cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breaking of internal solitary waves generated by an estuarine gravity current

Mooring and ship-based data collected in a stratified estuary showed the generation of internal solitary waves by a bottom gravity current. Down-estuary winds drove a counterclockwise lateral circulation over channel-shoal bathymetry. When the lateral flows became supercritical, the pycnocline was sharply raised at the edge of the deep channel, leading to flow convergences and formation of a bottom gravity current. As the lateral circulation weakened during wind relaxation, the gravity current propagated onto the shoal and excited internal disturbances around its head. These disturbances evolved into a train of large-amplitude internal solitary waves that subsequently propagated ahead of the gravity current. The waves moving out of the gravity current broke, generating overturning and turbulence with energy dissipation rate reaching ~1 × 10−4 m2 s−3, 3 orders of magnitude larger than the background value. Our observations suggest that breaking internal waves may be an important source of turbulent mixing in stratified estuaries.
Speech Synthesis for Mixed-Language Navigation Instructions.

Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems that can read navigation instructions are one of the most widely used speech interfaces today. Text in the navigation domain may contain named entities such as location names that are not in the language that the TTS database is recorded in. Moreover, named entities can be compound words where individual lexical items belong to different languages. These named entities may be transliterated into the script that the TTS system is trained on. This may result in incorrect pronunciation rules being used for such words. We describe experiments to extend our previous work in generating code-mixed speech to synthesize navigation instructions, with a mixed-lingual TTS system. We conduct subjective listening tests with two sets of users, one being students who are native speakers of an Indian language and very proficient in English, and the other being drivers with low English literacy, but familiarity with location names. We find that in both sets of users, there is a significant preference for our proposed system over a baseline system that synthesizes instructions in English.
Cellular protection against damage by hydroperoxides: role of glutathione.

Radicals produced by X-rays may react with oxygen, producing intermediates that are believed to be toxic to cells. We propose a hypothesis that glutathione (GSH) may protect against radiation damage in four ways, as shown in Figure 1.1
Effects of Defects on the Temperature-Dependent Thermal Conductivity of Suspended Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide Grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition

It is understood that defects of the atomic arrangement of the lattice in 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) can have a profound effect on the electronic and optical properties. Beyond these it is a major prerequisite to also understand the fundamental effect of such defects on phonon transport, to guarantee the successful integration of MoS2 into the solid-state devices. A comprehensive joint experiment-theory investigation to explore the effect of lattice defects on the thermal transport of the suspended MoS2 monolayer grown by CVD is presented. The measured room temperature thermal conductivity values are 30 ± 3.3 and 35.5 ± 3 W m−1 K−1 for two samples, which are more than two times smaller than that of their exfoliated counterpart. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that these CVD-grown samples are polycrystalline in nature with low angle grain boundaries, which is primarily responsible for their reduced thermal conductivity. Higher degree of polycrystallinity and aging effects also result in smoother temperature dependency of thermal conductivity (κ) at temperatures below 100 K. First-principles lattice dynamics simulations are carried out to understand the role of defects such as isotopes, vacancies, and grain boundaries on the phonon scattering rates of our CVD-grown samples.
Becoming a Transracial Family: Communicatively Negotiating Divergent Identities in Families Formed Through Transracial Adoption

ABSTRACTGuided by intergroup and discourse dependence theorizing, the present study explored how divergent identities are communicatively negotiated in transracial adoptive families. Specifically, we examined how adoptive parents’ understandings of their child’s race and culture changed after adopting transracially and how adoptive parents navigated racial and cultural differences through talk. Results from 21 interviews revealed that adoptive parents reported an increased awareness of race and culture, such that a new appreciation for their child’s race and culture developed yet simultaneously amplified ambivalence. Results further indicated parents utilized narrating, naming, ritualizing, discussing, normalizing, and praising to communicatively negotiate racial and cultural identity differences. Findings contribute to transracial adoptive family research by illuminating how parents make sense of differing social identities within the family. Results also advance discourse-dependence theorizing by demons...
Numerical Investigation on the Effect of Steel Strip Feeding on Solidification in Continuous Casting

Steel strip feeding into continuous casting mold is an innovative technology improving the thick slab quality through decreasing the melt superheat and increasing the proportion of equiaxed dendrites. To investigate the embedded complex melting and solidification processes, a mathematical model has been developed to model all the essential physical behaviors of the fluid flow, heat transfer, melting and solidification during steel strip feeding into the mold. The enthalpy method is adopted to describe both the melting of steel strip and the solidification of slab. Based on the numerical findings, three periods are divided during the whole melting process of the moving strip. The effect of strip feeding on the fluid flow, temperature distribution and shell solidification in continuous casting mold are investigated. The turbulent flow in the mold is enhanced due to the fast moving of strip and the fluid nearby is cooled down which redistributes the melt superheat inside slab.
Femtosecond laser based micro/nano-additive manufacturing (Conference Presentation)

