cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palladium-catalyzed cyclotrimerization and hydrogenation: from ultrahigh vacuum to high-pressure catalysis

Abstract The surface reactions involved in the palladium-catalyzed formation of benzene from acetylene are discussed as an example of the way in which such strategies can be used to understand catalytic reaction pathways in detail. This provides an ideal system for surface science/catalysis studies since benzene is formed both in ultrahigh vacuum in temperature-programmed desorption and under high-pressure, catalytic conditions. It is found that benzene is synthesized on clean Pd(1 1 1) by an initial fast reaction between two adsorbed acetylene molecules to yield a tilted C4H4 metallacyclic intermediate. This reacts with a third acetylene to form benzene and the hexagonal (1 1 1) surface of palladium acts as a template for the reaction. Under catalytic conditions, however, it is found that a relatively unreactive vinylidene layer covers the surface. Organometallic studies show that acetylene and vinylidene can react to form a C4H4 intermediate analogous to that found to form from acetylene on a palladium surface. This suggests an alternative possible reaction pathway under catalytic conditions in which acetylene and vinylidene react to eventually form benzene. This proposal is confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of a 13 C -labelled vinylidene-covered surface. It is also shown that the vinylidene species formed from acetylene and ethylidyne species formed from ethylene can react with hydrogen at high pressures where the ethylidyne removal rate is found to be first-order in hydrogen pressure. This behavior is used to explain the hydrogen pressure dependence during catalysis where the hydrogen performs two roles, that of reactant, and to remove carbonaceous species from the surface. Finally, it is found that vinylidene also reacts with hydrogen at high pressures where it is removed via the formation of ethylidyne.
Performance driven multi-layer general area routing for PCB/MCM designs

In this paper we present a new global router appropriate for Multichip Module (MCM) and dense Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, which utilizes a hybrid of the classical rip-up and reroute approach, and the more recent iterative deletion [9] method. The global router addresses performance issues by utilizing recent results in high performance interconnect design, while still effectively minimizing global congestion.With experimen ts on the maze-routing component of our global router, we show that the choice of routing cost functions can have a significant impact on final solution quality. The results of a number of previously proposed routers may be improved dramatically by adopting the cost functions we suggest here. W e also find little evidence of the “net ordering problem” when our cost functions and routing model are applied. The iterative deletion method is shown to improve global solution quality, particularly when high performance interconnect is required. We evaluate the performance of our global router by comparing the congestion of routes produced by our global router to those of a well known MCM router, V4R [14].Our global router, MINOTAUR, supports arbitrary numbers of routing layers, differing capacities for each layer, pre-existing congestion and obstacles, and high performance interconnect structures (including those which require variable width interconnect).
Pruning the regulatory tree

For human-subjects research, maximum regulation does not mean maximum protection. Stop regulating minimal risk research, say Scott Kim, Peter Ubel and Raymond De Vries.
The Morphology of the Chromosomes of Pisum sativum

1. Different methods of fixing root tips and Pollen mother cell smears of peas are described and discussed.2. Formalin appears to render some of the nucleolar material and the matrix substance of somatic and meiotic chromosomes soluble in water, or to fail to render them insoluble as do chromic-fatty acid-formalin fixatives.3. Alcohol appears to dissolve the meiotic chromosome matrix or to render it achromatic.4. An intimate relationship between, and possible identity of nucleolar material and the matrix substance of somatic chromosomes is established.5. The metotic and meiotic ehromosomes are described. The characters of each of the seven 'pairs permit identification of the individual members of the complement. They are as follows:6. The chromonemata of the first meiotic metaphase and the chromosomes of later stages are found to show the Same individual characteristics as the somatic chromosomes.
Quantitative 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Measurement of Volar Shearing Fractures of the Distal Radius

Purpose We used a method for quantitative measurement of articular surface area based on 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images to test the hypothesis that among volar shearing fractures of the distal radius, complete articular fractures have on average larger volar fracture fragments than partial articular fractures. Methods We analyzed 25 adult patients with a quantitative 3-dimensional CT scan of a volar shearing fracture of the distal radius. We identified 3 major fracture patterns: 10 fractures were complete articular fractures (AO C-type; complete dorsal fracture line); 8 fractures had an intact dorsal lunate facet (radial dorsal fracture line; labeled transitional type B fractures); and 7 fractures had no dorsal fracture (true AO type B partial articular fractures). Results All of the type C and transitional type B fractures, but only one of the true type B fractures had a split (fragmentation) in the dorsal articular surface (p Conclusions We identified 3 major volar shearing fracture patterns (complete, transitional partial, and partial articular). Although the differences in the average volar fractures surface area were not statistically significant with the numbers available, complete fractures and transitional partial fractures (intact dorsal lunate facet) were significantly more likely to have dorsal comminution.
High-level simulation of JWST event-driven operations

