cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Insight into Cycloidal Areas

A point on the boundary of a circular disk that rolls once along a straight line traces a cycloid. The cycloid divides its circumscribing rectangle into a cycloidal arch below the curve and a cycloidal cap above it. The area of the arch is three times that of the disk, and the area of the cap is equal to that of the disk. The paper provides deeper insight into this well-known property by showing (without integration) that the ratio 3:1 holds at every stage of rotation. Each cycloidal sector swept by a normal segment from the point of contact of the disk to the cycloid has area three times that of the overlapping circular segment cut from the rolling disk. This surprising result is extended to epicycloids (and hypocycloids), obtained by rolling a disk of radius r externally (or internally) around a fixed circle of radius R. The factor 3 is replaced by (3 + 2r/R) for the epicycloid, and by (3 − 2r/R) for the hypocycloid. This leads to several interesting consequences. For example, for any cycloid, epicycloid, or hypocycloid, the area of one full arch exceeds that of one full cap by twice the area of the rolling disk. Other applications yield (again without integration) compact geometrically revealing formulas for areas of cycloidal radial and ordinate sets.
Submaximal Exercise Testing in a Random Sample of an Elderly Population

To examine the electrocardiographic response to exercise in an older population, 280 participants in a longitudinal study of cerebrovascular disease were tested. Subjects were randomly selected from the total 50 to 69-year-old population of Birmingham, Alabama. Approximately 60% of the participants reached a heart rate more than 80% of their predicted maximal heart rate. Subjects were divided into three groups on clinical grounds: (I) vascular disease, (II) risk factor(s) only, and (III) normal. Positive tests (at least 0.10 mv of ischemic ST-segment depression) were most frequent in group I (24%), though not significantly different from group II (19%) and group III (12%). Hypercholesterolemia was significantly associated with a positive exercise test only in those subjects with vascular disease. Nonspecific ST-T wave changes on the resting electrocardiogram were associated with a positive test in all subjects, but with only a borderline test in those subjects without vascular disease. No significant associations were noted between abnormal exercise test and either cigarette smoking or hypertension.
The miswak (Salvadora persica L.) chewing stick: Cultural implications in oral health promotion

Abstract Introduction With the increasing incidence of oral diseases attributed to poor oral hygiene, mechanical removal of dental plaque has been regarded as an effective means in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The methods for oral hygiene vary from culture to culture and the dimensions regarding the global need for alternative prevention and effective treatment methods have expanded. Discussion Evidence-based studies and clinical trials have revealed the use of Salvadora persica (miswak) as an effective oral hygiene aid by which different cultures have attached functional value since ancient times. Conclusion The World Health Organization recommends and encourages the use of miswak as an inexpensive and effective oral hygiene tool in areas where it is customary. Its availability, low-cost, simplicity, and use have been extensively studied in regions around the world where miswak can play a significant role in the promotion of oral hygiene. As a result, current and upcoming public health practitioners and the dental profession should become familiar with the application of miswak within its traditional customs. Furthermore, efficacy studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness and usefulness of any potential didactic training involving miswak use to educate health professionals.
Mammalian expression cloning of two human trophoblast suppressors of major histocompatibility complex genes.

PROBLEM Human trophoblasts suppress interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-simulated expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes and thereby protect the conceptus from maternal immune attack. The mechanism of this suppression is poorly understood. METHOD OF STUDY IFN-gamma-responsive HeLa cells were stably transfected with trophoblast cDNA expression libraries and screened by negative immunoselection with an antibody to HLA-DR. RESULTS Two suppressor cDNAs were isolated. One encoded the untranslated RNA trophoblast STAT utron (TSU), which blocked STAT1 nuclear translocation and can theoretically form triplex RNA-DNA at the class II transactivator gene promoters. The other encoded the N-terminal 28 residues of chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS). TSU-related genes were detected in human and macaque but not in mouse, genomic DNA. CONCLUSIONS The genetics of two human trophoblast MHC suppressors suggest that these functions have been gained in human placenta in recent evolutionary history. TSU and hCS play critical roles in suppression of MHC genes, which may lead to silencing by DNA methylation.
A constraint on comparisons: Equally detailed alternatives

Abstract Children's errors in collective comparison tasks are atributed to the comparison of the wrong classes. It is specifically hypothesized that alternative classes are erroneously formed subject to the constrain that the same kinds of properties are criterial for each alternative. This hypothesis, called the equally detailed alternatives hypothesis, is tested in three experiments with hierarchically organized stimuli and requests to compare a superordinate class and a nonincluded subclass, for example, dogs and yellow cats. In all three experiments 4-year-old children's comparisons were found to be in accord with the hypothesis. In the first experiment both perceptual and linguistic factors determine which classes are compared. In the second experiment, as predicted, erroneous subclass comparisons were more common when all subclasses were distinguished by the same kinds of properties. In the third experiment, the children were asked to partition the stimulus objects into the classes to be compared. The vast majority of partitions were erroneous and in accord with the hypothesis. Potential benefits of the constrain are considered.
Electrical Stability of a Novel Refractory Sealing Glass in a Dual Environment for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

