cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations on Iridia diaphana, a Marine Foraminifer

SYNOPSIS. Iridia diaphana, a marine foraminifer, was used as a subject for observations on grano-reticulate pseudopods. The organism readily forms a pseudopod net and its behavior is roughly predictable. Test composition varies with the environment; test shape is more constant. Pseudopod form and structure were observed by transmitted plane and polarized light microscopy, by freeze-drying and scanning electron microscopy, and by thin section studies in the transmission electron microscope. Rigidity is probably due to the numerous 250 A dia. microtubules in the pseudopods. Other organelles observed include mitochondria, vesicles and vacuoles. The plasmalemma may have numerous villous projections. Pseudopod form in I. diaphana does not closely resemble that of Allogromia laticollaris as reported by Wohlfarth-Bottermann (25). A pseudopod may be composed of several membrane-bound units of cytoplasm, or of a single unit of cytoplasm. A reassessment of the theories of the mechanism of cytoplasmic streaming in foraminiferan pseudopods is necessary.
Radiographic and clinical predictors of bladder rupture in blunt trauma patients with pelvic fracture.

Rationale and Objectives Bladder rupture is a potentially serious injury in blunt trauma patients. We determined whether location and displacement of pelvic fractures and the degree of hematuria can accurately predict bladder injury. Materials and Methods A retrospective database of 721 blunt trauma pelvic fractures that presented to a single large regional level 1 trauma center between January 1, 1997, and July 15, 2003, was expanded to include data on bladder injury and the initial urinalysis. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine if an association exists between pelvic fracture pattern, degree of hematuria, and bladder injury. A potential clinical prediction rule was then derived using a point system for four independent, significant risk factors identified from the logistic regression results. Results There were 37 bladder ruptures (5.0%), all of which presented with hematuria >30 red blood cells per high-powered field (RBC/HPF). Pelvic injuries that were independently associated with bladder injury included diastasis of the pubic symphysis >1 cm, RR = 9.8 (95% CI 4.6–20.9), and fracture of the obturator ring with displacement >1 cm RR = 3.2 (95% CI 1.6–6.5). No patient with isolated acetabular fractures sustained bladder injury. A clinical prediction rule was derived, consisting of a single point for each of the significant pelvic injury sites in patients with hematuria >30 RBC/HPF. Patients with a prediction score of 0 had a 2.3% probability of bladder injury, whereas patients with scores of 1 and 2 had probabilities of bladder injury of 9.2% and 43.7%, respectively. Conclusions Patients with isolated acetabular fractures and patients with
Effects of Viscosity and Two Phase Liquid–Gas Fluids on the Performance of Multi-Stage Centrifugal Pumps

The paper reports on developmental research on the effects of viscosity and two phases, liquid–gas fluids on ESPs which are multi stage centrifugal pumps for deep bore holes. The test facility work was performed using pumps with ten or more stages moving fluids with viscosity from 2 to 2500 cP at various speed, intake pressure and Gas Void Fractions (GVF). For safety considerations the injected gas was restricted to nitrogen or air. The results are a series of curves representing the performance degradation of the pump. Note that in some cases the pump performances actually improved with increasing viscosity. The resulting information will allow a better understanding and more accurate prediction of performance than has been previously available. The data indicates a significant difference in performance correction when compared to the information available from the Hydraulics Institute.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A Review of and Recommendations for the Management of Patients With Life-Threatening Dabigatran-Associated Hemorrhage: A Single-Center University Hospital Experience.

Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor that is approved for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran has several advantages over warfarin including predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics which eliminates the need for routine laboratory monitoring, superiority over warfarin in preventing stroke, or systemic embolism without having an increased risk of bleeding. However, as with any anticoagulant, there remains a real chance of bleeding, including major or life-threatening hemorrhage. Many physicians feel comfortable managing bleeding complications on older anticoagulants like warfarin and heparin, due to extensive experience with the medications along with antidotes to reverse their effects as well as established protocols for treating anticoagulant-associated hemorrhage. However, most physicians have limited clinical experience with dabigatran, there is no specific antidote for dabigatran reversal and there is a paucity of protocols, guidelines, and recommendations for how to manage dabigatran-associated hemorrhage. In this review, we present a case series of patients admitted to our institution for management of bleeding while receiving dabigatran. We retrospectively reviewed these cases to evaluate the efficacy and rationale of the various anticoagulation reversal strategies employed in the context of the existing evidence found in the literature. Specific focus is placed on the therapies utilized and the coagulation studies used to manage these patients.
A structural record of the emplacement of the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite onto the Menderes-Taurus block in the late Cretaceous, eastern Taurides, Turkey