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has an event-driven architecture: an onboard Observation Plan Executive (OPE) executes an Observation Plan (OP) consisting of a sequence of observing units (visits). During normal operations, ground action to update the OP is only expected to be necessary about once a week. This architecture is designed to tolerate uncertainty in visit duration, and occasional visit failures due to inability to acquire guide stars, without creating gaps in the observing timeline. The operations concept is complicated by the need for occasional scheduling of timecritical science and engineering visits that cannot tolerate much slippage without inducing gaps, and also by onboard momentum management. A prototype Python tool called the JWST Observation Plan Execution Simulator (JOPES) has recently been developed to simulate OP execution at a high level and analyze the response of the Observatory and OPE to both nominal and contingency scenarios. Incorporating both deterministic and stochastic behavior, JOPES has potential to be a powerful tool for several purposes: requirements analysis, system verification, systems engineering studies, and test data generation. It has already been successfully applied to a study of overhead estimation bias: whether to use conservative or average-case estimates for timing components that are inherently uncertain, such as those involving guide-star acquisition. JOPES is being enhanced to support interfaces to the operational Proposal Planning Subsystem (PPS) now being developed, with the objective of "closing the loop" between testing and simulation by feeding simulated event logs back into the PPS.
Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with relaxation and biofeedback training

This study investigated the use of biofeedback and relaxation training on six patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) referred routinely for biofeedback treatment in a VA medical center. Subjects received between 8 and 14 sessions of training overall, as well as concurrent individual and group therapy. Measures used to assess treatment outcome include pre- and posttreatment MMPI, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scores, as well as electromyographic and subjective measures of tension within each session. Additionally, an overall posttreatment clinical rating of change and 1- to 2-year follow-up data were obtained for each subject. Slight to marked improvements were demonstrated for each subject, as evidenced by improvements on the State Anxiety Inventory Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, a decrease in overall MMPI scores, and lowered EMG and subjective tension ratings for all participants. Possible alternative explanations for improvement (situational demand characteristics, regression toward the mean, lack of independent subject evaluation) are described, along with other study limitations. This preliminary investigation suggests that the use of relaxation training and biofeedback may be a particularly useful component within a comprehensive treatment program for this disorder.
Crosswind Shear Gradient Affect on Wake Vortices

Parametric simulations with a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model are used to explore the influence of crosswind shear on aircraft wake vortices. Previous studies based on field measurements, laboratory experiments, as well as LES, have shown that the vertical gradient of crosswind shear, i.e. the second vertical derivative of the environmental crosswind, can influence wake vortex transport. The presence of nonlinear vertical shear of the crosswind velocity can reduce the descent rate, causing a wake vortex pair to tilt and change in its lateral separation. The LES parametric studies confirm that the vertical gradient of crosswind shear does influence vortex trajectories. The parametric results also show that vortex decay from the effects of shear are complex since the crosswind shear, along with the vertical gradient of crosswind shear, can affect whether the lateral separation between wake vortices is increased or decreased. If the separation is decreased, the vortex linking time is decreased, and a more rapid decay of wake vortex circulation occurs. If the separation is increased, the time to link is increased, and at least one of the vortices of the vortex pair may have a longer life time than in the case without shear. In some cases, the wake vortices may never link.
Empirical Evaluation of a New Method for Calculating Signal-to-Noise Ratio for Microarray Data Analysis

Signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) thresholds for microarray data analysis were experimentally determined with an oligonucleotide array that contained perfect-match (PM) and mismatch (MM) probes based upon four genes from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. A new SNR calculation, called the signal-to-both-standard-deviations ratio (SSDR), was developed and evaluated, along with other two methods, the signal-to-standard-deviation ratio (SSR) and the signal-to-background ratio (SBR). At a low stringency, the thresholds of the SSR, SBR, and SSDR were 2.5, 1.60, and 0.80 with an oligonucleotide and a PCR amplicon as target templates and 2.0, 1.60, and 0.70 with genomic DNAs as target templates. Slightly higher thresholds were obtained under high-stringency conditions. The thresholds of the SSR and SSDR decreased with an increase in the complexity of targets (e.g., target types) and the presence of background DNA and a decrease in the compositions of targets, while the SBR remained unchanged in all situations. The lowest percentage of false positives and false negatives was observed with the SSDR calculation method, suggesting that it may be a better SNR calculation for more accurate determination of SNR thresholds. Positive spots identified by SNR thresholds were verified by the Student t test, and consistent results were observed. This study provides general guidance for users to select appropriate SNR thresholds for different samples under different hybridization conditions.
The use of metalorganics in the preparation of semiconductor materials: Growth on insulating substrates

