cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STATUE, CULT AND REPRODUCTION

The article examines replications of Greek monuments of cult in the fifth and fourth centuries bce. It considers the process which allows a grand statue to be copied and analyses specific cases of replications of Phidias's Athena ‘Partnenos’ to demonstrate how an image of the god, which was not easily viewable at any time, could become an iconic emblem that was embedded in daily experience outside the realm of ritual. In addition to the ‘Parthenos’, the paper explores a literary text of the fourth century bce– Xenophon's account of his establishment of a sanctuary to Ephesian Artemis. By visually marking the propagation of the cult itself, replications of cult monuments in ancient Greece could be instrumental for the establishment of filial cults and the creation of cultic affiliations, a phenomenon in Greek religion which was inextricably bound up with the politics of pre-Roman classical antiquity.
Finite Differences versus Finite Elements for Solving Nonlinear Integro-differential Equations

Consider the nonlinear integro-differential equation ut(x, t) = ∝0t a(t−τ)∂∂xσ(ux(x, τ)) dτ + f(x, t), 0 < x <, 0 < t < T, with appropriate initial and boundary conditions. This problem serves as a model for one-dimensional heat flow in materials with memory. The numerical solution via finite elements was discussed in B. Neta [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 89 (1982), 598–611]. In this paper we compare the results obtained there with finite difference approximation from the point of view of accuracy and computer storage. It turns out that the finite difference method yields comparable results for the same mesh spacing using less computer storage.
High-resolution simulation of the circulation in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Archipelagos

Abstract We present the first high-resolution simulation of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos archipelagos implemented with the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS). Our model resolves tides and our simulation consists of two nested grids of respectively 4 and 2 km horizontal resolution. This oceanic region is constituted of the juxtaposition of very large and shallow banks, and very deep basins. Our modeling study shows that the dominant influence is the salinity from the sub-tropical gyre, which varies latitudinally with seasons. Less salty surface waters entered the archipelago from September to November from the north and through the Old Bahama (OBC) and the North West Providence (NWPC) channels as the western Atlantic saline waters moved south. Saltier Atlantic waters arrived from the south in December and moved north till the next fall. This salinity flux is mitigated by the atmospheric forcing on the banks as well as the water temperature, which varied diurnally, what modified the water density causing this water to be unique to the banks, yielding its own seasonality as seen in their SST. The banks were colder in winter and warmer in summer than their surrounding waters. Fronts were formed at every ebb tide in winter, spring, and fall. However the influence of bank waters on the surrounding waters was shown to be limited because of the dominant influence of the large-scale flow and of the local production of water masses by wind and cyclone driven upwelling. Bank waters were contained at the front where they mixed with the surrounding waters as shown by the short time presence of the fronts. Local wind, in addition to the tide was also shown to be a significant forcing which is responsible for some of the short scale variability 5–30 days in Florida Current transport, the NWPC, the OBC, the Windward Passage (WP), and the Antilles Current (AC). Finally, the study also confirmed the mesoscale eddy influence at seasonal scales (100 days) on the AC transport as well as on the FC, through a possible leakage of eddy flux through the NWPC. A similar influence was found south of the archipelago, where mesoscale eddy could also influence WP transport.
Calorimetric study of the isotropic to nematic phase transition in an aligned liquid crystal nano-colloidal gel

A high‐resolution calorimetric study of the specific heat (Cp ) has been carried out for the isotropic to nematic phase transition in an aligned liquid crystal (octylcyanobiphenyl ‐ 8CB) and aerosil nano‐colloid gel. A stable alignment was achieved by repeated thermal cycling of the samples in the presence of a strong uniform magnetic field, which introduces anisotropy to the quenched random disorder of the silica gel. In general, the specific heat features of the I−N transition in aligned (anisotropic) gel samples are consistent with those seen in random (isotropic) gel samples, namely the observance of two Cp peaks and non‐monotonic transition temperature shifts with increasing silica concentration. However, larger transition temperature shifts with silica density, modification of the phase conversion process in the two‐phase coexistence region, and a larger effective transition enthalpy are observed for the aligned samples. The lower‐temperature aligned Cp peak is larger and broader while exhibiting le...
John Paul Vann and the End of “Informal Empire”

Review in this Article Neil Sheehan. A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam. New York Random House, 1988. 861 pp.
Postoperative abdominal wall defects with enterocutaneous fistulae

Background Abdominal wall dehiscence with an associated enterocutaneous fistula is a surgical complication with high morbidity and mortality. Management of the abdominal wall defect is complicated by the continued emergence of liquid bowel contents. Patients and methods Large abdominal wall wounds of 10 patients with postoperative abdominal wall dehiscence and active enterocutaneous fistulae were managed with early skin grafting directly onto the granulated abdominal viscera. Results Skin graft take averaged 93 ± 12%, and there were no perioperative complications related to the skin grafting procedure. Overall mortality was 1 out of 10 patients. Enterocutaneous fistula output did not prove overly injurious to the skin grafts. Wound care was simplified in all but 1 patient with fitting of an ostomy appliance. Conclusion Temporary abdominal wall wound closure with skin grafts improved patient comfort and simplified wound care in a staged reconstructive approach to this surgical complication.
Variation in body size and shape among South American Indians.

