cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Landscape-level interactions between topoedaphic features and nitrogen limitation in tallgrass prairie

Transects across watersheds with varying fire histories and remotely-sensed data were used to study vegetation-resource interactions in a tallgrass prairie in Kansas. Paired plots (fertilized, control) were established along these transects and sampled for grass and forb biomass during the 1989 and 1990 growing seasons. Fertilization resulted in significant production responses in grass and total biomass on the west slopes of the annually burned (ID) and infrequently burned (N4) watersheds for both years (p = 0.05). In 1989, fertilization also produced a significant increase in grass biomass on the west slope of the unburned transect (p = 0.05), however, total production was not significantly increased. East slopes were insensitive to nitrogen additions. Differences in production response along these transects were assessed by testing the interaction between fertilization response and slope position. Significant interactions occurred on both 1D and N4, but only in 1990. Production data for both years were also compared to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values derived from thematic mapper (TM) images for 1989 and 1990. When differences among transects or watersheds were statistically different, a positive relationship between NDVI and biomass was observed. NDVI values accurately reflected the spatial patterns of production along these transects for both years although not necessarily the magnitude.
Transmyocardial revascularization: The fate of myocardial channels

Attempted cardiac revascularization through laser-made channels has gained considerable recent notoriety. Although the treatment reduces angina, its ability to enhance perfusion is unclear, and the mechanism of action unknown. The fate of the channels appears an obvious place to look for insight. Therefore, this review focuses on temporal and spatial changes in channel morphology. An appreciation of the natural history of the channels not only has potential to elucidate mechanisms, but also to provide the basis for optimization of channel-making.
Invasive lionfish harbor a different external bacterial community than native Bahamian fishes

The introduction and subsequent spread of lionfish into the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea has become a worldwide conservation issue. These highly successful invaders may also be capable of introducing non-native microorganisms to the invaded regions. This study compared the bacterial communities associated with lionfish external tissue to those of native Bahamian fishes and ambient water. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses demonstrated that lionfish bacterial communities were significantly different than those associated with three native Bahamian fishes. Additionally, all fishes harbored distinct bacterial communities from the ambient bacterioplankton. Analysis of bacterial clone libraries from invasive lionfish and native squirrelfish indicated that lionfish communities were more diverse than those associated with squirrelfish, yet did not contain known fish pathogens. Using microscopy and molecular genetic approaches, lionfish eggs were examined for the presence of bacteria to evaluate the capacity for vertical transmission. Eggs removed from the ovaries of gravid females were free of bacteria, suggesting that lionfish likely acquire bacteria from the environment. This study was the first examination of bacterial communities associated with the invasive lionfish and indicated that they support different communities of environmentally derived bacteria than Caribbean reef fishes.
Archaeological Survey and Historic Preservation at the Site of a Revolutionary war Cantonment in New Windsor, New York:

This paper describes the archaeological survey recently conducted by the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites at New Windsor Cantonment, near Newburgh, New York. This site was the last winter encampment of the Continental Army during 1782–83. A research project which emphasized non-destructive field methods was undertaken and has provided new information regarding the daily life of the Continental soldiers at the cantonment. The results of ground-penetrating radar, magnetometer, soil chemical surveys, and the reexamination of an existing collection are discussed in terms of acquiring new understandings of this site, while preserving the historic remains there.
Transesterification Chemistry, Low Temperature Reactions of O-Nithophenyl Carbonates

Abstract The application of o-nitrophenyl carbonate to preparation of aromatic carbonates and polycarbonates is described. The differences in reactivity of ortho- and para-nitrophenyl carbonates are elaborated. Reaction of o-nitrophenyl carbonate, bisphenol, and catalytic nucleophilic base affords clean formation of polycarbonates via trans-esterification at or below ambient temperatures.
Longitudinal studies of cognitive, functional and behavioural change in patients with Alzheimer's disease

This paper reviews data on the natural history of symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and describes some of the problems encountered in analysing longitudinal data in this population. Data on cognition, functional ability and psychiatric or behavioural symptoms have all been obtained from AD patients. Because of attrition, the length of follow-up is not uniform for all patients and neither is the frequency of evaluation. Furthermore, patients enter longitudinal studies with a wide range of symptom severity and longitudinal decline in cognition and function is distinctly non-linear. Behavioural symptoms do not progress regularly in AD but are episodic phenomena not closely related to cognition or function. Strengths and limitations of various analytic techniques used for hypothesis testing with these longitudinal data are described.
Saturday effects in tanker oil spills

Abstract This paper documents a “Saturday effect” in the timing of tanker oil spills—certain types of spills happen much more frequently on this day than one would expect if the spills were uniformly distributed. The phenomenon is restricted to Europe and North America, and is associated with “vessel guidance” accidents—groundings, collisions, and rammings. Eliminating the Saturday effect would reduce tanker oil spills by around 163,000 gallons per year. Several policy responses are considered, including a Saturday harbor tax. A lower bound for an efficient tax is estimated to be $780 for a 20 million gal cargo.
A bisected pupil for studying single-molecule orientational dynamics and its application to three-dimensional super-resolution microscopy.