There have been extensive research on micro/nano additive manufacturing methods employing laser (or optical) and ion/electron beams. Many of these processes utilize specially designed photosensitive materials consisting of additives and effective components. Due to the presence of additive (such as polymer and binders), the effective components are relatively low resulting in high threshold for device operation. In order to direct print functional devices at low cost, there has been extensive research on laser processing of pre-synthesized nanomaterials for non-polymer functional device manufacturing. Pre-synthesized nanocrystals can have better control in the stoichiometry and crystallinity. In addition, pre-synthesis process enjoys the flexibility in material choice since a variety of materials can be synthesized. In this paper, we report femtosecond laser assembly and deposition of nanomaterials for 3D micro/nano additive manufacturing. The laser-nanomaterial interaction and nanomaterial transport under laser excitation and modification are studied. A scheme to directly printing functional nanostructures was demonstrated by laser excitation of gold nanocrystals. The scheme paves the way for laser selective electrophoretic deposition as a micro/nanoscale additive manufacturing approach.
S1P-4 Receptor

The S1P4 receptor belongs to a group of G protein-coupled receptors called lysophospholipid receptors, which are activated by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and/or sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). S1P4 was originally cloned from in vitro differentiated human dendritic cells and named as edg6 …
Regulation of Expression of Glutathione Peroxidase by Selenium

Selenium was shown in 1957 to be an essential dietary nutrient for the rat (Schwarz and Foltz 1957). In the same year, Mills (1957) reported the discovery of an enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px, GSH: H2O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.9), that was important for protection of erythrocytes against hemolysis. These two discoveries, plus the apparent interaction of sulfur compounds with Se and GSH-Px, led J. T. Rotruck and W. G. Hoekstra at Wisconsin in 1971 to identify GSH-Px as a Se-dependent enzyme (Rotruck et al. 1972, 1973). The background to this discovery was described succinctly at the Second Selenium in Biology and Medicine Symposium (Rotruck 1981).
A Gas Pressure Sintering Process for Producing Dense Si3N4

Nitrogen pressure can reduce thermal decomposition and increase the density of sintered compacts of Si3N4 (1–3). The effectiveness of nitrogen pressure may be better understood from the stability diagram for Si3N4 illustrated in Fig. 1. Based on sintering experiments for Si3N4 compacts containing ≈ 7 wt% SiO2 and ≈ 7 wt% BeSiN2 as densification aids, the “region of sinterability” in Fig. 1 is outlined for the conditions which permit compacts to achieve relative densities ≥ 92% A “rule-of-thumb” is to carry-out the sintering process at an N2 pressure at least a factor of 10 higher than the equilibrium pressure of N2 for the reaction Si3N4(s) ⇆ 3Si(l) + 2 N2. For example, in the temperature region of 1900 to 2100°C, the respective minimum N2 pressures of ~ 1 and 5 MPa (~10 and 50 atm) permit good sinterability and weight losses <2%.
Frequency and Characteristics of Recommendations from Interdisciplinary Outpatient Cancer Rehabilitation Monthly Team Meetings

Abstract Background Ambulatory cancer rehabilitation programs vary widely in the types of services offered, and there is a lack of consistency with respect to the coordination of rehabilitation with oncologic treatment plans. There are no guidelines for outpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation team meetings, and the types and characteristics of recommendations that a physiatrist can provide during these meetings have not been reported. Objective To identify the frequency and characteristics of different types of recommendations that were derived through monthly interdisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation team meetings involving physiatrists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Design Case series—descriptive study. Setting Quaternary cancer center. Participants Outpatient rehabilitation cancer patients discussed during consecutive monthly team meetings. Main Outcome Measure(s) Frequency and characteristics of recommendations. Results Over a 7-month period, there were 57 potential patients to be discussed, and 42 patients were discussed. Among the 42 patients, 30 received recommendations, which yields 71% of patients receiving at least 1 recommendation. Some patients required repeated discussions in different months; thus, a total of 71 discussions occurred and resulted in 51 recommendations. Out of the 71 discussions, 41 (58%) discussions resulted in recommendations such as coordination of care in 19 (37%) cases, physiatry clinic follow-up in 9 cases (18%), oncology clinic follow-up in 7 cases (14%), and orders for referrals to other health professionals were placed in 5 cases (10%). Thirty discussions (42%) did not result in any recommendations, with the most common reason being stable or having improved functional status. Conclusions In contrast to acute inpatient rehabilitation interdisciplinary weekly team meetings required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, there are no guidelines for outpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation team meetings. Thus, the types and characteristics of recommendations that a physiatrist can provide during these meetings have not been previously reported. Regularly scheduled outpatient interdisciplinary cancer rehabilitation team meetings increase communication among rehabilitation specialists to identify outpatients experiencing barriers to therapy progress, provide recommendations to address those barriers, and reassess rehabilitation goals previously established. Level of Evidence IV
When Discrimination Hurts: The Longitudinal Impact of Increases in Peer Discrimination on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Mexican-origin Youth