Available information on mean adult male and female height, weight, sitting height, and relative sitting height for 62 groups is used to examine the relationship between anthropometric measurements and climate, geographical location, and linguistic affiliation among South American Indians. Results of correlation analysis indicate that height increases from the north to the south of the continent and is significantly negatively correlated with precipitation but is not significantly correlated with most measures of temperature. Only in females is weight significantly correlated with any of the location or climatic variables. Sitting height is correlated with both temperature and precipitation, while relative sitting height is more strongly correlated with temperature, and the direction of the correlation indicates that groups living in colder areas have relatively shorter legs. The interpretation of the correlations for sitting height and relative sitting height is complicated by the fact that the correlations of these measurements change when only the low-altitude groups in the data set are considered. There are no significant differences in male height between linguistic stocks when the analysis is limited to those stocks represented by at least five groups. In general, there appears to be more patterning in body size and shape variation in South America than there is in terms of genetic variation. The correlations between anthropometric measurements and climate in South America differ in some ways from those observed for other areas of the world.
Measuring Coverage in MNCH: Tracking Progress in Health for Women and Children Using DHS and MICS Household Surveys

Household surveys are the primary data source of coverage indicators for children and women for most developing countries. Most of this information is generated by two global household survey programmes—the USAID-supported Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the UNICEF-supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). In this review, we provide an overview of these two programmes, which cover a wide range of child and maternal health topics and provide estimates of many Millennium Development Goal indicators, as well as estimates of the indicators for the Countdown to 2015 initiative and the Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health. MICS and DHS collaborate closely and work through interagency processes to ensure that survey tools are harmonized and comparable as far as possible, but we highlight differences between DHS and MICS in the population covered and the reference periods used to measure coverage. These differences need to be considered when comparing estimates of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health indicators across countries and over time and we discuss the implications of these differences for coverage measurement. Finally, we discuss the need for survey planners and consumers of survey results to understand the strengths, limitations, and constraints of coverage measurements generated through household surveys, and address some technical issues surrounding sampling and quality control. We conclude that, although much effort has been made to improve coverage measurement in household surveys, continuing efforts are needed, including further research to improve and refine survey methods and analytical techniques.
Identification of a Membrane-associated Inhibitor(s) of Epidermal Growth Factor-induced Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Activation

Many growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), can activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrate that STAT activation by EGF treatment is conditional. EGF activates STAT1 and STAT3 in A431 but not in HeLa and PC12 cells. Using a reconstituted in vitro STAT activation system, we have identified and partially purified a potential inhibitor (s) that is membrane-associated and can block STAT activation induced by EGF in vitro. However, this inhibitor has no effect on STAT complexes after they are formed. We have further shown that this inhibitor(s) also exists in many other cancer cell lines, suggesting that blocking the STAT activation during growth factor signal transduction may play a significant role in the development of many kinds of cancers.
The dispersal of the Amazon and Orinoco River water in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea: Observation from space and S-PALACE floats

Abstract The temporal evolution of spatial patterns of the colored water mass associated with the discharges of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers between 1997 and 2002 was examined using concurrent in situ and satellite observations in the region bounded by 0°N–24°N and 70°W–40°W. Patches of low-salinity (∼32–34) surface waters were frequently observed with Salinity Profiling Autonomous LAgrangian Current Explorer (S-PALACE) floats as far as 2000 km away from the mouths of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers. Ocean-color data collected with the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) show that these patches originate with these rivers. Chlorophyll (Chl) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) distribution estimated with SeaWiFS data are well correlated with low sea-surface salinity (SSS) throughout the observation period (average correlation coefficients for monthly observations of −0.6 for the SSS–CDOM relationship and −0.5 for the SSS–Chl relationship). The color of the water in the river plumes is dominated by CDOM rather than Chl light absorption, in contrast to adjacent open-ocean and equatorial upwelling regions, where optical properties are primarily controlled by Chl. The mean CDOM absorption coefficient for the area covered by the Amazon's plume showed a peak in July for the 1998–2001 period, which lagged the Amazon's hydrograph by one month. The timing of the CDOM peak along different sections of the Amazon River plume implies an estimated advection speed of ∼35 cm s−1 within the plume. Anti-cyclonic rings (eddies) with diameters of 400–500 km were observed moving along the northeastern coast of South America every year and in all seasons, at a frequency of about one every 30–60 days. These eddies moved to the northwest at a speed of 8–20 cm s−1, with higher speeds observed during the first half of each calendar year. The average depth of the Amazon plume for SSS ranging from 32 to 35 was 20–30 m, and the total fresh-water volume contained in the plume was consistent with discharge rates. Due to uncertainties in the Chl and CDOM absorption coefficient estimates in river plumes, accurate estimation of the rivers’ impact on regional primary production remains a challenge. The paired SeaWiFS and S-PALACE float observations validate the hypothesis that the coherent surface color patches seen annually far offshore in the tropical North Atlantic are caused by dispersal of Amazon and Orinoco River water. In contrast, wind-driven upwelling near the edge of the North Brazil Current retroflection, another mechanism causing color enhancement, is not suggested by these data sets.
Synthesis of deuterated 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (Dapsone) and related analogs