Abstract The Aladag region of eastern Taurides, Turkey, is characterized by an imbricated thrust structure developed during late stage emplacement of the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite onto the Menderes-Taurus block in the late Cretaceous. The mid to late Cretaceous dynamothermal metamorphic sole and the underlying unmetamorphosed melange, here named the Aladag accretionary complex, were accreted to the base of the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite during intra-oceanic subduction, transport and final obduction of the ophiolite onto the Menderes-Taurus block. In the dynamothermal metamorphic sole, intensity of deformation and degree of metamorphism increase from the base to the top, and at least three episodes of foliation, lineation and fold development are recognized. The asymmetry of quartz c -axis fabrics, tightness and asymmetry of folds of the same generation, and curvature of fold hinge lines increase from base to top, indicating that non-coaxial progressive deformation prevailed during the development of the metamorphic sole. The melange is divided into three major thrust fault-bounded tectonic slivers, each of which is characterized by distinctive types of matrix and block lithologies, structures and deformation style. Kinematic analyses of the dynamothermal metamorphic sole and the melange reveal that the tectonic transport direction of the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite during its emplacement was from north-northwest to south-southeast, suggesting that the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite was derived from a Neo-Tethyan ocean to the north of the Menderes-Taurus block.
Site-specific DNA binding using a variation of the double stranded RNA binding motif

The integrase family of site-specific recombinases catalyze a diverse array of DNA rearrangements in archaebacteria, eubacteria and yeast. The solution structure of the DNA binding domain of the integrase protein from the conjugative transposon Tn 916 has been determined using NMR spectroscopy. The structure provides the first insights into distal site DNA binding by a site-specific integrase and reveals that the N-terminal domain is structurally similar to the double stranded RNA binding domain (dsRBD). The results of chemical shift mapping experiments suggest that the integrase protein interacts with DNA using residues located on the face of its three stranded β-sheet. This surface differs from the proposed RNA binding surface in dsRBDs, suggesting that different surfaces on the same protein fold can be used to bind DNA and RNA.
Segment- and cell-specific expression of D-type cyclins in the postnatal mouse epididymis

Sperm transport, maturation and storage are the essential functions of the epididymis. The epididymis in the mouse is structurally characterized by regional and segmental organization including caput, corpus and cauda epididymis that are comprised of 10 segments. Although several growth factor signaling pathways have been discovered in the epididymis, how these converge onto the cell cycle components is unknown. To begin to elucidate the growth factor control of cell cycle events in the epididymis, we analyzed the expression of D-type cyclins at different postnatal ages. At 7d, cyclin D1 was mainly expressed in the cauda epithelium, by 14d its expression occurred in the epithelium of caput, corpus and cauda that persisted up to 21d. By 42d, cyclin D1 was mostly detectable in the principal cells of the caput and corpus (segments 1-7) but not in the cauda epididymis. Expression of cyclin D2, unlike that of cyclin D1, was evident only at 42d but not earlier, and was mostly confined to corpus and cauda epithelium. In contrast to both cyclins D1 and D2, cyclin D3 was expressed primarily in the interstitium at 7d and by 21d its expression was localized to the epithelium of the corpus and cauda epididymis. By 42d, expression of cyclin D3 peaked in segments 6-10 and confined to basal and principal cells of the corpus and apical cells of the cauda epithelium. Ki67 immunoreactivity confirmed absence of cell proliferation despite continued expression of D-type cyclins in the adult epididymis. Collectively, on the basis of our immunophenotyping and protein expression data, we conclude that the D-type cyclins are expressed in a development-, segment-, and cell-specific manner in the postnatal mouse epididymis.
Acetaminophen-induced hypotension in the surgical ICU.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is commonly administered in the surgical ICU (SICU) for its analgesic and antipyretic effects. Case reports have described the potential for APAP to cause allergic reactions with and without hypotension. Furthermore, there have been case reports of APAP causing isolated hypotension in the absence of other allergic responses [1]. This has been well described following intravenous administration [2]. However, other routes of administration causing hypotension and associated diagnoses remain to be elucidated. The present case series describes 11 patients with APAP-induced hypotension in the SICU at a Level I trauma center.
Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of supramolecular metal–organic complexes constructed from flexible–rigid mixed ligands

Two new supramolecular metal–organic complexes have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Complex 1 exhibits a three-dimensional supramolecular network, constructed from [Co2(H3BPTC)2(phen)2] (H4BPTC = 3,3′4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylate acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) discrete units. Complex 2 similarly exhibits discrete [Cu2(DPA)2(bipy)2(H2O)2] (DPA = 1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxylate acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) units, which are linked to form a three-dimensional supramolecular network through π–π interactions. It is interesting that during the synthesis of complex 1, the H4BPTC ligands undergo partial decomposition to give 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate (H3BTC) ligands, which react with Co to form [Co3(BTC)2]n (3). Complex 3 shows a three-dimensional covalent network. The magnetic properties of complexes 1 and 2 have been studied.
Trastuzumab-induced hepatotoxicity: a case report.

