cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Impulse-Based Approximation of Fluid Motion due to Boundary Forces

The motion of an incompressible, inviscid fluid in a region surrounded by a massless, elastic membrane can be approximated by transmitting the effect of the boundary forces to the fluid through vortex dipoles. We present a Lagrangian numerical method for approximating this motion based on the impulse (a.k.a. magnetization) variables introduced by Buttke. In particular, we explain the correspondence between impulse variables and vortex dipoles with a prescribed dipole moment. Numerical examples that illustrate the application of impulse variables in this context are given.
A long-term evaluation of fruiting phenology: importance of climate change

Within the last decade the study of phenology has taken on new importance because of its contribution to climate-change research. However, phenology data sets spanning many years are rare in the tropics, making it difficult to evaluate possible responses of tropical communities to climate change. Here we use two data sets (1970-1983 and 1990-2002) to describe the fruiting patterns of the tropical tree community in Kibale National Park, Uganda. To address variation in spatial patterns, we describe fruiting over 2-3 y among four sites each separated by 12-15 km. Presently, the Kibale region is receiving c. 300 mm more rain than it did at the start of the century, droughts are less frequent, the onset of the rainy season is earlier, and the average maximum monthly temperature is 3.5 ◦ C hotter than it was 25 y ago. The 1990-2002 phenology data illustrated high temporal variability in the proportion of the populations fruiting. Interannual variation in community-wide fruit availability was also high; however, the proportion of trees that fruited has increased over the past 12+ y. At the species level a variety of patterns were exhibited; however, a number of the most common species currently rarely fruit, and when they do, typically < 4% of the individuals take part in fruiting events. Combining the data set from 1990 to 2002 with that from 1970 to 1983 for specific species again reveals an increase in the proportion of trees fruiting between 1990 and 2002; however, the proportion of the populations fruiting decreased during the earlier period. When one examines particular species over this whole period a variety of patterns are evident. For example, Pouteria altissima exhibited a relatively regular pattern of fruiting during the 1970s; however, it rarely fruited in the 1990s. Contrasting phenological patterns at four sites revealed that at the community level the fruiting patterns of only one of the six pair-wise site combinations were correlated. Relationships between rainfall and fruiting were variable among sites. Contrasting changes in fruiting patterns over the 30 y with differences among the four sites varying in rainfall, suggests that the changes observed in fruiting may be due to climate change. Responses to this climate change are likely complex and will vary among species. However, for some species, current conditions appear unsuitable for fruiting.
Evaluation of an Std Education Media Campaign A Control Construct Design

A multimedia sexually transmitted disease (STD) education campaign was evaluated on a college campus. Media coverage and telephone interviews concerning the health topics of condom use, moderate alcohol use, and regular exercise were examined for four weeks prior to the campaign, during the campaign week, and for three weeks after the campaign. Compared to the other health topics, the condom use topic received more media coverage and more audience exposure, was discussed more, and showed an increase in supportive beliefs. Results demonstrated the increased power for a control construct research design that compares measures of a target construct (condom use) with those of control constructs (moderate alcohol use, and regular exercise) and supported belief change and agenda setting effects for the educational campaign.
Ecological genetics of the Bromus tectorum (Poaceae)–Ustilago bullata (Ustilaginaceae) pathosystem: A role for frequency-dependent selection?

 Premise of the study : Evolutionary processes that maintain genetic diversity in plants are likely to include selection imposed by pathogens. Negative frequency-dependent selection is a mechanism for maintenance of resistance polymorphism in plant – pathogen interactions. We explored whether such selection operates in the Bromus tectorum – Ustilago bullata pathosystem. Gene-for-gene relationships between resistance and avirulence loci have been demonstrated for this pathosystem.  Methods : We used molecular markers and cross-inoculation trials to learn whether the SSR genotypes of the host exhibited resistance to co-occurring pathogen races, whether host genotypes within a population had equal disease probability, and whether a common resistance locus and its corresponding avirulence locus exhibited predicted allele frequency changes during an epidemic.  Key results : Five of six putative resistance loci that conferred resistance to co-occurring pathogen races occurred in common host SSR genotypes. Some common genotypes within populations were more likely to be diseased than others, and genotype frequencies sometimes changed across years in patterns consistent with frequency-dependent selection. Observed changes in frequency of resistance and virulence alleles during an epidemic provided further support, but evidence was inconclusive.  Conclusions : Frequency-dependent selection may operate at endemic disease levels in this pathosystem, but is diffi cult to detect because many susceptible plants escape infection. Most pathogen isolates were virulent on most host genotypes, minimizing the apparent importance of frequency-dependent selection even during epidemics.
Dynamic tracking of ischemia in the surface electrocardiogram.