Life course models of the impact of discrimination on health and mental health outcomes posit that the pernicious effects of discrimination may not be immediate, but instead may become apparent at later stages in development. This study tests whether peer discrimination changes at particular transition points (i.e., transition to middle and high school) predict subsequent internalizing symptoms in Mexican-origin youth. In a sample of 674 Mexican-origin youth (50% female), this study used a latent change score framework to model changes in peer discrimination across time and to test whether changes in peer discrimination at 7th and 9th grades predicted greater depressive and anxiety symptoms in 12th grade controlling for 5th grade symptoms. Irrespective of longitudinal changes, greater peer discrimination in 5th grade predicted greater depressive and anxiety symptoms in 12th grade. Further, significant increases in peer discrimination from 7th to 8th grade and in 9th to 10th grade uniquely predicted greater anxiety symptoms in 12th grade. These findings suggest that longitudinal research on peer discrimination needs to take into account unique periods of risk. Future research implications are discussed.
Choropleth Mapping with Uncertainty: A Maximum Likelihood–Based Classification Scheme

Choropleth mapping provides a powerful way to visualize geographical phenomena with colors, shadings, or patterns. In many real-world applications, geographical data often contain uncertainty. How ...
Anti-Müllerian hormone in association with euploid embryo transfer outcomes.

Abstract Research question To investigate the association between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and maternal age with single euploid cryopreserved embryo transfer. Design Retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2018 at an academic medical centre, including 389 cycles of IVF with 24-chromosome Day 5/6 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Multivariate logistic regression was used to study AMH and age in relation to IVF outcomes (positive beta human chorionic gonadotrophin [bHCG], ongoing pregnancy and pregnancy loss rates) for patients with at least one euploid embryo for transfer, controlling for patient and cycle confounders. Results In this cohort the overall unadjusted positive bHCG rate was 69.2% and ongoing pregnancy rate was 52.7% per transfer, while the pregnancy loss rate was 23.4% per cycle with positive bHCG. Multivariate analysis found that compared with the reference group of AMH 1 to Conclusions AMH concentration was not associated with positive bHCG or ongoing pregnancy for euploid embryo transfers after adjustment for potential confounders. Maternal age was not associated with euploid transfer outcomes. Further study is warranted in larger cohorts.
Dual-use distinguishability: How 3D-printing shapes the security dilemma for nuclear programs

ABSTRACTAdditive manufacturing is being adopted by nuclear programmes to improve production capabilities, yet its impact on strategic stability remains unclear. This article uses the security dilem...
Integration of an Objective Cognitive Assessment Into a Prognostic Index for 5‐Year Mortality Prediction

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Prognostic indices rarely include cognition. We determined if a comprehensive cognitive screen or brief individual items were associated with improved mortality predictions of a widely used prognostic index. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The National Social Life Health and Aging Project Wave 2, a nationally representative, cross-sectional, in-home survey conducted in 2010 to 2011 on 3,199 community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 99 years. MEASUREMENTS Cognition was measured using a Survey-Adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-SA) grouped into three screened categories: screen normal (≥24 points), screen positive for mild cognitive impairment (18-23 points), and screen positive for dementia (<18 points). Single-item cognitive measures included clock-draw and five-word delayed recall. We constructed a modified Lee Prognostic Index (range = 0-18 points) based on age, behavior, function, and comorbidities shown to predict long-term mortality. We used logistic regression and the fraction of new information provided to determine if each cognitive measure improved the Lee index's 5-year mortality prediction. RESULTS The sample was 54% female and had a mean age of 72 years, MoCA-SA score of 22 (SD = 4.5), and Lee index of 7 (SD = 3). Regression analysis indicated the MoCA-SA modestly improved the Lee index's mortality prediction (P < .001; fraction of new information provided = 0.06); for low Lee index scores (<4 points), the absolute mortality rate difference was 7% by cognitive status; and for higher Lee index scores (4-7 points or 8-12 points), the absolute mortality rate difference was 15% by cognitive status. The clock-draw and delayed-recall items added similar value to mortality predictions as the longer MoCA-SA. Cognition had the third highest fraction of new information of all 13 Lee index items. CONCLUSION Incorporating a brief measure of cognition into a modified Lee index, even with single items, resulted in more accurate 5-year mortality risk predictions. Cognition should be included in prognostic calculators in older adults given its independent association with mortality risk. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1796-1802, 2020.
The Effects of Soil Organic Carbon Content on Plant Uptake of Soil Perfluoro Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) and the Potential Regulatory Implications.