Background: Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of breast cancer with HER2 amplification and/or overexpression. There are only 2 prior cases of trastuzumab-related hepatotoxicity reported in the literature. Case Report: We report the case of a 60-year-old woman who was treated with trastuzumab for stage I invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast. She successfully completed 6 months of therapy when an increase in liver transaminases was noted on routine examination. A full work-up for causes of acute and chronic liver disease was negative. After review of the patient's medication list, trastuzumab was thought to be the most likely culprit for the liver injury, based on timing of administration and rise in liver enzymes.
Estimating Error Correlation in Nonparametric Regression

Abstract Estimates of error correlations in kernel nonparametric regression are obtained using the method of moments. A high order asymptotic expansion of the estimators shows that they are consistent and asymptotically normal at parametric rates, and provides heuristics for the choice of bandwidth and kernel.
Three Arguments Against Foundationalism: Arbitrariness, Epistemic Regress, and Existential Support

A particular belief of a person is basic just in case it is epistemically justified and it owes its justification to something other than her other beliefs or the interrelations of their contents; a person's belief is nonbasic just in case it is epistemically justified but not basic. Traditional Foundationalism says that, first, if a human being has a nonbasic belief, then, at bottom, it owes its justification to at least one basic belief, and second, there are basic beliefs. Call the second thesis Minimal Foundationalism. In this essay, we assess three arguments against Minimal Foundationalism which we find in recent work of Peter Klein and Ernest Sosa.
Avoiding endotracheal intubation of neonates undergoing laser surgery for retinopathy of prematurity.

Avoiding endotracheal intubation of neonates undergoing laser surgery for retinopathy of prematurity
Lateral Elbow Instability: Nonoperative, Operative, and Postoperative Management

The purpose of this article is to present a treatment approach that has been found to be effective in the early management of lateral elbow instability. Anatomy and joint mechanics related to stability of the elbow are reviewed. Operative and nonoperative treatment is outlined followed by a description of an innovative paradigm for the rehabilitation of elbow instability. Progression of the rehabilitation program as the elbow achieves greater stability is discussed. The authors hope that therapists and surgeons will find this method beneficial in beginning early range of motion for the unstable elbow, thus minimizing joint stiffness while preserving stability at the elbow joint.
Nonlinear data observability and information

Abstract For the deterministic system observability, two conditions, connectedness and univalence, are introduced and used. Depending on how the conditions are satisfied, observability is classified in three categories: observability in the strict sense, observability in the wide sense and the unobservable case. An underwater acoustical localization tracking example, the bearing-only information problem described in three different coordinates, and an array SONAR problem described in terms of a small number of sensors and various measurement policies are analyzed. For stochastic process observability, an information theoretic approach is introduced. Computed here, is the mutual information between the state and the observation. Since this quantity is expressed as an entropy difference between a prior and a posteriori processes, two densities are required for computation. Due to the difficulty in solving the density equation, an estimated second-moment approximation is considered. Then, mutual information is used as a criterion to determine the “degree of observability”. Sensitivity with respect to various coordinate systems for an array SONAR, a combination of relative delay and Doppler measurements for up to three sensors are compared. Due to complexity of the computations, the tracking results, presented here, rely heavily on simulation.
Molecular adaptations in islets from neonatal rats reared artificially on a high carbohydrate milk formula

Four day-old rat pups artificially raised on a high carbohydrate (HC) milk formula during their suckling period immediately develop hyperinsulinemia which persists into adulthood despite weaning onto lab chow on day 24. The present study investigates the molecular adaptations in islets isolated from neonatal rats in response to this dietary treatment during their suckling period. There is a significant increase in the level of preproinsulin mRNA and insulin biosynthesis in 12 day-old HC islets compared to islets from age-matched mother-fed (MF) control rats. Pancreatic duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1) modulates pancreatic ontogeny as well as preproinsulin gene expression in islets from neonatal rats. The mRNA level, DNA binding activity and protein content of PDX-1 are significantly increased in HC islets. The stress-activated protein kinase-2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase have been reported to modulate PDX-1 activity in islets. The mRNA levels of these kinases are increased in HC islets. The mRNA level of upstream stimulatory factor (a modulator of PDX-1 gene expression) is also significantly increased in HC islets. These results indicate that the upregulation of several molecular events, including increases in the gene expression of preproinsulin, transcription factors and kinases may contribute to the chronic hyperinsulinemic state in the HC rats.
Cotton Root Growth and Soil Water Extraction