Abstract Semiconductor films of II–VI and III–V compounds and alloys have been produced on semiconductors and insulators by decomposing appropriate Group II and Group III metalorganic compounds in the presence of Group V hydrides and Group VI hydrides or alkyl compounds. Group II metalorganics are also found to be suitable dopant sources for the III–V compounds. The halide-free growth process is compatible with existing CVD systems for the formation of elemental semiconductors.
On-chip magnetic field modulation for distributed immunomagnetic detection of circulating tumor cells

Immunomagnetic assay combined with microfluidic technology has been proved to be an effective tool to detect rare Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), which helps to reveal valuable information for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We introduced an immunomagnetic microsystem with patterned metallic nanomagnets integrating on the substrate to locally modulate the on-chip magnetic field for better capture performance. Here we further investigated the characteristics of the system by demonstrating the nanomagnets evenly distribute the target CTCs across the substrate, avoiding cell clustering and increasing the channel space usage by 23%; the nanomangets separate the CTCs from excessive free nanoparticles, reducing the overlapping degree by 20%; the nanomagnets improve the capture rate for 30% in spiked experiments; We also did theoretical calculations and got consistent results with the experimental data.
Binding of antiparkinsonian ergot derivatives to the dopamine receptor.

The effects of bromocriptine, lisuride and apomorphine on specific binding of 3H-spiroperidol to homogenates of rat caudate nucleus were studied. (+)-Butaclamol was used to define specific binding. Bromocriptine and lisuride inhibited binding markedly, in vitro and also 30 min after in vivo injection. Bromocriptine continued to inhibit binding 24 h after a single injection and also after 4 days of drug administration. Lisuride did not affect net specific binding at these periods. Apomorphine produced a mild reduction in binding after 30 min but none after 4 days. It appears that the ergot alkaloids inhibit binding of 3H-spiroperidol by binding strongly to the dopamine receptor.
Visual recognition as a function of stimulus offset asynchrony and duration

The stimuli consisted of two complementary dot patterns that formed a bigram when they were flashed simultaneously; impairment of letter recognition developed when one of the patterns was briefly extended beyond the termination of the other (stimulus offset asynchrony). However, if the ratio of stimulus offset asynchrony to bigram duration remained constant, the probability of a correct recognition response also remained constant as duration varied over a 50- to 100-msec interval. When percent stimulus asynchrony increased, the impairment increased. An interaction between bigram letter position and each of bigram duration and percent stimulus asynchrony was observed with recognition accuracy greater in general for the letter in the left half of the field.
The mode of action of ribonucleic acid

Abstract Bioassay of new enzyme formation was used in the study of the RNA effect on mouse ascites cells. Liver RNA was capable of inducing ascites cells to manufacture tryptophan pyrrolase (TPO) and glucose-6-phosphatase, but kidney RNA was unable to do so. On the other hand, K-RNA was found to induce the biosynthesis of a greater amount of l-amino acid oxidase than L-RNA, thus showing that l-amino acid oxidase is predominantly kidney specific. The biosynthesis of TPO by those cells obtained from successive weekly transfers of L-RNA-treated cells demonstrated a relative stability of the acquired property. This stability suggests that the RNA-induced change occurred at the gene rather than at the cytoplasmic level. Study on the mode of RNA action has disclosed an affinity of RNA for chromosomes. Their association resulted in a rapid release of RNA synthesized by the differentially “activated” chromosomes. As a consequence, there was a general increase of newly synthesized RNA in the cytoplasm. This new RNA was responsible for the established increase in production of specific enzymes, and this RNA biosynthesis was DNA dependent. The latter supported the occurrence of the RNA-induced change at the gene level.
Potential genetic risk factors for chronic TMD: Genetic associations from the OPPERA case-control study.

Abstract Genetic factors play a role in the etiology of persistent pain conditions, putatively by modulating underlying processes such as nociceptive sensitivity, psychological well-being, inflammation, and autonomic response. However, to date, only a few genes have been associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study evaluated 358 genes involved in pain processes, comparing allelic frequencies between 166 cases with chronic TMD and 1,442 controls enrolled in the OPPERA (Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment) study cooperative agreement. To enhance statistical power, 182 TMD cases and 170 controls from a similar study were included in the analysis. Genotyping was performed using the Pain Research Panel, an Affymetrix gene chip representing 3,295 single nucleotide polymorphisms, including ancestry-informative markers that were used to adjust for population stratification. Adjusted associations between genetic markers and TMD case status were evaluated using logistic regression. The OPPERA findings provided evidence supporting previously reported associations between TMD and 2 genes: HTR2A and COMT. Other genes were revealed as potential new genetic risk factors for TMD, including NR3C1, CAMK4, CHRM2, IFRD1, and GRK5. While these findings need to be replicated in independent cohorts, the genes potentially represent important markers of risk for TMD, and they identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Perspective Genetic risk factors for TMD pain were explored in the case-control component of the OPPERA cooperative agreement, a large population-based prospective cohort study. Over 350 candidate pain genes were assessed using a candidate gene panel, with several genes displaying preliminary evidence for association with TMD status.
De la transición y otros enigmas