A novel refractory alkaline-earth silicate (Sr-Ca-Y-B-Si) sealing glass was developed for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. The glass was sealed between two metallic interconnect plates and tested for electrical stability at elevated temperatures and duel environments under DC loading. The isothermal aging results showed very stable electrical resistivity with values 5-9 orders of magnititudes higher than typical SOFC function materials at 850 degrees C for ~700 hr. For comparison, the state-of-the-art sealing glass (G18, Ba-Ca-Al-B-Si) was also evaluated in a similar condition and showed less stable in accelerated tests at 830 degrees C for ~100 hr. Interfacial microstruicture was characterized and possible reactions were discussed.
Post-fire land treatments and wind erosion - Lessons from the Milford Flat Fire, UT, USA

Abstract We monitored sediment flux at 25 plots located at the northern end of the 2007 Milford Flat Fire (Lake Bonneville Basin, west-central Utah) to examine the effectiveness of post-fire rehabilitation treatments in mitigating risks of wind erosion during the first 3 years post fire. Maximum values were recorded during Mar–Jul 2009 when horizontal sediment fluxes measured with BSNE samplers ranged from 16.3 to 1251.0 g m −2 d −1 in unburned plots ( n = 8; data represent averages of three sampler heights per plot), 35.2–555.3 g m −2 d −1 in burned plots that were not treated ( n = 5), and 21.0–44,010.7 g m −2 d −1 in burned plots that received one or more rehabilitation treatments that disturbed the soil surface ( n = 12). Fluxes during this period exhibited extreme spatial variability and were contingent on upwind landscape characteristics and surficial soil properties, with maximum fluxes recorded in settings downwind of treated areas with long treatment length and unstable fine sand. Nonlinear patterns of wind erosion attributable to soil and fetch effects highlight the profound importance of landscape setting and soil properties as spatial factors to be considered in evaluating risks of alternative post-fire rehabilitation strategies. By Mar–Jul 2010, average flux for all plots declined by 73.6% relative to the comparable 2009 period primarily due to the establishment and growth of exotic annual plants rather than seeded perennial plants. Results suggest that treatments in sensitive erosion-prone settings generally exacerbated rather than mitigated wind erosion during the first 3 years post fire, although long-term effects remain uncertain.
Management of Proximal Humeral Nonunions and Malunions

Surgical treatment of proximal humeral nonunions and malunions are technically challenging. Osteosynthesis with bone grafting for the treatment of nonunions is indicated in young, active patients with adequate bone stock in the proximal fragment and preservation of the glenohumeral articular surfaces. Corrective osteotomy may be a reasonable option for proximal humeral malunions in young patients without evidence of degenerative joint disease. Arthroplasty for proximal humerus nonunions and malunions has a guarded outcome because of limitations in shoulder motion, but pain relief is more consistently improved upon.
Enrichment of C-Type Virus mRNA from Immuno-Chemically Separated Polyribosomes

A method for the isolation of mRNA from a c-type virus-positive cell (JLS-V6) has been developed. This method consisted of (i) specific immunochemical precipitation of polyribosomes synthesizing viral proteins, (ii) extraction of the mRNA from the polyribosome/antigen/antibody complex, and (iii) separation of poly-A containing RNA by affinity chromatography on oligo-d(T)-cellulose. Three size classes of virus specific poly-A containing mRNA are identified and they are 35S, 20S-25S, and 10S-15S.
Cultural Change and Communications in Morocco

One of the significant, but difficult to measure, factors effecting cultural change is communication. Communication is achieved consciously and unconsciously, passively and deliberately, in many ways. It utilizes, and stimulates, all of man's traditionally defined senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. And these senses utilize and stimulate communication. In this article we shall consider only the deliberate and conscious manipulation of the senses by certain controlled media of communication, controlled for the purpose of exerting influence. We shall limit our consideration to the use of film, the press, radio, and television, and shall consider their use, and the implications of their use for cultural and social change, with particular reference to Morocco. The observations which follow are subjective—based on personal observation, contact, and involvement since 1957.1 An attempt at objectivity underlies this study, but it would be less than candid not to admit that one's experiences and train...
Vibratory noise in anthropogenic habitats and its effect on prey detection in a web-building spider