A general scheme for the synthesis of 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone-d5 (Dapsone) from aniline-d5 is described. The method may have general application and the preparation of the related analogs, 4,4′-dimethylaminodiphenyl sulfone from aniline-d5 and 4,4′-dimethoxydiphenyl sulfone from phenol-d5, is also described. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vascular amine oxidase activities during synergistic vasculotoxicity.

Abstract Allylamine (AA) and β-aminopropionitrile (βAPN) are well known vascular toxins with a demonstrated synergistic toxic effect, i.e. given together they cause extensive smooth muscle cell necrosis of the aortic media. In this study, we investigated the possibility that the enzymes involved in the separate toxicity of AA (semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase, or SSAO) and βAPN (lysyl oxidase, or LyO), could be the target(s) of their synergistic toxicity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given AA alone (AA), 100 mg/kg/day, βAPN alone (βAPN), 1 g/kg/day, or both chemicals (AA + βAPN) by gavage for 1, 2, 5 or 10 days. SSAO and LyO were assayed in aorta, lung, and bone. SSAO activity in aortas of rats treated with AA + βAPN showed a maximal decrease (40%) at 10 days; more moderate depression of SSAO was seen in lung and bone. LyO changes were most marked in aorta, where activities were consistently and markedly depressed in all rats receiving βAPN (either alone or in combined treatment). Similarly, the lung and bone LyO activity was depressed at all time points in rats receiving βAPN, but to an apparently lesser degree than in aorta. The most striking changes in in vivo enzyme activities were seen in the aorta, the major target organ in this model. No synergistic effect of the two toxins was seen in the depression of LyO enzyme activity, since there was no difference in the degree of enzyme inhibition present between rats given βAPN alone or AA + βAPN, indicating that inhibition of this enzyme is mainly due to the effect of βAPN. We suggest that AA is the primary toxin in this synergistic vasculotoxic effect. It is likely that some effect of βAPN on AA metabolism or detoxification mechanisms results in synergism.
Activated Function of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase through Ca2+-facilitated Binding to the Inner Lipoyl Domain of the Dihydrolipoyl Acetyltransferase

Abstract Micromolar Ca2+ facilitates ∼10-fold enhancement of pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP) activity by aiding the association of PDP with the dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase (E2) component. Connected by linker regions, E2 consists of two lipoyl domains, the NH2-lipoyl domain (L1) and the interior lipoyl domain (L2), and a pyruvate dehydrogenase component binding domain surrounding a 60-mer inner core. Using recombinant constructs of L1 or L2, E2-enhanced PDP activity was markedly decreased by L2 but not by L1, effectively competing with intact E2 in Ca2+-dependent binding of PDP (half-maximal reduction at 2.0 μM L2 versus 6.7 μM E2 subunit). Using L2 fused to glutathione S-transferase resulted in direct Ca2+-dependent binding of PDP to L2 (Kd, ∼1.7 μM L2). Affinity-bound glutathione S-transferase-L2 was used to purify PDP to homogeneity by selective binding and elution by Ca2+ chelation. The large activity enhancement of PDP by E2 was eliminated by enzymatic removal of lipoates from E2 and restored by their enzymatic reintroduction. The critical role of the L2 lipoate is not in binding of PDP to E2, since PDP was still bound by delipoylated L2, and delipoylated L2 inhibited E2-enhanced PDP activity, although lipoylated L2 was more effective in each of these tests. Thus, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity is increased by enhanced availability of PDP to its E2-bound, phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase substrate as a consequence of the Ca2+-facilitated interchange of PDP among the mobile L2 domains and an essential (undetermined) step engaging the L2 lipoate.
Race in Conflict With Heritage: “Black” Heritage Language Speaker of Japanese