The inherent productivity of many fine-textured soils depends on timely extraction of water stored deep in the profile. Growth of crop roots and their ability to extract water are of central importance to efficient utilization of these soil resources. We observed the rate at which the soil volume was explored and water was extracted by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘GP3774’) roots in a fine-textured soil in a subhumid environment. Measurements of root growth and water extraction were made for 2 yr in a 2.3 m deep weighing lysimeter, 3.0 m² in area and containing an intact core of a Frio taxadjunct silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Cumulic Haplustoll). Water extraction was measured with neutron probes at 10 or 11 soil depths in the lysimeter at approximately 5-d intervals. Root length density [Lᵥ, cm root (cm³ soil)⁻¹ = cm⁻²] was estimated at 7-d intervals by counting roots visible against clear observation tubes installed horizontally in the lysimeter every 0.2 m between 0.5 and 2.1 m. Depth of rooting increased up to 35 mm d⁻¹ for part of the season. Maximum Lᵥ at 0.5 m was 1.5 and 0.8 cm⁻² in 1984 and 1985, respectively; at 2.1 m comparable values were 0.24 and 0.04 cm⁻². When the lysimeter surface area was divided into six 0.5-m² regions of soil, the coefficient of variation in Lᵥ among the regions reached 100% both early and late in the season and both at 0.5 and 2.1 m. Crop rows did not affect the spatial distribution of Lᵥ at depths measured. Growth of the root system required about 90 kg ha⁻¹ d⁻¹ for part of the season. Maximal water uptake rate per length of root was approximately 5 mm³ water (mm root)⁻¹ d⁻¹ and occurred at 1.7 to 1.9 m. Redistribution of dry matter invested in roots near the soil surface to deeper in the profile would probably increase total water extraction by the crop. Research supported in part by BARD, The USA − Israel Binational Agric. Res. and Dev. Fund, grant no. 1-399-81.
Structure Determination of an Endogenous Sleep-Inducing Lipid, cis-9-Octadecenamide (Oleamide): A Synthetic Approach to the Chemical Analysis of Trace Quantities of a Natural Product

The pursuit of endogenous sleep-inducing substances has been the focus of an extensive, complicated body of research. Several compounds, including Δ-sleep-inducing peptide and prostaglandin D2, have been suggested to play a role in sleep induction, and yet, the molecular mechanisms of this physiological process remain largely unknown. In recent efforts, the cerebrospinal fluid of sleep-deprived cats was analyzed in search of compounds that accumulated during sleep deprivation. An agent with the chemical formula C18H35NO was found to cycle with sleep−wake patterns, increasing in concentration with sleep deprivation and decreasing in amount upon recovery sleep. Since the material was generated in minute quantities and only under the special conditions of sleep deprivation, efforts to isolate sufficient material for adequate characterization, structure identification, and subsequent detailed evaluation of its properties proved unrealistic. With the trace amounts of the impure endogenous compound available, e...
A class of generalized continuous orthogonal transforms

This paper presents a class of generalized continuous transforms for the orthogonal decomposition of signals. Base functions for the continuous transform range from Walsh functions of order two to stair-like functions which resemble approximations to sinusoids and which are distinct from the generalized Walsh functions. Standard desirable properties which are shown to hold for the generalized continuous transform operator include orthogonality of the base functions, linearity of the transform operator, inverse transformability, and admissibility to fast transform representation. The transform class is governed by a definition of time translation in terms of signed-bit dyadic time shift. Mathematical properties leading to this definition are discussed and the impact of the definition is assessed. Properties of the continuous class of generalized transforms make feasible analysis which could be extremely tedious using matrix representations of the operations actually mechanized in a sampled-data system. Analysis techniques are illustrated with a target detection system which is conceptually designed using the generalized continuous transform and implemented using fast transform algorithms to perform correlation operations. Since the correlation operations are valid for inputs which include signals represented in terms of Walsh functions, the example illustrates one instance in which the binary Fourier representation (BIFORE) transform can be used for practical pattern recognition.
Rules for Processing and Manipulating Scalar Music Theory

The paper presents the application of classification rules and action rules to scalar music theory, with intent to: (1) describe certain facts in scalar music theory using classification rules and use them to build a system for automatic indexing of music by scale, region, genre, and emotion, (2) use action rules mining to create solutions (automatically generated hints) that permit developers to manipulate a composition by retaining the music score while simultaneously varying emotions it invokes.
Effects of D- and DL-Propranolol on Myocardial Adenyl Cyclase Activity

SummaryThe direct effects of d- and dl-propranolol (Inderal) on myocardial adenyl cyclase activity were determined on in vitro preparations from cats and guinea pigs. In both species, dl-propranolol depressed myocardial adenyl cyclase activity at all dose levels greater than 10-8M. The pure dextroisomer produced less depression of the adenyl cyclase activity. In preparations from reserpinized cats, d-propranolol had no effect on myocardial adenyl cyclase activity up to 10-4M, while the effects of dl-propranolol were slightly reduced. Since d- and dl-propranolol have identical depressive effects on myocardial contractile force, the present data demonstrate a dissociation between their effects on adenyl cyclase activity and force development.
A system for remote measurements of the wind stress over the ocean