This article analyzes Cuban novels Memorias del subdesarrollo (1965) by Edmundo Desnoes and Livadia (1999) by Jose Manuel Prieto in the context of two epochal historical events: the Cuban revolution and the Cuban postrevolution (or the beginning of the so-called Special Period). The essay explores the political precariousness of transitional regimes from three different points of view: epistemological, ideological, and emotional. I argue that transitional periods call for new modes of representation where the past and the uncertainty of the future coalesce to form nihilistic spaces, or to open up the possibility for new modes of narration.
Robert Louis Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde and the Double Brain

This article traces the inspiration for Stevenson's novella back to two famous French case studies of dual personality, Felida X. and Sergeant F., whose "double lives" were widely discussed in French and British periodicals. In the late-nineteenth century, such cases of dual personality were often attributed to bilateral brain hemisphere asymmetry, a condition Stevenson faithfully depicts in his fictional Strange Case. The author's awareness of contemporary neurological theories and his acute satire of the conventions of the case study contribute to his innovative take on the late-Victorian Gothic romance.
Effect of interfacial protein cross-linking on the in vitro digestibility of emulsified corn oil by pancreatic lipase

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of globular protein interfacial cross-linking on the in vitro digestibility of emulsified lipids by pancreatic lipase. 3% (wt/wt) corn oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by either lecithin or beta-lactoglobulin were prepared (pH 7). A portion of the beta-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsions was subjected to a heat treatment known to cross-link the adsorbed globular proteins (85 degrees C, 20 min). Pancreatic lipase and bile extract were then added to each emulsion at 37 degrees C (pH 7) and the evolution of the particle charge, particle size, appearance and free fatty acids released were measured over a period of 2 h. The rate and extent of lipid digestion did not differ greatly between lecithin and beta-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsions, nor did it differ greatly for unheated (BLG-U) or heated (BLG-H) beta-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsions. For example, the initial rate of lipid digestion was found to be 3.1, 3.4, and 2.3 mM fatty acids s(-1) m(-2) of lipid surface for droplets stabilized by BLG-U, BLG-H, and lecithin, respectively. Pancreatic lipase was able to adsorb to the droplet surfaces and access the emulsified lipids, regardless of the initial interfacial composition and the fact that some of the original emulsifier appeared to remain at the oil-water interface during digestion. These results help to explain why the human body is so efficient at digesting dietary triacylglycerols.
Cardiac Chamber Volumes and their Significance in Rheumatic Heart Disease with Isolated Mitral Stenosis

The total capacity of the heart and the volume of each of its chambers were determined by the technic of simultaneous biplane stereoscopic venous angiocardiography in 18 persons with surgically confirmed, isolated severe mitral stenosis. Although cardiac capacity and chamber volumes varied greatly, the left atrium was almost always the largest chamber. The left ventricle was not always the smallest chamber. In fact, it was larger than the right ventricle in 7 of the 18 and was the only chamber to be significantly correlated with total cardiac capacity greater than 1,000 ml. The right ventricular volume was found to be significantly correlated with its systolic pressure, or with the pulmonary artery systolic or mean pressures. Disproportionate enlargement of the right atrium can occur in the absence of tricuspid stenosis. Finally, atrial fibrillation was commonly present in patients with a large total cardiac capacity.
A UNIVERSAL SOI-BASED HIGH TEMPERATURE GATE DRIVER INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FOR SiC POWER SWITCHES WITH ON-CHIP SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION

In recent years, increasing demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) has generated the need for reliable and low-cost high-temperature electronics which can operate at the high temperatures under the hood of these vehicles. A high-voltage and high temperature gate-driver integrated circuit for SiC FET switches with short circuit protection has been designed and implemented in a 0.8-micron silicon-on-insulator (SOI) high-voltage process. The prototype chip has been successfully tested up to 200°C ambient temperature without any heat sink or cooling mechanism. This gate-driver chip can drive SiC power FETs of the DC-DC converters in a HEV, and future chip modifications will allow it to drive the SiC power FETs of the traction drive inverter. The converter modules along with the gate-driver chip will be placed very close to the engine where the temperature can reach up to 175ΰC. Successful operation of the chip at this temperature with or without minimal heat sink and without liquid cooling will help achieve greater power-to-volume as well as power-to-weight ratios for the power electronics module.
Synthesis of thick, uniform, smooth ultrananocrystalline diamond films by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition

Abstract The deposition of uniform, low-stress, thick and thin films of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) is investigated. The process methods and apparatus that enable the uniform and smooth deposition of both thin and thick (> 50 μm) UNCD across 3 in. diameters are described. UNCD films are synthesized by microwave plasma-assisted CVD using Ar/H 2 /CH 4 input gas mixtures over a wide pressure range (60–240 Torr) and temperature range (400–850 °C). Films were grown on 3 in. diameter silicon substrates with thicknesses ranging from 58 nm to greater than 50 μm. Film surface roughness as low as 10 nm (AFM) was obtained. Film uniformities of 70 to over 95% were achieved on 3 in. diameter silicon substrates. The growth rate increased as pressure, percent hydrogen and percent methane in the gas mixture, and microwave power increased. The highest growth rate 1.12 μm/h was achieved at 180 Torr, H 2 /Ar/CH 4 = (4:100:2) sccm and 1.5 kW absorbed power. Overall, a robust, repeatable process has been demonstrated for the deposition of UNCD films.
MASS SPECTRAL INVESTIGATIONS ON MICROORGANISMS

Bacterial cells undergo lysis readily, when suspended in mild aqueous acids, and release the cellular proteins along with other biomolecules. Molecular masses of the protein biomarkers released in-situ from individual intact bacterial cells could be directly measured by mass spectrometry. Limited sample clean up may be required at times, prior to mass spectral analysis, to remove any ionizable impurities such as salts, buffers and deergents. The marker proteins specific for individual genus, species and strains were determined by the comparison of the biomarkers measured for several closely related organisms. Even though there is a probability of over 4000 cellular proteins expressed in any single bacterial cell, only a small fraction of the projected marker proteins are identified consistently during the process. This could be due to the variation in the ionization properties of the proteins and the limited energy available to prompt their ionization. Variation in the sample processing and culture condit...
Distribution and modification of sorption sites in amphiphilic calixarene-based solid lipid nanoparticles from hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR spectroscopy.

The site distribution and accessibility in amphiphilic calixarenes-based solid lipid nanoparticles were determined as a function of lipid chain length using in situ 129Xe NMR spectroscopy with flowing hyperpolarized Xe gas. The study illustrates that host cavities in as-prepared materials are increasingly occluded by the lipid chain for compounds with chain lengths from C6 to C12 and are almost completely occluded for C14 and C16 chain lengths. Host cavities present at the surface of the particles are still accessible to small atoms (xenon) and organic molecules (methylene chloride, etc). The Xe spectra show that the accessible void space can be increased remarkably by exposure of the particle surface to suitably sized guest molecules that appear to displace the occluding hydrocarbon chains from the host cavities by competitive adsorption. This postsynthesis treatment thus modifies the state of self-assembly and improves sorption capability. The HP Xe NMR approach presented is suitable for small samples (...
Experimental Dissolution of Calcium, Magnesium, and Strontium from Holocene Biogenic Carbonates: A Model of Diagenesis: ABSTRACT

Laboratory experiments at ordinary temperatures and pressures for periods up to 240 days on Holocene biogenic carbonate sediments showed that fresh water and seawater dissolve aragonite and Mg-calcite. The observed rates of dissolution of calcium, magnesium, and strontium indicate that these elements are incorporated in aragonite and magnesium calcite in more than one way (in lattice positions, in lattice interstices, or in inclusions). This suggests the presence of more than one mineral phase in the skeletal materials studied; these phases differ in response to solution and probably in chemical composition. The more soluble phase may influence initiation of dissolution of the material and initiation of calcite nucleation in the aragonite-to-calcite inversion process. Calcium, magnesium, and strontium are dissolved in proportions different from those in the original solid, i.e., incongruently. The experimentally established sequence of preference is, as a rule, Mg-Ca-Sr. Factors found to determine direction and degree of incongruency in dissolution include mineralogy (number, kind, and relative abundance of phases present), physiologic effects operating during lifetime of the organism, and chemical composition and volume of waters effective in dissolution. Incongruent dissolution determines presence, absence, and abundance of ions derived from solids in the diagenetic environment and, hence, ion availability for precipitation in cement and for inhibition or catalysis in inversion or cement precipitation. Magnesium and strontium contents in shell material have been used by others as temperature and salinity indicators in Holocene environments. The present study shows that because of incongruent dissolution these indicators are not dependable for paleoenvironmental analysis. End_of_Article - Last_Page 741------------
Dew Effects on Passive Microwave Observations of Land Surfaces

Abstract Water in its various forms affects passive microwave measurements of the Earth. Current and future satellite based microwave radiometer observing systems collect data during times when dew may be present. In this article, a review of studies dealing with or related to the effect of dew on microwave radiometer observations is conducted. The basic principles involved in dew formation are described, and its magnitude is quantified. Results indicate that dew is unlikely to have a significant effect on passive microwave observations at frequencies of interest for soil moisture remote sensing.
Butler, Missouri - An unusual iron meteorite.