In nature, animals must contend with the presence of noise, which may limit their ability to detect prey, attract mates and escape predators. Sources of noise vary and may originate from natural (e.g. animal sounds, water) or anthropogenic (e.g. traffic, construction) sources. The vibratory sensory modality has long been overlooked in the study of anthropogenic effects on wildlife. Human-induced environmental changes may introduce noise sources as well as artificial substrates that alter vibratory noise profiles, leading to maladaptive behavioural responses. We conducted field measurements of vibratory noise on various substrate types (natural and artificial) used by animals in human-developed habitats. Next, we conducted laboratory experiments on how vibratory noise affects the prey detection ability of the European garden spider, Araneus diadematus. We tested whether changes in vibratory noise profiles consistent with anthropogenic alterations of vibratory habitats are sufficient to alter the spider's sensitivity to prey cues. We found that overall noise amplitude on artificial substrates was lower and less variable across contexts compared with natural substrates. In experiments with different noise levels, we observed that garden spiders showed noise-dependent changes in sensitivity to prey-mimicking cues, with response thresholds lowest at intermediate noise levels. Experimental levels of intermediate noise consistent with field measurements on natural substrates suggest that spiders' predatory performance is higher when webs are constructed on natural substrates. This suggests that human-introduced substrates may interfere with spiders' predatory performance. As human activities and habitat alteration are widespread, our findings highlight the need to consider the vibratory sensory channel in assessing anthropogenic impacts on wildlife.
The New Orleans Lakefront Nostalgia and the Fate of New Urbanism

Situated on a crescent-shaped swath of largely swampy land between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, the city of New Orleans has limited ability to expand its geographical boundaries. New Orleanians’ efforts to expand and develop the Milneberg area of its northern edge began at the end of the eighteenth century but did not reach full realization until the middle of the twentieth century. Though established as a destination for the traveling elite, the area quickly transitioned into a wide-open community with recreational opportunities for all strata of New Orleans society. By the middle of the twentieth century, governmental and private developers worked together to create an amusement park, four mixed-income neighborhoods, numerous institutional properties, and public parks on the new lakefront. The history of this development traces the interplay of public and private forces on decisions of land use and urban planning.
Diet, Activity and BMI in Preschool-Aged Children: Differences Across Settings

In the present study, children who attended either a University Preschool (UP) or a Head Start (HS) program were studied to determine if they differed in diet, activity, or body mass index (BMI) across settings. Dietary intake over 3 days and motor activity during a free-play period equivalent across settings were measured for 40 children age 4-5 years. Compared to the UP children, the HS children had a higher average food energy intake and lower motor activity. More than half of the HS children were determined to be at the 85th percentile or above on BMI for age and sex compared to little more than a third of the UP children. Apart from the socio-economic and racial/ethnic differences between the two groups of children, the physical environment may also have exerted an impact on activity levels, as the UP classroom and playground were twice as large in square feet in comparison to the HS facilities.
AMO-Forced Regional Processes Affecting Summertime Precipitation Variations in the Central United States

AbstractNumerous previous studies have provided insight into the influence of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) on North American precipitation. However, these studies focused on large-scale processes, and additional studies are needed to gain understanding of local and regional processes that develop in different phases of the AMO and substantiate its influences on precipitation. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional model is used to examine AMO-forced local and regional processes and how they have affected summertime precipitation variation in the central United States.While moisture transport and convergence by the Great Plains low-level jet have been recognized as necessary conditions for summer precipitation, model simulations show similar low-level moisture flux convergence in the central United States between the cold and warm phases of the AMO. However, there was a strong moistening in the lower troposphere during the AMO cold phase, making the atmosphere mor...
On the theory of risk aversion and the theory of risk

Abstract Relationships between the theory of risk aversion and the theory of risk have been noted by Diamond and Stiglitz [12], Kihlstrom and Mirman [24], and Leland [29]. The main result of this paper is a characterization of the Pratt and Kihlstrom-Mirman [24, 46] relation “more risk averse” between utility functions in terms of a stochastic dominance or “riskier” relation between certain probability measures derived from these utility functions. This result is used in the comparison of risk-adjusted portfolio yields to extend to the several risky asset case the intuition provided by the Arrow-Pratt [1, 46] portfolio theorem that “more risk averse” means “will take less risk.”
an empirical method for the identification of covert categories in ethnobiology1

Individual variation in plant knowledge in a New Guinea Highlands community is discussed in terms of its manifestation in plant name lexicon, folk taxonomy, and plant identifications. A method is proposed for the tentative determination of unnamed conceptual groupings of plants on the basis of the patterning of informants' disagreements in plant naming tasks. The method should be generally applicable In ethnobiological research, and especially useful where techniques which require literacy are impracticable.
Basalts and serpentinite from the Puerto Rico Trench, 1. Petrology

Abstract Typical abyssal tholeiites occur on both north and south walls of the Puerto Rico Trench. Probably they were erupted in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Cretaceous time and afterwards were moved to the present position. In addition, doleritic basalts containing phenocrysts of pigeonite rimmed by augite were found from the north wall, and these rocks presumably represent a new type of abyssal tholeiites characterized by CaO Na 2 O ratios lower than those of ordinary abyssal tholeiites. A new analysis of serpentinite from the north wall is also recorded here.
Ten Minutes a Day: The Impact of Interactive Writing Instruction on First Graders' Independent Writing.