The DISSTRESS system for remote measurements of the surface wind stress over the ocean from ships and buoys is described. It is fully digital, utilizing the inertial dissipation technique. Parallel processing allows anemometer data to be filtered in natural frequency space; that is, the filter cutoffs shift linearly with the mean wind speed of the data to be filtered. The construction of the digital Butterworth bandpass filters is presented in detail. The performance of the system is evaluated by analyzing the results from 28 days of operation during the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment. The mean wind speed is checked, the anemometer response function is established, and drag coefficients are compared to previous studies. The capability of the system is demonstrated by continuous time series of the friction velocity computed every 20 min. The conclusion is that the surface wind stress can be measured more reliably and accurately (20 percent) with this system than from anemometer wind speeds and a bulk formula.
Health selection among new immigrants.

Objectives. We sought to quantify the extent of health selection (i.e., the degree to which potential immigrants migrate, or fail to migrate, on the basis of their health status) among contemporary US immigrant groups and evaluate the degree that selection explains variation in self-rated health among US legal permanent residents.Methods. Data came from the New Immigrant Survey 2003 cohort. We estimated the extent of positive and negative health selection through a unique series of questions asking immigrants in the United States to evaluate their health and compare it to that of citizens in their country of origin.Results. The extent of positive health selection differed significantly across immigrant groups and was related to compositional differences in the socioeconomic profiles of immigrant streams.Conclusions. The salience of socioeconomic status and English-language ability in explaining health differentials across immigrant groups reinforces the importance of further research on the role of these ...
Primary Mucinous Sweat Gland Carcinoma of the Eyelid Simulating Metastatic Carcinoma

A 78-year-old man suffered an unusual variant of sweat gland carcinoma of the eyelid. This disorder is seldom recognized, and is frequently confused with inflammation, benign neoplasms, and metastatic carcinomas. On the basis of clinicopathologic and ultrastructural features found by both light and electron microscopy, we diagnosed sweat gland carcinoma of the eyelid. We considered the possibility of metastasis from a primary carcinoma elsewhere in the patient.
Endoscopic versus surgical therapy for early cancer in Barrett's esophagus: a decision analysis

Background Esophagectomy for early esophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with increased operative mortality and morbidity, but possibly a decreased recurrence rate compared with endoscopic therapy when using EMR and radiofrequency ablation. Objective To compare the cost-effectiveness of esophagectomy and endoscopic therapy in the treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Design Decision analysis model. Main Outcome Measurements Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Results During the 5-year study period, endoscopic therapy cost $17,000.00 and yielded 4.88 quality-adjusted life years, compared with $28,000.00 and 4.59, respectively, for esophagectomy. Varying the recurrence rates of cancer or Barrett's esophagus metaplasia after endoscopic therapy did not change the overall outcome. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated, however, that the outcome depended on the rate of lymph node involvement and operative mortality. Under the best of circumstances in favor of esophagectomy, such as 2% operative mortality, no reduced quality of life after esophagectomy, and a low 5-year survival rate after recurrence of endoscopic ablation, the risk of positive lymph nodes still needed to exceed 25% before esophagectomy became the preferred treatment option. This threshold is twice as high as the values reported for early submucosal cancer invasion. Limitations Limited data are available about the long-term outcome of EMR and radiofrequency ablation. Conclusions Endoscopic therapy for early Barrett's esophagus adenocarcinoma is more effective and less expensive than esophagectomy. Even in early esophageal adenocarcinoma with submucosal invasion, endoscopic therapy is a cost-effective alternative to esophagectomy, especially in patients with a high operative risk.
SU-FF-J-14: Determination of Displacement Binning Points for Four-Dimensional CT Image Acquisition

Purpose: Present methods of generating four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) image data sets that bin either projections or reconstructed images based on the phase of the respiratory cycle might display artifacts caused by irregularities in the respiratory cycle. Binning based solely on displacement has the potential for resolving these artifacts but yields three-dimensional image data sets that are unevenly spaced in time, making the application of the 4D data set to treatment planning more difficult. We propose a method for displacement-based binning that sets the binning points at displacement points corresponding to approximately equally-spaced phases. Method and Materials: The present approach extracts the file used to monitor the patient's respiratory cycle and identifies the points on the respiratory cycle corresponding to true end-inspiration. The time intervals between each set of end inspiration points were divided into a specified number of phases (typically 10) equally spaced in time. The displacements corresponding to these phase points were averaged among the respiratory cycles included in the image acquisition, and the times in each respiratory cycle corresponding to the mean values were recorded and sent to the reconstruction program. A MATLAB program was written to generate these times and applied to a typical respiratory cycle. Results: When evenly-spaced displacements were used for displacement binning, the mean time intervals among the 10 phases varied by as much as a factor of 5. The present methodology reduced the variation in mean time intervals among phases to approximately 20%. Conclusion: f binning for acquisition of 4D CT image data sets is to be based on displacement of the respiratory trace, then, to ensure approximately equally-spaced time intervals, the displacement for a specific phase averaged over all respiratory cycles should be used. Conflict of Interest: Supported in part by a Sponsored Research Agreement with Philips Medical Systems, Inc.
Managing platform architectures and manufacturing processes for nonassembled products