Abstract Background Accurate detection of the earliest signs of ischemia on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential for timely diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening ischemic events. Yet, accuracy of ischemia analysis in ECG monitors remains suboptimal because of a number of confounding factors, including changes in body position and other artifacts. Hence, the goals of this study were (1) to examine the duration and time course of ischemic events and (2) to compare ECG changes caused by “true” ischemic events with those caused by changes in body position. Continuous, 12-lead Holter ECGs obtained from patients who presented to the emergency department with chest pain and enrolled in the Ischemia Monitoring and Mapping in the Emergency Department in Appropriate Triage and Evaluation of Acute Ischemic Myocardium study were analyzed. Holter recordings were initiated within the first 40 minutes after patients' arrival to the emergency department. Here we present preliminary results. Methods Twelve patients (age, 59 ± 16 years; 5 women, 2 with a final diagnosis of non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 4 with unstable angina, and 6 with other cardiovascular diseases), in whom ischemic ST deviations were identified on Holter data, underwent 4 consecutive, 2-minute recordings in the following body positions: (1) supine, (2) on the left side, (3) on the right side, and (4) sitting (or standing) upright. After baseline correction, beat-to-beat changes in QRS and ST-T segments were examined in all 8 channels and the root-mean-square curve by using an adaptive algorithm that computes the slope, amplitude, duration, area, and the Karhunen-Loeve–derived representation of the corresponding segment. To prevent possible biases toward patients with more frequent ischemic events, a single index event was chosen for analysis in each patient. There were 3 ST-elevation events and 9 ST-depression events; these events reached the maximum ST deviation 11 ± 8 hours (mean ± SD) after the beginning of the recording. Results and Conclusions In most patients with transient myocardial ischemia, the microvolt-level, subthreshold deviation of the ST segment developed gradually, over 15 to 20 minutes, until it reached the maximum, superthreshold level. Despite the different ischemia localizations, the root-mean-square curve allowed accurate detection of significant changes in the ST segment in the studied group (Friedman analysis of variance for repeated measurements over a 1-hour interval). Changes in body position could be identified by tracking dynamics of the QRS pattern/axis. Adaptive algorithms for tracking of the ST dynamics with simultaneous tracking of the patterns of QRS complexes to discriminate the true and “false”-positive events are presented and discussed.
Strength, Dimensional Change and Adaptation of amalgam prepared with 1:1 ratio

When the 5 :5 ratio of mercury and alloy, as proposed by Eames, is used with a small condenser and heavy hand pressure, the resulting amalgam specimens have one-hour and seven-day compressive strength values similar to those obtained with an 8 :5 ratio. Somewhat better repro­ ducibility is obtained for the 5 :5 ratio than for the 8 :5 ratio. Although physical properties of the amalgam are not en­ hanced through use of the 5 :5 ratio, the technic can produce successful amalgam with low mercury content and high strength.
Inhibition of Cellular Cytotoxicity of Leukocytes for Herpes Simplex Virus-Infected Cells in Vitro and in Vivo by Intralipid

The effect of intralipid, a lipid emulsion used in total parenteral nutrition, on cellular cytotoxicity for herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected cells was analyzed. In vitro, intralipid inhibited antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of lymphocytes, monocytes-macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes and natural killer cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for radiolabeled HSV-infected liver cells. This was due to an effect on the leukocytes, rather than on the target cells. Intralipid did not affect leukocyte viability but inhibited the expression of leukocyte Fc receptors necessary for cytotoxicity. In vivo, intralipid inhibited murine ADCC and completely nullified the protection against lethal infection with HSV in neonatal mice afforded by the administration of human leukocytes and antibody. These data suggest that high levels of circulating intralipid may interfere with antiviral immunity in humans and predispose hosts who are already compromised to severe viral infections.
A synthesis load model with distribution network for power transmission system simulation and its validation

The deficiencies of existing load models and their implementations in power system simulation programs are addressed in this paper. To improve the load model for power system simulation, a Synthesis Load Model (SLM) with distribution network, which is consistent with the structure of power loads and distribution networks, is presented. The SLM is reasonable in structure and convenient to use. The SLM can simulate the load components and distribution systems including distribution network, reactive compensation and the generators connected to low voltage networks. The validity of SLM has been validated by four field tests of three-phase short circuit in Northeast China Power Grid in the years of 2004 and 2005 respectively.
Creating Zones of Possibility for Struggling Readers: A Study of One Fourth Grader's Shifting Roles in Literature Discussions

This is an inductive case study of a European-American fourth-grade girl who struggled with print-based aspects of literacy. The study highlights her multiple levels of competency as she participat...
Photoinduced Electron Transfer Reactions by SmI2 in THF: Luminescence Quenching Studies and Mechanistic Investigations