Perfluoro alkyl acids (PFAAs) are known to bioconcentrate in plants grown in contaminated soils; the potential risk from consuming these plants is currently less understood. We determined that the current daily reference doses (RfDs) of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) could be met by consuming a single radish grown in soils with a perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentration of 9.7 ng/g or a perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentration of 90.5 ng/g. Using a combination of our own research and literature data on plant uptake of PFAAs from soil, we developed equations for predicting PFAA bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for plant shoot and root tissues grown in soils with a known percentage of organic carbon. This calculated BCF was then applied to 6 scenarios with measured soil PFAA concentrations to estimate PFAA concentrations in plants and potential exposure to humans and animals consuming harvested vegetation. Five of the 6 scenarios showed potential for surpassing USEPA PFAA RfDs at soil concentrations as low as 24 ng/g PFOA and 28 ng/g PFOS. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:832-845. © 2020 SETAC.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Andrographolide and 14-Hydroxy-Colladonin: Carbonyl Reductive Coupling and trans-Decalin Formation by Hydrogen Transfer

An enantioselective total synthesis of the labdane diterpene andrographolide, the bitter principle of the herb Andrographis paniculata (known as "King of Bitters"), was accomplished in 14 steps (LLS). Key transformations include iridium-catalyzed carbonyl reductive coupling to form the quaternary C4 stereocenter, diastereoselective alkene reduction to establish the trans-decalin ring, and carbonylative lactonization to install the α-alkylidene-β-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone.
Affiliative Other Initiated Repeats (AOIRs) in Arabic broadcast news interviews: The case of Aljazeera's “The Opposite Direction”

Abstract This paper investigates how the interviewer (IR) employs repeats of his interviewees' (IEs') prior turns to further their (IEs') agenda and stance in Aljazeera's al-itijaah al-mu'akis (‘The Opposite Direction’, hereafter). ‘The Opposite Direction’ is a weekly news interview program that broadcasts live in Arabic on Aljazeera. The show hosts two guests with opposing political views. Twenty, 50 min episodes were studied and transcribed following Conversation Analysis as my analytic method. This paper argues that the IR uses a specific questioning practice with those interviewees whom he favors, I refer to them as interviewees in the favorable position (IEFs), allowing them to further their agenda against the other's. The paper shows how the IR's actions of agenda furthering is achieved by repeating his IEFs' previous turns in a question format which allows IEFs an opportunity to confirm and highlight a previous turn for the overhearing audience. I refer to this IR practice as the Affiliative Other Initiated Repeats (AOIRs). This study has implications that are multidisciplinary for Conversation Analysis, Arabic linguistics, cross cultural studies, and Arabic media studies.
Modeling Rasmussen’s dynamic modeling problem: drift towards a boundary of safety

We build a system dynamics model based on a conceptual model originally proposed by safety scientist Jens Rasmussen to explore the dynamics of a safety system subject to pressures for performance improvement. Rasmussen described forces that generate a drift in the boundary of acceptable performance that can push the organization towards “flirting with the margin” and thus operate at very high risk of catastrophic safety failure. Simulations of the model faithfully replicate the behavior described by Rasmussen and others in a variety of scenarios. Simulation experiments further illuminate the potential for risky behavior and point towards some approaches to better system safety.
Iron deficiency and fatigue among adolescents with bleeding disorders.

Iron deficiency anemia is associated with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and, by extension, a bleeding disorder (BD). It is unknown if iron deficiency without anemia is associated with a BD in adolescents. Moreover, the threshold of ferritin associated with fatigue in adolescents with HMB is unclear. In this multicenter study, we enrolled adolescents with HMB without BD. Participants underwent BD and anemia work-up in Young Women's Hematology Clinics and completed the Peds QLTM fatigue scale. BDs were defined as von Willebrand Disease, platelet function defect, clotting factor deficiencies and hypermobility syndrome. 250 consecutive adolescents were enrolled, of whom 196 met eligibility criteria. Overall, 43% (95% CI:36-50%) were diagnosed with BD. 61% (n=119) had serum ferritin levels 2 SD (or <54) below the mean, the cut-off associated with severe fatigue. A ferritin threshold of <6ng/mL had a specificity of 79.8% but a sensitivity of 36% for severe fatigue. In conclusion, iron deficiency without anemia is not a predictor of BD in adolescents with HMB in a specialty setting. Severe fatigue, especially sleep fatigue, is prevalent in adolescents with BD. Ferritin of <6ng/mL has ~80% specificity for severe fatigue in adolescents with HMB. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Radical functionalization of thioglycosides in aqueous medium