A phase mask design that we term a “bisected pupil” (BSP) provides several advantages for single-molecule optical imaging. When using the BSP with a dual-polarization optical Fourier processing system, both the position and dipole orientation of individual fluorescent molecules may be measured from a single camera image. In the context of single-molecule super-resolution microscopy, this technique permits one to diagnose, and subsequently to remove imaging artifacts resulting from orientation-induced localization errors. If the molecules labeling a structure are rotationally mobile, thus mitigating dipole orientation errors, this technique enables super-resolution imaging in three dimensions. We present simulations and experimental verification.
The Dynamical Simulation of the Community Atmosphere Model Version 3 (CAM3)

Abstract The dynamical simulation of the latest version of the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3) is examined, including the seasonal variation of its mean state and its interannual variability. An ensemble of integrations forced with observed monthly varying sea surface temperatures and sea ice concentrations is compared to coexisting observations. The most significant differences from the previous version of the model [Community Climate Model version 3 (CCM3)] are associated with changes to the parameterized physics package. Results show that these changes have resulted in a modest improvement in the overall simulated climate; however, CAM3 continues to share many of the same biases exhibited by CCM3. At sea level, CAM3 reproduces the basic observed patterns of the pressure field. Simulated surface pressures are higher than observed over the subtropics, however, an error consistent with an easterly bias in the simulated trade winds and low-latitude surface wind stress. The largest regional differences ov...
Estimation of Natural Groundwater Recharge

Water in arid and semiarid regions of the world is commonly recognized as the most important of the natural resources. Groundwater is commonly the only source of water in an arid or semiarid environment and, if not, it commonly is an essential and dependable supplemental source. Arid and semiarid environments are becoming recognized as potentially favorable for the disposal of waste products of man's activities. The basis for intelligent management of waste and water resources is quantitative information on the physical properties and flow components of the hydrologic system.
Gradual typing with unification-based inference

Static and dynamic type systems have well-known strengths and weaknesses. Gradual typing provides the benefits of both in a single language by giving the programmer control over which portions of the program are statically checked based on the presence or absence of type annotations. This paper studies the combination of gradual typing and unification-based type inference with the goal of developing a system that helps programmers increase the amount of static checking in their program. The key question in combining gradual typing and type inference is how should the dynamic type of a gradual system interact with the type variables of a type inference system. This paper explores the design space and shows why three straightforward approaches fail to meet our design goals. This paper presents a new type system based on the idea that a solution for a type variable should be as informative as any type that constrains the variable. The paper also develops an efficient inference algorithm and proves it sound and complete with respect to the type system.
The electron-positron field, coupled to external electromagnetic potentials, as an elementary C∗ algebra theory

Abstract In recent years C ∗ algebra concepts have been suggested for dealing rigorously with the mathematical difficulties of Quantum Field Theory. To demonstrate some of the possibilities of these concepts we present an explicit and completely rigorous C ∗ algebra treatment of the simple model of the electron-positron field interacting with an external, classical electromagnetic field. The usual results most of which cannot be derived in a rigorous way within the ordinary Fock-Hilbert space formalism, are obtained here in a straightforward and mathematically unobjectionable manner, in which divergent or ill-defined expressions are absent. In particular no readjustments because of vacuum contributions have to be made in the resulting S operator and the terms of its perturbation series.
Hospital-Level Outcomes Associated with Laparoscopic Colectomy for Cancer in the Minimally Invasive Era

Compared to the open approach, randomized trials have shown that laparoscopic colectomy is associated with a shorter hospitalization without increases in morbidity or mortality rates. With broader adoption of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer in the USA, it is unclear if laparoscopic colectomy continues to be associated with shorter hospitalization and comparable morbidity. The purpose of this study is to determine if hospitals where a greater proportion of colon resections for cancer are approached laparoscopically (laparoscopy rate) achieve improved short-term outcomes compared to hospitals with lower laparoscopy rates. From the 2008–2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified hospitals where ≤12 colon resections for cancer were reported with ≥1 approached laparoscopically. We assessed the correlation between a hospital’s laparoscopy rate and risk-standardized outcomes (intra- and postoperative morbidity, in-hospital mortality rates, and average length of stay). Overall, 6,806 colon resections were performed at 276 hospitals. Variation was noted in hospital laparoscopy rates (median = 52.0 %, range = 3.8–100 %) and risk-standardized intra- (2.7 %, 1.8–8.6 %) and postoperative morbidity (27.8 %, 16.4–53.4 %), in-hospital mortality (0.7 %, 0.3–42.0 %), and average length of stay (7.0 days, 4.9–10.3 days). While no association was noted with in-hospital mortality, higher laparoscopy rates were correlated with lower postoperative morbidity [correlation coefficient (r) = −0.12, p = 0.04) and shorter hospital stays (r = −0.23, p < 0.001), but higher intraoperative morbidity (r = 0.19, p < 0.001) rates. This was not observed among hospitals with high procedure volumes. Higher laparoscopy rates were associated with only slightly lower postoperative morbidity rates and modestly shorter hospitalizations.
Compositional patterns of riparian woodlands in the Rift Valley of northern Kenya

