde, a selective blocker of the polyamine transport system, reduced MDR activity in mdr-1-transfected CHO cells and restored cellular accumulation of etoposide and taxol to control levels, effects not observed in mdr-1-transfected CHOMGBG cells. Notably, mdr-1-transfected CHO cells were 4- to 16-fold more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the P-gp substrates doxorubicin, taxol, and etoposide than were the mdr-1-transfected CHOMGBG cells. CHO cells transfected with the mdr-1 gene exhibited a 23% reduction in cellular uptake of [14C]spermidine compared with untransfected controls; spermidine accumulation in CHOMGBG cells was no different than that in untransfected controls. These data suggest that the existence of a functioning polyamine transport system may be a requirement for MDR transporter activity, while the expression of functioning P-gp appears to reduce polyamine transporter activity.
Deletion of the helical motif in the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein reduces its interactions with membrane monolayers: Brewster angle microscopy, IR reflection-absorption spectroscopy, and surface pressure studies.

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) appears to interact directly with membranes during fatty acid transfer [Hsu, K. T., and Storch, J. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 13317−13323]. The largely α-helical “portal” domain of IFABP was critical for these protein−membrane interactions. In the present studies, the binding of IFABP and a helixless variant of IFABP (IFABP-HL) to acidic monolayers of 1,2-dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA) has been monitored by surface pressure measurements, Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). Protein adsorption to DMPA exhibited a two phase kinetic process consisting of an initial slow phase, arising from protein binding to the monolayer and/or direct interfacial adsorption, and a more rapid phase that parallels formation of lipid-containing domains. IFABP exhibited more rapid changes in both phases than IFABP-HL. The second phase was absent when IFABP interacted with zwitterionic monolayers of 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidyl...
The story of the higher dimensional poincaré conjecture (what actually happened on the beaches of rio)

Although these pages tell mainly a personal story, let us start with a description of the “n-dimensional Poincare Conjecture.” It asserts: A compact n-dimensional manifold M n that has the homotopy type of the n-dimensional sphere \(S^n = \{ x \in \mathbf{R}^{n + 1} \mathbf{|}\,\left\| x \right\| = 1\}\) is homeomorphic to S n .
Gene trees, species and species trees in the Ctenosaura palearis clade

The growing use of molecular systematics in conservation has increased the importance of accurate resolution of taxonomic units and relationships. DNA data relate most directly to genealogies, which need not have perfect relationships with species limits and phylogenies. We used a multilocus gene tree approach to elucidate the relationships between four endangered Central American iguanas. We found support for the proposition that the described species taxa correspond to distinct evolutionary lineages warranting individual protection. We combined gene trees to estimate a phylogeny using Bayesian Estimation of Species Trees (BEST), minimizing deep coalescence, Species Trees from Average Ranks (STAR), and traditional concatenation. The estimate from concatenation conflicted with the other methods, likely owing to the disproportionate effect of mtDNA on concatenated analyses. This illustrates the importance of appropriate treatment of multilocus sequence data in phylogenetics. Our results indicate that these species have gone through recent and rapid speciation, resulting in four closely related narrow-range endemics.
Material Flow Analysis Applied to Household Solid Waste and Marine Litter on a Small Island Developing State

Small island developing states (SIDS) have limited access to imported goods, and their associated patterns of consumption and waste generation are affected by space limitations. They are also impacted by the global presence of marine litter that reaches their shores from the ocean. A material flow analysis (MFA) was applied to household solid waste and marine litter collected from Kayangel Island in the Republic of Palau to provide a comprehensive characterization and spatial accounting of the inflow of nonputrescible materials that become solid waste. Approximately 15,100 kg of nonputrescible solid waste are generated annually on Kayangel Island (0.42 kg per capita per day), with 57% being marine litter derived from the ocean and 43% derived from household activities. Household generation of nonputrescible solid waste (that ignores inputs of marine litter) ranged from 0.14–0.18 kg/capita-day for the school in session and nonschool periods, respectively. The most significant waste categories (by mass) in...
The Global HIV Archive: Facilitating the Transition from Science to Practice of Efficacious HIV Prevention Interventions.

This paper describes the development, content, and capabilities of the online Global HIV Archive (GHA). With the goal of facilitating widespread adaptation and appropriate use of efficacious HIV prevention programs throughout the globe, GHA has: 1) expanded and updated the search for HIV prevention programs originating in low-resource countries; 2) identified those meritorious HIV prevention programs meeting established efficacy criteria of technical merit, replicability, and positive outcomes; 3) prepared both implementation and evaluation materials from the efficacious programs for public use; 4) developed interactive wizards or capacity-building tools to facilitate appropriate program selection, implementation, and adaptation; 5) made the efficacious programs and accompanying wizards available to health practitioners throughout the globe in both printed and online formats.
Sonography of subependymal cysts in congenital rubella syndrome.