Abstract A visible-light-mediated thiol-ene reaction is successfully operated in aqueous medium. An organic photoredox catalyst (9-mesityl-10-methylacridinum tetrafluoroborate) is used to initiate the radical process to generate thiyl radicals upon light irradiation. Two reaction pathways were discovered in different aqueous buffer systems. A thiol-ene adduct is preferred in acidic reaction medium; while disulfide formation is found to be favored in basic reaction medium. The photocatalytic method is demonstrated to be applicable on unprotected peptides.
Clinical Outcomes of low-voltage area-guided left atrial linear ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND The therapeutic effect of low-voltage area (LVA)-guided left atrial (LA) linear ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (non-PAF) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of LA linear ablation based on the preexisting LVA and its effects on LA reverse remodeling in non-PAF patients. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 145 consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for drug-refractory non-PAF. CARTO-guided bipolar voltage mapping was performed in atrial fibrillation (AF). LVA was defined as sites with voltage ≤ 0.5 mV. If circumferential pulmonary vein isolation couldn't convert AF into sinus rhythm, additional LA linear ablation was performed preferentially at sites within LVA. RESULTS After a mean follow-up duration of 48 ± 33 months, 29 of 145 patients had drugs-refractory AF/LA tachycardia recurrence. Low LA emptying fraction, large LA size and high extent of LVA were associated with AF recurrence. There were 136 patients undergoing LA linear ablation. The rate of linear block at the mitral isthmus was significantly higher via LVA-guided than non-LVA-guided linear ablation. Patients undergoing LVA-guided linear ablation had larger LA size and higher extent of LVA, but the long-term AF/LA tachycardia-free survival rate was higher than the non-LVA-guided group. The LA reverse remodeling effects by resuming sinus rhythm were noted even in patients with a diseased left atrium undergoing extensive LA linear ablation. CONCLUSIONS LVA-guided linear ablation through targeting the arrhythmogenic LVA and reducing LA mass provides a better clinical outcome than non-LVA guided linear ablation, and outweighs the harmful effects of iatrogenic scaring in non-PAF patients.
Dare you buy a Henry Moore on eBay

When the rarefied world of modern art sales meets the digital age, almost anything is possible. You, too, can buy a Henry Moore on eBay. But it is risky. The old, high-commission auction-houses have rivals, but you will need statistics to guide you. Joseph Gastwirth and Wesley Johnson tell you where the fakes may be lurking.
EFFECT OF PYLOROTOMY ON THE INTESTINAL PHASE OF GASTRIC SECRETION

In order to investigate the role of continuity of the pylorus-duodenal junction for the intestinal phase of gastric secretion, dogs were prepared with a chronic gastric fistula and an intestinal catheter, and gastric secretion measured during infusion of various materials into the intestine. In the fasted dog, protein hydrolysate solution infused into the intestine increases total acid output and pepsin markedly, but infusion of equiosmolar sodium chloride solution did not. Section of the pyloric sphincter with end-to-end anastomosis initially abolished the response to the protein hydrolysate, but it started to return after 7 post-operative days. Section of the stomach at the corpus-antral junction reduced the response to the protein hydrolysate for the first 7 days. The period of reduced response for both surgical procedures was of the same duration, 7 days.
A distributed PWM strategy for modular multilevel converter

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become a potential candidate for medium/high-power applications including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, adjustable speed drive, and static var compensation systems. One of the technical challenges associated with the control of an MMC is the choice of pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy along with a submodule (SM) capacitor voltage balancing algorithm without imposing high computational burden on the controller and/or unnecessary switching transitions among the SMs. This paper proposes a distributed PWM strategy with an improved SM capacitor voltage balancing algorithm which aims at reducing the computational burden of the controller, the electro-magnetic interference and the switching frequency. The validity of the proposed PWM strategy and the SM capacitor voltage balancing algorithm is confirmed by simulation and experimental results.
Towards optimal designs for self-alignment in surface tension driven micro-assembly

Fluidic self-assembly driven by surface tension force has demonstrated the capability of assembling micro parts to binding sites in parallel with high efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, we focus on the binding site design for this technique, as it is a critical factor not only for accurate assembly, but also to achieve unique alignment position and orientation. To find optimal designs, we use a first-order approximation model to evaluate a series of patterns including disks, rings and offset rings. From this analysis, optimal patterns assuring unique alignment are determined to be offset rings with specific geometric constraints. For comparison, experiments with different shapes are performed, and results matching with the simulations are observed.
Alcohol Problems Among Older African-American Women

Alcohol misuse is second only to prescription drug misuse among African-American older adults. Despite this reality, relatively few older African-American women are seen in centers for alcohol treatment. Increasing our knowledge of attitudes about alcohol held by older African-American women may assist in the development of mechanisms to decrease barriers to utilization of treatment services. The belief systems regarding alcohol were surveyed in a non-clinical sample of 184 older African-American women ages 55–89.
Fast 3D boundary computation from occluding contour motion

Presents a fast method for computing a bounding volume within which an observed object must lie from the observed motion of the occluding contour during a straight-line motion of the camera. The bounding volume is represented as a set of planar cross sections each consisting of multiple convex polygons within which the object lies. The algorithm's worst-case runtime performance is O(nmk) operations, where n is the number of viewpoints used, m is the number of polygons created during the execution of the algorithm, and k is a parameter dependent on the geometric complexity of the object being viewed. Experimental examples are demonstrated; bounding polygon computation from sampled contours in 20 images required less than one second on a 50 MHz i486 CPU.
Region of birth, sex, and reproductive health in rural immigrant latino farmworkers: the MICASA study.