Environmental factors governing the composition of riparian woodlands of the Gregory Rift Valley, northern Kenya were investigated. We collected tree species composition data on elevational transects along four active stream channels and two recently abandoned channels in Turkana District, Kenya and examined variation in riparian woodland species richness and composition at two scales: first, regional differences among channels and second, patterns along individual channels. The major factors governing woodland composition were: geographic location in relation to rainfall distribution, local heterogeneity in stream substrate, fluvial disturbance within individual channels and, in some cases, location along elevation gradients. Species richness increased with increasing rainfall. There were no significant differences in the composition of woodlands associated with active and recently abandoned channel segments. However, the species richness of riparian woodlands along abandoned channel segments seemed to decline with time since abandonment. The species richness of riparian woodlands in Turkana is an order of magnitude lower than that of comparable neotropical dry forests.
Electrical Properties of Sucrose Solutions for Diabetic Applications

Knowledge of the dielectric properties of body fluids such as blood, urine, and sweat can provide information on their water and glucose contents. This information is particularly important for monitoring glucose level in individuals who suffer from diabetes. We measured the dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and alternating current (ac) conductivity for various concentrations of sucrose solutions ranging from 0.1 to 1M. We also measured urine samples from diabetics. We used an Agilent E5071C Network Analyzer coupled to a Dielectric probe for measurements between 100 and 3000 MHz frequency range at an average room temperature of 22.5 ± 0.5 o C. Results show a gradual decrease in dielectric constant with molarity over the frequency range covered. The dielectric loss factor and the ac conductivity both showed steady increases with molarity. Results for pre-meal and post-meal urine samples from diabetic individuals showed increases in dielectric loss and ac conductivity in post-meal samples. These increases were attributed to higher glucose level in post-meal urine. This work suggests that dielectric data could be useful in monitoring glucose level in diabetics.
Corporal “Snake” Maneuver: Corporoglanular Shunt Surgical Modification for Ischemic Priapism

ABSTRACT Introduction Current surgical shunting procedures for major ischemic priapism do not always effectively resolve acute presentations of this disorder. Aim To evaluate a modification of the Al-Ghorab distal penile corporoglanular shunt surgery for ischemic priapism. Methods Three previously potent men (48, 43, 40 years of age) presented with major ischemic priapism episodes (5, 2, and 6 days in duration, respectively), which were refractory to clinical management including sympathomimetic intracavernosal treatments, intracorporal aspiration and saline irrigation, and penile shunt surgery attempts. We offered a surgical technique for facilitating corporal blood evacuation by retrograde insertion of a cavernosal dilator through the excised tunical windows of the distal corpora cavernosa after transglanular incision. Main Outcome Measures Clinical evaluation of priapism resolution and erection recovery. Results All men achieved successful resolution of priapism, with meaningful erection recovery assessable in one man. Conclusions The modified Al-Ghorab corporoglanular shunt surgery appears to offer an advantageous management approach to resolve ischemic priapism, particularly for cases refractory to first-line management. Burnett AL, and Pierorazio PM. Corporal “snake” maneuver: Corporoglanular shunt surgical modification for ischemic priapism. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.
Local area signal-to-noise ratio (LASNR) algorithm for image segmentation

Many automated image-based applications have need of finding small spots in a variably noisy image. For humans, it is relatively easy to distinguish objects from local surroundings no matter what else may be in the image. We attempt to capture this distinguishing capability computationally by calculating a measurement that estimates the strength of signal within an object versus the noise in its local neighborhood. First, we hypothesize various sizes for the object and corresponding background areas. Then, we compute the Local Area Signal to Noise Ratio (LASNR) at every pixel in the image, resulting in a new image with LASNR values for each pixel. All pixels exceeding a pre-selected LASNR value become seed pixels, or initiation points, and are grown to include the full area extent of the object. Since growing the seed is a separate operation from finding the seed, each object can be any size and shape. Thus, the overall process is a 2-stage segmentation method that first finds object seeds and then grows them to find the full extent of the object. This algorithm was designed, optimized and is in daily use for the accurate and rapid inspection of optics from a large laser system (National Ignition Facility (NIF), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA), which includes images with background noise, ghost reflections, different illumination and other sources of variation.
Self-esteem and the prevention of eating disorders

