cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF AUTONOMIC DRUGS ON MITOSIS AND DNA SYNTHESIS IN THE LENS EPITHELIUM AND ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE AQUEOUS HUMOUR.

To test the hypothesis that cell division in the lens epithelium is influenced by mechanical forces exerted on the lens by the zonular fibres, the parasympathetic drugs, atropine, pilocarpine and DFP were applied topically to the eyes of young rabbits. Treatment was repeated at regular intervals throughout periods of 2, 4 and 7 days. Whole-mount preparations of the lens epithelium, or autoradiographs of these preparations, were examined. The aqueous humour from most animals was assayed for potassium, sodium, calcium, chloride and glucose concentrations. Lens epithelia from eyes treated with atropine for 4 and 7 days showed significant increases in mitosis (and in the number of DNA-synthesizing cells) and those from DFP-treated eyes showed significant decreases. The analysis of the aqueous humour indicated that potassium concentration changed significantly whenever the number of mitotic figures did, but no definite correlation was found. The results obtained support the hypothesis, but can by no means be taken as proof.
Community Participation: Measurement Issues With Persons With Deficits in Executive Functioning

Deficits in executive functioning and self-regulation, which are characteristic of many rehabilitation populations, can interfere with the provision of accurate and reliable responses to surveys designed to measure psychosocial constructs, including community participation. Using the Cognitive Aspects of Survey Methodology paradigm, survey researchers have found that respondents proceed through 4 processes that draw heavily on executive functions: (1) question comprehension and interpretation, (2) retrieval of applicable information from memory, (3) integration of retrieved information to form a judgment, and (4) configuration or mapping of the judgment to the response choices. Respondents without cognitive deficits frequently make errors because of challenges to their executive functions; it should therefore be anticipated that persons with deficits in executive functions will have even greater difficulties providing consistent and accurate responses. Research with persons with executive functioning deficits that empirically evaluates the various strategies recommended by survey researchers is sorely needed. At a minimum, survey design and administration should take into account potential sources of error resulting from executive functioning deficits by testing and incorporating strategies for reducing error.
Effect of indium on lead self-diffusion

Abstract Diffusion measurements of the tracer 210 Pb in Pb-In alloys over the temperature range 468–558 K have been carried out using the standard radiotracer and serial sectioning techniques. A considerable enhancement of Pb self-diffusion was observed due to the alloying with indium. This enhancement exceeded by a large factor the minimum value predicted as a requirement for diffusion by vacancies.
The epidermal hyperplasia associated with repeated barrier disruption by acetone treatment or tape stripping cannot be attributed to increased water loss

Acute disruption of the permeability barrier produces marked changes in epidermal metabolism, including increased lipid synthesis, increased DNA synthesis, and the enhanced production of cytokines. Because abnormalities in the barrier are present in a wide variety of skin disorders, we hypothesized that barrier disruption may be an important event that initiates pathological changes in the skin. In the present study, we found that repeated barrier disruption by topical acetone treatment or tape stripping induced epidermal hyperplasia in the flank skin of hairless mice and the ear of ICR mice, as well as inflammation in ear skin. The degree of epidermal hyperplasia correlated with the level and duration of barrier disruption. Likewise, the epidermal mitotic index, which was localized to the basal layer, increased with repeated disruption, indicating that the hyperplasia could be ascribed to increased cell proliferation. However, occlusion with a water-impermeable membrane, which prevents water loss, did not prevent the epidermal hyperplasia. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining for TNFα and IL 1α increased following repeated acetone treatment or tape stripping, and this increase also was not blocked by occlusion. These studies indicate that manipulations of the stratum corneum which disrupt the permeability barrier, such as, repeated acetone treatment or tape stripping, induce a variety of biologic responses in the underlying epidermis. Since neither the increase in epidermal cytokine production nor the described changes in cutaneous pathology were prevented by occlusion, in these two models the changes should not be attributed to increased water loss, but rather to epidermal injury resulting in the production and release of epidermal cytokines.
Technological considerations for planning the global carbon future

Abstract The atmospheric level of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is the dominant variable in the anthropogenic influence of future global climate change. Thus, it is critical to understand the long-term factors affecting its level, especially the longer-range technological considerations. Most recent analyses of the problem focus on the next 20 to 100 years. While great uncertainties exist in longer-term projections of CO 2 , it is of concern that the longer-range buildup (over many centuries) may be of substantial magnitude and might be so despite major efforts to reduce use of fossil reserves for energy, save world forests, and/or collect and dispose of CO 2 . This paper summarizes some of the recent literature relating to the longer-term CO 2 problem and discusses some of the technological considerations for known prevention and mitigation approaches in the context of this longer-term problem. These approaches include: renewables (solar photovoltaics, wind, and biomass), conservation, flue-gas and fuel CO 2 sequestration via disposal on land or in the ocean, carbon recycling (chemical/biological utilization), and atmospheric CO 2 fixation/utilization via terrestrial and marine approaches. These are discussed along with other strategies to identify those that 1) could be major factors in preventing long-term CO 2 buildup, 2) would be environmentally sound but likely to have more limited long-range CO 2 impact, 3) would be environmentally uncertain or uncertain for other reasons, and 4) would be environmentally questionable or unlikely solutions for other reasons.
Monolithic digital galvanic isolation buffer fabricated in silicon on sapphire CMOS