Photoluminescence quenching studies of SmI 2 in dry THF were carried out in the presence of five different classes of compounds: ketone, alkyl chloride, nitrile, alkene and imine. The free energy change (AG°) of the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) reactions was calculated from the redox potentials of the donor (SmI 2 ) and acceptors. The bimolecular quenching constants (k q ) derived from the Stern-Volmer experiments parallel the free energy changes of the PET processes. The observed quenching constants were compared with the theoretically derived electron transfer rate constants (k e t ) from Marcus theory and found to be in good agreement when a value of λ=167 kJ mol - 1 (40 kcal mol - 1 ) was used for the reorganization energy of the system. A careful comparison of the excited state dynamics of Sm I I in the solid state to the results obtained in solution (THF) provides new insight in to the excited states of Sm I I in THF. The activation parameters determined for the PET reactions in SmI 2 /1-chlorobutane system are consistent with a less ordered transition state and high degree of bond reorganization in the activated complex compared to similar ground state reactions. Irradiation studies clearly show that SmI 2 acts as a better reductant in the excited state and provides an alternative pathway for rate enhancement in known and novel functional group reductions.
Cirrus parameter retrieval by combined analysis of spectral thermal infrared and lidar sensing from aircraft and space

Summary form only given, substantially as follows:- The distribution, radiative and microphysical parameters of cirrus clouds are an important factor for cloud effects on the global radiation balance and climate. Multispectral thermal infrared observations are the most significant method used to remote sense cirrus parameters from current and planned passive satellite observations. Passive sensing alone has the limitation that both the cloud radiative temperature, or height, and the spectral emissivity must be derived in the analysis. Factors such as multiple cloud layering, which is very common, are known to introduce ambiguities in results. The addition of lidar cloud height structure measurements significantly improves retrievals. Analysis focused on analysis of results from extensive aircraft measurements and a prototype space experiment are presented.
Geophysical Logging in Carbonate Aquifersa

Some logging methods are inherently superior to others for the analysis of limestone and dolomite aquifers. Three such systems are the density, neutron, and acousticvelocity logs. Relative percentages of limestone and dolomite, average matrix (grain) densities of the rock mixtures, and porosity of the rock mass can be calculated from density, neutron, and acoustic-velocity logs. Wells drilled before the 1960's generally were logged with an uncalibrated neutron tool. In some instances, the resultant curve can be empirically calibrated. With supporting data from resistivity logs, apparent water resistivity (Rwa) can be estimated. Depending on rock and mud resistivities, the two most useful resistivity curves for water-quality studies are the deeply-focused laterolog and the induction log. For older wells, the standard electric log may be used, if the drilling mud is not salt-saturated. Rwa contour maps derived from geophysical data are useful to outline areas of recharge, direction of probable ground-water flow, and location and salinity of brine areas. Another useful application of well logs is estimation of ground-water temperature. These temperatures are obtained from maximum-reading thermometer data that generally are recorded on each logging run. Maps of porosity can be used to outline potential areas for completing large-yield wells.
ENSO and Variability of the Antarctic Peninsula Pelagic Marine Ecosystem

The West Antarctic Peninsula region is an important source of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the Southern Ocean. From 1980 - 2004 abundance and concentration of phytoplankton and zooplankton, krill reproductive and recruitment success and seasonal sea ice extent here were significantly correlated with the atmospheric Southern Oscillation Index and exhibited three- to five-year frequencies characteristic of El Nino - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. This linkage was associated with movements of the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current Front and Boundary, a changing influence of Antarctic Circumpolar Current and Weddell Sea waters, and eastward versus westward flow and mixing processes that are consistent with forcing by the Antarctic Dipole high-latitude climate mode. Identification of hydrographic processes underlying ecosystem variability presented here were derived primarily from multi- disciplinary data collected during 1990 - 2004, a period with relatively stable year-to-year sea ice conditions. These results differ from the overwhelming importance of seasonal sea ice development previously established using 1980 - 1996 data, a period marked by a major decrease in sea ice from the Antarctic Peninsula region in the late 1980s. These newer results reveal the more subtle consequences of ENSO variability on biological responses. They highlight the necessity of internally consistent long-term multidisciplinary datasets for understanding ecosystem variability and ultimately for establishing well- founded ecosystem management. Furthermore, natural environmental variability associated with interannual- and decadal-scale changes in ENSO forcing must be considered when assessing impacts of climate warming in the Antarctic Peninsula - Weddell Sea region.
Clinical utility and policy implications of a statewide mental health screening process for Juvenile offenders

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the utility of screening adjudicated juvenile offenders for mental health symptoms at intake to the State of Washington Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. The authors assessed the ability of a screening measure, the Massachusetts Youth Screening Inventory, second edition (MAYSI-2), to identify youths with mental health problems and co-occurring substance use problems. This study also examined the relationship of these symptoms to treatment utilization both before and after intake to the juvenile justice system. Ethnic and gender differences in the screening results were studied. METHODS: The MAYSI-2 was administered to 1,840 youths consecutively admitted to state custody. Cluster analysis was used to group the youths by mental health symptom status, and the relationship between symptoms and treatment utilization was tested in the groups identified in the cluster analysis. RESULTS: Youths who reported a high level of mental health symptoms, with or without co-occurring ...
Language and cognitive outcomes in internationally adopted children