This study examined the effects of Interactive Writing, a dynamic approach to writing instruction designed specifically for young children, on the independent writing of first graders enrolled in urban schools in a large metropolitan area. Children in the Interactive Writing condition (N = 49) showed greater growth on measures of independent writing than a comparison group (N = 52). Students’ written performance in response to a prompt indicated that those who participated in Interactive Writing not only improved in their overall independent writing, but also made greater gains on nine out of 10 of the individual subcomponents of writing measured: Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Spelling of High-Frequency Words, Spelling of Other Words, Capitalization, Punctuation, and Handwriting. These results were obtained in classrooms that spent an average of 10.5 minutes a day engaged in Interactive Writing and thus demonstrate its potential as a daily practice to improve children’s independent w...
Association of protein phosphatase 2A with polyoma virus medium tumor antigen.

Abstract The polyoma virus medium and small tumor antigens, as well as simian virus 40 small tumor antigen, form specific complexes with two cellular proteins designated 61- and 37-kDa proteins. In this report, we demonstrate that the 61- and 37-kDa proteins correspond to the A and C subunits, respectively, of the serine- and threonine-specific protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). On the one hand, antibodies raised against the 61-kDa protein reacted specifically with the purified A subunit of PP2A. Furthermore, the amino acid sequences of seven tryptic peptides from the A subunit were almost identical to sequences of the 61-kDa protein as deduced from the corresponding cDNA sequence. On the other hand, antibodies against the purified C subunit (catalytic subunit) of PP2A reacted specifically with the medium tumor antigen-associated 37-kDa protein. These data suggest a role of PP2A in cell transformation by polyoma virus and simian virus 40.
TGF-β family signaling in stem cells.

Background The diversity of cell types and tissue types that originate throughout development derives from the differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells and somatic stem cells. While the former are pluripotent, and thus can give rise to a full differentiation spectrum, the latter have limited differentiation potential but drive tissue remodeling. Additionally cancer tissues also have a small population of self-renewing cells with stem cell properties. These cancer stem cells may arise through dedifferentiation from non-stem cells in cancer tissues, illustrating their plasticity, and may greatly contribute to the resistance of cancers to chemotherapies.
Improving risk assessment methodology: a statistical design of experiments approach

In order to manage risks to the IT environments and to satisfy government and industry regulations, most enterprises are required to conduct risk assessments. These risk assessments are used to drive organizational decisions on information security. However, despite this need, current approaches lack granular guidance on some key steps and have focused on qualitative data rather than quantitative data which reduces the value of the results for the decision makers. This paper proposes a statistical design of experiments approach that will enhance the quantitative aspects of the risk assessment exercise and will make risk assessments smarter, more precise and more efficient. Specifically, our paper demonstrates that a Plackett-Burman design can be used to: (a) identify the subset of security controls that are critical to the enterprise; (b) determine the configuration of these controls; and (c) quantitatively analyze the impact of security enhancements. This paper expands on our previous research by applying statistical models at a macro security architecture level as opposed to determining parameters for individual controls.
The Virtues of Heartlessness: Mary McCarthy, Hannah Arendt, and the Anesthetics of Empathy

One evening in the late 1940s, Hannah Arendt and Mary McCarthy found themselves standing together on a subway platform in uncomfortable silence. Though both were returning home from an editorial meeting for the magazine politics, on which they had both served for some time, neither had spoken to the other since their disastrous first encounter at a party six years earlier. Arendt approached McCarthy and said in her typically blunt manner, "Let's end this nonsense. We think too much alike" (Brightman, Writing Dangerously 299). Each then apologized, and so began one of the most vital intellectual friendships of the last century. Brock Bower aptly surmises why they were able to make peace: over the years at politics, "they found that on any number of public questions they always ended up on the same side, and 'usually alone"' (qtd. in Gelderman 43). Carol Brightman, McCarthy's biographer and the editor of their letters, suggests that they formed a "party of two" (Between Friends xxx), but it is more accurate to make use of Bower's felicitous turn of phrase: on the same side and alone. Being "alone" "on the same side" seems to me an unusually precise characterization of the detached quality of relation they sought in each other and in their political affiliations. Their preference for going it alone has made them difficult to categorize politically. McCarthy could have been referring to herself
Advantages and guidelines for using ketamine for induction of anesthesia