A monolithic four-channel digital galvanic isolation buffer in the 0.5 /spl mu/m silicon on sapphire (SOS) CMOS technology is reported. Advantage is taken of the insulating properties of the sapphire substrate to integrate on the same die both the isolation structure and the interface electronics. Each isolation channel has been tested to operate at data rates over 100 Mbit/s. The system can tolerate ground bounces of 1 V//spl mu/s and is tested for 800 V isolation. The system includes an integrated isolation charge pump to power the input circuit and is hence capable of operating from a single 3.3 V power supply.
Protein localization: Can too much lipid glue stop Ras?

The kinetics of the acylation, deacylation and reacylation cycle are important for localization and function of Ras as well as other key signaling proteins. A new small-molecule inhibitor may put the brakes on Ras by inhibiting the deacylation enzyme APT1.
Scalable solutions of interactive POMDPs using generalized and bounded policy iteration

Policy iteration algorithms for partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) offer the benefits of quicker convergence compared to value iteration and the ability to operate directly on the solution, which usually takes the form of a finite state automaton. However, the finite state controller tends to grow quickly in size across iterations due to which its evaluation and improvement become computationally costly. Bounded policy iteration provides a way of keeping the controller size fixed while improving it monotonically until convergence, although it is susceptible to getting trapped in local optima. Despite these limitations, policy iteration algorithms are viable alternatives to value iteration, and allow POMDPs to scale. In this article, we generalize the bounded policy iteration technique to problems involving multiple agents. Specifically, we show how we may perform bounded policy iteration with anytime behavior in settings formalized by the interactive POMDP framework, which generalizes POMDPs to non-stationary contexts shared with multiple other agents. Although policy iteration has been extended to decentralized POMDPs, the context there is strictly cooperative. Its novel generalization in this article makes it useful in non-cooperative settings as well. As interactive POMDPs involve modeling other agents sharing the environment, we ascribe controllers to predict others' actions, with the benefit that the controllers compactly represent the model space. We show how we may exploit the agent's initial belief, often available, toward further improving the controller, particularly in large domains, though at the expense of increased computations, which we compensate. We extensively evaluate the approach on multiple problem domains with some that are significantly large in their dimensions, and in contexts with uncertainty about the other agent's frames and those involving multiple other agents, and demonstrate its properties and scalability.
A Clinician-Researcher's Understanding of ''The Effectiveness of Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy''

Leichsenring and Rabung’s meta-analysis of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy offers a useful summary of available research data. Their adaptation of meta-analysis has many merits as well as some important limitations. Their work provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of this therapy, a widely used method of treatment that also has detractors. The article also sets the stage for reviewing how the research ideology of evidence-based practice (EBP), and the economic forces behinds EBP, may limit research on several therapeutic methods of interest to clinical social workers and our clients. A call is made for additional high quality research on many therapies with considerable research support that may not (yet) meet the standards of EBP.
Siderophore-promoted dissolution of synthetic and biogenic layer-type Mn oxides

Siderophores are biogenic chelating agents exuded in terrestrial and marine environments to increase the bioavailablity of ferric iron. Recent work suggests that both solid and aqueous manganese may affect the aqueous speciation of siderophores and thus siderophore-mediated iron transport. Although the interaction of the trihydroxamate siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) with several lower-valence manganese oxides has been studied, the effects of siderophores on Mn(III,IV) oxide dissolution are unknown. To remedy this situation, we measured the dissolution rates of two synthetic layer-type Mn(IV) oxides and a biogenic oxide produced by a model organism, Pseudomonas putida GB-1. For pH 5–7, we find that all minerals studied dissolve by traditional reductive (R1) dissolution, yielding Mn(II); for pH 7–9, dissolution yields Mn(III)–siderophore complexes, either by selective ligand-promoted dissolution of structural Mn(III) or by reduction of >Mn(IV) to >Mn(III) followed by complexation and solubilization of Mn(III) by DFOB. Because reductive dissolution results in siderophore oxidation, manganese oxide dissolution at acidic pH may provide a significant abiotic sink for siderophores in natural waters. At alkaline pH, Mn(III)–siderophore complexes produced may profoundly affect the aqueous speciation of siderophores as well as provide a source of reactive Mn(III) complexes.
Randomized clinical trial of hydrocodone/acetaminophen versus codeine/acetaminophen in the treatment of acute extremity pain after emergency department discharge.