The Butler iron meteorite has been found to have, with respect to other iron meteorites, an unusually high cobalt content (1.4 percent by weight), unusually high germanium contents in the kamacite and the taenite phases, and an unusually low cooling rate (0.5 degrees C/10(6) years). It is suggested that Butler formed in a different environment from that of the rest of the iron meteorites.
Flaked stones and old bones: Biological and cultural evolution at the dawn of technology

The appearance of Oldowan sites ca. 2.6 million years ago (Ma) may reflect one of the most important adaptive shifts in human evolution. Stone artifact manufacture, large mammal butchery, and novel transport and discard behaviors led to the accumulation of the first recognized archaeological debris. The appearance of the Oldowan sites coincides with generally cooler, drier, and more variable climatic conditions across Africa, probably resulting in a net decrease in woodland foods and an increase in large mammal biomass compared to the early and middle Pliocene. Shifts in plant food resource availability may have provided the stimulus for incorporating new foods into the diet, including meat from scavenged carcasses butchered with stone tools. Oldowan artifact form varies with clast size, shape, raw material physical properties, and flaking intensity. Oldowan hominins preferred hard raw materials with good fracture characteristics. Habitual stone transport is evident from technological analysis, and raw material sourcing to date suggests that stone was rarely moved more than 2-3 km from source. Oldowan debris accumulation was spatially redundant, reflecting recurrent visitation of attractive points on the landscape. Thin archaeological horizons from Bed I Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, were probably formed and buried in less than 10 years and document hominin processing of multiple carcasses per year. Transport beyond simple refuging behavior is suggested by faunal density at some site levels. By 2.0 Ma, hominin rank within the predatory guild may have been moderately high, as they probably accessed meaty carcasses through hunting and confrontational scavenging, and hominin-carnivore competition appears minimal at some sites. It is likely that both Homo habilis sensu stricto and early African H. erectus made Oldowan tools. H. habilis sensu stricto was more encephalized than Australopithecus and may foreshadow H. erectus in lower limb elongation and some thermoregulatory adaptations to hot, dry climatic conditions. H. erectus was large and wide-ranging, had a high total energy expenditure, and required a high-quality diet. Reconstruction of H. erectus reproductive energetics and socioeconomic organization suggests that reproductively active females received assistance from other group members. This inference, combined with archaeological evidence for acquisition of meaty carcasses, suggests that meat would have been a shared food. This is indirectly confirmed by nutritional analysis suggesting that the combination of meat and nutritionally dense plant foods was the likely diet fueling body size increase and encephelization in Homo. Most discussion of Oldowan hominin behavior and ecology, including that presented here, is based on materials from a few sites. There is a critical need to analyze additional large, primary-context lithic and faunal assemblages to better assess temporal, geographic, and environmental variability in Oldowan behavior.
Early postnatal ibuprofen and indomethacin effects in suckling and weanling rat kidneys.

Abstract The use of indomethacin in preterm newborn infants with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus is associated with compromised renal function. Ibuprofen has been shown to be as effective as indomethacin with fewer renal side effects. We examined the hypothesis that early postnatal ibuprofen has less adverse effects on neonatal rat renal prostanoids, COX-2 expression, and angiotensin II than indomethacin. Newborn rats received IP injections of human therapeutic doses of ibuprofen or indomethacin on the first 3 days of life. Control rats were treated with equivalent volume saline. Kidneys were assessed in suckling and weanling rats for prostanoids, COX-2 expression, and angiotensin II. In suckling rats, indomethacin suppressed PGE2 and COX-2 expression, and increased PGF2α, whereas ibuprofen increased COX-2 and angiotensin II. Although both NSAIDs suppressed 6-ketoPGF1α and TxB2 levels in suckling rats, the effect was sustained in weanling rats with indomethacin. Our findings demonstrate that indomethacin exhibits more potent suppressive effects on renal COX-2 and vasodilator prostanoids which are important regulators of renal development and function. These long-term, sustained effects may explain in part, why indomethacin exerts more severe adverse renal effects than ibuprofen, when administered during early postnatal life.
Crack tip driving forces and crack growth representation under fatigue