Ketamine in combination with a sedative or tranquilizer is a relatively safe and effective drug for intravenous induction of anesthesia in dogs and cats. If properly dosed, the combination can be used to induce anesthesia with minimal adverse cardiovascular effects, and it is a reasonable method for induction of anesthesia in patients with cardiac disease. If dosage is kept low, the rate of recovery is acceptable, and some of the drugs commonly used in the regimen with ketamine are reversible with appropriate antagonists.
Stepping onto the STEM Pathway: Factors Affecting Talented Students' Declaration of STEM Majors in College

Despite a growing national need to develop capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), many men and women who are considered talented in these areas during high school...
Biosynthetic Incorporation and Chemical Modification of Alkene Functionality in Genetically Engineered Polymers

Repetitive polypeptides of sequence [(AlaGly)_3ProGluGly]_(16) 3a, have been prepared in Escherichia coli as overexpressed recombinant proteins. Replacement of more than 90% of the naturally occurring proline (Pro) residues with 3,4-dehydroproline (Dhp) in sequence 3a was achieved by in vivo expression of the target protein in medium containing Dhp and lacking Pro. The resulting material (3b) was treated with H_2O_2 or Br_2 to yield polymers containing 3,4-dihydroxyproline (Dhy, 3c) and 3,4-dibromoproline (Dbr, 3d), respectively, in place of the Dhp residue. These results represent the first demonstration of the incorporation and modification of alkene functionality in recombinant proteins.
Phase Transitions and Magnetic Monopole Production in the Very Early Universe

In grand unified models, the abundance of superheavy magnetic monopoles in the universe can be suppressed if (1) the phase transition which creates the monopoles occurs after much supercooling; and (2) immediately after the phase transition, the effective monopole mass is large compared with the temperature. These requirements impose constraints on the history of the early universe. The Georgi-Glashow SU(5) group probably breaks to SU(4) x U(1) before it reaches SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1).
Three-dimensional solutions of laminated cylinders

Abstract A mixed finite-difference scheme is presented for the free vibration analysis of simply supported laminated orthotropic circular cylinders. The study is based on the linear three-dimensional theory of orthotropic elasticity, and the governing equations are reduced to six first-order ordinary differential equations in the thickness coordinate. In the finite-difference discretization two interlacing grids are used for the different fundamental unknowns in such a way as to reduce both the local discretization error and the bandwidth of the resulting finite-difference field equations. Numerical studies are presented of the effects of variations in the lamination and geometric characteristics of circular cylinders on their vibration characteristics. Also, the accuracy and range of validity of two-dimensional Sanders—Budiansky type shell theories are investigated.
Lithium effects on adjunctive alcohol consumption. III: FT-shock as the inducing schedule

Under conditions in which a mild shock (0.5 mA, 200 msec) was delivered, independently of the subject's behavior, every 90 sec (an FT 90-sec shock schedule), subjects receiving chronic lithium chloride in their drinking water (25 mEq/l), showed a rapid acquisition of an adjunctive alcohol consumption, while subjects in the control groups did not. Following termination of the FT-shock condition (extinction), subjects in all groups showed an increase in alcohol consumption, relative to both baseline and adjunctive levels.
Fragmented Liberalization in the Chinese Automotive Industry: The Political Logic behind Beijing Hyundai's Success in the Chinese Market

This paper explains the extraordinary rise of the Beijing Hyundai Motor Company (BHMC), a joint venture between a state-owned enterprise run by the Beijing municipal government and Hyundai Motor Company. Within the span of three years, the BHMC soared to become China's second-ranked automotive manufacturer in terms of units sold. I highlight the role of the Beijing municipal government in creating favourable market conditions for the BHMC during its initial operation phase (2002–2005). The Beijing municipal government selectively adopted protectionist measures and liberalizing measures to promote its locally based company. I characterize this practice as fragmented liberalization, a system through which sub-national governments discriminately apply WTO or central government regulations to promote their local joint venture partner. In so doing, I also challenge the existing assumption that multinational companies are the drivers of economic liberalization, by showing Hyundai's support for local protectionism and industrial policy at the sub-national level.
Lugar común la muerte, de Tomás Eloy Martínez: una invención a manera de la realidad

Este ensayo intenta estudiar la indole de periodismo narrativo que constituyen las cronicas que conforman el libro Lugar comun la muerte del escritor argentino Tomas Eloy Martinez (1934-2010). Se discute la oposicion verdad/documento vs. verosimilitud/imaginacion, para mostrar como los escritos periodisticos de este libro se inscriben en una modalidad generica que, habiendo nacido en America Latina durante la vigencia del Modernismo, ha continuado dando muestras notables hasta nuestros dias. Se analizan algunas de las estrategias narrativas que el periodista Tomas Eloy Martinez empleara en textos que, publicados originalmente en diarios de Caracas y Buenos Aires, fueron leidos como tales, como escritos periodisticos. Para ello se revisan cuidadosamente algunos de los principales postulados teoricos que formulara al respecto el propio escritor-periodista autor del libro aqui considerado
Using sediment alginate amendment as a tool in the restoration of Spartina alterniflora marsh