Objectives The objective was to test the hypothesis that hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin [5/500]) provides more efficacious analgesia than codeine/acetaminophen (Tylenol #3 [30/300]) in patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). Both are currently Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule III narcotics. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial of patients with acute extremity pain who were discharged home from the ED, comparing a 3-day supply of oral hydrocodone/acetaminophen (5 mg/500 mg) to oral codeine/acetaminophen (30 mg/300 mg). Pain was measured on a valid and reproducible verbal numeric rating scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10, and patients were contacted by telephone approximately 24 hours after being discharged. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in improvement in pain at 2 hours following the most recent ingestion of the study drug, relative to the time of phone contact after ED discharge. Secondary outcomes compared side-effect profiles and patient satisfaction. Results The median time from ED discharge to follow-up was 26 hours (interquartile range [IQR] = 24 to 39 hours). The mean NRS pain score before the most recent dose of pain medication after ED discharge was 7.6 NRS units for both groups. The mean decrease in pain scores 2 hours after pain medications were taken were 3.9 NRS units in the hydrocodone/acetaminophen group versus 3.5 NRS units in the codeine/acetaminophen group, for a difference of 0.4 NRS units (95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.3 to 1.2 NRS units). No differences were found in side effects or patient satisfaction. Conclusions Both medications decreased NRS pain scores by approximately 50%. However, the oral hydrocodone/acetaminophen failed to provide clinically or statistically superior pain relief compared to oral codeine/acetaminophen when prescribed to patients discharged from the ED with acute extremity pain. Similarly, there were no clinically or statistically important differences in side-effect profiles or patient satisfaction. If the DEA reclassifies hydrocodone as a Schedule II narcotic, as recently recommended by its advisory board, our data suggest that the codeine/acetaminophen may be a clinically reasonable Schedule III substitute for hydrocodone/acetaminophen at ED discharge. These findings should be regarded as tentative and require independent validation in similar and other acute pain models.
A SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF OXYGEN CONTENT IN BLOOD

SUMMARY A method is described for the measurement of oxygen content in whole blood, utilizing an oxygen electrode. The principle relies on the release of combined oxygen into solution when a small volume of blood (100 μl) is added to a relatively large volume (4.9 ml) of 0.4 per cent potassium ferricyanide. From the resulting change in the Po 2 of the ferricyanide solution, the oxygen content of the blood can be calculated. Simplification on other similar techniques was effected by the use of micro-syringes and deoxygenated ferricyanide solution. Validation of the method was obtained by comparing results with those obtained using the standard technique of Van Slyke and Neill.
The effects of carbon dioxide conditioning on the permeation behavior of hollow fiber asymmetric membranes

Abstract Asymmetric hollow fiber membrane modules conditioned with 125 psig CO 2 are shown to have significantly enhanced air permeation rates as compared to their unconditioned values. Permeation increases as great as 100% are reported for modules conditioned for 48 hr with CO 2 . The conditioning treatment has negligible effect on the O 2 /N 2 selectivity. The permeation enhancement is permanent as long as air remains in contact with the module, but is slowly lost when the module is depressurized. Neither air nor helium were able to induce the conditioning response but were able to maintain the module in a state of enhanced permeability as long as they remained in contact with the module. The permeation enhancement observed for air following CO 2 conditioning treatments is much greater in asymmetric modules than in dense films composed of the same polymer. It is proposed that the difference between the dense film and hollow fiber module conditioning results are due primarily to alterations in the supermolecular morphology of the asymmetric membranes.
FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR A K$pi$ RESONANCE NEAR 1400 Mev

Author(s): Hardy, Lyndon M.; Chung, Sun Urk; Dahl, Orin I.; Hess, Richard I.; Kirz, Janos; Miller, Donald H.
Design considerations for the virtual source/virtual destination (VS/VD) feature in the ABR service of ATM networks

Abstract The Available Bit Rate (ABR) service in ATM networks uses end-to-end rate-based flow control to allow fair and efficient support of data applications over ATM networks. One of the architectural features in the ABR specification [ATM Forum, ATM Traffic Management Specification Version 4.0, April 1996] is the Virtual Source/Virtual Destination (VS/VD) option. This option allows a switch to divide an end-to-end ABR connection into separately controlled ABR segments by acting like a (virtual) destination on one segment, and like a (virtual) source on the other. The translation and propagation of feedback in the VS/VD switch between the two ABR control segments (called “coupling”) is implementation specific. In this paper, we model a VS/VD ATM switch and study the issues in designing the coupling between ABR segments. We identify a number of implementation options for the coupling and show that the choice of the implementation option significantly affects the system performance in terms of (a) the system stability in the steady state, (b) the time to respond to transient changes and converge to the steady state, and (c) the buffer requirements at the switches.
Investigation into the behavior of metal-argon polyatomic ions (MAr+) in the extraction region of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Abstract The abundances of metal-argon polyatomic ions (MAr+) are determined in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The ratios of MAr+ abundance to that for M+ ions are measured experimentally. These ratios are compared to expected values, calculated for typical plasma conditions using spectroscopic data. For all metals studied (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn), the measured ratios are significantly lower than the calculated ratios. Increasing the plasma potential (and thereby increasing the ion kinetic energy) by means of a homemade guard electrode with a wide gap further reduces the MAr+/M+ ratio. Implementing a skimmer cone designed for high transmission of light ions increases the MAr+ abundance. Considering this evidence, the scarcity of MAr+ ions is attributed to collision induced dissociation (CID), likely due to a shock wave at the tip of or in the throat of the skimmer cone.
1469 EFFECT OF RITODRINE ON BILIRUBIN FORMATION IN THE NEONATAL RAT