Two newborns with congenital rubella syndrome are reported. Cranial sonography demonstrated bilateral cystic lesions in the subependymal germinal matrix. Congenital rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are the most common proven causes of subependymal cysts of nonhaemorrhagic origin in the newborn. The sonographic detection of these cysts should prompt an intensive search for congenital viral infections
What is the optimal learning environment for the young child

This paper examines the validity of the premise that there is only one effective learning environment for the very young child—an intrafamily environment characterized by minimal disruption of primary social relationships. New evidence pointing to (1) the importance of the first three years for priming cognitive development and (2) the inability of many parents to provide the child with the priming ingredients suggests that alternative models involving home supplementation should be considered. If such supplementation is to have maximum effectiveness, careful thought should be given to the advisability of beginning it during the very earliest years of life during which time the child is maximally receptive.
Adolescent sexual debut and later delinquency

Does sexual debut (i.e., experiencing sexual intercourse for the first time) increase the risks of participating in later delinquent behavior? Does this risk increase if adolescents experience early sexual debut relative to the timing experienced by one’s peers? Although many factors have been linked to sexual debut, little research has examined whether sexual initiation is linked to later behavioral outcomes. Using data on adolescents participating in three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N=7,297), we examine the interconnections between sexual debut and later delinquency. In addition, we pay particular attention to the role of timing of sexual debut. We find that experiencing sexual debut is associated with delinquency one year later. In addition, those adolescents who experience early sexual debut relative to their peers are at higher risk of experiencing delinquency compared to those who debut on-time; adolescents who experience late sexual debut are the least likely to participate in delinquency. Moreover, the protective effect of late sexual debut appears to persist for several years. Findings are interpreted by drawing on developmental theory and life course research.
Three-dimensional passive flow and temperature structure beneath oceanic ridge–ridge–ridge triple junctions

Abstract This study uses numerical modeling to investigate generalized characteristics of mantle flow and thermal structure in the vicinity of ridge–ridge–ridge (RRR) triple junctions. Oceanic triple junctions present a unique opportunity to study three-dimensional (3D) mantle dynamics in a tectonic setting considerably different than where only two plates diverge. In many prominent oceanic triple junctions, including Rodrigues, Azores, and Galapagos, the slowest-spreading ridge branch intersects the near-collinear faster-spreading branches quasi-orthogonally. This study focuses on triple junctions free of influence from nearby hotspots, similar to the geometry of the Rodrigues Triple Junction. A finite element model was used to calculate the steady-state 3D velocity flow field and temperature patterns resulting from advective and conductive heat transfer. For the slowest-spreading branch, model results predict a strong component of along-axis velocity directed away from the triple junction. Both upwelling velocity and temperature are calculated to increase along the slowest-spreading ridge toward the triple junction, approaching the upwelling rate and temperature of the fastest-spreading branch. Within 200 km of the triple junction, upwelling velocity is predicted to increase more than threefold along the slowest-spreading ridge. In contrast, the calculated upwelling velocity and temperature for the fastest-spreading branch are not significantly different from the case of a single spreading ridge. For triple junctions where the three ridges spread faster than the Rodrigues Triple Junction system, such as the Galapagos Triple Junction, the contrast in axial upwelling velocity and temperature between the slowest- and fastest-spreading ridges is predicted to be less significant. However, for triple junctions with overall slower spreading velocities, such as the Azores Triple Junction, this contrast is more pronounced.
Axially symmetric wave propagation in a two-layered cylinder

Abstract The linear theory of elasticity is used to investigate axially symmetric wave propagation in an infinitely long two-layered cylinder. Each material is taken to be homogeneous and isotropic. A perfect bond is assumed at the interface, while the inner and outer boundaries of the composite cylinder are treated as traction-free. The dispersion determinant relating phase velocity and wave number for a harmonic train of waves satisfying these boundary conditions is presented. The character of the dispersion equation is investigated analytically and numerically. Stress and displacement distributions are also presented for the numerical example. Comparisons are made with an approximate solution of the same problem obtained by means of a thin shell theory incorporating thickness-shear deformation of each layer.
The interactive effects of fire and herbivory on a coastal marsh in Louisiana