This study focuses on the association between language skills and core cognitive processes relative to the duration of institutionalization in children adopted from orphanages abroad. Participants in the adoptive group (n = 46) had arrived in the United States between the ages of 2 and 84 months (mean = 24 months), and had been living in the United States for 1-9 years. Drawing on both experimental and standardized assessments, language skills of the international adoptees differed as a function of length of time spent in an institution and from those of 24 nonadopted controls. Top-down cognitive assessments including measures of explicit memory and cognitive control differed between adopted and nonadopted children, yet differences between groups in bottom-up implicit learning processes were unremarkable. Based on the present findings, we propose a speculative model linking language and cognitive changes to underlying neural circuitry alterations that reflect the impact of chronic stress, due to adoptees' experience of noncontingent, nonindividualized caregiving. Thus, the present study provides support for a relationship between domain-general cognitive processes and language acquisition, and describes a potential mechanism by which language skills are affected by institutionalization.
A coupled physical and economic model of the response of coastal real estate to climate risk

A study that couples a barrier-island model with an agent-based model of real-estate markets shows that, relative to people with little belief in model predictions on climate change, informed property owners invest heavily in defensive measures in the short term. They then abandon coastal real estate when price volatility becomes significant. Barring an unprecedented large-scale effort to raise island elevation, barrier-island communities common along the US East Coast are likely to eventually face inundation of the existing built environment1 on a timescale that depends on uncertain climatic forcing. Between the present and when a combination of sea-level rise and erosion renders these areas uninhabitable, communities must choose levels of defensive expenditures to reduce risks and individual residents must assess whether and when risk levels are unacceptably high to justify investment in housing. We model the dynamics of coastal adaptation as the interplay of underlying climatic risks, collective actions to mitigate those risks, and individual risk assessments based on beliefs in model predictions and processing of past climate events. Efforts linking physical and behavioural models to explore shoreline dynamics2,3,4 have not yet brought together this set of essential factors. We couple a barrier-island model with an agent-based model of real-estate markets5 to show that, relative to people with low belief in model predictions about climate change, informed property owners invest heavily in defensive expenditures in the near term and then abandon coastal real estate at some critical risk threshold that presages a period of significant price volatility.
Compact, low insertion-loss, sharp-rejection, and wide-band microstrip bandpass filters

This paper presents a new compact, low insertion-loss, sharp-rejection, and wide-band microstrip bandpass filter. A bandstop filter is introduced that uses a ring resonator with direct-connected orthogonal feed lines. A new bandpass filter based on the bandstop filter uses two tuning stubs to construct a wide-band passband with two sharp stopbands. Without coupling gaps between feed lines and rings, there are no mismatch and radiation losses between them and, therefore, the new filters show low insertion loss. In addition, a dual-mode characteristic is used to increase the stopband bandwidth of the new filters. A simple transmission-line model used to calculate the frequency responses of the filters shows good agreement with measurements. The filter using three cascaded rings has 3-dB fractional bandwidth of 49.3%, an insertion loss of better than 1.6 dB in the passband, a return loss of larger than 13 dB from 4.58 to 7.3 GHz, and two rejections of greater than 40 dB within 2.75-4.02 and 7.73-9.08 GHz. The high-performance, compact-size, and low-cost filter was designed for reducing the interference in full duplex systems in satellite communications.
Effects of submicrosecond, high intensity pulsed electric fields on living cells - intracellular electromanipulation

Development of technology to produce nanosecond duration pulsed electric fields has allowed examination of the effects of ultrashort duration, high intensity electric fields on living cells. Theoretically, high intensity (MV/m) electric field applications with durations of less than one microsecond, when shortened toward nanoseconds, should increasingly affect intracellular rather than surface membranes of living cells. Experimentally, square-wave, 60 ns duration, high energy (36-53 kV/cm) pulses applied in trains of 1-10 pulses result in progressive increases in the numbers of permeabilized intracellular granules in a human eosinophil cell model-without large surface membrane effects. Electron micrographic examination of cells treated in this way demonstrates alteration of intracellular granule morphology consistent with permeabilization of granule membrane, i.e., intracellular electromanipulation. Continuous microscopic examination of individual living cells exposed to long or short duration pulsed electric field applications shows that permeabilization of surface membrane (median 5 minutes) with anodic preference (electroporation) and prompt cellular swelling follow a single, long duration (100 microsecond) pulse. In contrast, after a single short duration (60 ns) pulse, onset of surface membrane permeability is delayed (median 17 minutes), the increased permeability shows no anodic preference, and cellular swelling is absent suggesting that these effects are due to intracellular electromanipulation rather than direct effects on the surface membrane. Submicrosecond, intense pulsed electric fields applied to living cells achieve preferential effects on intracellular rather than surface membranes, potentially providing new approaches for selective/generalized cell or tissue ablation, growth stimulation and tissue remodeling.
Modeling Cultural Cognition