Abstract This article begins by reviewing the literature linking self esteem to eating disorders (EDs) in girls. Prevention strategies used to enhance self-esteem and some of the limitations of these approaches are then discussed. The article concludes with a presentation of a model that addresses these shortcomings and that will help guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of future, prevention programs targeting EDs.
A Design Alternative for Two-Stage, Phase II, Multicenter Cancer Clinical Trials

Data are reviewed upon completion of patient accrual to the first stage of a two-stage phase II cancer clinical trial and prior to initiating accrual on the second stage. Often accrual must be suspended while the data from the first stage are collected and evaluated. In an effort to maintain patient accrual momentum and avoid the logistical problems of suspending and reactivating a multicenter study, an alternative approach to conducting two-stage phase II studies, which allows patient accrual to continue while the results of the first stage are reviewed, is proposed. The properties of the proposed design are examined.
AN EVALUATION OF FOOD SAFETY TRAINING USING VIDEOTAPED INSTRUCTION

An instructional food safety videotape was evaluated in 28 restaurants. Pretests and posttests were compared after viewing the tape. Additionally, health department inspection scores were also compared for those restaurants viewing the videotaped training session. A one-year follow-up study was completed, again, comparing health department inspection scores. Results showed higher inspection scores and higher posttest scores after viewing the video tape. One year later, there was still evidence of higher scores.
Who's Your Teacher Now? Issues Surrounding the Dimensions of Hospitality Management Educators

Each year the Chronicle of Higher Education publishes a report on the demographic profiles of higher education educators in the U.S. Faculty are not identified by field in that report. As a result, there is little data available to administrators, faculty, or students about the demographics of hospitality management education faculty. This study provides demographic information on hospitality and tourism management educators using the questions and criteria established by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The discussions within this study highlight issues surrounding faculty recruitment, teaching assignments, research, and tenure and promotability, generating a better understanding of the hospitality educational environment as well as creating a common ground for discussion of the discipline of hospitality management education.
Rural/Urban Residence, Migration, HIV/AIDS, and Safe Sex Practices among Men in Zimbabwe.

Abstract The AIDS epidemic was initially thought to be primarily an urban phenomenon. However, migration between rural and urban areas has resulted in the spread of the virus to all segments of the population. Prevention efforts continue to focus on the ABCs of AIDS, namely, abstinence among young adults, being faithful within a monogamous relationship, and/or using condoms at each sexual encounter. We examine the effects of residence, migration status, and selected social and demographic variables on the use of these three practices among men in Zimbabwe, a nation experiencing one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Both residence and migration status were found to be significantly related to safe sex practices. Knowledge of a source with easy access to condoms was the strongest predictor of this behavior. Knowledge of prevention methods and experience with persons with AIDS also exerted significant effects, although not always in the manner hypothesized. Possible reasons for the findings and implications for policy are discussed.
The ear as a location for wearable vital signs monitoring

Obtaining vital signs non-invasively and in a wearable manner is essential for personal health monitoring. We propose the site behind the ear as a location for an integrated wearable vital signs monitor. This location is ideal for both physiological and mechanical reasons. Physiologically, the reflectance photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal behind the ear shows similar signal quality when compared to traditional finger transmission PPG measurements. Ballistocardiogram (BCG) can be obtained behind the ear using 25mm×25mm differential capacitive electrodes constructed using fabric. The BCG signal is able to provide continuous heart rate and respiratory rate, and correlates to cardiac output and blood pressure. Mechanically, the ear remains in the same orientation relative to the heart when upright, thus simplifying pulse transit time calculations. Furthermore, the ear provides a discreet and natural anchoring point that reduces device visibility and the need for adhesives.
Ring semigroups whose subsemigroups intersect

A multiplicative semigroup S is said to be a ring semigroup provided there exists an addition + on S such that (S,+,⋅) is a ring. In this note, we characterize the ring semigroups S with the property that every two nonzero subsemigroups intersect.
Teaching chest disease; the student as an individual.