Both vertebrate herbivores and fire have long been known to have dramatic and important effects on wetland vegetation. However, the interactive effects of burning and herbivory have received less attention. In this study, conducted in the coastal marshes of the Pearl River Basin in Louisiana, USA, both the effects of herbivory and fire as well as the interaction between these effects were examined in three marsh community types:Sagittaria lancifolia, Panicum virgatum, andSpartina patens. At five sites for each of the three community types, the effects of burning and fencing to exclude herbivores were determined over two years.
PRODUCTION OF SECONDARY METABOLITES BY FILAMENTOUS TROPICAL MARINE CYANOBACTERIA: ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPOUNDS

Cyanobacterial blooms are becoming more common in many reef habitats. The broadly acting feeding deterrent compound ypaoamide, produced by a mixed cyanobacterial assemblage, has been linked to bloom formation and mass fish die-offs (Siganus argenteus and Siganus spinus) in Guam. Specific metabolites produced by Lyngbya majuscula Gomont act as both feeding attractants to the specialist herbivore Stylocheilus longicauda, and as effective feeding deterrents to generalist fishes. Two-dimensional TLC (2D-TLC) analysis of cyanobacterial crude extracts was used to select chemically distinct populations (chemotypes) of bloom-forming filamentous cyanobacteria for chemical and ecological evaluation. Crude extracts produced by different species, chemotypes, and chemically distinct Micronesian marine cyanobacterial assemblages deter feeding activity of generalist reef herbivores. The ecological function of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites, especially as related to diversity of compound production and the relationship of metabolite production to bloom formation is discussed.
Magnetic Resonance Sleep Studies in the Evaluation of Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Magnetic resonance (MR) sleep studies have been shown to be a useful tool in the evaluation and surgical planning of children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea. MR sleep studies include sequences to evaluate both static anatomic and well as dynamic motion information about the airway. The combination of the information about anatomic abnormalties and patterns of collapse can help in surgical decision making. The most common identified entities include recurrent enlargement of the adenoid tonsils, enlargement of the lingual tonsils, abnormal soft palate, glossoptosis, and hypopharyngeal collapse. This review discusses multiple aspects of MR sleep studies including indications, patient preparation, MR protocols, and commonly made diagnoses.
Meromorphic interpolation in several variables

Abstract We obtain a multivariable Nudel’man type interpolation theorem for meromorphic operators on Fock spaces and for operator-valued meromorphic functions on the open unit ball of C n ( n⩾1 ). As consequences, we provide new Caratheodory–Fejer, Nevanlinna–Pick type interpolation results, and Rosenblum–Rovnyak type restriction theorem for meromorphic operators. In the particular case when n=1 , our indefinite generalization of Nudel’man’s theorem provides new interpolation results for meromorphic functions having a finite number of poles in the open unit disc.
3D inverse treatment planning for the tandem and ovoid applicator in cervical cancer.

Purpose: Three-dimensional treatment planning systems and inverse planning optimization for brachytherapy are becoming commercially available. Guidelines for target delineation and dose constrictions have not been established using this new software. In this study we describe a method of target delineation for the tandem and ovoids applicator. We then compare inverse planning dose distributions with the traditional methods of prescribing dose. Methods and Materials: Target and organ-at-risk volumes were defined using systematic guidelines on 15 patients treated in our department with high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer using tandem and ovoids. High-dose-rate distributions were created according to three different dose optimization protocols: inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA), point A, and point A with a normalization of 2 cc of the bladder receiving 80% of the dose (bladder-sparing method). An uniform cost function for dose constraints was applied to all IPSA generated plans, and no manual optimization was allowed for any planning method. Results: Guidelines for target and structure-at-risk volumes, as well as dose constraint cost functions, were established. Dose–volume histogram analysis showed that the IPSA algorithm indicated no difference in tumor coverage compared with point A optimization while decreasing dose to the bladder and rectum. The IPSA algorithm provided better target volume coverage compared with bladder-sparing method with equivalent doses to the bladder and rectum. Conclusion: This study uses a systematic approach for delineating target and organ-at-risk volumes and a uniform cost function for generating IPSA plans for cervical cancer using tandem and ovoids. Compared with conventional dose prescription methods, IPSA provides a consistent method of optimization that maintains or improves target coverage while decreasing dose to normal structures. Image-guided brachytherapy and inverse planning improve brachytherapy dosimetry.
Ultrastructural demonstration of exocytosis in intact and saponin-permeabilized cultured bovine chromaffin cells.