Growth and survival of transplanted vegetation for salt marsh restoration can be greatly affected by edaphic conditions. We investigated the potential for an organic carbon sediment amendment, alginate, to enhance establishment and growth of Spartina alterniflora transplants, as well as colonization by macroinvertebrates commonly associated with S. alterniflora (Uca sp. and Littoraria irrorata). Plots were established in a bare mud area previously inhabited by S. alterniflora, and transplant rhizospheres were either treated with alginate or left unamended as controls. Growth of transplanted S. alterniflora and colonization by Uca sp. and L. irrorata were evaluated over portions of three growing seasons. Within the first month post-transplantation, a nonsignificant trend toward greater live stem density emerged, but disappeared completely by week ten. Both Uca sp. and L. irrorata densities were significantly greater in the alginate treatment compared to the control only during the first ten weeks post-transplantation. However, the initial organic content of the sediment in the transplant area was more than twice that in the adjacent natural marsh. Therefore, our findings suggest that a threshold level of sediment organic matter above which alginate addition does not confer an advantage on transplanted S. alterniflora may exist, and the conditions under which amendments are most beneficial to transplanted S. alterniflora should be determined.
Children’s Integration in Communities and Segregation From People of Differing Ages:

This article reviews cultural differences in the extent of segregation of children from community life and their integration with people of differing ages, focusing especially on children’s engagement with older children or similar-age children. We highlight cultural differences in children’s everyday companionship with older children and with peers by discussing a study using naturalistic observations of young children’s days in four cultural communities. Young children were more often involved with older children (who were often related to them) among the Efe of the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the Guatemalan Mayan town of San Pedro, whereas middle-class European American children from two regions in the United States were more frequently involved with children of similar ages (who were often unrelated to them). The mainstream research focus on similar-age (unrelated) peer involvements, often regarded as the “norm,” needs to be broadened to consider the various patterns of chi...
Associations of cardiovascular risk factors with two surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis: endothelial function and carotid intima media thickness.

Objective Endothelial function and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were investigated in a cohort of 54 healthy adults without known cardiovascular disease.
A Single-Mask Process for 3-D Microstructure Fabrication in PDMS

This paper reports a single-mask process technique to develop 3-D structures in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) finding a wide variety of applications in microfluidics. This technique enables the fabrication of channels and cavities having round corners and many other customized shapes in PDMS in a predictable manner. The process relies on reactive-ion-etching lag to form 3-D channels and cavities in silicon in a single-etch process. The negative replica of patterns is then transferred from the silicon substrate to a glass master by using anodic bonding under vacuum, glass reflowing at temperatures above 700 °C for about 5 h, and complete removal of silicon in KOH. Finally, soft lithography is exploited to transfer the structures to PDMS maintaining the same aspect ratio and feature sizes of the original patterns in silicon. As a case example, an insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) device with 3-D constrictions has been developed that can operate at lower applied potentials compared with previously reported 2-D iDEP designs. Using the 3-D iDEP device, trapping of 2-μm and 500-nm polystyrene beads was achieved with an applied potential of 150 and 350 V, respectively, with more than 80% trapping efficiency.
Thermal conduction effects impacting morphology during synthesis of columnar nanostructured TiO2 thin films

The aerosol chemical vapor deposition (ACVD) process allows for the synthesis of nanostructured films with well tuned morphologies that can be controlled based on the desired functionality and application. A robust understanding of the process parameters that result in desired features of the film is elucidated. One dimensional TiO2 nanostructured columns that have superior properties for solar energy harvesting and conversion applications were deposited on tin doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates. The sintering of the deposited particles was a key factor in the growth of the 1D structure with desired crystal planes. By ensuring that the sintering rate is faster than the arrival rate of deposited particles; a 1D columnar structure could be obtained. The sintering rate was controlled by the temperature and depositing particle size. As the columns grew in length, the increased thermal conduction resistance resulted in a drop in temperature and subsequently a slowing of the sintering process in upper regions of the film. This led to growth of branched structures rather than continued growth in a preferred direction. The growth of the branched structure could be overcome by enhancing the sintering rate by increasing the substrate temperature or reducing the depositing particle size (by lowering the feed rate of the precursor). The phenomenon was also confirmed by using different deposition substrates, such as FTO and glass. Dye sensitized solar cell performance efficiencies with different column lengths of 2 and 7 µm were determined to be 1.8 and 2.7% respectively.
Evolution of the subtropical marine boundary layer: Comparison of soundings over the eastern Pacific from FIRE and HaRP