Heritage language speaker is a relatively new term to denote minority language speakers who grew up in a household where the language was used or those who have a family, ancestral, or racial connection to the minority language. In research on heritage language speakers, overlap between these 2 definitions is often assumed—that is, there has been little research on the situation in which a heritage language speaker’s perceived race does not match the language often associated with the race. This article analyzes such a case by focusing on the reception in Japan of Jero, an “African American” male singer who sings Japanese songs and speaks fluent Japanese. Although his grandmother was Japanese and, thus, he is “a quarter Japanese,” he has been described as a “Black (kokujin) singer” in the Japanese media, and received much attention about his ability to sing in and speak Japanese. By analyzing the comments left on YouTube clips regarding Jero’s TV appearances, the authors urge researchers to be aware of th...
Specificity of Binding of Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein to Its Target

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and participate in all genetic processes involving ssDNA, such as replication, recombination, and repair. Here we applied atomic force microscopy to directly image SSB-DNA complexes under various conditions. We used the hybrid DNA construct methodology in which the ssDNA segment is conjugated to the DNA duplex. The duplex part of the construct plays the role of a marker, allowing unambiguous identification of specific and nonspecific SSB-DNA complexes. We designed hybrid DNA substrates with 5'- and 3'-ssDNA termini to clarify the role of ssDNA polarity on SSB loading. The hybrid substrates, in which two duplexes are connected with ssDNA, were the models for gapped DNA substrates. We demonstrated that Escherichia coli SSB binds to ssDNA ends and internal ssDNA regions with the same efficiency. However, the specific recognition by ssDNA requires the presence of Mg(2+) cations or a high ionic strength. In the absence of Mg(2+) cations and under low-salt conditions, the protein is capable of binding DNA duplexes. In addition, the number of interprotein interactions increases, resulting in the formation of clusters on double-stranded DNA. This finding suggests that the protein adopts different conformations depending on ionic strength, and specific recognition of ssDNA by SSB requires a high ionic strength or the presence of Mg(2+) cations.
The Political Economy of Segregation: The Case of Segregated Streetcars

The introduction of segregation laws for municipal streetcars is examined. The economics of private and public segregation is analyzed first, taking note of the particular features of the streetcar industry, followed by a discussion of the contemporary debates on streetcar segregation laws in a number of southern cities. The evidence presented suggests that segregation laws were binding constraints and not simply the codification of customary practice. Furthermore, the streetcar companies were not the initiators of segregation and sometimes actively resisted it. These findings are related to several major interpretations of the origins of segregation.
A sensor data format incorporating battery charge information for smartphone-based mHealth applications

Remote health monitoring systems involve energy-constrained devices, such as sensors and mobile gateways. Current data formats for communication of health data, such as DICOM and HL7, were not designed for multi-sensor applications or to enable the management of power-constrained devices in health monitoring processes. In this paper, a data format suitable for collection of multiple sensor data, including readings and other operational parameters is presented. By using the data format, the system management can assess energy consumptions and plan realistic monitoring scenarios. The proposed data format not only outperforms other known data formats in terms of readability, flexibility, interoperability and validation of compliant documents, but also enables energy assessment capability for realistic data collection scenarios and maintains or even reduces the overhead introduced due to formatting. Additionally, we provide analytical methods to estimate incremental energy consumption by various sensors and experiments to measure the actual battery drain on smartphones.
Report of a case illustrating the dilemma of primary esophageal pseudodiverticulosis with colonization of candida vs. recurrent esophageal candidiasis leading to pseudodiverticulosis

Report of a case illustrating the dilemma of primary esophageal pseudodiverticulosis with colonization of candida vs. recurrent esophageal candidiasis leading to pseudodiverticulosis
Sacrospinous fixation--should this be performed at the time of vaginal hysterectomy?

A sensible individualized approach should be applied to every patient undergoing transvaginal surgery for benign disease. This approach should attempt to correct every defect present in the pelvic supports. Uterovaginal prolapse is the result rather than the cause of genital prolapse. Not every vaginal hysterectomy should be treated like a cystocele-rectocele repair. Instead, every defect of the endopelvic fascial support should be evaluated in a patient both before and during surgery. As a result of these evaluations, more than just a hysterectomy and an anterior and posterior colporrhaphy may be performed. In a case in which a patient is found to have more than one defect at the time of examination, sacrospinous fixation of the vaginal apex at the time of transvaginal hysterectomy may be indicated. In the office, the patient can be examined in the supine and standing positions, both with and without Valsalva's maneuver, to determine if moderate to severe uterovaginal prolapse exists. Sacrospinous fixation should be performed in those cases as an adjunct to other steps taken to prevent posthysterectomy prolapse.
Pharmacokinetic equivalence of stable-isotope-labeled and unlabeled drugs. Phenobarbital in man.