Exocytosis is the release of intracellular vesicular contents directly to the cell exterior after fusion of the vesicular and plasma membranes. It is generally accepted as the process by which transmitters and hormones are released from neurons and neurosecretory cells. There is overwhelming biochemical evidence that exocytosis is the mechanism by which catecholamines are released from adrenal chromaffin cells. With the exception of the hamster, however, there is little ultrastructural evidence to support such a mechanism. We have used a modified in vitro tannicacid method to visualize exocytosis by transmission electron microscopy in intact and saponin-permeabilized bovine chromaffin cells. When cells are exposed to tannic-acid-containing medium, the content of vesicles involved in exocytosis is coagulated in situ as the vesicle opens to the exterior. Numerous exocytotic profiles were observed. The exposed vesicle contents appeared more granular than those of vesicles in the cell interior. Tannic acid also made the plasma membrane more distinct. Small holes were apparent in the plasma membrane of saponin-treated cells, with little disruption of underlying cytoplasmic structure. Furthermore, when these cells were stimulated with calcium, exocytosis was evident only at regions of intact plasma membrane, not at the holes. Parallel measurements of secretion showed no secretion in the presence of tannic acid. Pretreatment with tannic acid prevented subsequent secretion by intact cells and markedly reduced that of permeabilized cells, indicating a probable change in the nature of the plasma membrane. Our results provide the first ultrastructural demonstration of exocytosis in bovine chromaffin cells with the aid of transmission electron microscopy. It is also clear that exocytosis is the mechanism of release in both intact and permeabilized cells.
LANDIS and forest landscape models

Abstract This paper provides contextual documentation of the LANDIS model development to provide a framework for the other papers in this special issue. The LANDIS model of forest landscape disturbance and succession was developed since the early 1990s as a research and management tool that optimizes the possible landscape extent (100 s ha to 1000 s km2), while providing mechanistic detail adequate for a broad range of potential problems. LANDIS is a raster model, and operates on landscapes mapped as cells, containing tree species age classes. Spatial processes, such as seed dispersal, and disturbances such as fire, wind, and harvesting can occur. LANDIS development benefited from the modelling and research progress of the 1960s to the1980s, including the growth of landscape ecology during the 1980s. In the past decade the model has been used by colleagues across North America, as well as in Europe and China. This has been useful to those not able to undertake the cost and effort of developing their own model, and it has provided a growing diverse set of test landscapes for the model. These areas include temperate, southern, and boreal forests of eastern North America, to montane and boreal western forests, coastal California forest and shrub systems, boreal Finnish forests, and montane forests in Switzerland and northeastern China. The LANDIS model continues to be refined and developed. Papers in this special issue document recent work. Future goals include integration within a larger land use change model, and applications to landscape and regional global change projection based on newly incorporated biomass and carbon dynamics.
A Picture-Building System

The picture-building system (PBS) deals with the problem of creating and manipulating data structures for applications using computer graphics. PBS has a data definition facility that enables one to specify structures needed for a given application, a manipulation facility for loading and editing the data, and displaying the image stored in the structures. The structures are defined in a relational data base and allow graphical attributes to be specified in the same way as nongraphical attributes. There is a deliberate attempt to separate data from programs which is in accord with other data-base developments. It is also possible to mix text and vector data with raster scan data which we have found to be very useful in some graphical applications. Some examples and a brief description of our color display system will be given.
Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion scanning using hyperpolarized helium-3 MRI and arterial spin tagging in healthy normal subjects and in pulmonary embolism and orthotopic lung transplant patients.

Conventional nuclear ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scanning is limited in spatial resolution and requires exposure to radioactivity. The acquisition of pulmonary V/Q images using MRI overcomes these difficulties. When inhaled, hyperpolarized helium-3 ((3)He) permits MRI of gas distribution. Magnetic labeling of blood (arterial spin-tagging (AST)) provides images of pulmonary perfusion. Three normal subjects, two patients who had undergone single lung transplantation for emphysema, and one subject with pulmonary embolism (PE), were imaged. (3)He distribution and blood perfusion appeared uniform in the normal subjects and throughout the lung allografts. Gas distribution and perfusion in the emphysematous lungs were non-uniform and paralleled radiographic abnormalities. AST imaging alone revealed a lower-lobe wedge-shaped perfusion defect in the patient with PE that corresponded to computed tomography (CT) imaging. Hyperpolarized (3)He gas is demonstrated to provide ventilation images of the lung. Blood perfusion information may be obtained during the same examination using the AST technique. The sequential application of these imaging methods provides a novel tool for studying V/Q relationships.