Ritodrine hydrochloride (RH) is a β-adrenergic, tocolytic agent. RH activates adenyl cyclase which generates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP is reported to increase hepatic heme oxygenase (HO) activity. Because increased hepatic HO activity has been associated with increased hepatic early-labeled bilirubin (ELB) production, we studied the effect of RH on total bilirubin formation (TBF). Litters of Wistar rats (< 12 hrs old) were divided into groups (3 rats each) of equal weight and given 2 SQ injections of RH (35 mg/kg) or saline at 7 and 5 hrs prior to injection of a radio-labeled hepatic heme precursor, δ-ALA-5-14C (0.6 μCi/12.3 nmol) (t=0). 14CO was collected continuously and was quantitated at t=1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hrs. The excretion rate of carbon monoxide (VeCO), an index of TBF, was determined at t=0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hrs. At t=12 hrs, the animals were decapitated and blood and liver were collected. Plasma bilirubin (mg/dl) was measured by a UB Analyzer and HO activity(nmoles bili/min/10 mg prot) was determined spectrophotometrically. Our results suggest that, although high dose RH administration in rats increases hepatic HO activity and ELB, these changes are minimal and the effect of RH on TBF is small.
Plastic deformation of nanocrystalline copper-antimony alloys

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to evaluate the influence of Sb dopant atoms at the grain boundaries on plastic deformation of nanocrystalline Cu. Deformation is conducted under uniaxial tensile loading, and Sb atoms are incorporated as substitutional defects at the grain boundaries. The presence of randomly dispersed Sb atoms at the grain boundaries does not appreciably influence the mechanisms associated with dislocation nucleation in nanocrystalline Cu; grain boundary ledges and triple junctions still dominate as partial dislocation sources. However, the magnitude of the tensile stress associated with the partial dislocation nucleation event does increase with increasing Sb concentration and also with increasing grain size. The flow stress of nanocrystalline Cu increases with increasing Sb concentration up to 1.0 at.% Sb, with a maximum observed at a grain size of 15 nm for all Sb concentrations (0.0–2.0 at.% Sb).
Thebaine Content of Selections of Papaver bracteatum Lindl. at Different Ages

Approximately 200 accessions of Papaver species were evaluated for identification as P. bracteatum Lindl. and for thebaine content. Fifteen authentic P. bracteatum accessions were selected on the basis of chromosome count. Statistical analyses of variation in alkaloid content were made for these accessions. Four of the 15 warranted further study based on the vigor of the plant and the total thebaine present in the tissue. Significant variability in thebaine content was found in wild strains of P. bracteatum, thus requiring genetic selection studies. The data showed that total yield potential of thebaine should be considered in selecting P. bracteatum strains for commercial growth rather than concentrating on strains that produce the highest thebaine concentrations. A method for the quantitative estimation of thebaine from P. bracteatum is presented.
New variational approach to the many-body problem and application to the high-density electron gas

A new variational approach is proposed for the study of the many-body problem with the purpose of combining the advantages of perturbation-theoretic and variational approaches, while avoiding their disadvantages. A trial wave function is constructed so that a general expansion for the expectation value of an arbitrary physical quantity can be derived. Each term in the expansion can be calculated with the use of the techniques of Feynman diagrams, but in contrast with usual perturbation-theoretic approaches, every term in the expansion always converges. The procedure for applying the method to real systems is illustrated by a calculation of the ground-state energy of the electron gas at high densities.
Adenine deaminase of a eukaryotic animal cell, Crithidia fasciculata.