In 1910 the report of Dr. Abraham Flexner called attention to the chaotic situation which then existed in the field of medical education in the United States. Diploma mills and proprietary institutions were only slightly worse than some departments of even the best medical schools. Few medi cal diplomas carried with them the assurance that the recipient had met acceptable requirements in the various branches of medicine. In the intervening 45 years a great deal of effort has been directed toward raising the standards of medical education in this country. This has been accomplished to the extent that a diploma from an American medical school now indicates that a student has attained a reasonable acquaintance with a rather specific body of knowledge and some pro ficiency in a common set of technics. A large number of medicah students are now taking, and for the most part passing, examinations given by a national board. Much of this standardization has been beneficial in rais ing the level of medical practice. But has it also had some deleterious effects? Have we standardized down as well as standardizing up? Do the present standards prevent bold and original thinking on the pant of medi cal students and medical faculties? To each of these questions I believe the answer is yes. One false premise of some advocates of standardization is the considera tion of medical students as standard colhege graduates taking a standard program designed to make them standard doctors. Since no such thing as the standard college graduate, medical student on doctor exists, the medi cal schools run the risk of directing their activities toward hypothetical persons. This is not an idle sophistry. It is possible and perhaps preferable although more difficult to direct medical education toward the needs of the individual student. The simplest method of doing this, and one which has worked well in schools where it has been given some trial, is to allow the student greater choice in the selection of his course of study. This plan does not imply the offer of a completely cafeteria-style course of study. Rather it suggests that the required courses be cut so drastically that they can be presented in about one-half the time of four academic years. To the critic who protests that the minimum essentials â€œcannotbe covered in such time,â€• I reply that they cannot be covered in the currently alloted time if one means by â€œcoveringâ€• attaining an intelligent and useful understanding of the principles of the basic sciences and the clinical disciplines. The fields are too large. If one means by â€œcoveringâ€• the transcription by students
Differential catabolism of 22-oxacalcitriol and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by normal human peripheral monocytes.

Oxacalcitriol (1,25-(OH)Z-220xa-D3) mimics the action of 1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH),D,) in a variety of target tissues, including the systemic control of calcitriol metabolism. Similar to 1,25- (OH)1D3, 1,25-(OH)Z-220xa-D3 decreases the rate of 1,25-(OH)2D3 syn- thesis and accelerates its metabolic clearance rate. We have previously shown that in normal human monocytes, physiological concentrations of 1,25-(OH)*D3 and 1,25-(OH)2-220xa-D3 determine identical suppres- sion of 1,25-(OH)*D3 synthesis. Moreover, both sterols have a similar potency to induce vitamin D degradation through stimulation of the C24-hydroxylation pathway. In this study, we examined the ability of normal human monocytes to metabolize 1,25-(OH)2-220xa-D3 and whether the enzymes involved are the same as those that catabolize 1,25-(OH)2D3. Time-course experiments demonstrated no detectable basal catabolic activity. However, exogenous 1,25-(OH)QDa at physio- logical concentrations induced 1,25-(OH)2-220xa-D3 degradation by normal human monocytes. Competition experiments showed that a lo- fold molar excess of unlabeled 1,25-(OH)*D3 inhibited tritiated-1,25- (OH)2-220xa-D3 catabolism by 85%, whereas a lo-fold excess of unla- beled 1,25-(OH)2-220xa-D3 reduced tritiated-1,25-(OH)2-220xa-D3 ca- tabolism by 33%. In contrast, although a lo-fold excess of unlabeled 1,25-(OH)2D3 reduced tritiat=ed 1,25-(OH)2D3 catabolism by 60%, a 1000-fold excess of 1,25-(OH)2-220xa-D3 was required to reduce triti- ated 1,25-(OH)*D3 catabolism to this degree. The apparent K, for 1,25- (OH)2-220xa-D3 was significantly higher than that of 1,25-(OH)*D3 (2.0 rt 0.8 us. 0.9 -t 0.2 nM, respectively; P < 0.001) for the catabolic pathway induced by physiological concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Moreover, the presence of 0.65 nM lr25-(OH)ZD3 caused an additional increase in the K, for 1,25-(OH)Z-220xa-D3 (3.2 rf: 0.8 nM). These data suggest that 1,25-(OH)z-220xa-D3 may be less accessible than 1,25-(OH)zD3 to the hydroxylases involved in vitamin D catabolism. The resulting prolonged biological half-life of the analog in certain target tissues may be involved in its selectivity. (Endocrinology 133: 2719-2723, 1993)
Localization and Speciation of Arsenic in Soil and Desert Plant Parkinsonia florida using μXRF and μXANES

Parkinsonia florida is a plant species native to the semi-desert regions of North America. The cultivation characteristics of this shrub/tree suggest that it could be used for phytoremediation purposes in semiarid regions. This work describes, through the use of synchrotron μXRF and μXANES techniques and ICP-OES, the arsenic (As) accumulation and distribution in P. florida plants grown in two soils spiked with As at 20 mg kg-1. Plants grown in a sandy soil accumulated at least twice more As in the roots compared to plants grown in a loamy soil. The lower As accumulation in plants grown in the loamy soil corresponded to a lower concentration of As in the water soluble fraction (WSF) of this soil. LC-ICP-MS speciation analysis showed only As(V) in the WSF from all treatments. In contrast, linear combination XANES speciation analysis from the root tissues showed As mainly present in the reduced As(III) form. Moreover, a fraction of the reduced As was found coordinating to S in a form consistent with As-Cys3. The percentage of As coordinated to sulfur was smaller for plants grown in the loamy soil when compared to the sandy soil.
Growth functions on Fuchsian groups and the Euler characteristic