In this article we defend our contention that culture is prior to facts in resolving the gun debate. The basis for this position, simply put, is that culture is prior to facts in human cognition. Through an overlapping set of psychological and social mechanisms, individuals adopt the factual beliefs that are dominant among persons who share their cultural orientations. Far from being updated in light of new evidence, beliefs so formed operate as an evidentiary filter, inducing individuals to dismiss any contrary evidence as unreliable, particularly when that evidence is proffered by individuals of an opposing cultural affiliation. So even accepting - which we do - that individuals care about both what guns do and what guns mean, it's idle to hope that consensus based on empirical research can settle the gun debate: individuals simply won't perceive any such consensus to exist so long as cultural conflict over the meaning of guns persists. We fill out the details of this claim - and the extensive research in social psychology on which it rests - by developing a series of models that simulate the formation and transmission of belief. Section 2 will present the Factual Enlightenment Model, which shows how persuasive empirical proof can indeed generate societal consensus on a disputed issue. Section 3 will present the Cultural Cognition Model, which shows how various social and psychological mechanisms can generate beliefs that are uniform within and polarized across distinct cultural orientations. Section 4 develops a model - Truth vs. Culture - that shows that cultural cognition constrains factual enlightenment when these two dynamics of belief-formation and transmission are pitted against one another. And finally, in section, we develop a Breakthrough Politics Model, which shows how persuasive empirical proof can dispel culturally influenced states of false belief once policy options are invested with social meanings that make them compatible with diverse cultural orientations.
A hybrid apparatus for friction and accelerated wear testing of total knee replacement bearing materials

The statistical survivorship of total knee replacement (TKR) devices declines dramatically after fifteen years of use because the articulating surfaces wear, and biologically active wear particles may induce osteolysis and subsequent loosening of the implant. This lack of durability leads to revision surgery or surgery postponement. Thus, friction and wear evaluation is of primary concern when designing the next generation of TKR bearings. Presently, knee simulators are used to aid in the development of TKR devices, mimicking six degrees of freedom of the knee joint under simulated gait. However, these simulator experiments are lengthy and, thus, do not allow for efficient testing of large numbers of bearing material pairs and designs. Conversely, inexpensive pin-on-disk (POD) tests allow for efficient testing, but the results may have limited clinical relevance. This paper presents the design of a hybrid friction and accelerated wear testing apparatus that combines elements of both a POD apparatus and a knee simulator. The apparatus simulates dynamic axial loading and flexion/extension rotation, and it enables fast and inexpensive screening of TKR bearing materials with boundary and loading conditions that are more clinically relevant than those of a POD apparatus.
Haptic system design for MRI-guided needle based prostate brachytherapy

This paper presents the design of a haptic system for prostate needle brachytherapy under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. This haptic system consists of some recently developed MRI-compatible mechatronic devices, including a fiber optic force sensor and a piezoelectric motor actuated needle driver mounted on a specifically designed 3-axis linear stage. We first propose the teleoperation framework with system architecture, infrastructure and control algorithm for the master-slave haptic interface. Then we introduce some novel sensors and actuators for MRI-compatible mechatronic devices of this haptic system. We developed the force sensor which provides in-vivo measurement of needle insertion forces to render proprioception associated with the brachytherapy procedure. We discuss the sensing principle of the optical sensor which enables two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) torque measurement and one DOF force measurement. The second apparatus of this system is a high precision 3-axis linear stage actuated by piezoelectric motors and position sensed by optical linear and rotary encoders and all of them have proved good magnetic compatibility. The needle driver can simultaneously provide needle cannula rotation and stylet translation motion while the cannula translation is engendered by the stage. The independent rotation and translation motion of the cannula and stylet can increase the targeting accuracy while minimize the tissue deformation and damage. The master-slave haptic system is capable of positioning needle and sensing insertion forces thus increasing the operation autonomy, accuracy and reducing the operation time.
Hyperpolarization of a barnacle photoreceptor membrane following illumination.