Abstract Adenine deaminase (adenine aminohydrolase, EC 3.5.4.2) has been found to occur in Crithidia fasciculata with a specific activity higher than that of the same enzymes of bacteria and yeasts. It is remarkable for its stability to heat, exhibiting no appreciable loss of activity after 60 min at 55 °C. It occurs in the soluble portion of cell extracts but can be released into the suspending medium by osmotic and/or cold shock.
Effective elastic moduli and stress concentrator factors in random structure aligned fiber composites

We consider a linearly elastic composite medium, which consists of a homogeneous matrix containing a statistically uniform random set of aligned fibers. Effective elastic moduli as well as the stress concentrator factors in the components are estimated. The micromechanical approach is based on the Green’s function technique as well as on the generalization of the “multiparticle effective field method” (MEFM, see for references, Buryachenko [1]). The refined version of the MEFM takes into account the variation of the effective fields acting on each pair of fibers. The dependence of effective elastic moduli and stress concentrator factors on the radial distribution function of the fiber locations is analyzed.
Smoking-specific experiential avoidance cognition: explanatory relevance to pre- and post-cessation nicotine withdrawal, craving, and negative affect.

Abstract Background Negative-reinforcement based cognitive processes have been implicated in the maintenance of cigarette smoking. Given the expectation that smoking will attenuate aversive internal experiences, smokers may be particularly unwilling to experience or remain in contact with smoking-related distress (i.e., experiential avoidance). Yet, there is little known about a cognitive-based process termed smoking-specific experiential avoidance with regard to withdrawal, craving, or negative affect during a quit attempt. Method Data were collected from adult daily smokers (n = 259) participating in a larger smoking cessation trial. Pre- and post-quit experiences of nicotine withdrawal, craving, and negative affect were examined in terms of cognitive-based smoking-specific experimental avoidance, measured by the Avoidance and Inflexibility Scale (AIS). Results Results indicated that baseline smoking-specific experiential avoidance was associated with greater overall levels of withdrawal, craving, and negative affect at treatment initiation (pre-cessation). Reductions in smoking-specific experiential avoidance from baseline to quit day were associated with increased likelihood of quit day abstinence. Such reductions were also predictive of lower levels of nicotine withdrawal, craving, and negative affect on quit day. Also, less reduction in experiential avoidance was associated with experiencing greater withdrawal in the early phase of quitting. Discussion The impact of cognitive-based experiential avoidance pertaining to smoking impacts both pre- and post-cessation experiences in terms of negative affect, withdrawal, and smoking cravings and may represent an important treatment target.
Self-assembly of novel dye molecules and [Cd8(SPh)12]4+ cubic clusters into three-dimensional photoluminescent superlattice.

The use of organic multidentate ligands to organize inorganic species is an effective method to prepare porous solids with tunable pore sizes. However, thus far, inorganic building units are generally limited to individual metal ions (e.g., Zn2+) or their oxide clusters (e.g., Zn4O6+). To expand applications of porous materials to electronic, electrooptic, or optical areas, the organization of semiconducting chalcogenide nanoclusters is desirable. Here we report the organization of cubic [Cd8(SPh)12]4+ clusters by in-situ-generated tetradentate 1,2,4,5-tetra(4-pyridyl)benzene molecules. The structure consists of three-dimensional inorganic−organic open framework with large unidimensional channels. The combination of dye molecules and inorganic cluster units in the same material creates a synergetic effect that enhances the emission of the inorganic cluster at 580 nm. Such an emission can be excited by a broad spectral range down to the UV, which is believed to result from the absorption of dye molecules a...
Generalized torsional waves and the non-axisymmetric end problem in a solid circular cylinder

Abstract The dispersion relations obtained from the approximate dynamical theory of torsion developed in [1] for the problem of plane waves propagating in an infinite circular cylinder are compared with the corresponding relations of the exact three-dimensional theory and are found to be in close agreement. End effects in static torsion are investigated and the solution to a problem of the non-axisymmetric torsion of a circular rod is obtained. It is found that the rate of decay of non-axisymmetric end effects is slower than that of the analogous axisymmetric end effects.
Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of milk fatty acids: a review.

Abstract Application of gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) to the analysis of milk fatty acids has allowed the rapid separation and identification of these acids. To date, at least 142 acids have been reported, though many are present only in trace amounts. Saturated, unsaturated ( cis and trans ), branched-chain, hydroxy, and keto acids, as well as a cyclic acid, have been discovered; thus, milk fat is the most complex natural fat. Techniques employed to extract fat from milk, convert the fatty acids to esters suitable for GLC analysis, and transfer the esters to the instrument quantitatively are described. Some of the problems involved in GLC analysis of milk fatty acids are discussed.
Laser beam combining: techniques and prospects

The prospects for power and brightness scaling of lasers by using arrays of gain elements have been enhanced by advances in beam combining. An overview of the fundamentals and of recent progress will be given.
Liquid chromatographic fractionation of oligomers of nonylphenyl-oligo(ethylene glycol)

Abstract Underivatized silica and silica lightly derivatized with octadecyl groups produced better separations of oligomers of nonylphenyl-oligo(ethylene glycol) than a more extensively derivatized silica packing. In addition, the resolution was shown to be adversely affected by the presence of 0.01 M sodium iodide or by 10% of water in an eluent of either acetonitrile or methanol.
Testing old wives' tales in Palaeoethnobotany: A comparison of bulk and scatter sampling schemes from Pancán, Peru