Abstract The article presents methods for defining product platforms and measuring business performance in process intensive industries. We first show how process intensive product platforms can be defined using the products and processes of a film manufacturer. We then present an empirical method for understanding the dynamics of process intensive platform innovation, allocating engineering and sales data to specific platform and product development efforts within a product family. We applied this method to a major product line of a materials manufacturer. We gathered ten years of engineering and manufacturing cost data and allocated these to successive platforms and products, and then generated R&D performance measures. These data show the dynamic of heavy capital spending relative to product engineering as one might expect in a process intensive industries. The data also show how derivative products can be leveraged from underlying product platforms and processes for nonassembled products. Embedded within these data are strategies for creating reusable subsystems (comprising components, materials, etc.) and common production processes. Hard data on the degree to which subsystems and processes are shared across different products frequently are typically not maintained by corporations for the duration needed to understand the dynamics of evolving product families. For this reason, we developed and applied a second method to assess the degree of reuse of subsystems and processes. This method asks engineering managers to provide subjective ratings on an ordinal scale regarding the use of technology and processes from one product to the next in a cumulative manner. We find that high levels of reuse generally indicate that a product family was developed with a platform discipline. We applied this measure of platform intensity to two product lines of integrated circuits from another large manufacturer. We used this method to gather approximately ten years of information for each product family. Upon analysis, one product family showed substantial platform discipline, emphasizing a common architecture and processes across specific products within the product line. The other product family was developed with significantly less sharing and reuse of architecture, components, and processes. We then found that the platform centric product family outperformed the latter along a number of performance dimensions over the course of the decade under examination.
Human Assortative Mating and Genetic Equilibrium: An Evolutionary Perspective

Abstract Assortative mating in human and other animal species is reviewed. Assortive mating is most often positive (between individuals sharing phenotypic similarity), occurs on a variety of normal and abnormal traits, strengthens the mating bond, and increases fertility. These results can best be understood if it is assumed that natural selection operates to increase genetic homology between mates and between parents and off-spring. The outcome of selection for positive assortment is to increase the genetic relatedness among family members, thus facilitating communication and altruism and increasing inclusive fitness without an additional reproductive effort. The opposing evolutionary vector is to restrict excessive homozygosity and consequent inbreeding deppression by minimizing matings between individuals of greatest similarity (e.g., members of nuclear families). The result of these opposing evolutionary vectors is a negative relationship between the degree of positive assortative mating and heritability ( h 2 ): individuals gravitate toward those of similar but not identical phenotypic (and genetic) similarity. Individuals may assess their own and their potential mates' homozygosity and mate so as to maximize genetic homogamy and still avoid excessive inbreeding. Early imprinting and learning within the family unit act as the proximate mechanisms to establish the criteria for optimal mate selection. Predictions that follow from this model are advanced, and several problems are discussed. Laboratory and field work with animals will be especially valuable in advancing our understanding of assortative mating.
Consensus functions on trees that satisfy an independence axiom

Consensus functions on trees that satisfy the standard independence of irrelevant alternatives condition are characterized as being either constant functions or projections. As a corollary, a strong version of Arrow's Impossibility Theorem follows.
A projection of the effects of the climate change induced by increased CO2 on extreme hydrologic events in the western U.S.

The effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on the frequency of extreme hydrologic events in the Western United States (WUS) for the 10-yr period of 2040–2049 are examined using dynamically downscaled regional climate change signals. For assessing the changes in the occurrence of hydrologic extremes, downscaled climate change signals in daily precipitation and runoff that are likely to indicate the occurrence of extreme events are examined. Downscaled climate change signals in the selected indicators suggest that the global warming induced by increased CO2 is likely to increase extreme hydrologic events in the WUS. The indicators for heavy precipitation events show largest increases in the mountainous regions of the northern California Coastal Range and the Sierra Nevada. Increased cold season precipitation and increased rainfall-portion of precipitation at the expense of snowfall in the projected warmer climate result in large increases in high runoff events in the Sierra Nevada river basins that are already prone to cold season flooding in today’s climate. The projected changes in the hydrologic characteristics in the WUS are mainly associated with higher freezing levels in the warmer climate and increases in the cold season water vapor influx from the Pacific Ocean.
'Candidatus Pasteuria aldrichii', an obligate endoparasite of the bacterivorous nematode Bursilla.