Stable isotope labeling of drugs has been used in human metabolism studies because it eliminates the risk of radiation exposure accompanying use of radioactive tracers. The labeled drug can be measured by gas-chromatographic mass spectrometry (GCMS). However, if reliable pharmacokinetic data are to be obtained, one has to be certain the rate of metabolism of labeled and unlabeled drug is the same, i.e., there is no kinetic isotope effect. To evaluate this for phenobarbital (PB), three humans were infused with a 1:1 mixture of phenobarbital and 1,3-15N2-2-13C-PB. Serum was collected at regular intervals. Concentrations of labeled and unlabeled phenobarbital were determined by GCMS. Within each subject, there was no trend for concentrations of labeled phenobarbital to be higher or lower than concentrations of unlabeled phenobarbital (P greater than 0.90 for all three subjects). There was no difference in the zero time intercepts, distribution and elimination time constants and half-lives, volumes of distribution and central compartment, or clearance of the two forms of phenobarbital. Thus, no isotope effect was found. Published data on other labeled drugs and the likelihood of encountering an isotope effect based on type of isotope and its location in the molecule are discussed.
How precisely can data from transgenic mouse mutation-detection systems be extrapolated to humans?: lessons from the human factor IX gene

Abstract Transgenic mutation-detection systems have been pioneered in mice, but the approach is applicable to any species in which transgenic animals can be generated. The observed mutations seen in mutation-detection systems are influenced by the underlying pattern of mutation, i.e., the mutational pattern that occurs in wild-type organisms in endogenous segments of DNA that are not under selective pressure. Unfortunately, the biology of most genes and assays markedly skew the underlying pattern of mutation. Herein, we raise multiple issues that must be addressed in order to assimilate the underlying pattern of spontaneous mutation from transgenic mouse mutation-detection systems. If these issues can be addressed, the underlying pattern of spontaneous mutation can then be deduced for multiple cell types and for transgenes integrated into different parts of the genome. Even though transgenic methodology cannot be applied directly to humans, it is likely that comparable data on the underlying pattern of spontaneous mutation will be available in humans. Such data are currently available for germline mutations in the factor IX gene. These data are reviewed because of their relevance to two of the multiple issues that must be addressed in transgenic mouse mutation-detection systems: (1) How can the underlying pattern of mutation be decuded from the observed pattern? and (2) How similar are the underlying patterns of mutation in humans and in mice? The analysis iof recent germ-line mtuation in the factor IX gene yield estimates of the mutation rates per base pair per generation. In brief, the mutation rates vary from 0.037 × 10−10 for deletions (> 20 bp) to 360 × 10−10 for transitions at the dinucleotide CpG. If these mutation rates are extrapolated to the entire genome, the aggregate mutation rate is estimated to be 36 × 10−10. This implies that the diploid genome of each person contains about 21 de novo mutations. In the future, the underlying pattern of spontaneous mutation will be deduced for multiple human genes and these will serve as benchmarks to assess the similarity of the mutational process in humans and in mice.
More Kin, Less Support: Multipartnered Fertility and Perceived Support among Mothers

Recent research has documented the high prevalence of having children with more than one partner termed "multipartnered fertility." Because childbearing is an important mechanism for building kin networks we theorize that multipartnered fertility will influence the availability of social support for mothers. Analyzing three waves of data from the Fragile Families study (N = 12132) we find that multipartnered fertility is negatively associated with the availability of instrumental support particularly financial support. Our longitudinal evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship in which multipartnered fertility reduces the availability of support and the availability of support inhibits multipartnered fertility. We conclude that smaller and denser kin networks seem to be superior to broader but weaker kin ties in terms of perceived instrumental support. (authors)
Disease-specific quality of life outcomes in functional rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The goal of this study was to assess disease-specific quality of life as well as cosmetic outcomes following functional rhinoplasty in adults with nasal obstruction. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational outcomes study. METHODS Disease-specific quality of life determinations and cosmetic outcome assessments were performed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (NOSE), the Sleep Outcomes Survey (SOS), and a cosmetic outcomes scale. Ratings were ascertained preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 to 3 and at 6 to 12 months for patients with internal nasal valve dysfunction, external nasal valve dysfunction, and both (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). RESULTS All groups showed a significant improvement in NOSE scores at the early and the late time points (P < .0005). SOS scores significantly improved from baseline to 1-3 months after surgery (P < .0005) and to 6-12 months (P < .0005). Snoring cessation was reported in 30% of patients who snored preoperatively. The cosmetic appearance of the nose significantly improved after surgery (P < .0005). CONCLUSIONS This study utilized standardized terminology to diagnosis and treat nasal valve dysfunction, and validated disease-specific quality of life measures to quantify the improvements made with specific techniques. In particular, this study showed improvement in nasal obstruction and snoring in patients with nasal valve dysfunction treated surgically, without negatively impacting nasal cosmesis. Studies utilizing consistent methods of assessment and analysis will allow for future meta-analysis, increasing the level of evidence available in the field of functional rhinoplasty, and facilitate the creation of evidence-based management algorithms.
The role of natural enemy guilds in Aphis glycines suppression