Abstract The collection of soil samples for flotation has become a routine part of most archaeological excavations. This paper discusses some untested assumptions concerning two sample collection types, commonly termed bulk and scatter samples. Both sampling strategies were used simultaneously at the site of Pancan, in the central highlands of Peru. In our analysis we examine the relationships between the contents of each type of sample from the same locus within the site, as well as the possible influence of cultural context, locus size, and a number of identified taxa per sample. Four popular quantification schemes are also investigated, using both collection types. We conclude that the results from the two different schemes are fairly similar, but that there are some consistent patterns of difference. Our tests from Pancan also indicate that some common assumptions concerning the results of bulk and scatter samples are correct, and that some do not stand up for the samples. The final recommendation is that the best results are obtained by collecting one type of sample consistently from all locations within a site.
An experimental assessment of the risk of compartment syndrome during knee arthroscopy

The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate the risk of compartment syndrome as a complication during arthroscopy, particularly with the use of mechanical infusion systems. Little experimental data are available. This study shows that when elevated compartment pressures occur, extravasated fluid dissipates quickly, minimizing the risk of compartment syndrome and subsequent neuromuscular damage. Twelve live pig hind limbs (six swine) were used. Three additional limbs were used as shams. After anesthesia and portal placement for mechanical fluid infusion, two standardized capsulotomies were created to allow free extravasation of fluid. We dynamically monitored intraarticular pressure, and intracompartmental pressure in the anterior (leg), deep posterior (leg), and quadriceps (thigh) compartments. Nerve conduction studies were performed on the tibial and peroneal nerves. Data collection began at the onset of fluid infusion and continued after infusion ceased until elevated compartment pressures fell below 20 mm Hg. There were two study variables: intraarticular pressure (100, 150, or 200 mm Hg) and time of fluid ingress (30, 60, or 90 minutes). Following this, the swine were evaluated serially for 13 to 16 days. Repeat nerve conduction studies, muscle biopsies (in the three previously mentioned compartments), and electromyography were performed 13 to 16 days following the operation. Maximum compartment pressures during fluid infusion averaged 78.75 mm Hg. Significant variability existed when comparing the interrelationships of infusion time, maximum compartment pressures, time of resolution of elevated pressures, and intraarticular pressures. Most importantly, elevated compartment pressures resolved quickly (mean, 25.5 minutes; range, 0 to 100 minutes; n = 36 compartments) when stopping fluid infusion. Nerve conduction studies were normal on all postoperative studies. Electromyographic (EMG) analysis showed normal study results in the biceps, gracilis, abductor digiti quinti, and adductor digiti segundi. Although EMG analysis of the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum brevis showed 1+ fibrillation (1+ to 4+ scale), this was seen in sham studies with tourniquet alone (no fluid infusion). Muscle biopsies were without evidence of myonecrosis. Finally, 5 of 6 swine ambulated without difficulty on the first postoperative day, whereas 1 swine limped for 2 days. All swine were normal by the 3rd postoperative day and also at the end of the study. These data show that in this model, the risk of developing sequela from compartment syndrome during arthroscopy is minimal, even when there exists significant fluid extravasation and elevated compartment pressures.
Where Is It? Searching for Information in a College Textbook

Abstract A study in which college students searched for the location of answers to simple questions about the meaning of basic concepts and terms in a college-level textbook is reported. In addition, students completed a series of questionnaire items and rating scales designed to assess their judgments about the utility of different textbook features for finding information, the strategies used to search, and efficacy beliefs about searching for information and learning information in a textbook. It proved especially difficult to find information that is not specifically indexed in the book and for which there are no other obvious clues. Most subjects thought to use the book′s index, however, and successfully located information rather quickly if the information was indexed. Subjects also have a clear model of the features of textbooks which have different levels of utility for finding information.
Contrastive patterns of intrahemispheric interference to verbal and spatial concurrent tasks in right-handed, left-handed and stuttering populations

A time-sharing paradigm was used to assess hemispheric lateralization for both language and visuo-spatial processing in right-handed, left-handed and stuttering populations. A right hand only tapping disruption, indicative of left hemisphere interference, accompanied concurrent verbal tasks only in the dextral group. Left-handers and stutterers revealed symmetrical patterns of hemispheric language interference. Significantly different absolute levels of language interference were found for the three groups, with dextrals having the least, followed by sinistrals, and being greatest for stutterers. These magnitude differences were explained in relation to a hypothesis of strength of language representation within a given hemisphere. Visuo-spatial right hemisphere interference was shown for left-handers with a concurrent object chimera task.
Concentration change in selected food manufacturing industries: The influence of mergers vs. internal growth