A novel bacterium of the genus Pasteuria was discovered parasitizing bacterivorous nematodes of the genus Bursilla, in selected bermudagrass (Cynodon) field plots in Davie, FL, USA. Soil containing this bacterium was sampled and supplied with bi-weekly inoculations of cultured species of the genus Bursilla in order to build and maintain a source of endospores for continuous in vivo conservation of the bacteria for further study and characterization. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities supported its congeneric ranking with other members of the genus Pasteuria that have been identified from nematodes and cladocerans. There were, however, no clear sister candidates for this organism, which supported the evidence of endospore ultrastructure and host-range studies, suggesting it belonged to a novel taxon. Because members of the genus Pasteuria cannot yet be isolated, definitive type strains could not be maintained; therefore, the name ‘Candidatus Pasteuria aldrichii’ is proposed for this organism.
Contingent self-esteem and the interpersonal circumplex: The interpersonal pursuit of self-esteem

Abstract Contingencies of self-worth refer to those domains upon which an individual has based their self-esteem such as physical appearance or the approval of others. The present study examined whether self-esteem contingencies were associated with particular interpersonal styles in a sample of 356 undergraduates. The interpersonal circumplex (Wiggins et al., 1989) served as the nomological system for evaluating the interpersonal styles associated with the contingencies of self-esteem. A nurturant interpersonal style was associated with basing self-esteem on the support of one’s family or God’s love. In contrast, individuals who based their self-esteem on outdoing others in competition reported a hostile interpersonal style. The remaining contingencies of self-worth were not as strongly related to interpersonal style. These findings suggest that the domains upon which individuals base their self-esteem are distinguishable with regard to their interpersonal styles.
Haemoglobin A1c and cognitive function in very old, cognitively intact men

SIR—Type 2 diabetes has long been associated with cognitive decline [1–6] and both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia [7–14]. Diagnosis and glycaemic control can be assessed by measuring glycosylated haemoglobin—or haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)—level, which is a reflection of average blood glucose levels in the past 3 months. Previous studies have found high levels of HbA1c associated with worse memory, although most of these considered samples of young elderly (with mean age under 75 years) or included only diabetics [15, 16]. To date, very few studies have investigated the relationship between HbA1c level and cognition in populations of the very old (75+ years of age). One recent study found the interesting result that higher HbA1c level is associated with a decelerated decline in memory in patients over 85 years of age [17], suggesting that the harmful effect of elevated HbA1c levels on cognitive function may be less severe with increasing age. In this study, we studied the association between HbA1c and cognitive function in a sample of cognitively normal men greater than 75 years of age to examine whether this association varies by age.
“Nature’s Suncatchers Come to Life”

I traveled to France in the summer of 2008, following a course in microbiology. While touring cathedrals, I noticed the elaborate rose windows in each building resembled centric diatoms. Somewhere between the radial symmetry and composition parallels came the big idea for my senior capstone presentation. In order to graduate with honors at Northern Kentucky University, upperclassmen are scheduled for six hours of independent study and a presentation at the end of the year. I needed something interesting to me and an audience, something that was affordable and new. Stained glass diatoms were just the beginning, but I knew they would be central to the project—the play on silicon was too good to pass up. After consulting with my microbiology professor, Dr. Miriam Kannan, she became the mentor for my project, providing an empty lab on campus in which I could work. Additionally, Dr. Kannan also began the plan for Nature’s Suncatchers (Fig. 1) which later became the feature piece of my project. Approximately two by three feet, Nature’s Suncatchers was inspired by an Ernst Haeckel sketch (Fig. 2) from his book published in 1904 called Art Forms in Nature [1]. In the collection of sketch panels, only two featured diatoms. Many radiolarian pieces were included as well, but though these organisms also use silica deposits to build cell walls, the finer spikes and details that make the amoebae so distinctive would not have been possible to replicate in stained glass. While making patterns for the window, most of the finer details from the diatom panel were skimmed over, but at least the genus of each cell was still recognizable. Since the Haeckel sketches were black and white, his style heavily relied on detail and symmetry; enlarging the size of the diatoms and keeping colors balanced were good ways of preserving this. Using a ruler and protractor, each diatom from the Haeckel sketch was measured in centimeters and re-drawn in inches. This allowed the individual diatoms to be large enough to work with, while at the same time keeping the overall window small enough for a single person to carry. Once patterns were drawn, the types of glass to use were carefully selected. Texture was also key in determining glass choice, since it could represent detail in Fig. 1 Nature’s Suncatchers by Sandra Miller
Left ventricular volume changes after defibrillation