Membrane potential changes following illumination of a photoreceptor cell in the lateral ocellus of a barnacle ( Balanus eburneus ) were studied by means of intracellular recording and polarization techniques. Illumination produces a depolarizing response. When the illumination is terminated, the membrane potential temporarily becomes more negative than the resting potential prior to illumination. Although the amplitude of this postillumination hyperpolarization depends upon the intensity as well as the duration of the light pulse, the time course is fairly constant. The hyperpolarization is not associated with any significant membrane conductance increase and is abolished by 10-5 M ouabain. It diminishes when the external Na or K ions are removed. An intracellular injection of Na ions produces a hyperpolarization similar to that following illumination. It is suggested that the postillumination hyperpolarization is produced by an electrogenic Na pump which is activated by the Na influx during illumination.
Changes in Religious Giving Reflect Changes in Involvement: Age and Cohort Effects in Religious Giving, Secular Giving, and Attendance

We present two patterns over time in religious giving, secular giving, and religious service attendance. The first pattern describes the prewar cohort (born 1924-1938) as they aged between middle adulthood (ages 35-49) and their senior years (ages 62-76). The second pattern compares the baby boom cohort (born 1951-1965) in middle adulthood to the middle adulthood of the prewar cohort. We present patterns for all families as well as separately for Catholic and Protestant families using data from three sources. The prewar cohort increased their religious giving and attendance as they aged, but-compared to the prewar cohort in middle adulthood-baby boomers give less than expected to religion and attend less. Baby boomer giving is noticeably less than expected and attendance noticeably lower among Catholic boomers, but less so among Protestant boomers. We argue that together these patterns are evidence that changes in religious giving reflect changes in religious involvement.
Pattern Recognition Studies of Halogenated Organic Compounds Using Conducting Polymer Sensor Arrays

Direct measurement of volatile and semivolatile halogenated organic compounds of environmental interest was carried out using arrays of conducting polymer sensors. Mathematical expressions of the sensor arrays using microscopic polymer network model is described. A classical, nonparametric, and unsupervised technique of cluster analysis was used to discriminate between polychlorinated organic phenol vapor response vectors in 2-dimensional space and to identify clusters or groups to which unknown vectors are likely to belong. The characteristic pattern for each sample was used to generate the database employed in the determination of the Euclidean distances between two given patterns and the normalized sensor response, as well as to develop a 2-dimensional mapping from a multidimensional space for quantifying the distinction of the samples. Results obtained demonstrated that conducting polymer sensor arrays can be utilized in the identification and quantitation of chlorinated organic phenols based on the differences in their Euclidean distances. The systematic differences, qualitatively defined by the Euclidean difference measurements, were most clearly visible when the nature and the function of the functional groups were considered.
Effects of Culture and Training on Perceptual Learning Style and Spatial Task Performance in Apparel Design

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of culture and training on preferred perceptual learning style and performance of spatial tasks in apparel design. Participants were 88 U.S. and 97 Swazi university students enrolled in apparel design courses. To measure performance on spatial tasks, the Apparel Spatial Visualization Test (ASVT) was used. Preferred perceptual learning styles were measured by the Perceptual Modality Preference Survey. Spatial task performance was affected by training and culture of participants. U.S. students (compared with Swazi students) and students in upper-level apparel design courses (compared with lower-level) scored higher on the ASVT. Preferred perceptual learning style was affected by culture but not by training. Swazi students had a greater preference for the Print modality than U.S. students who indicated a greater preference for the Haptic and Visual modalities.
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF MEANING: IDEAS FOR A PHILOSOPHICAL GRAMMAR

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF MEANING: IDEAS FOR A PHILOSOPHICAL GRAMMAR. Michele Prandi. Amsterdam: Benjamins, 2004. Pp. xviii + 520. $162.00 cloth.This volume is an attempt to develop a philosophical grammar, one that separates out and unifies the contributions to meaning from syntax, the lexicon, and conceptual structure, and one within which figures of speech such as metonymy and metaphor—conflictual complex meanings—can be explored and analyzed. These are forms of expression that the author views as neglected by philosophers and linguistics (although the work of Lakoff and other cognitive linguists would be one exception). The grammar itself is given in completely descriptive, informal terms.
Sonic Hedgehog, a key development gene, experienced intensified molecular evolution in primates

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is one of the most intensively studied genes in developmental biology. It is a highly conserved gene, found in species as diverse as arthropods and mammals. The mammalian SHH encodes a signaling molecule that plays a central role in developmental patterning, especially of the nervous system and the skeletal system. Here, we show that the molecular evolution of SHH is markedly accelerated in primates relative to other mammals. We further show that within primates, the acceleration is most prominent along the lineage leading to humans. Finally, we show that the acceleration in the lineage leading to humans is coupled with signatures of adaptive evolution. In particular, the lineage leading to humans is characterized by a rampant and statistically highly non-random gain of serines and threonines, residues that are potential substrates of post-translational modifications. This suggests that SHH might have evolved more complex post-translational regulation in the lineage leading to humans. Collectively, these findings implicate SHH as a potential contributor to the evolution of primate- or human-specific morphological traits in the nervous and/or skeletal systems and provide the impetus for additional studies aimed at identifying the primate- or human-specific functions of this key development gene.
Growth-promoting Technologies Decrease the Carbon Footprint, Ammonia Emissions, and Costs of California Beef Production Systems