Concentration of sales among the leading manufacturers changed sharply in some relatively undifferentiated food processing industries in the 1980s. In six industries examined, CR4 increased 23 points, on average, from 1977 to 1988. Mergers accounted for virtually all of the concentration increase in three, and roughly half of the increase in the other three. Overall, internal growth accounted for about one-third of the increase in concentration in the six industries. The relaxation of antitrust enforcement during the 1980s likely encouraged several large horizontal mergers that significantly increased concentration in these industries. At least seven mergers appear to have violated the Dept. of Justice Merger Guidelines of 1984.
Coriolis effects on the stability of plane-front solidification of dilute Pb-Sn binary alloys

The possibility of using steady uniform rotation about a vertical axis to suppress the onset of buoyancy-driven convection during solidification of a binary alloy is considered using a linear stability analysis. For Pb-Sn alloys, our results clearly show that the onset of convection in a horizontally unbounded layer can be suppressed significantly at modest rotation rates. Specifically, “plane-front” solidification is linearly stable at higher Sn concentrations in a rotating configuration than in a nonrotating one. The predicted inhibitory effects of rotation on convection are discussed in terms of previous experimental and theoretical studies of the effect of rotation on the onset of buoyancy-driven convection in single-component fluids heated from below and in binary fluids subject to thermal and solutal stratification.
Facilitation of concept learning by a “simultaneous contrast” procedure

Three presentation procedures were compared in a concept learning task with college Ss. In the Contrast condition, one positive and one negative instance were shown on each trial In the Pairs condition, pairs of positive and negative instances were shown. In the Successive condition, a single positive or negative instance was shown on each trial. The Contrast condition was the most efficient by a measure of instances prior to criterion. The Pairs and Successive conditions were equally efficient when one set of relevant dimensions was used. But the Pairs condition was much less efficient when another set of dimensions was made relevant.
Can Auditory and Visual Speech Perception Be Trained Within a Group Setting

Purpose This study attempted to determine whether auditory-only and auditory-visual speech perception could be trained in a group format. Method A randomized controlled trial with at least 16 parti...
Mechanical properties of a dental ceramic coated by RF magnetron sputtering.

Metal and ceramic thin film coatings were deposited onto a dental ceramic via radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The objectives of the study were to determine if a coherent interface could be produced between the coating and the substrate and if the coating significantly would improve the mechanical properties of the ceramic. Thin films of Au, Al, and AlN were deposited in this study. Mechanical testing results indicated that a significant improvement in flexural strength was observed with both Au and Al coatings while significant improvements in the flexural modulus were observed with all three materials. SEM analysis indicated that the interfaces were coherent and also suggested two mechanisms (crack bridging and crack blunting) that could be responsible for the enhanced mechanical properties.
Population based optimization for variable operating points

Finding optimal inputs for a multiple input, single output system is taxing for an system operator. This work presents a population-based optimization to create sets of functions to approximate a locally optimal input as an operator selects an output. Output and cost functions are modeled by neural networks. Neural network gradients are used to optimize a population of agents by minimizing the cost for the agent's current output. When an agent reaches an optimal input for its current output, additional agents are generated to step in the output gradient directions. The agent then settles to the local optimum for the new output value. The set of associated optimal points forms a inverse function, via spline interpolation, from a desired output to an optimal input. In this manner, a locally optimal function is created for each settled agent. These functions are naturally clustered in input and output spaces allowing for a continuous optimal function. The best cluster over the anticipated range of desired outputs can be chosen and the process optimized on-the-fly to respond to different set points. Results are shown for a diverse set of functions.
The pace and proliferation of biological technologies.

THE ADVENT OF THE home molecular biology laboratory is not far off. While there is no Star Trek “Tricorder” in sight, the physical infrastructure of molecular biology is becoming more sophisticated and less expensive every day. Automated commercial instrumentation handles an increasing fraction of laboratory tasks that were once the sole province of doctoral level researchers, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity. This technology is gradually moving into the broader marketplace as laboratories upgrade to new equipment. Older, still very powerful instruments are finding their way into wide distribution, as any cursory tour of eBay will reveal.1 These factors are contributing to a proliferation that will soon put highly capable tools in the hands of both professionals and amateurs worldwide. There are obvious short term risks from increased access to DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies, and the general improvement of technologies used in measuring and manipulating molecules will soon enable a broad and distributed enhancement in the ability to alter biological systems. The resulting potential for mischief or mistake causes understandable concern—there are already public calls by scientists and politicians alike to restrict access to certain technologies, to regulate the direction of biological research, and to censor publication of some new techniques and data. It is questionable, however, whether such efforts will increase security or benefit the public good. Proscription of information and artifacts generally leads directly to a black market that is difficult to monitor and therefore difficult to police. A superior alternative is the deliberate creation of an open and expansive research community, which may be better able to respond to crises and better able to keep track of research whether in the university or in the garage.
Understanding Test Construction