Abstract Fatigue is considered as a two load parameter problem involving two crack tip driving forces. Conventional representation of crack growth rates, d a /d N , as a function of a single driving force, Δ K , is considered as inadequate. Mean stress effects are treated normally as R -ratio effects. These effects are due to a second crack tip driving force, K max . The role of K max has been generally ignored, even though it has more dominating influence than Δ K . A unified Approach developed by the authors considers interplay of these two governing forces, Δ K and K max , as fundamental to fatigue. Superimposed environmental effects and static load effects naturally follow in this Unified Approach, since K max is the governing parameter for these.
Exposure to ACEI/ARB and β-Blockers Is Associated with Improved Survival and Decreased Tumor Progression and Hospitalizations in Patients with Advanced Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND: Advanced colon cancer is associated with weight loss and decreased survival. Studies suggest that angiotensin and β-adrenergic blockade decrease colon cancer progression and ameliorate weight loss. This study aims to determine whether exposure to β-adrenoceptor blockers (BBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is associated with decreased mortality, tumor progression, number of hospitalizations, or weight loss in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Retrospective chart review included patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Survival, stage, hospitalization, cancer progression, cancer treatment, and body weight history were collected. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-two of 425 new stage III to IV colorectal cancer cases reviewed met the study criteria. Those exposed to ACEI/ARB, BB, or both were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and stage III colorectal cancer. Adjusting for age, presence of hypertension and diabetes, and stage, ACEI/ARB + BB exposure was associated with decreased mortality compared to unexposed individuals [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.5, confidence interval (CI) = 0.29–0.85; Cox regression, P = .01]. Fewer total and cancer-related hospitalizations and decreased cancer progression in the ACEI/ARB + BB group versus the unexposed group (HR = 0.59, CI = 0.36–0.99, P = .047) were seen. Exposure did not affect weight changes; furthermore, body weight changes from both prediagnosis and at diagnosis to 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postdiagnosis predicted survival. CONCLUSIONS: We have observed an association between exposure to a combination of ACEI/ARB + BB and increased survival, decreased hospitalizations, and decreased tumor progression in advanced colorectal cancer. Future studies will be needed to replicate these results and generalize them to broader populations. Determination of causality will require a randomized controlled trial.
You Can′t Get There from Here: Situated Learning Transfer, and Map Skills

Abstract This study explored the comparative effectiveness of two instructional methods, one based on the tenets of situated cognition and the other a traditional classroom-based presentation. Two classes of fourth graders from a university research school completed instruction in map skills. Following the instruction, both groups completed a written assessment and two performance assessments, one of which was designed to assess far transfer of knowledge. The situated cognition group performed significantly better on the performance test than did the traditional instruction group, while there were no significant differences between the two group′s performances on the other two measures. The situated cognition approach appears to lead to better outcomes on a performance assessment of map skills and did not impair performance, as compared with the traditional approach, on either a written assessment or a transfer performance assessment of map skills.
Predictors of physician compliance with a published guideline on management of febrile infants.

Background Previous studies have demonstrated clinicians' poor compliance with published management strategies and protocols, but the reasons why physicians often choose to vary their management of the febrile infant from published guidelines are poorly understood. Objective. We conducted a study of physicians to learn more about the issues that influence their decisions in the management of febrile infants. Methods. A survey study of pediatricians, emergency physicians and family physicians randomly selected from a list of licensed physicians in the United States. Chi square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to measure differences in responses by specialty. Odds ratios from logistic regression were used to measure differences in compliance with a recently published guideline. Results. We received 193 completed surveys from pediatricians, 177 from emergency physicians and 104 from family physicians. After controlling for other variables, odds for compliance with a recently published guideline were higher for pediatricians [odds ratio (OR) = 9.13] and emergency physicians (OR = 2.5) than for family physicians (P < 0.001). Factors associated with decreased odds of compliance included more years since graduation from medical school (OR = 0.93), a higher proportion of office visits by children < 1 year of age (OR = 0.97) and increased comfort diagnosing serious bacterial illness (OR = 0.35). Factors associated with increased odds of compliance included a higher perceived likelihood of serious bacterial illness in febrile infants (OR = 1.01) and better reported knowledge of the recently published guideline (OR = 2.01). Conclusions. We found that specialty as well as other factors were associated with physician compliance with a recently published guideline. This information may facilitate guideline development and implementation by providing a better understanding of what motivates physicians in their clinical decision making.
LXIII. A graphical synthesis of the linear vector function

(1922). LXIII. A graphical synthesis of the linear vector function. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 43, No. 255, pp. 545-557.
Pathogen Recognition in the Human Female Reproductive Tract: Expression of Intracellular Cytosolic Sensors NOD1, NOD2, RIG-1, and MDA5 and response to HIV-1 and Neisseria gonorrhea

Problem Expression patterns and regulation of cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRR) NOD-1, NOD-2, RIG-1, and MDA5 have not been elucidated in the human female reproductive tract (FRT). Method of study Primary epithelial cells (EC) isolated from Fallopian tube (FT), endometrium (EM), cervix (Cx), and ectocervix (Ecx) were treated with estradiol, poly(I:C), Neisseria gonorrhea (GC), and HIV-1. PRR mRNA expressions were analyzed by Real-time RT-PCR. Conditioned media were analyzed for IL-8 by ELISA. Results EC from all FRT compartments constitutively expressed NOD1, NOD2, RIG-1, and MDA5 with highest levels expressed by FT. Stimulation with poly(I:C) resulted in upregulation of NOD2, RIG-1, and MDA5 in all FRT compartments and correlated with increased secretion of IL-8, whereas estradiol treatment had no effects. Exposure to GC and HIV-1 IIIB but not BaL resulted in selective upregulation of NOD2 and MDA5. Conclusion PRR are expressed throughout the FRT and differentially regulated by poly(I:C), GC and HIV-1.
Comparing clinical and research treatments for eating disorders.