Abstract The mean time rates of change of temperature, total water mixing ratio and ozone along airflow trajectories in the lower troposphere over the eastern Pacific are inferred by comparing aircraft soundings from the First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) and the Hawaiian Rainband Project (HaRP). Through the use of the estimated mean fluxes of temperature and total water mixing ratio, it is found that the tendency for stratus layers to grow or dissipate is very sensitive to the assumed turbulence structure below the capping inversion. A mixed-layer model that assumes a well-mixed boundary layer up to the capping inversion predicts a solid cloud layer extending all the way to Hawaii, whereas a model that allows decoupling predicts rapid dissipation of the stratus layer. It is concluded that stratus dissipation here is due to the slowdown of turbulent mixing throughout the layer below the capping inversion, not the drying out of a well-mixed layer; hence, the mixed-layer model cannot be expected to pred...
On Generating Random Variates from an Empirical Distribution

Abstract This note presents a method for generating a sequence of random variates from an empirical distribution. Computational results show that the proposed method requires less computation time than two standard methods but requires only ten more words of memory. The savings in time becomes more significant as the number of distinct values contained in the distribution, or the sample size increases.
On the theoretical strength of copper

Abstract A distinction is made between the theoretical mechanical behaviour of cubic crystals in [100] loading (i.e. transverse stresses are zero) and [1001 deformation (i.e. transverse stretches are zero). In the former, a primary loading path passes through thee zeros (the unstressed f.c.c., b.c.c. and b.c.t. states); in the latter, three corresponding states of hydrostatic loading are reached (one of which is unstressed). Detailed computations are made of the mechanical behaviour in both [100] loading and deformation for lattice models of Cu and Ni. In Cu, the elastic instability associated with the invariant eigenstate C22 = C23 occurs in tensile [100] loading at about 20% of the maximum theoretical stress, thus lowering the estimate of the ‘theoretical tensile strength’ of Cu to within the range of experimentally based estimates. The stress and energy barriers for f.c.c. → b.c.c. and b.c.c. → f.c.c. transitions are computed (within the framework of the lattice models) along a path of [100] loading.
Blood flow changes in human somatosensory cortex during anticipated stimulation

Positron emission tomography (PET) measurements of brain blood flow were used to monitor changes in the human primary and secondary somatosensory cortices during the period when somatosensory stimuli were expected. In anticipation of either focal or innocuous touching, or localized, painful shocks, blood flow decreased in parts of the primary somatosensory cortex map located outside the representation of the skin area that was the target of the expected stimulus. Specifically, attending to an impending stimulus to the fingers produced a significant decrease in blood flow in the somatosensory zones for the face, whereas attending to stimulation of the toe produced decreases in the zones for the fingers and face. Decreases were more prominent in the side ipsilateral to the location of the expected stimulus. No significant changes in blood flow occurred in the region of the cortex representing the skin locus of the awaited stimulation. These results are concurrent with a model of spatial attention in which potential signal enhancement may rely on generalized suppression of background activity.
Outcome predictors for the increasing PSA state after definitive external-beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose To identify predictors of distant metastases (DM) among patients who develop an isolated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse after definitive external-beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods A total of 1,650 patients with clinical stage T1 to T3 prostate cancer were treated with high-dose three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Of these, 381 patients subsequently developed three consecutive increasing PSA values and were characterized as having a biochemical relapse. The median follow-up time was 92 months from the completion of radiotherapy. Results The 5-year incidence of DM after an established PSA relapse was 29%. In a multivariate analysis, PSA doubling time (PSA-DT; P < .001), the clinical T stage (P < .001), and Gleason score (P = .007) were independent variables predicting for DM after established biochemical failure. The PSA-DT for favorable-, intermediate-, and unfavorable-risk patients who developed a biochemical failure was 20.0, 13.2, an...
Mitral valve repair for ischemic mitral regurgitation: review of current techniques

Introduction: Ischemic mitral regurgitation can be defined as moderate to severe mitral leak precipitated by acute myocardial infarction. Valve repair is now the procedure of choice, but some cases can pose difficult anatomy. This review will illustrate current techniques for repairing complex ischemic mitral regurgitation. Methods: Most patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation have predominant annular dilatation at the posterior commissure and require only ring annuloplasty. Full rigid rings are used preferentially. With leaflet tethering, adjunctive autologous pericardial patches are effective in restoring leaflet coaptation. If papillary muscle elongation or rupture occurs, Gore-Tex artificial chordal replacement performs well. With ischemic mitral regurgitation accompanying posterior ventricular aneurysms, standard trans-atrial mitral repair provides the best results, with associated aneurysms being repaired concurrently. Results: Surgical approaches and technical outcomes of mitral repair in ischemic mitral regurgitation are illustrated in 5 patients using operative images and echocardiograms. Each method is illustrated, including ring annuloplasty, pericardial leaflet augmentation, artificial chordal replacement, and ventricular aneurysm repair. Using these techniques, virtually all ischemic mitral regurgitation can be repaired, with consequential patient benefits, even in the most complex anatomy. Conclusions: Ischemic mitral regurgitation has been shown to have better outcomes when managed with valve repair. Using combinations of annular, leaflet, and chordal procedures, even complex ischemic mitral regurgitation can undergo autologous reconstruction with excellent long-term results.
After the promise: the STD consequences of adolescent virginity pledges.