Generalist natural enemy guilds are increasingly recognized as important sources of mortality for invasive agricultural pests. However, the net contribution of different species to pest suppression is conditioned by their biology and interspecific interactions. The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is widely attacked by generalist predators, but the relative impacts of different natural enemy guilds remains poorly understood. Moreover, low levels of A. glycines parasitism suggest that resident parasitoids may be limited through intraguild predation. During 2004 and 2005, we conducted field experiments to test the impact of different guilds of natural enemies on A. glycines. We contrasted aphid abundance on field cages with ambient levels of small predators (primarily Orius insidiosus) and parasitoids (primarily Braconidae), sham cages and open controls exposed to large predators (primarily coccinellids), and cages excluding all natural enemies. We observed strong aphid suppression (86- to 36-fold reduction) in treatments exposed to coccinellids, but only minor reduction due to small predators and parasitoids, with aphids reaching rapidly economic injury levels when coccinellids were excluded. Three species of resident parasitoids were found attacking A. glycines at very low levels (<1% parasitism), with no evidence that intraguild predation by coccinellids attenuated parasitoid impacts. At the plant level, coccinellid impacts resulted in a trophic cascade that restored soybean biomass and yield, whereas small natural enemies provided only minor protection against yield loss. Our results indicate that within the assemblage of A. glycines natural enemies in Michigan, coccinellids are critical to maintain aphids below economic injury levels.
Image-space Correction of AR Registration Errors Using Graphics Hardware

directly on top of physical objects in a video scene. Registration accuracy is a serious problem in these cases since any imprecisions are immediately apparent as virtual and physical edges and features coincide. We present a hardware-accelerated image-based post-processing technique that adjusts rendering of virtual geometry to better match edges present in images of a physical scene, reducing the visual effect of registration errors from both inaccurate tracking and oversimplified modeling. Our algorithm is easily integrable with existing AR applications, having no dependency on the underlying tracking technique. We use the advanced programmable capabilities of modern graphics hardware to achieve high performance without burdening the CPU.
Understanding Preschool Teachers’ Emotional Support as a Function of Center Climate

There is great emphasis recently on improving the quality of early childhood education in the United States. Within quality rating improvement systems, classroom quality is often reported at the center or program levels. Yet little is known about teaching quality at the center level or the influence of center characteristics on teaching quality. Specifically, this study examines the extent to which the quality of emotional support provided by the teacher is associated with characteristics of the center (e.g., prior turnover rates) and center director (e.g., education, management practices). Findings from Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) 2009 data indicated that emotional support dimensions were differentially predicted by characteristics of the center and the director, including prior teacher turnover rate and director job satisfaction. However, highly regulated indicators of center quality (e.g., student:teacher ratio) did not substantially explain emotional support.
Commissioning and Quality Assurance of RapidArc Radiotherapy Delivery System

Purpose The Varian RapidArc is a system for intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment planning and delivery. RapidArc incorporates capabilities such as variable dose-rate, variable gantry speed, and accurate and fast dynamic multileaf collimators (DMLC), to optimize dose conformality, delivery efficiency, accuracy and reliability. We developed RapidArc system commissioning and quality assurance (QA) procedures. Methods and Materials Tests have been designed that evaluate RapidArc performance in a stepwise manner. First, the accuracy of DMLC position during gantry rotation is examined. Second, the ability to vary and control the dose-rate and gantry speed is evaluated. Third, the combined use of variable DMLC speed and dose-rate is studied. Results Adapting the picket fence test for RapidArc, we compared the patterns obtained with stationary gantry and in RapidArc mode, and showed that the effect of gantry rotation on leaf accuracy was minimal (≤0.2 mm). We then combine different dose-rates (111–600 MU/min), gantry speeds (5.5–4.3°/s), and gantry range (Δθ = 90–12.9°) to give the same dose to seven parts of a film. When normalized to a corresponding open field (to account for flatness and asymmetry), the dose of the seven portions show good agreement, with a mean deviation of 0.7%. In assessing DMLC speed (0.46, 0.92, 1.84, and 2.76 cm/s) during RapidArc, the analysis of designed radiation pattern indicates good agreement, with a mean deviation of 0.4%. Conclusions The results of these tests provide strong evidence that DMLC movement, variable dose-rates and gantry speeds can be precisely controlled during RapidArc.
Use-condition thermal metrics for characterization of thin film TEC modules on electronic packages