A previous study has shown that the cross-sectional area of the left ventricular cavity (LV) increases immediately after defibrillation, suggesting that the defibrillation shock may cause relaxation. Since a single area slice may not reflect the entire myocardium, we wanted to test the relaxation hypothesis by evaluating volume. Ten to twenty defibrillation shocks were delivered in each of six dogs. A catheter was placed in the LV to measure intraventricular volume (IVV). Ultrasound images of the LV were recorded simultaneously with IVV. LV cavity area increased 13% (p<0.001) and IVV increased 4% (p<0.001) post-shock. Our results confirm that the heart is relaxing after defibrillation.
Hilbert and the Twentieth Century

Along with Henri Poincar’e (1854–1912) of France, David Hilbert (1862–1943) of Germany was the spokesman for early twentieth century mathematics. Hilbert is said to have been one of the last mathematicians to be conversant with the entire subject—from differential equations to analysis to geometry to logic to algebra. He exerted considerable influence over all parts of mathematics, and he wrote seminal texts in many of them. Hilbert had an important and profound vision for the rigorization of mathematics (one that was later dashed by the work of Bertrand Russell, Kurt Godel, and others), and he set the tone for the way that mathematics was to be practiced and recorded in our time.
Immunoregulation in TB: Observations and Implications

Regulation of the immune response during active tuberculosis (TB) has been partly deciphered. In pulmonary TB there is transient systemic immunosuppression due to overexpression of transforming growth factor beta and interleukin-10. This is superimposed on a primary T-cell defect. Locally there is intense inflammation (lung, pleural fluid) with overexpression of immunosuppressive factors (bronchoalveolar lavage) and extensive apoptosis. These observations suggest that immune therapies should be aimed at neutralizing the negative regulatory factors rather than accentuating an already intense immune response. Also a partially effective vaccine carries the potential risk of exacerbating disease.
Student Visualization: Using 3-D Models in Undergraduate Construction Management Education

Three-dimensional computer models used in the classroom may help increase student understanding of new and complex course material, and provide an opportunity to enhance visuo-spatial skills. Students lacking these abilities may have difficulty visualizing construction systems and components. This study explores the results of a survey conducted in the Fall of 2009 as part of a curriculum development project in the Construction Management Department at one University. Over twenty 3D models were created from figures in the course text and used, to varying degrees, in three sections of a materials and methods class. Focusing on four CSI divisions, the results indicate that students' perceptions of learning masonry (F (2,123) = 12.01, p = 0.001) and metals (F (2,122) = 3.6, p = 0.031) increased when 3D models were part of the course material presentation. The results were also used to direct resources for additional 3D model development.
Crystal Structure of Leishmania major Peroxidase and Characterization of the Compound I Tryptophan Radical.

The parasitic protozoa Leishmania major produces a peroxidase (L. major peroxidase; LmP) that exhibits activities characteristic of both yeast cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP) and plant cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (APX). One common feature is a key Trp residue, Trp208 in LmP and Trp191 in CCP, that is situated adjacent to the proximal His heme ligand in CCP, APX, and LmP. In CCP, Trp191 forms a stable cationic radical after reaction with H2O2 to form Compound I; in APX, the radical is located on the porphyrin ring. In order to clarify the role of Trp208 in LmP and to further probe peroxidase structure-function relationships, we have determined the crystal structure of LmP and have studied the role of Trp208 using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), mutagenesis, and enzyme kinetics. Both CCP and LmP have an extended section of β structure near Trp191 and Trp208, respectively, which is absent in APX. This region provides stability to the Trp191 radical in CCP. EPR of LmP Compound I exhibits an intense and stable signal similar to CCP Compound I. In the LmP W208F mutant, this signal disappears, indicating that Trp208 forms a stable cationic radical. In LmP conversion of the Cys197 to Thr significantly weakens the Compound I EPR signal and dramatically lowers enzyme activity. These results further support the view that modulation of the local electrostatic environment controls the stability of the Trp radical in peroxidases. Our results also suggest that the biological role of LmP is to function as a cytochrome c peroxidase.
Optimal transcranial magnetic stimulation sites for the assessment of motor function

Abstract The optimal placement sites for eliciting motor evoked potentials from the abductor digiti minimi and abductor hallucis muscles by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation were determined using a commercially available circular coil. Fifty volunteers were used for the study. The ability to elicit responses was found to be strongly dependent upon the scalp placement of the stimulator coil. The effects of altering the direction of current flow in the coil were tested on two different sets of volunteers: clockwise in one and counterclockwise in the other. It influenced only the locations of the sites which were optimal for eliciting responses from the abductor hallucis muscles and not those which were optimal for eliciting responses from the abductor digiti minimi muscles. Response latencies were found to be significantly dependent only upon volunteers' heights and not on their sex, age, or weight or the stimulus intensities used to elicit responses. No previous studies have defined the optimal scalp placements for eliciting responses from the lower extremities. This information may have clinical importance for making reliable assessments of patients with significantly impaired motor function.