Abstract Purpose To examine the effectiveness of virginity pledges in reducing STD infection rates among young adults (ages 18–24). Methods Data are drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative study of students enrolled in grades 7–12 in 1995. During a follow-up survey in 2001–2002, respondents provided urine samples, which were tested for Human Papilloma Virus, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis. We report descriptive results for the relationship of pledge status and sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates as well as health behaviors commonly associated with STD infection. Results Pledgers are consistently less likely to be exposed to risk factors across a wide range of indicators, but their STD infection rate does not differ from nonpledgers. Possible explanations are that pledgers are less likely than others to use condoms at sexual debut and to be tested and diagnosed with STDs. Conclusions Adopting virginity pledges as intervention may not be the optimal approach to preventing STD acquisition among young adults.
Can This Town Survive? Case Study of a Buried Philippine Town

Since the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines, the surrounding communities have incurred recurrent threats to life, livelihood, and property when heavy monsoon and typhoon rains trigger flowing mixtures of volcanic debris and water called lahars. The extreme costs of such natural disasters have highlighted the need for hazard mitigation strategies to minimize the disruptive effects on human settlements. Based on the concepts of sustainable hazard mitigation, the disaster resistance community, and civic capital, the author considers the experience, recovery process, and prospects for sustainability of a town, Bacolor, that has been severely affected by the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo volcano and its aftermath. A discussion of street and highway repair projects is included. Lahars have buried almost the entire town at least once in deposits up to 9 m thick. Most of the residents have abandoned their homes, but several hundred families, whose homes have been buried up to the second-story level or higher, have stayed in the town proper. Attempting recovery without outside assistance and learning from their experience with lahars, residents made several adaptations that may enhance the sustainability of the town. Elevation of ground level by lahar deposition has made Bacolor less vulnerable than nearby towns to flooding and lahars. The town needs support from the national government to engage in comprehensive planning to guide further reconstruction as a disaster resistant community.
Human detection by searching in 3d space using camera and scene knowledge

Many existing human detection systems are based on sub-window classification, namely detection is done by enumerating rectangular sub-images in the 2D image space. Detection rate of such approaches may be affected by perspective distortion and tilted orientation of the human in images. To overcome this problem without re-training the classifier, we develop a 3D search method. A search grid is defined in the 3D scene. At each grid point a rectified sub-image is generated to approximate the orthogonal projection of the target, so that the distortion due to camera setting is reduced. In addition, 3D target position can be estimated from single camera data. Experiments on challenging data from the PETS2007 and CAVIAR INRIA datasets show significantly improved detection performance of our approach compared with the 2D search-based methods.
Weak evidence of bright light effects on human LH and FSH

Most mammals are seasonal breeders whose gonads grow to anticipate reproduction in the spring and summer. As day length increases, secretion increases for two gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This response is largely controlled by light. Light effects on gonadotropins are mediated through effects on the suprachiasmatic nucleus and responses of the circadian system. There is some evidence that seasonal breeding in humans is regulated by similar mechanisms, and that light stimulates LH secretion, but primate responses seem complex. To gain further information on effects of bright light on LH and FSH secretion in humans, we analyzed urine samples collected in three experiments conducted for other goals. First, volunteers ages 18-30 years and 60-75 commenced an ultra-short 90-min sleep-wake cycle, during which they were exposed to 3000 lux light for 3 hours at balanced times of day, repeated for 3 days. Urine samples were assayed to explore any LH phase response curve. Second, depressed participants 60-79 years of age were treated with bright light or dim placebo light for 28 days, with measurements of urinary LH and FSH before and after treatment. Third, women of ages 20-45 years with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) were treated to one 3-hour exposure of morning light, measuring LH and FSH in urine before and after the treatments. Two of the three studies showed significant increases in LH after light treatment, and FSH also tended to increase, but there were no significant contrasts with parallel placebo treatments and no significant time-of-day treatment effects. These results gave some support for the hypothesis that bright light may augment LH secretion. Longer-duration studies may be needed to clarify the effects of light on human LH and FSH.