Increased animal performance is sug- gested as one of the most effective mitigation strategies to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia (NH 3 ) emissions from livestock production per unit of prod- uct produced. Little information exists, however, on the effects of increased animal productivity on the net decrease in emission from beef production systems. A partial life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) to estimate GHG and NH 3 emissions from representative beef production systems in California that use various management technologies to enhance animal perfor- mance. The IFSM is a farm process model that simulates crop growth, feed production, animal performance, and manure production and handling through time to pre- dict the performance, economics, and environmental impacts of production systems. The simulated beef pro- duction systems compared were 1) Angus-natural, with no use of growth-enhancing technologies, 2) Angus- implant, with ionophore and growth-promoting implant (e.g., estrogen/trenbolone acetate-based) application, 3) Angus-s2-adrenergic agonists (BAA; e.g., zilpaterol), with ionophore, growth-promoting implant, and BAA application, 4) Holstein-implant, with growth implant and ionophore application, and 5) Holstein-BAA, with ionophore, growth implant, and BAA use. During the feedlot phase, use of BAA decreased NH 3 emission by 4 to 9 g/kg HCW, resulting in a 7% decrease in NH 3 loss from the full production system. Combined use of iono- phore, growth implant, and BAA treatments decreased NH 3 emission from the full production system by 14 g/ kg HCW, or 13%. The C footprint of beef was decreased by 2.2 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e)/kg HCW using all the growth-promoting technologies, and the Holstein beef footprint was decreased by 0.5 kg CO 2 e/ kg HCW using BAA. Over the full production systems, these decreases were relatively small at 9% and 5% for Angus and Holstein beef, respectively. The growth-pro- moting technologies we evaluated are a cost-effective way to mitigate GHG and NH 3 emissions, but naturally managed cattle can bring a similar net return to Angus cattle treated with growth-promoting technologies when sold at an 8% greater premium price.
The search for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with ≤10% patients surviving 5 years from the time of diagnosis. After tumor progression on frontline therapy with concomitant chemoradiotherapy followed by consolidation temozolomide there are few effective treatment options. Bevacizumab and nitrosureas are the most commonly used systemic options in this instance but no overall survival benefit has been demonstrated. In this review we outline the major avenues of research for treatment of recurrent GBM including anti-angiogenic, signaling pathway blockade and immunotherapy approaches. Results of recent trials as well as pertinent ongoing studies are discussed. Enrollment of patients to clinical trials as well as incorporation of correlative translational science studies to identify predictive biomarkers of treatment response will be key to improving outcomes in this devastating disease.
Control of Triassic seawater chemistry and temperature on the evolution of post-Paleozoic aragonite-secreting faunas

The terminal Permian extinction event ended the dominance of calcite-secreting benthic faunas that had prevailed during the Paleozoic. Most of those calcite secretors (especially brachiopods and corals) were replaced during the Early and Middle Triassic by aragonite-secreting faunas (especially bivalves and scleractinian corals). Geochemical evidence suggests that a unique combination of elevated sulfate concentrations, elevated temperatures, and possibly elevated Mg/Ca ratios characterized Early and Middle Triassic seawater. These Triassic geochemical conditions may have favored evolution of the aragonitic faunas that arose in the aftermath of the Permian extinctions and that have subsequently dominated the Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
Packet Scheduling of Streaming Video with Flexible Reference Frame using Dynamic Programming and Integer Rounding

Video coding standards like H.264 offer the flexibility to select reference frames during motion estimation for predicted frames. We investigate the packet scheduling problem of streaming video over lossy networks from a real-time encoder with flexible reference frame. In particular, we consider a multi-path streaming setting where each predicted frame of video, in addition to the flexibility to select a reference frame, can schedule one or multiple transmissions on one or multiple delivery paths for the upcoming optimization period. We present an algorithm based on dynamic programming that provides a locally optimal solution with high complexity. We then present a rounding method to reduce computation complexity at the expense of degrading solution quality. Results show that our algorithm performs noticeably better than a greedy scheme, and graceful tradeoff between complexity and solution quality can be achieved.
Complement Activation During Hemodialysis: Clinical Observations, Proposed Mechanisms, and Theoretical Implications