PURPOSE: Characterize sexual and reproductive health among immigrant Latino farmworkers. METHODS: We surveyed 806 immigrant Latino farmworkers from Mexico and Central America in a rural agricultural community in Californias Central Valley. FINDINGS: A total of 556 respondents were born in Mexico (272 men 284 women) and 250 in Central America (135 men 115 women). The majority entered the United States as young adults with median age at immigration ranging from 20 (Mexican-born men) to 24 (Central American-born women). Nearly 95% of respondents were married or cohabiting. Median age for sexual debut was 18 for women and was younger for men (adjusted mean difference: -2.1 years 95% CI: -2.6 to -1.7). Median number of lifetime sexual partners was 1 for women and greater for men (adjusted mean difference: 2.0 partners 95% CI: 1.3-2.7). Contraception use was less likely among men and among Central American women compared to Mexico-born women. Among sexually active persons not using contraception the most common reasons for nonuse were "Dont want to"/"Dont like any" followed by desire to become or being pregnant. Women reported a median of 3 pregnancies; there were no significant differences based on respondents region of birth. CONCLUSIONS: This group of Latino immigrants demonstrated behaviors conducive to reproductive health: late sexual debut few lifetime sexual partners and high prevalence of marriage. Preventive education campaigns should focus on maintaining healthy behaviors especially in men. Identifying groups with common provenance and cultural heritage may aid in maximizing acceptability and effectiveness of prevention programs. (c) 2014 National Rural Health Association.
Plasma and urinary catechllamines during the human ovulatory cycle

Abstract We measured plasma catecholamine concentrations and urinary catecholamine excretion during the ovulatory cycle in six healthy women. Plasma norepinephrine was consistently at its lowest during the follicular phase of the cycle. Plasma norepinephrine began to increase about 2 days before ovulation and continued to increase after ovulation, so that the average luteal phase NE concentration was significantly higher than the average follicular phase concentration (217 versus 143 pg/ml, p
The State and Future of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An Overview and Analysis of Some Key Issues

In addition to providing a succinct history of the field of genocide studies, this article examines such issues as the critical need to address the toughest barriers to the prevention of and intervention against genocide (e.g., realpolitik, the lack of political will, and the reform of the UN Security Council, including the make-up and operation of the Permanent Five members [Great Britain, US, France, Russia, and China]); whether the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative will make a real difference vis-a-vis the prevention of and intervention against genocide; the critical need for the field to be more inclusive by welcoming and nurturing a strong working relationship with international relations and peace studies scholars; the need for genocide scholars to more closely monitor “hot spots” (areas where crimes against humanity and genocide are likely to erupt or have already erupted); and the activist/non-activist divide in the field of genocide studies.
The use of a reorienting density-gradient rotor with continuous sample flow for the isolation of calf thymus nuclei.

Abstract A modification of the commercially available SZ-14 reorienting density gradient rotor is described whereby continuous sample flow with density gradient isopycnic banding may be utilized. This permits the fractionation of large volumes of dilute homogenates with excellent recovery and purity. The technique is demonstrated for the isolation of nuclei and particles of mitochondrial size.
Model of stabilization for pan-based carbon fiber precursor bundles

Abstract A combination of theoretical modeling and confirmation experiments has resulted in a model of the complex stabilization process in the manufacture of carbon fibers from polyacrylonitrile precursors. The model describes the temperatures and compositions inside large bundles during stabilization. The bundle is modeled as a homogeneous solid, with the many chemical reactions grouped into the three most important: cyclization of the nitrile groups, dehydrogenation of saturated carbon-carbon bonds, and oxidation. Experiments showed that the resulting mathematical model describes well the measured temperatures and compositions for bundles with 12,000 to 60,000 filaments. The heat-transfer and reaction-kinetics parameters required by the model were estimated experimentally. The model and experiments show that the fiber bundle temperature can be as much as 15°C above the stabilization oven temperature. A series of case studies with the model demonstrates key points about the stabilization process and shows how oven temperature profiles may be used to reduce the time required for stabilization.
Intramuscular Ketorolac Injections in the Athlete

Background:Pain control is a factor in the sideline treatment of competitive athletes. Ketorolac injections by team physicians as a pain control measure are seemingly becoming more mainstream, alth...
Large UFG Al alloy plates from cryomilling

Abstract To assess potential routes for the production of high-strength Al 5083, gas-atomized powder was cryogenically ball-milled, to obtain a nanocrystalline structure, then hot vacuum degassed and consolidated by two methods: (1) hot isostatic pressing (HIPping) and extrusion, and (2) two-step quasi-isostatic (QI) forging. The consolidated billet in both cases was hot-rolled to produce 19 mm plate. Despite grain growth and differences in the consolidation and deformation processing, a similar, ultra-fine grained microstructure was obtained in both plates, with elongated grains predominantly in the range 100–500 nm. The cryomilled plates had similar tensile strengths in the plane of the plate, which were up to 60% greater than conventionally processed and work-hardened Al 5083. However, the QI-forged plate had significantly higher fracture toughness than the HIP/extruded plate, which was brittle for crack surfaces in the plane of the plate. The disparity in toughness values was attributed to differences in the prior powder particle boundary structure.
Interactions Affecting the Proliferation and Control of Human Pathogens on Edible Plants