Objective This study evaluated whether there is a gap between research and practice in the treatment of eating disorders. Method Psychologists in clinical practice (N=126) were surveyed regarding their treatment of a recent client with an eating disorder and a content analysis of published treatment outcome studies for eating disorders (N = 76) was conducted. Results The treatment of eating disorders in clinical and research settings was found to differ significantly on several variables, including the types of therapeutic issues addressed and the frequency of comorbidity seen in clients. Logistic regression analyses found that the frequency with which psychologists read journal articles about eating disorders was significantly related to whether their clients received empirically validated treatment. Discussion Psychologists in clinical practice are not using empirically validated treatments not only because of a lack of training but also because such treatments provide little guidance for dealing with the issues and comorbid problems that their clients with eating disorders often have. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 33: 412–420, 2003.
Correlates of habitat favourability for benthic macroinvertebrates at five stream sites in an Appalachian Mountain drainage basin, U.S.A.

SUMMARY. 1 Based on monthly samples taken over a 1-year period, average density (individuals m-2). average standing biomass and annual production of benthic macroinvertebrates were estimated at five sites within an Appalachian Mountain drainage basin. Two sites were on first order streams and differed from the three second order sites: they were smaller and more shallow and they were depressed in pH and chemical richness. 2 Patterns of abundance of individual taxa, of higher taxonomic groups and of functional (feeding) groups differed according to whether abundance was measured as density, as standing biomass or as annual production. Standing biomass was chosen as the measure of macroinvertebrate abundance because available evidence indicates that only standing biomass is consistently, positively correlated with survivorship, and thus with habitat favourability. 3 Two non-insect taxa (the crayfish Cambarus and the snail Leptoxis carinata) dominated standing biomass at each site. Consequently, differences among sites in total macroinvertebrate standing biomass and differences within and among sites in standing biomass of functional groups were determined by differences in estimated standing biomass of these two taxa. Differences in estimates of crayfish standing biomass were consistent with an explanation based on the availability of refuges created by large substrate particles. The abundance of L. carinata appeared to be controlled primarily by water chemistry and possibly secondarily by predators. A number of insect taxa exhibited patterns of standing biomass consistent with hypotheses based on effects of annual depth-flow regimes. Hypotheses based on differences in food resource and on competition appeared, in general, to be inconsistent with observed patterns of macroinvertebrate abundance. 4 Contrary to predictions of the River Continuum Concept, the shredder functional group in the Guys Run drainage and in other temperate woodland streams was found to be a minor part of total macroinvertebrate standing biomass. Further, in a majority of small forested stream sites studied to date, standing biomass of grazers has been determined to be greater than that of shredders.
Purifying selection can obscure the ancient age of viral lineages

Statistical methods for molecular dating of viral origins have been used extensively to infer the time of most common recent ancestor for many rapidly evolving pathogens. However, there are a number of cases, in which epidemiological, historical, or genomic evidence suggests much older viral origins than those obtained via molecular dating. We demonstrate how pervasive purifying selection can mask the ancient origins of recently sampled pathogens, in part due to the inability of nucleotide-based substitution models to properly account for complex patterns of spatial and temporal variability in selective pressures. We use codon-based substitution models to infer the length of branches in viral phylogenies; these models produce estimates that are often considerably longer than those obtained with traditional nucleotide-based substitution models. Correcting the apparent underestimation of branch lengths suggests substantially older origins for measles, Ebola, and avian influenza viruses. This work helps to reconcile some of the inconsistencies between molecular dating and other types of evidence concerning the age of viral lineages.
Climate Change and Hazardscape of Sri Lanka

In recent years ‘vulnerability assessment’ has gained a prominent position in the international climate-change policy arena. There are many social-scientific studies that examine various methods and approaches involved in assessing vulnerability. Rather than making another addition to this literature I examine how climate-change policies have been translated in Sri Lanka in order to identify vulnerable places and social groups by combining actor-network theory and the concept of ‘hazardscape’. In so doing I illustrate how concepts of climate-change vulnerability and hazards are, more often than not, translated in ways that fit within and reinforce existing official narratives of social and spatial disadvantage, rather than addressing new problems or dimensions that might emerge from the combined effects of changes in climate, economy, and society. I conclude by suggesting that the concept of ‘resilience’ needs to be highlighted within international climate-change policy because it offers smaller developin...
Firm Performance and CEO Turnover in China: Implications for Chinese Equity Markets and Corporate Governance

The article discusses firm performance and CEO turnover in China. Particular attention is given to the implications of these issues on Chinese equity markets and corporate governance. The author offers information on a study conducted by researchers at Colgate University that examine the connection between CEO turnover and market performance of firms. The results of the study are analyzed by the author. Additional article topics include transition economies, how to maximize business profits while minimizing costs, as well as incentives to attract investors.