Let G be a finitely generated group, and 2; a finite generating set for G. Then 2; determines a norm on G, called the word norm, defined by letting Ig[ be the minimal length ofg as a word in 27. Following Milnor [,15], we define the growth series g(z) = 1 + a2z +. . . + a,z"..., where a, is the number of elements of G of word norm exactly n. Much of the early work (e.g., [-1, 16, 17, 23]) on growth series was concerned with asymptotic properties of the coefficients of g(z). This work culminated in Gromov 's theorem [12] that G has polynomial growth if and only if it is virtually nilpotent and in Grigorchuk's theorem [11] that there are finitely generated groups whose growth is neither polynomial nor exponential. If G is a Coxeter group and 2; is the standard generating set for G, Bourbaki [3] showed that the growth series g(z) is the series of a rational function f (z) and Serre [-20] showed that f(1) = I/z(G), where z(G) is the rational Euler characteristic of G. Note that if G is finite then g(1)=order(G)=l/z(G), but g(z) is not defined at one if G is infinite. If G is a compact hyperbolic or irreducible Euclidean Coxeter group and 27 is the standard generating set for G, Serre showed that f (1 /z )= +_ f(z), and so the poles of f are algebraic units. In contrast to the work on the asymptotic properties of the coefficients of g(z), these results raised the possibility of a beautiful theory of the exact structure of growth functions on groups. However, a decade went by before there was much further work on this subject. In two papers ([5] and [6]) Cannon studied growth functions for cocompact hyperbolic groups. If G is a cocompact hyperbolic group and X is any finite generating set for G, he showed that the coefficients a, of the growth series g(z) satisfy a linear recursion, and hence g(z) is the power series of a rational function f(z). He also computed some examples when G is a closed surface group or a compact hyperbolic Coxeter group. If G is a closed surface group and 2; is a geometric generating set (see below for a definition) for G coming from a one relator presentation, then f is reciprocal ( f ( z )=f (1 /z ) ) , f (1)=l /x (G) , the
Automatic speech recognition using articulatory features from subject-independent acoustic-to-articulatory inversion.

An automatic speech recognition approach is presented which uses articulatory features estimated by a subject-independent acoustic-to-articulatory inversion. The inversion allows estimation of articulatory features from any talker’s speech acoustics using only an exemplary subject’s articulatory-to-acoustic map. Results are reported on a broad class phonetic classification experiment on speech from English talkers using data from three distinct English talkers as exemplars for inversion. Results indicate that the inclusion of the articulatory information improves classification accuracy but the improvement is more significant when the speaking style of the exemplar and the talker are matched compared to when they are mismatched.
Quantitative performance analysis of 3.65 GHz mobile WiMAX

3.65 GHz Mobile WiMAX spectrum is often a better commercial solution due to its attractive licensing requirements, in spite of the slightly lower coverage area. However, no significant performance data has been reported for 3.65 GHz equipment behavior. In this paper, we have presented an in-depth analysis of a 3.65 GHz Mobile WiMAX solution. Our reported data can also contribute in performing link budget analyses and benchmarking similar equipment.
Importance of Normal Confinement to Shear Bond Failure of Interface in Multilayer Asphalt Pavements

Several direct shear test devices are used to evaluate the shear bond strength of tack coat materials in interlayer bonding in asphalt pavements. Some devices have the capability of evaluating strength in direct shear with normal confinement, whereas other devices do not have that capability or use passive confinement to evaluate the interlayer bond strength. The literature indicates that interlayer bond strength increases with the application of normal confinement. However, the question remains as to the level of normal confinement, if any, that should be used in direct shear testing to evaluate the interlayer bond strength for specification acceptance or design. This study presents a methodology to interpret laboratory bond strength test results in relation to the state of stress at the layer interface in a representative pavement section. The results confirm the importance of normal confinement for shear bond strength evaluation and provide guidance for the selection of the appropriate level of normal ...
Letter to the Editor-A Modification of Fulkerson's PERT Algorithm

Fulkerson has described a method for approximating expected earliest start times in a pert network in which activity durations are discrete random variables. This letter describes an extension of Fulkerson's algorithm to include the continuous case and derives a computationally feasible form for this algorithm.
Outside Looking In: Nanotube Transistor Intracellular Sensors