ABSTRACT: Pathogens on edible plants present a significant potential source of human illness. From 1991 to 2002, 21% of Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreaks were from produce-related sources. E. coli O157 and other enteric bacteria can contaminate the surface of edible plants both pre- and postharvest. Some pathogens do not survive on the leaf surface or are removed by washing, but a significant portion of these enteric pathogens can persist on the surface and proliferate. Proliferation of these dangerous pathogens can increase the likelihood of foodborne disease associated with fresh or minimally processed produce. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors determine the ability of enteric pathogens to attach and proliferate in the phyllosphere of plants. These include motility of the pathogen, leaching of nutrients by the plant, and interaction with epiphytic organisms. The interaction of enteric pathogens with the environment can lead to internalization into tissue, incorporation into biofilms, and genetic transfer. Current produce sanitation practices can reduce the microbial load from 1 log10 to 3 log10, so there are many new treatments possible. Understanding the ecology of enteric pathogens on plants is important to the development of sanitation methods and biocontrol agents. This knowledge can also assist the farmer in preventing contamination. With increasing consumption and importation of produce, its safety is a high priority for processors and U.S. consumers. Food safety may be markedly improved with proper attention to pathogens on edible plants.
Quit Your Job and Get Healthier? The Effect of Retirement on Health

Although the health effect of retirement has important policy implications, few economists have researched the topic. This paper utilizes longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study and instruments retirement status using exogenous variation in public and private pensions. Subjective health change models indicate retirement preserves the health of both men and women, although insignificant results for objective health change models suggest the preservation may be more perceived than real. The same pattern of results is found using continuous measures of annual hours. At the very least, the results give strong evidence against the anecdotal idea that retirement harms health.
Spore Differentiation by Isolated Dictyostelium discoideum Cells, Triggered by Prior Cell Contact

Cells of D. discoideum mutant Fr-17 were allowed to form multicellular aggregates and develop undisturbed through 12 h (out of 18 required for terminal morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation). Then the cells were disaggregated and redeposited at densities so low as to preclude further sustained cell contacts and were incubated in the presence of certain diffusible metabolites. In this condition they transformed into spores and stalk cells with normal timing and, in the case of the spores, in proportions approaching those observed in undisturbed fruiting bodies. In contrast, mutant cells dispersed from aggregates at earlier stages or wild type cells dispersed from aggregates at any stage, remained as amoebae under the same conditions. The completion of cytodifferentiation by the isolated cells was found to require threshold concentrations of diffusible, dialysable metabolites. A part of this requirement could be satisfied by addition of 10 mM NH 4 Cl particularly in conjunction with an amino acid mixture. At least one metabolite, however, had to be supplied by feeder cells separated from the test cells by a dialysis membrane or by increasing the population density of the test cells themselves.
Development of High-Speed Ultrawideband Ground-Penetrating Radar for Rebar Detection

This paper describes the development of new air-coupled ultrawideband ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for highway pavement and bridge deck inspections that can achieve high spatial resolution and high inspection performance while operating on vehicles driving at regularhighwayspeeds.Themajordesignfeaturesincludedual-frequencybandoperation,8gigasamplespersecondhigh-speedreal-time data acquisition,high-speedlargevolumedatatransmissionandstorage,andcustomizedsignal-processingalgorithmsforGPRimageenhancement and feature extractions. For design validations, steel reinforcing bar detection experiments in various setups are conducted. The measurement results show good agreement with the subsurface feature configurations. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EM.1943-7889.0000458. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Structure reinforcement; Sampling; Imaging techniques; Radar. Author keywords: GPR system; Rebar detection; High-speed real-time sampling; Air coupled; Imaging processing.
Effectiveness of an intensive partial hospitalization program for treatment of anxiety disorders

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a partial hospitalization program for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The 5-week program was based on an integration of biological, cognitive, and behavioral theories. Neuman's systems theory provided the framework for the study. The 32 participants were tested pre- and posttreatment. All three hypotheses were supported; "fear of fear," severity of impairment, and general emotional distress were all significantly lower posttreatment than pretreatment. The limitations, including the lack of a comparison group, possible sample bias, and the lack of long-term follow-up, are addressed.
Interventricular septal defect, pulmonary artery aneurysm with thrombosis. "cyanose tardive," and paradoxical systemic arterial embolizations.

Abstract A case is presented of a large interventricular septal defect, patent foramen ovale, pulmonary artery aneurysms, pulmonary artery thrombosis, with both direct pulmonary and indirect “paradoxical” systemic embolization.
Intestinal absorption in the mechanically obstructed rat intestine: protection by prostaglandins.