Decrease in the transistor features have resulted in increased challenges of cooling the hotspots in addition to cooling the overall die. In addition, future packaging concepts of stacked die exacerbate the need for spot-cooling thermal solution. Thin film thermoelectric modules [TFTEC] are increasingly being investigated as a solution to hot-spot cooling. However, integration of the thermoelectric pellets into a TFTEC module, and subsequent assembly in an electronic package induces thermoelectric parasitic effects [eg. thermal-electrical contact resistance] that can hamper the performance of the TFTEC modules. In this work, a novel methodology is proposed for defining a "module ZT" based on the module stackup and the use-condition boundary conditions. The significance of this work is that the "module ZT" captures the relative importance of the assembly-related parasitic effects and boundary conditions during operation compared to the intrinsic thermoelectric properties of the TE material. These factors have not been considered in the more traditional definition of "intrinsic" material ZT. A generic methodology and expression is also derived and established for the estimation of the module ZT of the assembled TFTEC module, which incorporates impact of the TFTEC assembly process on the thermoelectric performance of the module in "use-condition". Thermoelectric modeling was performed to confirm the validity of the metric. For example, two intrinsically different thermoelectric materials with 40% difference in intrinsic ZT were derived to have comparable module ZT [2% variation]. The accompanying numerical analysis for these two cases predicted comparable temperature suppression with the use of TFTEC coolers with a variation of less than 0.1degC. The range of applicability and limitations of this metric is also discussed in this work
A noisy 'Start' to the cell cycle.

Mol Syst Biol. 2: 2006.0014 In small cells like a bacterium (volume ∼1 fl) or a budding yeast (volume ∼100 fl), critical intracellular regulators are often present in small absolute numbers. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , it is not unusual to find mRNAs expressed at concentrations of less than one molecule per cell (Ghaemmaghami et al , 2003). This means that cells will sometimes possess no molecules of some particular mRNA, sometimes one molecule, and sometimes two or more. How can cells function properly in the face of such dramatic stochastic variation? Experimental studies of the noise in synthetic gene expression networks have begun to provide important insights into this question (Elowitz et al , 2002; Raser and O'Shea, 2004; Pedraza and van Oudenaarden, 2005). Recently, Bean et al (2006) have taken an important next step in the analysis of noise, by applying modern single‐cell fluorescence reporter approaches to the noise inherent in an important, ‘natural’ biological phenomenon: the traversal of Start and progression of yeast cells into the cell cycle. Passage through Start in budding yeast involves the transcriptional induction of a large number of G1/S‐regulated genes (Spellman et al , 1998), leading to the activation of cyclin‐dependent protein kinase (Cdk) complexes and the initiation of DNA replication and progression through the rest of the cell cycle (Figure 1 ). Entry into the cell cycle is initiated by the activation of Cdk1 by the G1 cyclin Cln3 (Dirick et al , 1995), promoting the transcription of …
Aliskiren: the next innovation in renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade

Blockade of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or Ang II-receptor blockers has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure and to be effective in heart failure and postmyocardial infarction. It is also beneficial in renal disease. These RAAS blockers further activate the RAAS, leading to an increase of plasma renin activity and plasma renin concentration. Aliskiren, the first orally active direct renin inhibitor, is an effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive agent when used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. In contrast with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and Ang II-receptor blockers, aliskiren reduces plasma renin activity. A number of clinical trials with aliskiren are ongoing or completed and provide us with objective evidence regarding the clinical importance of direct renin inhibition in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Evidence for decreased endogenous dopamine and opioid inhibitory influences on LH secretion in polycystic ovary syndrome.

SUMMARY The inhibitory role of the dopaminergic and opioidergic mechanisms in the control of LH secretion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) was evaluated. The administration of an opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone, of a dopamine receptor antagonist, metoclopramide, or of human synthetic βh-endorphin, were unable to alter LH secretory activity in patients with PCO. Since identical doses of these antagonists and the opiate agonist have elicited respectively a rise and fall of LH levels in normal cycling women, these findings suggest that an underlying hypothalamic component of defect in endogenous dopamine and opioid control may be responsible for the inappropriate gonadotrophin secretion in this syndrome.
When consumption benefits precede costs: towards an understanding of ‘buy now, pay later’ transactions

An experiment investigates a real-money ‘buy now, pay later’ transaction, whereby subjects experienced a varied time-delay between transaction benefits and costs. Individuals were more satisfied when transaction benefits and costs occurred temporally together. When a time-delay was imposed, respondents preferred a short delay to a long delay. Transaction satisfaction was found to mediate the effect of time-delay on behavioral intentions to complete the transaction again and perceived transaction fairness. Results suggest that a previously-incurred transaction benefit becomes disassociated with its' transaction cost over time, causing the later transaction cost to be perceived as a greater loss at time of payment. The findings provide preliminary indication of the length of delay necessary for benefits to begin psychologically decaying. Implications for ‘buy now, pay later’ transactions and consumer satisfaction are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of muscle-derived soluble factors on embryonic tendon progenitor cells