Nanowire-based field-effect transistors (NWFETs), including devices with planar and three-dimensional (3D) configurations, are being actively explored as detectors for extra- and intracellular recording due to their small size and high sensitivities. Here we report the synthesis, fabrication and characterization of a new needle-shaped nanoprobe based on an active silicon nanotube transistor, ANTT, that enables high-resolution intracellular recording. In the ANTT probe, the source/drain (S/D) contacts to the silicon nanotube are fabricated on one end, passivated from external solution, and then time-dependent changes in potential can be recorded from the opposite nanotube end via the solution filling the tube. Measurements of conductance versus water-gate potential in aqueous solution show that the ANTT probe is selectively gated by potential changes within the nanotube, thus demonstrating the basic operating principle of the ANTT device. Studies interfacing the ANTT probe with spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes yielded stable intracellular action potentials similar to those reported by other electrophysiological techniques. In addition, the straightforward fabrication of ANTT devices was exploited to prepare multiple ANTT structures at the end of single probes, which enabled multiplexed recording of intracellular action potentials from single cells, and multiplexed arrays of single ANTT device probes. These studies open up unique opportunities for multisite recordings from individual cells through cellular networks.
Jung's views on causes and treatments of schizophrenia in light of current trends in cognitive neuroscience and psychotherapy research II: Psychological research and treatment

Jung was the first to emphasize the importance of psychological factors in the aetiology and treatment of schizophrenia. Despite this, and other seminal contributions, his work on schizophrenia is almost completely ignored or forgotten today. This paper, a follow-up to one on Jung's theories of aetiology and symptom formation in schizophrenia (Journal of Analytical Psychology, 59, 1) reviews Jung's views on psychological approaches to research on, and treatment of, the disorder. Five themes are covered: 1) experimental psychopathology; 2) attentional disturbance; 3) psychological treatment; 4) the relationship between the environment (including the psychiatric hospital) and symptom expression; and 5) heterogeneity and the schizophrenia spectrum. Review of these areas reveal that Jung's ideas about the kind of research that can elucidate psychological mechanisms in schizophrenia, and the importance of psychotherapy for people with this condition, are very much in line with contemporary paradigms. Moreover, further exploration of several points of convergence could lead to advances in both of these fields, as well as within analytical psychology.
Structuring a simulation modeling environment using a commercial manufacturing simulator

The objective of the paper is to describe a new structure which is being used for the development of a simulation modeling environment (SME) for industrialized housing. The structure is centered around a commercial manufacturing simulator which is closely coupled with a relational data base management System (RDBMS). The paper presents an overview of previous SME research, describes the new SME structure and, finally, presents findings from on-going SME development efforts.
An adaptive buffer allocation mechanism for token bucket flow control

In this paper, a dynamic mechanism for per-flow buffer allocation is proposed and analyzed in a multi-flow environment with token bucket flow control. The mechanism detects burstiness of data traffic by measuring the relative rates of token bucket draining and data arrival, and adjusts the per-flow data buffer size accordingly. By exploiting variations in burstiness among a large group of users, this mechanism increases buffer allocation for users with instantaneous high traffic demand while decrease buffer allocation for users with instantaneous low traffic demand. Our results show a substantial benefit in reducing packet loss with this mechanism, especially when the variance of traffic among users is outstanding. In addition, this buffer size adaptation significantly reduces the signaling overheads for the negotiation and change of the token bucket parameters between the two network elements. The mechanism can be applied widely where there is token bucket flow control, such as between the SGSN and the PCU of a GPRS network.
Prevalence and Correlates of Recent Vaginal Douching among African American Adolescent Females

Abstract Study Objective To describe the prevalence and correlates of vaginal douching among urban African American adolescents and to examine the association between douching and sexually transmitted infection (STI) status. Design Demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral data were collected through cross-sectional, self-administered surveys. Self-collected vaginal swabs were assayed using nucleic acid amplification tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Setting Sexual health clinic in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern United States. Participants African American females (N = 701), ages 14–20, participating in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention. Main Outcome Measure The outcome of interest was the association between vaginal douching (lifetime, past 90 days, and past 7 days) with demographic characteristics (eg, age, education, and socioeconomic status), physical and mental health status, STI status, sexual behavior (eg, number of vaginal sexual partners, age of sex partners, consistent condom use in the past 90 days, sex while self/partner was high on drugs or alcohol), and psychosocial characteristics (eg, sexual adventurism, social support, peer norms, sexual satisfaction, self-efficacy for sex refusal, self-esteem, relationship power, risk avoidance). Results Forty-three percent reported ever douching, and 29% reported douching in the past 90 days. In bivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables, but not current STI status. In multivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with age (odds ratio [AOR] = 1.13, confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.25), lower socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.25, CI = 1.05–1.47), and having sex with much older partners (AOR = 1.87, CI = 1.22–2.86). Conclusion Increased age, lower socioeconomic status, and older partners may be salient risk factors for douching behavior among African American young women.
Environmental factors affecting seed germination of gray birch (Betula populifolia) collected from abandoned anthracite coal mine spoils in northeast Pennsylvania