Abstract Intestinal obstruction inhibits amino acid absorption. The inhibition, being dependent on the pathological changes of the absorptive epithelium, was considered as an index of injury and measured after varying periods of obstruction and after pretreatment with clindamycin, indomethacin, 16, 16-dimethyl-PGE2 or arachidonic acid. A reduction in amino acid uptake was apparent after 2h of obstruction and was increasingly evident after 4, 6 and 18h. During the late phase (after 6h), inhibition was partly prevented by pretreatment with clindamycin, but the antibiotic was ineffective during the early phase (within the first 2h). Bacterial colony counts of luminal contents of rats obstructed for 2h, were not different from counts obtained in controls, but significantly lower than counts in rats that have been obstructed for 6h. Pretreatment of rats with 16,16-dimethyl-PEG2 or with arachidonic acid prevented the early inhibitory effects of the obstruction. The findings suggest that the early inhibition in amino acid uptake may be related to metabolic changes that are correctable by the administration of 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 or of arachidonic acid. The inhibition, during the late phase, is mainly related to an overgrowth of the enteric bacteria.
A Baroclinic Mechanism for the Eddy Feedback on the Zonal Index

A baroclinic mechanism for the positive eddy feedback on the zonal index is proposed. The author considers the quasigeostrophic response of the zonally averaged flow to forcing by baroclinic eddies. The transient response to eddy forcing is a largely barotropic acceleration of the westerly flow and a reduction of the baroclinicity at the latitudes of eddy generation, but over time, the action of surface drag leads to enhanced baroclinicity at these latitudes. The steady-state response has positive baroclinicity at the latitude of eddy generation, if the eddies propagate away from this latitude before they dissipate. This reinforcement of the low-level baroclinicity provides a positive feedback, if it is assumed that baroclinic eddies are generated more vigorously in regions of stronger low-level baroclinicity. The proposed mechanism explains observed and modeled features of zonal index variations: the frequency and drag dependence of eddy feedback, the bandedness in latitude of zonal wind variations, and the tendency for anomalies in the zonally averaged zonal wind to drift poleward over time.
Quantification of β-catenin signaling components in colon cancer cell lines, tissue sections, and microdissected tumor cells using reaction monitoring mass spectrometry

Reaction monitoring mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful tool for targeted detection and quantification of proteins in clinical samples. Here, we report the use of gel electrophoresis for protein fractionation and liquid chromatography coupled to multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC−MRM) screening for quantitative analysis of components from the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which contributes to colon tumor formation and progression. In silico tools are used to design LC−MRM screens for each target protein. Following successful peptide detection, stable isotope labeled peptides are synthesized and developed as internal standards. Then, the assays are implemented in colon cancer cell lines to achieve detection in minimal amounts of cells, compatible with direct translation to clinical specimens. Selected assays are compared with qualitative results from immunoblotting (Westerns) and translated to individual frozen colon tissue sections and laser capture microdissected tumor cells. T...
Glycoprotein conformation in plant cell walls : Circular dichroism reveals a polyproline II structure.

The major structural glycoprotein of the cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardii has a protein core, at least 50% of which is in the unusual polyproline II conformation. This has been demonstrated by examining the circular dichroism of the cell wall, its constituent glycoproteins, and thermolysin released wall glycopeptides. One of these glycopeptides, T2, has a high hydroxyproline and sugar content, and possesses upward of 85% polyproline II structure. The main extracellular matrix glycoprotein therefore has a rigid, rod-like structure and the significance of this and its relation to higher plant cell wall glycoproteins is discussed. The unusual conformation appears to confer great stability on the glycoprotein as it is unchanged either by certain denaturing agents or during the transition from protomer to assembled cell wall.
Theory and Application of Linear Supply Function Equilibrium in Electricity Markets

We consider a supply function equilibrium (SFE) model of interaction in an electricity market. We assume a linear demand function and consider a competitive fringe and several strategic players having capacity limits and affine marginal costs. The choice of SFE over Cournot equilibrium and other models and the choice of affine marginal costs is reviewed in the context of the existing literature. We assume that bid rules allow affine or piecewise affine non-decreasing supply functions by firms and extend results of Green and Rudkevitch concerning the linear SFE solution. An incentive compatibility result is proved. We also find that a piecewise affine SFE can be found easily for the case where there are non-negativity limits on generation. Upper capacity limits, however, pose problems and we propose an ad hoc approach. We apply the analysis to the England and Wales electricity market, considering the 1996 and 1999 divestitures. The piecewise affine SFE solutions generally provide better matches to the empirical data than previous analysis.
Superconductivity in presence of localized magnetic moments. Case study of Er(Ni,Co)2B2C

Abstract Some recent results of magnetic and transport measurements on single crystals of the Er(Ni,Co)2B2C series will be presented and discussed, in particular, possible evidence of a superzone gap formation at the antiferromagnetic phase transition in pure ErNi2B2C, detailed anisotropic H–T phase diagrams and their modification with Co doping, and enhancement of the superconducting critical current in the weak ferromagnetic phase.