Measurement typically involves the assignment of numerical values to objects or event. The attributes of persons that are generally assessed include, but are not limited to, career interests, intelligence, memory, and personality. A test may be designed to measure maximum performance as with intelligence scales and achievement tests, or usual performance as with questionnaires and inventories that asess feelings during the past week, personal attitudes, and vocational interests.
Using 3D Hidden Markov Models that explicitly represent spatial coordinates to model and compare protein structures

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) have proven very useful in computational biology for such applications as sequence pattern matching, gene-finding, and structure prediction. Thus far, however, they have been confined to representing 1D sequence (or the aspects of structure that could be represented by character strings). We develop an HMM formalism that explicitly uses 3D coordinates in its match states. The match states are modeled by 3D Gaussian distributions centered on the mean coordinate position of each alpha carbon in a large structural alignment. The transition probabilities depend on the spread of the neighboring match states and on the number of gaps found in the structural alignment. We also develop methods for aligning query structures against 3D HMMs and scoring the result probabilistically. For 1D HMMs these tasks are accomplished by the Viterbi and forward algorithms. However, these will not work in unmodified form for the 3D problem, due to non-local quality of structural alignment, so we develop extensions of these algorithms for the 3D case. Several applications of 3D HMMs for protein structure classification are reported. A good separation of scores for different fold families suggests that the described construct is quite useful for protein structure analysis. We have created a rigorous 3D HMM representation for protein structures and implemented a complete set of routines for building 3D HMMs in C and Perl. The code is freely available from http://www.molmovdb.org/geometry/3dHMM , and at this site we also have a simple prototype server to demonstrate the features of the described approach.
The serpent and the egg: unidirectional evolution of reproductive mode in vipers?

Dollo’s law, that complex characters are not regained in evolution, is a pattern applied to many systems. Recent work has evaluated unidirectional evolution in a number of contexts, and several violations of this law have been documented. These methods have also been criticized for potentially overestimating reversals. We test the hypothesis that the ancestral reproductive mode of oviparity can be regained in vipers, in opposition to Dollo’s law. We use model comparison and ancestral character state reconstruction methods that address recent criticisms, and find evidence both supporting and refuting Dollo’s predictions from different analyses. We discuss our results in the context of unidirectional evolution and review factors required for strong inference of violations of Dollo’s law. Resumen La ley de Dollo, donde caracteres complejos no son ganados de nuevo en el transcurso evolutivo, es un patron aplicado a muchos sistemas. Trabajo reciente ha evaluado la evolucion unidireccional en un amplio contexto, y se han documentado varias violaciones de dicha ley. Sin embargo, los metodos analiticos han sido criticados por potencialmente sobre-estimar las reversiones. Nosotros probamos la hipotesis que el modo reproductivo ancestral de la oviparidad pudo haber sido re-adquirido en viboras, asi oponiendose a la Ley de Dollo. Usamos comparacion de modelos y metodos de reconstruccion ancestral para abordar las recientes criticas y encontramos evidencia que soporta y refuta las predicciones de la Ley dependiendo de los diferentes analisis. Discutimos nuestros resultados en el contexto de la evolucion unidireccional y revisamos los factores requeridos para la inferencia robusta de la violacion de la Ley de Dollo.
Entendiendo por qué se Redujo la Criminalidad en la Década de 1990: Cuatro Factores que lo Explican y Seis que No

En este articulo pretendo establecer las verdaderas razones del por que de la baja en la criminalidad en los Estados Unidos durante la decada de 1990. Comienzo con una revision de los hechos y despues analizo las principales explicaciones del por que de la baja, fijandome en posibles determinantes que hayan cambiado de manera sustancial en los anos noventa. La mayoria de las supuestas explicaciones ofrecidas hasta el momento, entre ellas, la solidez de la economia, los cambios demograficos, las mejores estrategias policiales, las leyes de control y porte legal de armas y un aumento en la aplicacion de la pena de muerte, no juegan un rol directo en el descenso de la criminalidad. Por el contrario, existen cuatro factores que determinan practicamente todo el descenso visto en la criminalidad: el incremento del numero de policias, el aumento de la poblacion penal, la disminucion de la epidemia del crack y la legalizacion del aborto. Por tanto, concluyo que la baja en la criminalidad realmente no es un enigma, sino que esta suficientemente explicada por las teorias disponibles. Yo sostengo que el verdadero enigma que continua sin solucion es el por que la tasa de delitos no comenzo a decaer con anterioridad. Finalmente, ofrezco mi estimacion acerca de las tendencias en la criminalidad que podrian esperarse para la proxima decada.
Acquisition of nosocomial pathogens on hands after contact with environmental surfaces near hospitalized patients

We examined the frequency of acquisition of bacterial pathogens on investigators' hands after contacting environmental surfaces near hospitalized patients. Hand imprint cultures were positive for one or more pathogens after contacting surfaces near 34 (53%) of 64 study patients, with Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus being the most common isolates.