SUMMARY Germination of gray birch (Betula populifolia) seed collected from anthracite mine spoils in northeastern Pennsylvania was studied. Environmental conditions of the spoil banks are such that high mortality may occur at seed and germination stages because of low moisture availability and thermal stress. The mine spoil banks are harsh environments with respect to key seed germination factors: percent soil moisture as low as 1.8% and soil surface temperatures reaching 59°C. In the field, gray birch typically germinated in mid-April prior to severe environmental stress. Trends in germination success were inversely related to rising soil temperature and decreasing soil moisture availability. Although seeds were capable of survival and germination under laboratory conditions of constant temperatures in excess of 55°C, dramatic decline in germination was observed under fluctuating temperature regimes likely to be experienced in the field. No germinations occurred under fluctuating temperatures in excess of 30°C. Germinations in the field were seen to end after mid-June when substrate temperatures exceeded 30°C.
Revising the revised format of the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview

Since the early 1980s proponents of proficiency examinations such as ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) have been criticized for the low validity and reliability of tests...
Sodium appetite in rats after prolonged dietary sodium deprivation: a sexually dimorphic phenomenon

Little sodium appetite is observed when rats are deprived of dietary sodium for several days, presumably because aldosterone secretion minimizes renal sodium losses. However, the present studies indicate that when sodium deprivation is extended to 8 days, a spontaneous sodium appetite results that far exceeds urinary sodium losses during the deprivation period; indeed, adult male rats drank as much 0.5 M NaCl solution as rats ever have been reported to drink rapidly. In contrast, female rats drank much less saline after 8 days of sodium deprivation. Because of this sexual dimorphism in sodium appetite, we also studied NaCl intake in gonadectomized rats after 8 days of sodium deprivation. Both male and female gonadectomized rats drank comparable amounts of saline as intact male rats, but they consumed much less when treated with physiological amounts of estrogen during the sodium-deprivation period. These results indicate that a robust appetite for NaCl can be produced in rats by prolonged sodium deprivation and that estrogen can blunt the induced sodium appetite.
Structure transition graphs: An ECG for program comprehension?

This paper presents an idea of using a structure traversal graph (STG) to characterize whether program comprehension is progressing smoothly. Inspired by electrocardiograms that are used to measure heart rhythms, STGs are an attempt to depict the rhythm of program navigation. STGs are created by abstracting navigation between files to the level of a conceptual architecture graph. We analyzed the navigation patterns of fifteen developers performing a modification task in the laboratory and found that the STG was a good organizing principle for program comprehension behavior
Don't Be So Hard on Yourself: Self-Compassion Facilitates Creative Originality Among Self-Judgmental Individuals

Self-compassion is a multifaceted state of potential utility in alleviating the self-critical tendencies that may undermine creative expressions among certain individuals. To investigate this idea, 86 undergraduates were randomly assigned to control or self-compassion conditions, following which creative originality was assessed by a version of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT). The manipulation was hypothesized to facilitate creative originality particularly among individuals who are prone to critical self-judgment, as assessed by a trait measure. This interactive hypothesis was supported: Self-judgmental individuals displayed lower levels of creative originality in the control condition, but equal levels of creative originality in the self-compassion condition. Results are discussed in the context of theories of creative potential, self-compassion, and chronic tendencies toward self-criticism.
Electrical stimulation of bone growth into porous Al2O3

Porous, cylindrical, high alumina, ceramic structures were fabricated for implantation in the superior third of canine femoral medullary canals. Implant durations of one, two, four, and eight weeks using three animals per time period were studied. A constant current (10 muA) power supply was used to attempt to stimulate bone growth into the porous ceramic structures. Osseous tissue in-growth was evaluated using a mechanical push-out test, microadiography, and histological thin sectioning. The interfacial shear strength and tissue micro-structure was studied as a function of implant residence site and implant residence site and implant residence time. The results indicate that initially the proximal implants have a higher interfacial shear strength, however, after eight weeks of implantation the distal implants have a shear strength about twice that of the proximal implants. This trend is observed for both the electrically stimulated and nonstimulated specimens. The 10 muA current level used in this investigation was found to have a small but significant effect on shear strength increasing it at implantation times of less than eight weeks.
Collective Guilt and Shame as Motivation for White Support of Black Programs1

Two studies examined whether exposing Whites to collective guilt- and shame-inducing stimuli would lead to heightened support for Black programs. White participants watched either a civil-rights videotape or one of two control videos and then completed either a self-affirmation task or a filler task. Support for Black programs was measured in a bogus second study. Those who watched the civil-rights video and completed the filler task suppressed their support for Black programs, whereas those who watched the civil-rights video and then self-affirmed displayed the highest levels of Black program support. Findings suggest that Whites might react antisocially to guilt- and shame-inducing situations, and react prosocially only after reaffirming their personal integrity.