Human C3a radioimmunoassay techniques were employed to define both the temporal profile and the amount of complement activation taking place in the extracorporeal circuit during maintenance hemodialysis. Prospective studies demonstrated that C3a formation, like hemodialysis-associated leukopenia, was a transient phenomenon that occurred predominantly during the first 30 min of dialysis. Quantitative comparisons revealed that new Cuprophan hemodialyzers displayed somewhat greater complement-activating potential than cellulose acetate dialyzers. By contrast to new Cuprophan membranes, both reused Cuprophan and polyacrylonitrile dialyzers exhibited only a modest ability to activate human complement. These findings are compatible with the known mechanisms of complement activation and suggest that certain chemical and biochemical methods might be exploited to enhance the biocompatibility of cellulose dialysis membranes.
Effects of Growth Factors and Feeder Cells on Porcine Primordial Germ Cells In Vitro

As embryonic stem (ES) cells are not available in swine, embryonic germ (EG) cells derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs) are an alternate source of pluripotent embryonic cells for genetic modification through homologous recombination. Although morphological and biochemical characteristics are similar between ES and EG cells, culture conditions are quite different. To optimize the culture condition for the establishment of porcine EG cells, porcine PGCs were cultured in vitro with various combinations of growth factors (leukemia inhibitory factor [LIF], stem cell factor [SCF], and basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF]) and on different kinds of feeder cells (STO, TM(4), Sl/Sl(4) m220, porcine embryonic fibroblasts, and COS-7 cells). Optimal results were obtained when all three growth factors (LIF, SCF, and bFGF) were present in the media. Also, feeder cells expressing membrane-bound SCF are required for survival and establishment of porcine EG cells. Therefore, a combination of growth factors and proper feeder cells are critical for the establishment of undifferentiated porcine EG cells.
Assessment of Practice Patterns Following Publication of the SSO-ASTRO Consensus Guideline on Margins for Breast-Conserving Therapy in Stage I and II Invasive Breast Cancer.

Background The recently published SSO–ASTRO consensus guideline on margins concluded “no ink on tumor” is the standard for an adequate margin. This study was conducted to determine how this guideline is aligned with current clinical practice.
Regulation of Clostridium difficile Spore Formation by the SpoIIQ and SpoIIIA Proteins.

Sporulation is an ancient developmental process that involves the formation of a highly resistant endospore within a larger mother cell. In the model organism Bacillus subtilis, sporulation-specific sigma factors activate compartment-specific transcriptional programs that drive spore morphogenesis. σG activity in the forespore depends on the formation of a secretion complex, known as the “feeding tube,” that bridges the mother cell and forespore and maintains forespore integrity. Even though these channel components are conserved in all spore formers, recent studies in the major nosocomial pathogen Clostridium difficile suggested that these components are dispensable for σG activity. In this study, we investigated the requirements of the SpoIIQ and SpoIIIA proteins during C. difficile sporulation. C. difficile spoIIQ, spoIIIA, and spoIIIAH mutants exhibited defects in engulfment, tethering of coat to the forespore, and heat-resistant spore formation, even though they activate σG at wildtype levels. Although the spoIIQ, spoIIIA, and spoIIIAH mutants were defective in engulfment, metabolic labeling studies revealed that they nevertheless actively transformed the peptidoglycan at the leading edge of engulfment. In vitro pull-down assays further demonstrated that C. difficile SpoIIQ directly interacts with SpoIIIAH. Interestingly, mutation of the conserved Walker A ATP binding motif, but not the Walker B ATP hydrolysis motif, disrupted SpoIIIAA function during C. difficile spore formation. This finding contrasts with B. subtilis, which requires both Walker A and B motifs for SpoIIIAA function. Taken together, our findings suggest that inhibiting SpoIIQ, SpoIIIAA, or SpoIIIAH function could prevent the formation of infectious C. difficile spores and thus disease transmission.
Increased adrenal delta-5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in vitamin A-deficient cockerels.

SummaryMild vitamin A deficiency in SCWL cockerels increased δ5-3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the adrenal cortices and decreased the enzyme in the Leydig cells of the testis. The vitamin A deficiency produced significantly larger combs and testes, increased spermatozoa maturation, and reduced bursa of Fabricius size. The increase in adrenal enzyme may account for the testicular effects observed.
From Concave to Convex: Capillary Bridges in Slit Pore Geometry

We investigate the morphological evolution of nonaxisymmetric capillary bridges in slit-pore geometry as the height of the pore and aspect ratio of the bridge are varied. The liquid bridges are formed between two hydrophobic surfaces patterned with hydrophilic strips. The aspect ratio of the capillary bridges (length/width) is varied from 2.5 to 120 by changing the separation between the surfaces, the width of the strips, or the fluid volume. As the bridge height is increased, the aspect ratio decreases and we observe a large increase in the mean curvature of the bridge. More specifically, the following counterintuitive result is observed: the mean curvature of the bridges changes sign and goes from negative (concave bridge) to positive (convex bridge) when the height is increased at constant volume. These experimental observations are in quantitative agreement with Surface Evolver simulations. Scaling shows a collapse of the data indicating that this transition in the sign of the Laplace pressure is univ...