Tendon repair after injury poses a significant problem due to variable success rates. Consequently, tissue engineering with stem cells has been explored to enable replacement of damaged tendon with regenerated, living tissue. Interestingly, there are no known growth factors available to induce and guide stem cell differentiation toward the tendon lineage in a tissue engineering system. This is due largely to limited understanding of the role of growth factors in tendon development. We propose to identify and characterize these candidate growth factors, and derive new growth factor-directed tendon tissue regeneration strategies. In this study, we investigated the effects of muscle-derived growth factors on embryonic tendon cells in an in vitro culture system. Our results demonstrated that apparent soluble muscle signaling factors downregulated proliferation, increased metabolic activity, and induced morphological changes in the ETCs. Identification of signaling molecules capable of enhancing and guiding stem cell differentiation into tendon fibroblasts and development into new tissue will lead to innovative new tendon tissue engineering strategies.
Common Genetic Variation in the Prothrombin Gene, Hormone Therapy, and Incident Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction in Postmenopausal Women

Genetic variants in coagulation factors are associated with myocardial infarction and may modify the association between hormone therapy and cardiovascular disease risk. This study assessed whether common variation in the prothrombin gene was associated with incident nonfatal myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women and whether this association differed according to current estrogen use. Eight variants representing 98% of common prothrombin variants were selected using publicly available genomic variation data. These variants and the functional G20210A variant were genotyped and used to infer haplotypes in a population-based Washington State case-control study of postmenopausal Caucasian women (1995-1999; 273 cases and 788 controls). Women carrying a nonsynonymous polymorphism in exon 6 (C5467T) had an increased risk of myocardial infarction (for each additional copy, relative to women with one fewer copy, odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 1.8). Prothrombin haplotypes were also associated with myocardial infarction (with minimal adjustment, global p = 0.056; with full adjustment, p = 0.034). Associations between haplotypes and myocardial infarction were similar among users of hormone therapy and nonusers (global p = 0.61), though statistical power was limited. These preliminary results suggest that common genetic variants in the prothrombin gene or other variants in linkage disequilibrium are associated with myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women.
Tricuspid valve replacement with a cryopreserved pulmonary homograft.

DOI:€10.1016/j.jtcvs.2005.07.022 J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2005;130:5-6 Kuan-Ming Chiu, Tzu-Yu Lin, Jer-Shen Chen, Shao-Jung Li and Shu-Hsun Chu Tricuspid valve replacement with a cryopreserved pulmonary homograft http://jtcs.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/130/5/e5 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is
Will Geoengineering With Solar Radiation Management Ever Be Used

As a meteorologist, I understand the limits of prediction of physical systems, let alone human ones, but here I will attempt to predict whether geoengineering will ever be used. While the term ‘geo...
Static and dynamic latchup in the LIGBT

An insightful study of static and dynamic latchup in the LIGBT, based on extensive two-dimensional numerical device simulations, is described. The insight is then used as a basis for developing a physical SPICE LIGBT model, which is useful for device simulation and design (e.g. for latchup immunity) as well as for power integrated circuit simulation. The basic mechanisms underlying latchup in the LIGBT are identified for various excitations. The significance of the effective p-i-n diode that materializes via the conductivity modulation in the regenerative process is stressed in the simulations, as is the importance of non-quasi-static bipolar transistor behavior, heretofore unrecognized. the SPICE model is supported by measurements of test devices and by the numerical device simulations. >
Patient Satisfaction After Rhinoplasty: A Social Media Analysis

Background Compared to other cosmetic procedures, rhinoplasty has a relatively low patient satisfaction rate, due to the difficulty of the procedure, and potentially unrealistic patient expectations. Understanding the reasons behind patient dissatisfaction is key to improving outcomes. Previous authors have done surgeon-initiated surveys, expert ratings, and morphologic measurements, to measure rhinoplasty success. No study has analyzed online reviews by patients to identify reasons for dissatisfaction with rhinoplasty. Objectives The goal of this study was to analyze satisfaction patterns in rhinoplasty using online reviews. Methods All primary rhinoplasty reviews on RealSelf (Seattle, WA), a social media website for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery, were reviewed. The researchers recorded patient gender, whether they were satisfied, and the reasons for satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Male and female patients were compared, using chi-squared analysis. Results There were 2326 reviews for primary rhinoplasty (2032 females, 294 males). The overall satisfaction rate was 83.6%. Significantly more females than males were satisfied (87.6% vs 56.1%, P < .001). Among males, the most common reasons for dissatisfaction were residual dorsal hump, under-rotated tip, and a nose that was too small. Among females, the most common reasons for dissatisfaction were residual dorsal hump, under-rotated tip, and bulbous tip. Among dissatisfied patients, females were significantly more likely than males to precisely verbalize the morphologic or functional reason for their dissatisfaction. Conclusions We found that males had lower satisfaction with rhinoplasty, and were more vague when expressing reasons for dissatisfaction, than females. Social media provides a novel way to understand reasons for patient dissatisfaction after cosmetic surgery.